The Four Disciples

After four long days of traveling we landed in Ukraine with high anticipation of what was to come.  Knowing that God had used us so much in Ireland set new expectations and belief in what God could possibly do through us here in Ukraine. So far, He has absolutely superceeded our every thought. Isn't that just like God?? To "one up" even our biggest dreams and desires when we let Him?!

We arrived in Kiev and took an overnight train to Uzhgorod. It was actually really fun!! I was on a train!! In another country!! Just like the movies!! :))



(Playing Phase 10 and sipping coffee on the train!)


Anyways…our contact Clinton was gracious enough to let us stay (and shower. PTL) at his house for a few days. All 14 of us. I slept in a hammock for the first time. It was glorious.  We then took a bus and an uphill hike to Nehemiah International where we would be staying and ministering all month. Our team has had a different schedule every day and it has been such a blessing to do a little bit of everything here. We have prayer walked, torn down walls, pulled out insulation, taken out metal beams, spent time with babies at the children's hospital, washed windows, cleaned churches, encouraged pastors and families, spoke at a youth service, led worship, worked with a gypsy camp,  anointed a lady with tears and oil and spoke healing over her cancer, prayed for healing for a 10 year old girl with multiple sclerosis, practiced our Ukrainian and taught English to many friends we have met along the way.

(Pastor Vasily's wife Maria took us to the creek in front of their house church)

(Me, Robin, and Sarah enjoying nature!)

(Moping and cleaning windows at the church!)

(Washing dishes after Taco Night at Clinton's!)

(Playing Ukrainian UNO!! Yes, it's different and yes its amazing!!)

(Busting out the metal beams in the basement after we took down the walls! I was so excited!)

(We made a good team at tearing down the sheet rock!!)

This past Saturday night became one of my teams most favorite moments as we ventured about 45 minutes out of town into a gypsy village with Pastor Volodya and his wife Maria. We were told we would be speaking and serving at a graduation ceremony. It wasn't until we got there that we realized just how significant this would be.  In the gypsy community children do not go to school. They do not learn how to read or write and could care less about maintaining their appearance or cleanliness at all. For the most part they steal and beg to survive. This is their way of life passed down from generation to generation. Pastor Volodya had a different vision for this community when he planted a church there 7 years ago. He saw it as a beacon of hope that could change their way of life through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. About a year ago the pastors daughter, Vicky, started a bible school in the church. A place where kids could come and learn how to read and write and study the Scriptures. 11 young boys started this school but only four finished. These four boys not only learned how to read and write, but they absolutely fell in love with the way of Jesus and the Word of God. They stand high above the ways of their village. They stand out because of their integrity. Their honor. Their manners. Their kindness. Their obedience. Their hearts. Their passion. Their love for God. Their joy in worship. Their humility. Their knowledge. Their wisdom. Their hunger. Their love for one another. 

(Some of the children in the gypsy village)

(They loved Robin and Alli!!)

We had the privilege of being a part of this meaningful event with them and their families. At 11, 14, and 15 they know they are called by God and they are already using their lives to impact their village.  We ate, fellowshipped, worshipped, played games, and shared our stories with the boys. Vicky brought each boy to the front and shared a little bit about them and presented each one with a diploma and congratulations for not only finishing school but allowing God to make changes in their lives and hearts. 




(Benjamin, 11, receiving his diploma!)

(Igor, 14, receiving his diploma)

(Vasya, 14, receiving his diploma)

(Ivan, 15, receiving his diploma)


While watching Igor, Vasya, Benjamin, and Ivan lead us in worship i was overwhelmed with their passionate pursuit of God. They were not there for show. They were not there to be entertained. These boys were there because they have been called. And they know it. 


This was their commissioning service. The Pastor and families were there to applaud them and commission them and WE got to be there. We had never even met these boys!! What an honor and a privilege. We knew there was so much significance in this event. 





(The boys leading us in worship before our meal!)


These boys have the potential to change their entire village! This church has impacted these four lives and commissioned them to go out and make other disciples. We surrounded these boys and offered them encouragement and shared Scripture with them.






(The boys with Pastor Volodya and his wife Maria)

(Sharing Scripture and encouragement with them after the ceremony)

Before we left we laid hands on them and prayed asking the Holy Spirit to fill them and lead and guide them in all their ways. To fill them with the righteousness of God and set them apart for His glory. As they stood in the middle they lifted their hands and voiced their own prayers before the Lord as we commissioned them to be missionaries to their own people. 

(Offering our prayers of commissioning over them.  Such an amazing moment for us to be a part of!)

What an example!! What an inspiration!! If 11 and 15 year olds can get it and see the Kingdom in other people, why can't we as adults?

No matter what your age, God has a plan for you. If you are still breathing then your work on earth is not done.

…To disciple others and be set apart.
…To be an example in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity wherever you go. 
…To be the change you want to see in this world.