On our sixteen hour train ride to our final ministry destination I shared with a fellow Racer that one of my favorite aspects of the Race is the people we have the privilege to meet. People that don't just talk about faith as an ideal or a circumstantial necessity, but live it. Let me introduce to you the MacDonald family.
Bruce and Pia MacDonald are our contacts in Ukraine. Before moving here five years ago, Bruce served in the military for thirty years, which included responsibilities that earned him the award of Recruiter of the Year. Bruce and Pia are the parents of twelve kids ranging from Franklin who is 27 down to adorable Mercy who is three years old. Five of the kids are still at home, while six of the older siblings have already served time with the military in Iraq 
or Afghanistan. One of the sons was part of the seven soldiers that helped rescue Jessica Lynch a few years ago.
About six years ago, as Bruce's retirement was becoming a reality, through connections with his home church and out of a desire for missions, he flew out to Lugansk, Ukraine, for two weeks and immediately knew this is where his family was called. After several God-moving type of events including the selling of their home and automobile, purchasing affordable tickets, and completing the retirement process in record time, Bruce and Pia moved to the eastern edges of Ukraine with their nine children.
It's been about five years since the move, and the MacDonald's have rarely returned to the States. They live off of Bruce's retirment, mainly gathering support only for ministry projects in the community. So what do they do here? In the summers, the MacDonald's run multiple free softball camps for literally hundreds of Ukrainian youth, including move nights and chili Wednesdays. (This is mainly what we're helping with during our time here.) With the military mindset Bruce brings to the table, everything they do is strategic and tactical. Why softball? 
Because it's an activity brand new to the youth. Their interest is piqued from the time the gloves and balls are dumped onto the ground. The movies and food keep the kids coming back. Bruce will quickly remind you that, "It's just a tool to share the gospel." Thoughout the year they host eyeglass clinics and distribute eyeglasses, which often times they've purchased with their own money, to groups of over a hundred people. They strategically host these clinics in churches to get people in the doors for them to see for themselves that Christian churches don't contain altars for sacrifices, as some have been taught to believe. When they saw a need at the local children's hospital, they raised money to install a water heater, washing machine, tile floors, etc. No glory desired, just the opportunity to come to the hospital and share about their faith. Their loving hearts have earned them not only welcome signs across town, but respect in their community. Yesterday we had the opportunity to meet and speak with the mayor, who is a personal friend of the MacDonald's.
While it's not Chernobyl, it's also not the Chattanooga, TN, they left behind years ago. In fact, due to Bruce's military experience, he cannot enter Russia which is a mere 20 miles away. As Bruce explains, it's the end of the world for him. His back is up against the wall. There temperatures this week have been around 120 degrees consistently. They have chosen to abstain from alcohol due to the negative influence alcohol has on the community, region, and country. If you ask them, as I have, about their desire to return to the States, they'll say that they don't. This is their home. The term "missionary" seems less and less appropriate since that term implies being foreign. The rat race of America, high cost of living, the lack of time for leisure can't honestly be understood as such until you've been taken out to see what has always been in.
During our time in the hospital, while waiting in one of the nurse's offices, Bruce shared for about ten minutes off-the-cuff about why he and his family do what they do. Every word he spoke was from a heart of humility and a desire to serve others. There wasn't a hint of pride or desire for self-glorification. Everything they do, including hosting seven Americans in their home for three weeks, comes from a lifestyle–not just a choice–of others first.
The MacDonald's will probably be the first to tell you that they aren't anything special. The aren't seminary trained or have a substantial support base. In fact, they are extremely normal Christians. They live simply, but not in want. They aren't perfect, but prefer to walk in grace rather than self-condemnation, doubt, or legalism. They live a life of faith, not in fear of the future. And they make sure we have access to bedtime snacks anytime we want. MacDonald's, you're changing the world one act of random kindness at a time. It's my privilege.
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