James and the team have reached Konstantinovka, delivered the provisions and moved to a quieter place

Last night - 18th September

Message from James 'At Dnipro for the night. We are staying in a newly-built 700-seater Baptist church. Tomorrow we leave as usual at 0430 for Konstantinovka. So far we have covered 1350 km. everyone we meet is charming and helpful. This morning, a policeman who was meant to inspect us beamed and asked to pray with us. Everyone is full of support for the troops on the front. For instance, they never have to pay for food. Sleep now.'

This morning 19th September

We had a good visit to Konstantinovka and distributed the packages. The cassock was a great success and there was lots of appreciation. Afterwards they gave us lunch and wanted to show us the remains of rockets that had hit near the building. Whilst we were doing this a couple of shells came over and hit fairly close, so we thought it time to leave. Now at Drushkovka ( a quieter place) delivering more parcels and veg.

The police at the Checkpoint as you enter Konstantinovka said that the city is now closed to anyone who does not have a specific military pass because of bombardment, but a young soldier said he would show us another road that has no checkpoint. Adi thought it better to enter with permission than without, so asked the soldier to ring his boss, who said ‘yes’. 24000 people remain in the closed city.

The Russians have a spy network and target the military and anyone who helps them, but do not hold back for fear of causing collateral damage.

Ordinary citizens are in a perilous, needy position but accept it as normal. The congregation we visited this morning at Konstantinovka are no longer using their building for fear of being squashed if it takes a hit.

They have put up this tent instead on the spot where a rocket hit but did not explode. I suppose it is a “lightning does not strike twice” theory. Now we are at a big village a few miles SW of K, accommodated in a sort of dormitory they have for visitors.

This evening 19th September

Picture below is the ladies at the Baptist church making dinner for all

I preached to a Russia-speaking congregation this evening through an interpreter. They were very nice and welcoming. The picture shows Irina, who was the interpreter and her parents. Her father is the minister.