Miles Routledge is a self-described “Catholic Independent war journalist and charity on the ground.” At just 21, he headed to Afghanistan when the Taliban seized control, and now he’s in Ukraine giving refreshing updates that are peppered with humor, reality, and a little naivety.
In the past Routledge went to war-torn countries and into “areas no NGO or charity dared to go,” according to his GoFundMe page, so he could hand out Bibles, food, medicine and money. But now, the young university graduate is now in Ukraine to see how he can help.
On his Twitter page he shares how he has put all his life savings into the trip. Along with his friend Roman, he has been busy delivering much needed supplies, such as fuel, and comfort food to Ukrainians. He has also shared how he has managed to lead a pregnant woman, a mom and child, and a dog to safety.
The adventurous journalist, however, has incurred the odd speeding fine, and he had a PKM (machine gun) misfire next to him. But it’s his little tweets about trying to fend off his competition — CNN — by having them stopped at roadblocks, that makes his reports that little bit lighter among all the horrors we are hearing about.
While governments are not recommending people travel into Ukraine, Routledge doesn’t seem to be deterred. As is so often the case with youngsters, he seems to have a sense of invincibility, or maybe just an extra dose of faith that everything will be okay.
Although Routledge may be slightly foolhardy, there’s no denying that his passion for helping others when it’s needed the most, even at his own sacrifice, is inspirational.
As with all those affected by this war, we pray for their safety and a swift end to the terrible violence.
And today we celebrate...