Posted on 02/03/2015 4:38:06 PM PST by UMCRevMom@aol.com
February 3, 2015. Update by Pastor Sergey Kosyak sent to his congregation: English version.
"Just returned from Debaltsevo. I'm overcome by emotion. The situation is similar to that of all other towns and villages close to the frontlines: there is no power, no gas, no water, a lot of destruction and constant shelling.
However, that fact didn't disturb me as much as people's attitudes: they are filled with hatred, bitterness, their minds made up. I got kicked out of the bomb shelter when I offered to help them evacuate.
They are not only sick physically, but also spiritually. There are no medicines, food is scarce, only what is being brought in by the military and volunteers. At first I was tempted to give up on Debaltsevo residents, but then I realized that to be heard by them I must bring medicine, candles, and batteries with me when I return.
In a different area of town, as I gave out candles and the guys from the Church of the Good News distributed food and medicine, we were received with a completely different attitude. As a result, we were able to evacuate a few dozen elderly, women and children who believed that they were wanted and expected by Ukraine.
All of this was taking place to the unrelenting sound of shelling. A few times there were explosions in the nearby yards, and while I was driving, my car kept being pulled to the side of the road from the blast wave of something heavy, but not fragmenting, exploding nearby, as we drove in a caravan of four cars. The guys driving with me were real heroes.
Now, a bit about the situation on the frontlines. What's taking place there is real war, not some Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO). In short, when Ukrainian media says that our soldiers are standing their ground, understand it as "we are in retreat;" if it says, "we are in counter attack," understand it as "we are standing our ground;" if it says, "we are on the offensive".... I don't really know how to understand that -- I have not seen anything that looks like an offensive in the last two weeks.
The situation is rather sad, as the territory under Ukrainian control is shrinking. Of course you could accuse me of panicking and provocation, however I simply state what I see. At the same time, the Ukrainian warriors are in high spirits and show tremendous passion for victory.
It is a bit of a phenomenon for me, I believe only God is able to inspire such passion, contrasted against our generals' obvious betrayals and political intrigues. There will be victory, but not thanks to the brilliance of the generals. There will be victory because God has a plan for the independent, free, united Ukraine.
Today we evacuated about 130 people from the occupied territories, 45% of them being kids, the rest -- elderly and women. To show the situation from a different perspective, the 10 days of evacuation cost us about 90,000 UAH (about $5524). For tomorrow's evacuation, not including fuel, I will need 7,500 UAH (about $460). I only have 4,500 UAH (about $276) in my account.
God will provide. Do good it is possible"








Russia needs to be invaded IMO.
Exactly. And it wouldn’t be as hard as everyone thinks either. Just kick down the door and the whole rotten structure will fall in.
bomb shelters
You mean, all that was a big lie by our leftist media and some treasonous "conservative" commentators to support their god, Putin?
Some do not know about Pastor Sergey Kosyak.
Early on the invasion of Ukraine, began an Ecumenical ‘Prayer Marathon’ group of clergy and community started in Donetsk:
Two Roman Catholic priests were murdered, other clergy & non-clergy were kidnapped,
Pastor Sergey Kosyak (husband and father to young child & baby) was held & beaten,
Father Sergiy Kulbaka (23 years of experience in the priesthood)was kidnapped & held for ransom. Since kidnapped by rebel terrorist and held without insulin for ransom now has tumor flares up requiring consultation with oncologist.
Also, laity in ministry have been kidnapped, beaten,released or not...
These faith-filled clergy request offer no complaint for themselves, request only prayer for Ukraine and the ability “to do good as God provides opportunity” in serving the community in Christ’s name treating all equally despite politics or denomination.
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