Для меня война в Грузии стала шоком. Может быть потому, что еще был "на волне" воспоминаний об этой замечательной стране, в начале лета пришлось там побывать.
Итак, письмо Серго. Если кто-то из вас привык верить всему, что пишут в газетах, журналах и показывают на ТВ - этот текст может вызвать раздражение. Если кто-то привык читать между строк, и видеть дальше преподносимой картинки -

Dear Friends and Family


I think you are already aware about tragedy that happened in Georgia in August. The War between Georgia and Russia unexpectedly took place. In August 7 we heard about local armed conflict between Osetian separatists and Georgian soldiers. Unfortunately last 15 years such things have been happening almost every day, so no one gave enough attention, thinking that this is just usual shooting in zone of conflict. Russian Peace Forces were in that conflict zone and according agreement they had to provide non entrance of armour in that Georgian province (we have two such conflict zone in Georgia – Abkhazia and so called South Osetia, The story of conflict comes from Soviet time, so the problem is part of inheritance from Soviet Union). But from the beginning Russia became a side of the conflict, because of supporting separatists in both Georgian provinces. After massive shootings toward Georgian villages, Russian Peace Forces were asked to provide cease fire in region according the agreement document. But General of Peace Forces proclaimed that Russian soldiers can nothing do and situation is out of control. So Georgian government decided to take advantage and Georgian army entered to conflict zone to defend peaceful people there. (in that region there are huge number of Georgian as well as Osetian villages. People lived for centuries together there.) After this, huge number of Russian army made intervention saying that Georgians does genocide against Osetians. (by the way there are thousands of Osetians living peacefully and friendly in different parts of Georgia, not only in Tskhinvali region). Russian aircrafts were bombing all big cities of Georgia including the Capital! Tanks and army blocked central roads and highways connecting east and west Georgia. Many peaceful people died from both sides. (Four days before war Russians evacuate people from Osetian villages, it seems like they were preparing for intensive war, Georgian villages had to escape during the war because of unexpected war.) More that 130000 refugees ran to Tbilisi, Capital City. There were many Osetians, Russians between this refugees. The Picture was horrible. Thousands of people were seeking their relatives, children est.

War stopped because of influence of European Union, States and NATO Countries. Russians troops went out from some of Georgian towns, so some refugees could return in their ruined houses. But big number of Georgian towns and villages are still occupied. Even now some people from other side of conflict burned houses in Georgian villages.



This is hard time for people of Georgia (including Osetians and all people living in Georgia). Humanitarian, psychological and spiritual crisis is obvious. All of us we felt how unsafe and non stabile is this World. We saw aircrafts bombing our territory and could not believe that all this happens in 21th century. This was time for all churches for fervent prayers. Churches tried to do everything possible especially in first days for humanitarian aid. Unfotunately, we have several refugees among our church members in Gori and Tskhinvali. Some of them went to Russia and some to Georgia. One lady from Dminisi, Tskhinvali region, was saved only by God’s grace. She says, when bombing took place in her area, she was in her house. She hugged Bible and sat down on the bed praying. Suddenly she heard voice: "Run out of the house!" She ran away and saw bomb and explosion of her house. So she says, no, I have only cloth that was on me at that moment and Bible in my hands, that’s all I have now. Now winter and refugees is priority problem, because many of them have lost their homes, Russian army is still in Georgian regions, so it’s impossible for them to return their places.



Just before this war started we had great Christian tent camp in Kojori,in Georgia. After 3 weeks our camp territory was also bombed. My wife and children were in mountains spending vocation in very nice and healthy environment. I was going to join them after camp. But this war changed all plans. I remember how people were trying to reach their families in mountains. I also went there to take my family out, because everyone had to be ready to escape, if Capital would be attacked. This War helped many people to revise their values, plans and goals.

I ask you to pray that people of Georgia could experience spiritual revival. Also pray for those who lost not only their properties, but neighbours, relatives, children and parents. Unfortunately there are many such people among refugees.

God bless all of you! I’ll try keep you updated about situation in Georgia.



Sincerely, Sergo Namoradze