My team and I only have about a week left in Ukraine….time sure does fly! So I wanted to share a little more about what our day-to-day ministry looks like here in Ternopil. The first week we were here we taught English to middle and high school students at a school and this past week we helped at a church camp. And this week (our final week) we are teaching English to adults in the community. Teaching English is not our main goal, but is used as an avenue to share Jesus’ love with these people of Ukraine. Below are pictures and some more information about what these ministries have looked like for us.
Week 1:
My English class for the week!
Teaching these students was challenging at times, especially with some of the younger boys…lets just say some paper airplanes may have made it out the window during a break! Although it was challenging at times, in the end my “problem” child bought me a traditional Ternopil pizza! Apparently they use a special cheese and spice that can only be found in Ternopil, Ukraine.
Additionally, some of the other students wrote me a card and my translator bought me an English to Ukrainian translation book. One student even drew a portrait of me on the chalkboard!
Although I felt inadequate at times, I had a great time teaching these students and was reminded that our goal is to show God’s love to these kids. On the last day of teaching I was able to share my testimony and share a little about the World Race. I was asked great questions in response and I hope that God will use that in some way in these kids lives.
Week 2:
To get to our ministry location (the church above) this past week we had to take the bus by ourselves for the first time. We were excited when we found the right bus on the first day, however, half way through the bus ride, the bus attendant started speaking to us in Ukrainian and was waving his hands around. As it turns out, it was the bus driver’s lunch break (at 9:30 am) so we had to get off the bus in the middle of the route. We then had to walk 25 minutes to get to the church…we at least got a nice walk in that morning!
We helped out at a kid’s camp through our ministry host’s church, where we taught English lessons and English worship songs, as well as played with the kids. I co-led a group of four to six year olds with my teammate Matt for the week. I found out that I really love teaching this age group – they have SO much energy!!
This month of ministry has taught me a lot about letting go of my own plans and agenda for what God has in store for the day. Teaching kids can be unpredictable at times, especially when you don’t speak the same language, but that leaves room for God to move in cool ways. I hope to continue to learn to trust and follow what God has in store for us, rather than striving to attain my own goals.
Thanks for reading and if you’d like to join us in prayer, here are a few requests:
– Please pray for our team this week as we teach English classes to adults. We have limited resources and feel inadequate, but we also know that the Lord can work mightily through us to reach unreached people in this community.
– Please pray for continued opportunities and courage to share God’s love with those we meet.
