Sep 13, 2023 A Ukrainian Farm Under Fire

“Lord, please help me to get to the village to save their livestock, so the villagers can survive. Please send Your guardian angels to close the eyes of the soldiers so I can reach the village safely.” Fedir* prayed silently as he drove along the border road towards the village of Molochnyy*, Ukraine.

This village is constantly under fire. There were about 14 families who stayed in Molochnyy, even though it is literally right next to the Russian boarder. The shops are all closed. There’s no one to deliver food to the stores. The villagers are surviving off of their gardens and milk from their dairy cows. Sadly, humanitarian aid rarely reaches them due to the ongoing fighting. The road to this village passes along the border, where enemy soldiers have equipment and outposts.

One of the dairy cows got sick, and her condition was critical. The family called and called, but all the veterinarians in the surrounding villages refused to travel the dangerous road to Molochnyy. Then they called Fedir.

Fedir, was the only veterinarian willing to go.

When some of his friends questioned Fedir’s decision, he replied, “As a Christian, I need to help. I believe God can protect me.”

The closer Fedir drove to the village, the louder the weapon blasts sounded. He was continually praying. For his safety, for the villagers, for their livestock.

Praise God! Fedir reached Molochnyy safely! The villagers were eagerly awaiting him with anxious faces.

With God’s wisdom, Fedir treated the dairy cow. And afterwards, the residents sincerely thanked him. They also congratulated Fedir for his courage, but he had to stop them.

“Honestly, I was afraid to drive here too—but I trust Jesus Christ, my Savior. I prayed continually and He helped me arrive safely,” said Fedir, “and Jesus has also protected each one of you too!”

The villagers became interested to learn more about Fedir’s faith and trust in Jesus. As Fedir shared more stories of Jesus’ protection, His love, and His healing, the villagers wanted to have Jesus’s protection over their lives too! Fedir promised he would return to Molochnyy and share more about Jesus. He said he would bring some literature for them to study more too.

As Fedir loaded up his car with veterinary equipment, he handed out the few Bibles he brought with him, when suddenly—somehow his keys got accidentally locked inside!

Fedir and the villagers tried for an hour to open his car, but without success. It seemed as though their new hope in Christ was being tested with this challenge.

One of the villagers who believed in God’s power calmed the group and prayed—and praise God! Fedir’s car suddenly opened! Everyone was relieved and gave a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord.

As Fedir traveled home, he was in wonder of God’s protection and care for each of us personally, and even His care for animals.

Hearing about the success of Fedir’s trip, and the villagers’ interest in learning more about Jesus, a nearby community has been inspired to help. They have been collecting and preparing humanitarian aid for the village.

And, by God’s grace, Fedir, a humble veterinarian, will bring those supplies for his next visit. Fedir is excited to share more about the love and saving power of Jesus Christ with the village of Molochnyy!

“Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, Your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.” Psalm 36:6

“For every animal of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are Mine.” Psalm 50:10-11

*Names changed for protection

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