Ukraine. Where to start.
It has been quite the whirlwind experience for my team and I. Last week we spent most of our time in fellowship, getting to know each other and resting because of not much going on the ministry side of life. It was a blessing though of rest and bonding time before we endured our first challenge.
Friday night after a long day of sight seeing for some and zoo sightings with gypsy kids for others we were thrown for a loop. Our contact a funny man named Maxime popped by around 8:00 that night to tell us we were going to a village somewhere in Ukraine for the next five days. (so we all know that this year is about being flexible in new ways and going with the flow) but after a week of miss communication and a crazy plan thrown at us, we were all in a bit of shock. The Lord used our shock as an incredible bonding moment for my team and I. Reminding us of how little control we have, and by little I mean none and how we need to always surrender it all to the Lord because He has our best interests at heart.
Saturday we all pile into a van and head out of town to the village, not knowing what to expect or what the Lord has in store but there went. 7 daring Americans following the leadership of an interesting Ukrainian man.
Let me just say that the Lord knows us all, individually. His continual sense and presence in my life astounds me.
Here we were thrown into a Ukrainian village not knowing what to expect, and we were met by the presence of God. We were taken in by the pastor Alexi. Who moved from Odessa to start a church in this village. He graciously opened up the doors of his church for us to live in. Our conversations were translated by Lidia. An eighteen year old, who had never translated before but had an amazing grasp of the English language. From the beginning we were blessed by their generosity and hospitality. We were shocked when Alexi told us that we were an answer to his prayers. He had been praying for some help, some physical labor around the church and a chance for the children in the village to go to English club. We were able to do both of these things and get to know the hearts of those we encountered.
Not to mention that the village looked exactly like the film “Everything is Illuminated”. It was gorgeous. Rolling hills, fields, ducks and chickens everywhere. The Lord’s hand on this village and country is evident by its beauty. I highly recommend that film for many reasons but especially since it depicted Ukraine to the T.
The Lord used this experience in my life to show me to truly cling to Him always and through everything. That I can not do anything without Him.
I have been reading through Genesis and what I have been studying in His word and the opportunity to go to this village I am overwhelmed by God’s continual faithfulness and provision. He knows us, individually and far better than I even know myself.
I can not wait to see what He will do with the rest of our time here in the Ukraine and as he prepares my team and I to go to Romania next week.
Stay tuned for more updates.
And please watch “Everything is Illuminated”.
And pray for my team and I as we prepare for extreme fishing camp tomorrow. Again something we have no idea what we will be doing but we are praying that the Lord will bless us and provide for us in new ways.
