Month 9 – Ukraine
The location of month 9 has had a lot of speculation surrounding it from the beginning of the race. Originally we were supposed to be in Nepal, then it was Turkey, and then it was undetermined. There were rumors of Ukraine, but it seemed unlikely given the current political state. So I was just as surprised as everyone else when we found out this was where we would be spending the month of May.
All we knew about Ukraine was what we heard on the news, which as you all know, doesn’t sound pleasant. We worked with AIM to increase our safety procedures, spent a lot of time in prayer over the country and our time here, and finally the most difficult task – we had to tell our parents!
It wasn’t an easy process for the squad. There were doubts, concerns and hesitation. But for me, my nerves were settled when the Lord reminded me of this:
I didn’t sign up for the race to have a year that was easy. I knew going into it that there would be trials, challenges and situations that we in America don’t view as “safe.” But that was a risk I was willing to take because I serve a God who is greater than all of those things.
The people of Ukraine are hurting. They need hope, they need love, they need comfort and encouragement.
They need Jesus.
Wasn’t that my mission? To share the love of Christ to people around the world? To help build His Kingdom? So why was I hesitating?
I knew this was a leap of faith, and in that moment I decided to trust that the Lord wouldn’t put me anywhere that He didn’t perfectly intend me to be.
And now I’m here, living in a small village outside of L’viv, Ukraine. We are in the far western part of the country, away from the violence and chaos. Most things are life as normal here, there are very few signs of unrest or war.
We have been so blessed by the family we are staying with (literally their last name is Blessing.) We’ve been able to partner with their church community this month and hear their stories. Many of the church members are from the east, or still have family there. Their hearts break for what their country is facing. This is their home, and these are their people.
Above: The Blessing Family: Lindsay, Krista, Rhonda, Mark & Bria
Below: Everyday life in our village
But there is hope here. There is love. God is moving in Ukraine and it is so evident!
We came here with the intentions to love and encourage, but I can honestly say that we are also being encouraged! To see the faith that the Body of Christ has here is so powerful. It’s truly humbling to see people who are passionately serving the Lord and trusting in His vision for them, despite the current circumstances.
I don’t know what the future holds for Ukraine. The election is this weekend, which means change, either good or bad, is imminent. But I do know that our God is bigger than any war that is happening in this land. His army is rising up and He is the King of all Kings.
Please keep Ukraine in your prayers. Pray that the people here will put their trust in Him who is the way, the truth and the life.
