“Are you children?”
I opened my eyes, still a bit groggy from the overnight journey, to see the Ukrainian border patrol standing at attention at the front of the bus. There was a moment of suppressing laughter that consumed those awakening to such an unusual question. Crossing into Ukraine was expected to be our most challenging border crossing, and their only concern was the fact that we looked younger than the ages stated on our passports.
……….
“What do you think of the current conflict in Ukraine?” the class of 16 and 17 year old students awaited in anticipation of our answer. Our ministry this month focuses on building relationships with local students, and their first question to us involved politics. While we were seeking an insider’s perspective, they were seeking an outsider’s perspective. So much seeking, and in that, so many spirits awakening. A spirit of unrest, an altering identity, a spirit of comparison, and a spirit of fear are trying to take root amongst the Ukrainians. They are in a state of waiting. While the rest of the world is reading the news headlines on the conflict in Ukraine, they are debating how they should be involved.
These youth are at the age that, if war begins, they will be on the frontlines. They know this. You see it in their eyes. You see it as the discussion continues and they glance around at their friends, their families, and their teachers. Many are patriotic, hopeful, and proud of their heritage. Yet, they exist in a state of uncertainty.
With excitement, an 18-year-old boy handed my teammates and me a Ukrainian flag. As we un-raveled them, he glanced around with a look of uncertainty, asking us to put them away while walking the streets.
Upon the walls of the schools hang the photos of Ukrainians who have lost their lives in the current conflict. Some were bystanders, some were protestors, and some were providing aid. Everyone seems to know someone who was directly impacted by the conflict. When speaking with the youth, we ask about their plans for University. A common response, “I was planning to go to university to study, but now I will stay here to be with my family.”
The heaviness of uncertainty leaves emotions in a constant roller coaster. They are joyful and proud as they speak of the their dreams, then they are doubtful and fearful as they speak of the future.
Yet, as all of these spirits of fear and concern surface, there is also so much hope and promise.
The day-to-day here is normal. There are children playing in the streets, teenagers gossiping about the boy or girl they like, adults going to work and cooking delicious meals. Businesses open and close as they have for years. Street vendors set up shop as the weather begins to enter spring, and locals of all ages hit the streets. The nation here is beautiful. The eclectic architecture ranges from western European to Asian influences.
Tree lined streets parallel less trodden paths where flowers bloom. The social atmosphere prospers on walking streets in the cities center.Passionate students focus on their studies, floor ball (a sport similar to field hockey), and protecting and encouraging one another. Of all the countries we have visited, I would say Ukrainians truly know how to love. They choose love everyday as they encourage the shy ones, laugh with the frightened and hold the hurting. They, just like all other students all around the world, are seeking to become a part of something greater. They want to chase their dreams. There is hope and promise in this nation!
Join us in prayers of peace. Join us in recognizing the sovereignty of God within this nation. Join us as we pray for identity to be found in Jesus. Join us as we pray for the strongholds over this nation to be lifted, and the name of Jesus to be glorified!
“There IS power in the name of Jesus to break EVERY chain!”
