The Remarkable Influence of Believers in Ukraine

With much thanksgiving, I write to confirm that God is answering prayers for Ukraine in marvelous ways.

After last Friday, the Ukrainian president, Victor Yanukovich, fled to Russia and is now being sought with an arrest warrant. Many members of his cabinet, whose decisions led to deaths and injuries of protesters, are being sought by the police, and their European assets have been frozen. Their opulent mansions have been opened to the public, since their wealth is widely understood to have come illegally from government funds supplied by taxpayers. 

Parliament reinstated the 2004 constitution with its more balanced arrangement of government powers. They also appointed an interim government headed by an experienced parliament member, Alexander Turchynov, who is a Baptist lay-pastor. Elections are set for May 25, and candidates have begun campaigning. Roads are open and transportation is flowing freely except for those on the wanted list. The riot police force has been completely disbanded.

Worship and Prayer from Independence Square
The influence of believers at Maidan (Independence Square in Kiev) has been remarkable throughout these months. The Orthodox and Catholic priests and Protestant pastors have led services and prayers regularly from the Maidan stage. In addition to being open day and night for individual prayer and for serving food and hot drinks, the prayer tent hosted a large prayer meeting each night at 8 pm, and there are many stories of Ukrainians coming to faith in Christ through those serving at the tent. As a self-imposed rule by leaders of the protest, alcohol was banned from use on Maidan Square from the beginning.

The peace that has come to Kyiv and much of Ukraine is not yet permanent. Protesters remain on Maidan Square as they await the results of changes directed by the new government. The Ukrainian economy is in need of radical reform as well as immediate intervention from loaning nations and organizations. Though committed to Ukraine remaining one nation, the leaders in the Russian-speaking eastern region are skeptical that their rights and needs will be considered in the government's decisions. The autonomous region of Crimea (with a majority ethnic Russian population) is in a volatile state of unrest at the moment.

We Appreciate Your Prayers!
Thank you for your faithful prayers for us and for Ukraine. Thank you as well for the written encouragements that many of you have sent our way. We have felt God's generous and merciful hand on us at every step of the way. As with Abraham, we know that we (and you) are blessed to be a blessing. Please pray just that for us-to be channels of His love and truth daily in Ukraine.

David & Erin Pervis serve with MTW in Kiev, Ukraine.