I doubt that you remember, but I wrote to you almost exactly a year ago. It was a heartfelt letter, admonishing you, as Moses had done with Pharoah, to stop the unwarranted attack and abuse on the image bearers of God. But alas, my words either didn’t reach you, or you have chosen to ignore them.
With that said, I wanted to update you on some information that I received yesterday from a friend who is currently on the ground in Ukraine. Let me tell you a little about this man. His name is Jim, and he’s a medical doctor who graduated from the same university that I did. He did so, roughly ten years before I graduated. Jim and I served together as Trustees of this university, which gave me the opportunity to know and admire him.
Jim had served as a medical doctor during the United States conflict in Vietnam and had seen firsthand, the atrocities of war. This service to our country had additionally exposed Jim to agent orange, which had lasting and devastating impact on his body.
With faith and courage, Jim fought the battle with cancer, and although his medical health is fragile, he has just recently volunteered to provide medical support in Ukraine. Yes, in his late 70’s, and while in a compromised physical condition, Jim has opted to serve. To extend the love of Jesus.
It was yesterday that I received an update from a friend on what Jim was experiencing in Ukraine. Since he references you, and because of the protracted war that you have opted to continue, I thought you might find this informative and potentially useful.
This is what Jim wrote…
- “5 soldiers packed in a room for two. 53-20 year olds with horrific war wounds- legs blown off. Easy to read their face- resolve, determination, compassion… Hardly a week and I’m indelibly imprinted with Ukrainians and their incredible resolve. Putin could drop a nuclear bomb tomorrow- and their resolve would not change. We may move here.”
Mr. Putin, this does not bode well for you. While the poison of your toxic ego continues to consume your own military, this is only serving to deepen the resolve, determination and grit of your enemies. While you damage Ukrainian infrastructure, you are only strengthening the country.
While you seek political power, those you are attacking are seeking personal sovereignty and freedom. They are showing the world what courage looks like. And so is my friend, Jim. My hero.
“We may move here…”
That’s what my friend wrote. Because brave people attract brave people. Because courage is contagious. Because injustice never has the final word.
Mr. Putin, while you hide behind a massive military and outrageous personal wealth, my friend volunteered. My friend stepped into the middle of the mess you made.
That’s what righteous and godly and good people do. That’s what Jim did. He did so… not for his country, but for his King. And that King, Mr. Putin, is who all of us will give an account to. Someday soon.
My friend Jim is getting ready. I suggest you do the same.
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