Tensions are high In Ukraine, Prayers Needed

This morning I visited some of the hot spots here in Kiev, Ukraine. In the center of town protesters have set up camp and are showing no signs of giving up.

On Maidan square the snow was coming down hard while men and women warmed themselves around fires in metal barrels while cooks heated soup in giant kettles over an open fire. Many people wore the Ukrainian flag as a sign of their stand for the Ukrainian people and against the current government.

Helmeted police with large metal shields and full riot gear stood on the other side of barricades made from old pallets, doors, scraps of wood and whatever else people could find.

The night before protesters had pulled down the statue of Lenin just a couple of blocks from the center of town. Today people gathered around that statue and took turns breaking off chunks with a hammer to pass out to those standing nearby.

Protesters have taken control of the city government building and are currently camping in the building while preparing for a battle with the police.

Just before we prepared to leave a large procession of military trucks and buses filled with riot police rolled into the center of town.

Although everything was still peaceful tensions where high and rising and we felt it was time to leave.

Will you pray for Ukraine?

• Pray for peace.
• Pray for stability.
• Pray that the people will find a hope in Jesus that is greater than any government can give them.