RUSSIAN INVASION by Jeff Franks

Today as never before Ukrainians are fighting for their life as a sovereign nation. Young men are dying in droves as they are often outgunned by Russian heavy weaponry. Two volunteer battalions have been surrounded the last two days with no way of escape. Yesterday, Russia opened a new front on the Azov Sea in the southeast to make a land bridge to Crimea. President Petro Poroshenko has made urgent appeals for emergency sessions of the UN and European Security Councils.

Who has not heard the indignant denials of Russia’s leaders? In response to NATO and western accusations they bandy about words like “fantasy” and “no relation to reality”, simply because in all of their Orwellian newspeak and propaganda they have replaced “Ukraine” with “Novorossiya”, meaning “New Russia”.

Yesterday, in an emergency session of the UN Security Council, Vitaly Churkin told Samantha Power that the United States was “meddling in the affairs of a sovereign nation.” The news camera showed her smiling and shaking her head in disbelief as she took notes. To us in the West such a statement is flat out hypocritical and beyond the pale of normal reason.

In Russian “newspeak”, however, the sovereign nation (singular) of Greater Russia includes a whole lot more than just Ukraine, which has to them become a mere province. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and others take notice! Having redefined everything in Orwellian newspeak, Russia’s leaders are acting, speaking and killing with impunity according to what they see as their historical destiny, their “divine right”.

You do not have to tolerate the blatant lies and disinformation coming your way from Russia. Rather, listen to the cries and see the tears of Russian mothers whose sons’ bodies are being flown back from the combat zone. Join in prayer with Ukrainian families as they mourn their dead sons. Hear fathers and mothers in Kyiv protesting the pitiable state of their boys fighting with inferior weapons and no body armor. Above all, take action by contacting your representatives, speaking the truth, and praying for God’s divine intervention.

A SEASON OF WAR by Jeff Franks

A Season of War
By Jeff Franks
BMA Missionary, Ukraine 

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven... A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war,
and a time of peace” (Eccl. 3:1,8).  

May God grant that all towns like this one will soon be free of conflict. Photo by Jeff Franks

Seasons come in divinely ordained cycles and do not ask us if we are ready for them. All evidence seems to show that a “time of war” has come to Ukraine. Alas, the Ukrainians were not prepared for the invasion and takeover of Crimea, and they were not ready for what is happening today in the
Luhansk and Donetsk provinces. 

On Monday, July 14, a Ukrainian military spokesman reported that yet another large column of about 100 armed vehicles, including tanks, mobile artillery and armored per- sonnel carriers (APCs) had crossed into Ukraine from Russia across the porous border. Even the Russia Today news net- work (RT) showed a long column of tanks and trucks, some towing GRAD missile launchers, driving through Luhansk, Ukraine, all driven by anti-Ukrainian militia. Curiously, RT denies that the Russian government has provided any equipment or aid to these apparently well-armed rebel militi- amen. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry rightly called RT a
“propaganda bullhorn.” 

The July 15 headlines in Vesti, a local Ukrainian news- paper, read, “Ukraine Stands on the Brink of Invasion.” We are seeing a new gathering of Russian forces, this time with peacekeeping insignia on military equipment and uniforms. Our Ukrainian friends say Russia has already invaded, they continue today and will proceed in the same “plausibly deni-
able” fashion as the recent takeover of Crimea.

Another article in Vesti debunks an outrageous lie recorded on primetime Russian TV of how the Ukrainian “Fascists,” upon liberating the town of Slavyansk, publicly crucified a 3-year old boy before his mother. Then after she had allegedly watched him die and fainted, dragged her three times around the town square behind a tank. Of course, local residents witnessed nothing of the kind, but the interview with “Galya” the self-proclaimed eyewitness, has “gone viral” on the Internet. Russian media has not retracted her story. The accumulative effect of such propaganda is to bring the watching public to its collective feet, tearfully begging Presi- dent Putin to send Russia’s “peacekeepers” into Ukraine to
prevent further such atrocities.

What is real and not imagined is the rise of persecution of Baptists in eastern Ukraine. Separatist rebels have both occupied and destroyed Baptist churches in the Donetsk and
Luhansk provinces. Homes of pastors have been destroyed.

On July 10, pro-Russian militia took over Donetsk Christian University and held Pastor Pavel Minaev, the board

chairman, and 20 other workers hostage. Pastor Sergey Sko-
robagach of Mariupol was on a mission to help orphans
when he was caught and killed in a terrorist attack.

During our prayer meetings, Baptist refugees have re- ported kidnappings, beatings, torture and disappearances of their church members. Partly, anti-Baptist sentiment has risen because Ukraine’s interim president was a Baptist, and partly it is because the Baptists are known have been active in public prayer meetings calling for peace and national unity. In any event, the rebel militia has targeted them as purveyors of an “enemy ideology.” Truly, it is not hard to see “the enemy
of souls” at work here behind the scenes.

Coleen and I meet refugees almost every day because they come to our worship services and prayer meetings. Two families live next door and several others live right in our neighborhood! It is our privilege to help them however we can, but the Lord is most glorified when His local churches extend a loving hand. Praise God that many church members have taken in refugees, and some are even helping them from
their poverty!

Finally, I want to call your attention to the orphanages that are in Ukraine’s conflict zone. Just the other day, Sepa- ratist gunmen confiscated passports and forced the adminis- trators of Orphanage No. 1 in Donetsk to sign documents al- lowing their orphans to be transferred to Russia. The same kind of lawlessness is happening throughout eastern Ukraine.

Please keep the innocent children and their caretakers in your prayers. If someone should approach you to give to this need, please remember that when we talk of abusing little ones, is all too easy for charlatans to play on our emotions. We don’t always help by “throwing money” at a problem. Ukraine’s Chernobyl nuclear disaster and similar crises have led to fundraising abuses and moral shipwrecks. Rather, let us serve the Ukrainian Baptist churches in their efforts to care for the helpless in the name of Jesus Christ! And if we should do it through our giving, let us entrust our love gifts only into the hands of trusted servants of God, who have a
proven record of faithful accountability.

Above all, please keep the pastors and churches in your prayers. Just as this season, this “time of war” took the Ukrainian Baptist churches unaware, so it may be with any of us in the United States. Seasons do not ask our permission. Therefore remain alert because “to everything there is a sea- son and a time to every purpose under heaven.”

#UKRAINE FOR #EUROPE

This video is women of Ukraine.  Ukrainian women who speak Russian as their first language.  We speak Russian in Ukraine.  We have for 20 years without any discriminatory problem.  Many in our church speak Russian and Ukrainian.  Many have Russian as their first language, a leftover from Soviet Russification.  Though their words are in Russian, it is translated below so you can understand their hearts.

Post by For the Peace in Ukraine.

ARE YOU LEAVING UKRAINE?

The beauty of western Ukraine shines through in this lovely country shot.  From a distance this could be any where in America or even the world.  I look at something like this and I think....why did God send us here?  It's one of those questions that lingers without an answer, but is part of a bigger plan than I can see and it's his plan.  Several people here have asked us lately if we are leaving to go back to America?  This question always surprises me, but gossip tends to fly around at high speed.  Just like the question of why Ukraine, there is no answer as to when we leave here or even "if" we leave.  Family asks this question every time we return home to the states.  Therefore it is something we've thrown around and discussed.  What we have come down to is this.  We don't know.  When God tells us our time is done then we'll know.  And he'll have to make it quite clear.  As far as we are concerned, until we get clear direction, we are here.  We are at His bidding and if he says we go, then we go.  Where?  He'll tell us that as well.  In the meantime, as God brings us to mind please pray for us that we would be faithful in what He has entrusted.  And for safety.  Know that we pray for you too and we so appreciate everyone who helps with ministry here.  God's blessings abundant to you.

THE ATTITUDE OF COMMUNISM

This was a very interesting post a fellow American missionary in Ukraine posted on Facebook recently.  It speaks about the past of this former Soviet country and the way some still think today:

"Spent time listening to a government official explaining how "community" has fallen apart in Ukraine. Under Soviet days, everyone was watched out for and kept in various forms of community. There were workers unions, the Communist Party, Consomols Party (teenage Communist Party) and Pioneers (grade school equivalent of Boy Scouts). Everyone fit into a part of the community that created the Soviet Union. Today, with no parties or unions, people are left to themselves, lonely, hopeless and generally drunk. With no party or club to tell them what to believe in, there is nothing that unites the people."

When you hear such things it helps me to understand how badly this nation still needs to know Christ.  Pray for us as we minister here.

 

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY CONFERENCE

Two Ukrainians, One American and 11 Russians spent last weekend in Kharkov, Ukraine praying and listening to what God was saying to them through His Word.  Jeff, my husband,  the American, was richly blessed and greatly encouraged by each and all of them.  Please pray for these folks who recently went through the pain of a church split.  Jeff is on the far right.     

33 MINUTES THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Ray Comfort is outstanding in his interviews with young people.  Watch and share further.

Light in the Darkness of Haitian Destruction

With the tragedy in Haiti we must not forget that there is a God in heaven who pains along with all those there who are hurting both physically and mentally. He holds their hearts in his hand and it is through such trials that many of human kind are rallied to the help and support of those in devastation. Though there is no understanding of such great destruction, one day in heaven all will be revealed to those who have trusted in Him and placed their faith with the One who created all of the universe and our little planet as well. Therefore, let me offer this lovely picture of a flower from my garden last summer to remind us all that there is always hope even in the worst of tragedies and devastation. Shallale, many are praying for you and for Haiti and we lift you up before the throne of God that your heart will be healed in time and that you will be a great blessing to many as you minister there even in your pain. We love you.
Coleen

Letter from Haiti

This is from a friend of mine in Haiti of whom I've been wondering, yet not heard from since the earthquake disaster. View it through a residents eyes. Pray for Shallale and all of Haiti. Keep in mind that English is her second language..........................................

Hello dear friends, Sorry it took that long to drop you a line. I am going through a really tough time in Haiti. Some of my family are okay, others are not. We finally were able to rescue my brother which building collapsed. He spent days under the debris but he was finally rescued. Since Tuesday I have been helping every where. I am just too scared to go home. I am just scared of the years to come, the month and the days. I am even scared of the next hour. I am scared of loosing faith. I can't even pray anymore. It is Sunday and we are still trying to rescue people that are seems to be alive. The smell of the deads is rising in the city. We are receiving help from everywhere but it is never enough. Some people are litteraly going insane. Everyone is wondering the streets like zombies. In few words hell broke loose. It might be another while before you hear from me. My house survived but for some unknow reason the atelier sank in water. Apparently the water tank cracks and it's close by the atelier so all the water went inside I just cannot understand how it happens because that tank of water is under ground and the atelier is upper ground. Well I am not going to try to understand any way. Good thing is that we could put all my mothers fabric to dry too bad we cannot do the same with paper.. My mother already started a quilt in memoriam of the fallen one. Maybe in the future I will try to to an album. I have been told it is therapeutic. My house is alright. Besides the atelier that is full of water and some broken glasses we are good. Nothing happen to our house. In fact there was no much damage at all in my neigborwood. Experts say that it's because we are located in the mountain and the house are built as they should. But after spending days dowtown in the center of the diasaster I find my self so lucky that I have been wandering since that day what make me luckier then others. But I prefer not to question God's acts. I will just keep helping others in needs as a thank you for being alive.I would have prefered to loose everything I owe if that could have saved few more lives. Well it will be a while before my fellow haitian dry their tears. Maybe in few month I will try to make an album with the pictures I have taken if it's possible. A good friend told me to keep posting on my blog because it will help me keep sane. Maybe it is true but I don't have the time to do so right now, nor the desire. I will not be longer cause I am in a free communication center and hey have limited the time so everyone can drop a line to their owns and i have to go back to my center. Please keep me and my fellow haitian in your parayers. Love you all Shallale Haiti

Jeff Home

Thank you to those who have prayed. Jeff returned to Kiev at 5:30 a.m. today after all night in the airport and travel. He will rest this morning some and meet with our team this afternoon. The rest of this week will be some catching up and a new camp (actually camping on the river) next week. Then a week break to catch up again before his next mission. Your prayers hold us up. We are grateful.

Prayer Issues, Our Activities

Please pray for the prison ministry team that we have formed and for our meetings this month with officials in the Ukrainian Department of Corrections. Please pray that Col Subotenko, who is in charge of social and religious work, will be open to our vision for ministry and also will be disposed to give us the necessary passes and permissions to work in the prisons.

The All-ages Sunday school literature ministry is facing many challenges. Please pray that God will move more pastors in Ukraine to entrust teaching of God's word to gifted members of their congregations. Currently 800 churches are using the literature, but many of them not effectively. Pray for the 20 coordinators who are introducing the literature to the churches. Pray also for the team of writers and editors, that they will be able to make their deadlines, and that the Lord will bless the department for the needed funding for printing.

Please pray for the three Bible conferences in 2009 which we have planned for Iranians from the underground churches. Those who come may face persecution both before leaving Iran and after returning. Five of our former students are now in prison, and I would ask you to remember them and their families. I can't give you their names here, but the Lord knows them.

Coleen is serving in Sunday school ministry and is also leading faith scrapbooking classes as a means of witnessing to family and friends. Pray that the Lord's hand will be on those who attend and will bless their witness to their families, causing many to be saved.

Our daughter Leah is working in Coleen's craft ministry as well, and is very busy with the Samaritan's Purse ministry in Ukraine, working sometimes until late in the evening. The shipping containers have to be cleared through customs, and every box given to children needs to be accounted. She has to get the information to customs officials and also coordinate ministry with many churches. Leah, at 21, is also at a crossroads in life and needs direction and grace in continuing her education.

Induced Coma

Thanks to all for prayers on behalf of my father and our family. Two weeks ago we went to say our goodbyes to our unconscious dad, but God had other plans. Now he is in rehabilitation and will return home next week. You just can't know what a miracle this has been for someone who was in induced coma for 10 days. God is great. Coleen Franks (Jeff) Your Missionaries to Ukraine

Update On My Father

He is in a rehabilitation facility now and we hope will come home in a week or two. After 10 days induced coma due to artificial respiration he is having a time with cognizance. We understand in elder folks this can take months to overcome after such a lengthy time under sedation. He turned 86 while in that condition. We are grateful for prayers lifted on his and our behalf. I know the Lord has a plan for him or he wouldn't still be here after all he's been through. This is the second time he has escaped death. May all be for God's glory.

My Dad's Bedside

My days have been spent assisting in the care and comforting my dad. He has made amazing step-by-step recovery. Today he will be moved to a rehab facility so he can continue to recuperate and take physical therapy to regain his mobility. He is on continual pain medication and his breathing is still assisted, but he lives. Now, as he gains cognizance more and more each day, I pray he will take the words of refreshment granted through a walk with Jesus Christ. Pray for us.

The Miracle of Prayer

A step at a time, but today the artificial breathing tube was removed from my father and he is breathing on his own. He is no longer on anti-biotics since his infection is now gone. He is not out of danger, but so far so good. If his breathing fails then he will go, but for now he is still with us. I guess the Lord still has a purpose in his being here. Thank you for your prayers. God has been ever present and bountiful in his grace. Glory to Him the Great Physician.

Prayer For My Dad

The Creator of the universe knows the time for each one of us. My father is still in ICU, but, though we didn't expect him to live this long, he is still fighting. He has been under heavy sedation with a ventilator tube breathing for him. Infection is now under control and he may just come out of this. Too soon to say, but doctors want to give him another few days to see how he does before we consider removing life support. We, his family are doing well. He is in God's loving hands and we trust Him. May He richly reward you for the prayers you lift on our behalf. To Him be the glory.

Urgent Prayer

A couple days ago my father(Coleen writing) was hospitalized for a ruptured appendicts. If he lives long enough he will be 86 on January 5th. The following describes his current condition: "His white blood cell count is still above the maximum normal range, at 12,000, but his "bands" are significantly reduced which indicates the reduction of new infection. The doctor confirmed the peritonitis has spread everywhere now, is systemic. Doctor basically says that they need to stabilize him, the antibiotics are full bore, but his immune system has to be strong enough to work with the medications. So, they say it will be 24-48 hours before we will know whether he will improve or not improve."

I ask for your prayer because we don't know whether he is saved. He has had a very hard life being deaf and crippled and it would be my prayer that he could walk freely in heaven with Jesus and hear the birds sing.

We Covet Your Prayers

Please pray that the Lord will lead our BMA churches in responding to the needs of our brothers and sisters in the country of Georgia. Specifically lift up Bro. Anatoly Krivov who ministers in the province of S. Ossetia. The churches he serves are in the town of Tskhinvali and the Georgian and Ossetian villages which surround it. These towns and villages have been devastated by the recent conflict. There have been great losses of life and property. In addition please pray for the Baptist church in Gori, Georgia and it's pastor, Bro. Vissarion, who has been successful in church planting in this area. This town has been occupied by Russian troops. The well-being of church members and their property is in question.

Pray for Coleen as she continues to hold "faith-booking" classes in churches and camps of Ukraine. Faith-booking is a means of documenting one's faith which can be a powerful witness to relatives and friends. Since Ukrainians always pull out the photo album for guests, Christians here can pull out their faith-book.

Bro. Justin Owens and I have planned a trip to Tallinn, Estonia from October 10 through 17. Please pray that God will prepare the hearts of those with whom we will meet. Bro. Justin is following the Lord in responding to a special burden God has given him for this country, where there are very few Baptist churches. Please also remember Crystal Owens that she and the baby she is carrying will be healthy and blessed during Justin's absence next month.

Bro. Charles Speer and I will be working with Ukrainian national missionary Bro. Pavel Pochapsky from September 18 through 24. Please pray that God will lead us in accomplishing his vision of planting 62 churches in the 62 villages of his region. In addition we have trained many men for work in the prisons of his province. Please pray that we will be able to begin a Bible training program this fall in several prisons. We ask you to join us in prayer that this will spread to many other Ukrainian provinces.

At the end of September I will be traveling again to teach the second installment of Romans to our friends from the underground churches of Iran. Please pray for my thorough preparation in advance, and that I will be sensitive to God's unique plan for this conference and it's participants. Jeff