What is Going On in Ukraine

Just received this e-mail from Ukraine. Can't say from whom but the situation seems dangerous and at the brink of civil war.  Please pray for Ukraine. We are going to a leadership retreat in Odessa in late April. Shalom, David Schneier

"Two days ago our president and the parliament passed several laws which are turning us into very controlled and scary nation.  First of all the laws were passed by voting by hands (knowing that in the honest way they would never get enough votes).  Basically the law was read and number of hands was announced shortly after without counting.

According to the new laws:
- anybody or any organization receiving money from abroad can be charged and put on trial for treason
- going anywhere with more than five cars need for a permission
- wearing same clothes with  any propaganda symbols in a group need permission
- any demonstrations including evangelization need permission
- any negative speech towards officials can be punished
- internet companies must limit access to the internet if asked
- distribution of extremist material like posters and fliers - three years in prison
- NGO and churches cannot take part in "extremist" demonstrations, such is any kind of peaceful demonstrations.
- a person can be ruled guilty without being present in court
- all the police and officials charged for violence agains the protesters  during demonstrations in the past two months are exempt from punishment

And so on.....

The people are furious and desperate!  Mass protests are expected on Sunday and the following week with a small glimpse of hope.

We want Ukraine to be a free nation!  We want Ukraine to be a righteous nation!"

p.s. (from the person who sent this to us from his source in Ukraine) As I'm sending this out I want all of you to know that our good friend who is a part of the opposition told ______ to stay home tomorrow and that things may get real bad real quick.  We must not be scared, but we must pray for Ukraine and all the people who are seeking a better life for generations to come.