Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing from Amsterdam on our way to Madrid. We left Kiev, Ukraine, early this morning. Yesterday afternoon we decided that it would be wise to go. Not to leave out of fear or anxiety, but for a very specific reason. We have had a few meetings with some of the leaders we were to meet with this trip. But we had just called our staff with Journey to Freedom Ukraine in Odessa and told them not to come to Kiev because they would have to go through the center of Kiev to get to us and it would not be wise for them to do so. And while we kept hearing from our ministry friends that they so appreciated that we came and were standing with them in spirit, they also told us that we needed to stay very close to our apartment especially since we did not speak the language and because there could be thugs roaming the area. We realized that if things escalated further we would be a great distraction to our leaders as they were concerned about us and our safety for the moment. Their focus needed to be on their own calling to stand for freedom in their country and not to be concerned about us. And so we decided to leave and go on to Madrid for our upcoming meetings there. Upon arrival in Amsterdam we received a US Department of State Emergency Travel Warning. The Department of State urges "U.S. citizens who travel to Ukraine to evaluate carefully the risks posed to their personal safety, particularly in the capital city of Kyiv. The situation in Ukraine is unpredictable and could change quickly." 

We asked our MDI missionary, Heather Harris, to go with us and she said yes. And even though her heart is very much in Kiev she thought it would be wise to be gone for a short time too. We are looking forward to spending time with Heather H. We had planned meetings with her in Kiev and now we will be able to have more prolonged time with her in Madrid. We are also anticipating a good staff retreat and strategic planning time as well as increased time with the MTW team there. 

So please pray for our transition and change of focus. We really left our hearts in Kiev with all of our friends standing in Maidan and are planning on being back in April. The photographs that you have seen in your papers and on screens are real. But instead of scaring the Ukrainian people it is only increasing their resolve that it is absolutely necessary to stand and keep on standing. We pray for liberty and truth to prevail in Ukraine. We serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and He is reigning here!

Thank you for your love and encouragement. We feel your prayer coverage as do our many friends here. 

Blessings, 

from Marti for the MDI team