(The above picture is my niece Anna (14), following my brother-in-law, making their way through traffic at the border.)

I am Ola Snyder. I am a Russian citizen that came to America in 1996 as part of the exchange

student program and stayed here to study and then work with the help of some precious souls

who saw potential in me and refused to remain indifferent to my future.

Over 25 years ago, they opened up their homes and their hearts to a foreign alien that desired

something more for her life. I've been a proud US citizen for over 10 years now.

My Russian family is currently in crisis due to the political situation there created by a maniac

President and his criminal totalitarian regime.

On Wednesday, September 21, 2022, Russian president announced the mobilization of civilians up to

60 yo, in order to continue his military aggression in Ukraine.

My family and I have actively opposed this brutal, senseless war since its inception.

My family is unwilling to participate in this criminal mobilization that all other democratic

countries are against.

Like me, my family LOVE their homeland but hate the regime that hijacked it.

On Saturday, September 24, 2022, my dear sister, her husband, and their 2 girls (14 and 6 yo)

packed their bags and set out to attempt an escape from the country.

What would you put in a backpack if you knew that's all you could carry as you fled your home,

leaving behind everything that is near and dear to you, possibly never to come back to??

They knew the journey would be hard. All air fair anywhere out of the country was

immediately sold out (due to others who were unwilling to follow the orders of the cruel

totalitarian regime seeking their demise).

They knew they were over 600 miles away from the nearest land border. They couldn't take

their car, because there were checkpoints immediately installed for hundreds of miles leading up

to any border. They had to rely on and be at the mercy of being able to find local drivers to get

them to the border.

They had to travel by several different cars, overstuffed with

other desperate passengers until they got to a massive traffic jam that clogged up a border passage in this mountainous region. Then they knew that had to travel on foot! Time was running out. Each hour brought reports of

border closures everywhere. The Russian military began installing mobile recruitment offices right at

the border entry points so they could hand out the conscription summons right on the spot to all

those feeling this draconian draft.

They and their kids ended up walking 25 miles in the middle of the night. Those were the most

terrifying moments of our lives! But the Lord brought them through!

They successfully escaped by crossing the land border over the Caucaus mountains, and found

lodging with a ministry friend they had contacted prior to their escape. That sweet family were

their angels!

However, they couldn't stay with them long. The anti-Russian attitudes were mounting as they are

flooded and stretched thin with this sudden influx of refugees. Everybody was beginning to

fear unrest. Their hosts themselves had their getaway bags backed, and car tank filled at all

times, ready for an evacuation at a moment's notice.

Also, Russia was choking out the fleeing people financially by restricting the use of ANY Russian

debit/credit cards.

All they had on them was what savings in cash they happened to have at home at the time and

whatever limit ATMs allowed them to withdraw while they were still in Russia.

These precious people housed and fed them for almost a week! (a very special blessing!!).

Next, they had to move to a more stable location. My brother-in-law's employer (!) was able to

book flights for all of them into a country where their organization had a branch office. What a

miracle!!

They flew there through Turkey. At border/customs patrol, they were held, questioned, and

'almost' turned around, but were finally released into the country – another HUGE miracle of

God!

Now they are housed with the help of work friends at college dorms on some campus.

As you see, grace upon grace upon grace!

My tears can't stop flowing all week, but now my God has turned my deep sorrow over what was

happening into joy (still tears!)

One thing I can say is, hope is the most wonderful feeling in the world!

And the Source of our hope is the Author of our lives and our faith.

To Him be the glory forever and ever, across nations and continents. His holy name is to be

praised and proclaimed where his people are being dispersed by circumstances of this temporal

life.

May we shine the Light of His Truth wherever we go.

I hate being in the position of having to ask for help, but my loved ones are in desperate need

right now. If God puts it on your heart to help this precious family in ANY way, please know it

will be greatly treasured and appreciated.

We just need to hold them up a bit before they can get back on their own feet.

They have left a good life behind and are grieving deeply the sudden loss of their beloved

homeland, separation from family, and everything they held dear.

But they're together, they are alive, and God is their true refuge and strength. The Good will

WIN. Love WILL prevail. To Him be the Glory!