When in Ukraine, Gather Close & Celebrate!

https://youtu.be/Jaz8URJ5BT8

When our flight landed in Lviv (in November), I was on the lookout for Pastor Joel. He was hosting my team and John’s team for the month, and we’d be partnering with his church and living with his family! When John and I greeted him at the airport exit, he was wearing shorts and flip flops in 40F temperatures! He was joking about how “you can take a person out of California, but you can’t take California out of the person!” Next we got to meet his wife, Katya, who was a talented chef and had published her own cookbook! As well as, Vanessa, who was a member from Joel’s church and a English Foreign Language teacher! I was very, VERY excited about serving with this crew!

When we arrived at their cozy home, in a quaint neighborhood, we got to meet their daughter and son, as well as their puppy named Fuzzy! Their Christmas tree was up, their electric fireplace was on, and Katya generously offering us soup made me feel so at home for the holidays. They hadn’t had volunteers since ‘rona began, so they were really welcoming and excited for us to be with them. The Lord’s timing was perfect, for us to join them in the approaching holiday seasons and looming war with Russia (still uncertain), to encourage, listen, learn, and celebrate their dedication to these people and God’s plans.

Protestant churches were rare (1%) in Ukraine. Most people practiced Orthodox (78%) or Greco-Roman Catholicism (8%). While there, Joel invited each of us to preach at one of the Bible studies. I could see God moving in how topics we discussed opened opportunities for the youth and other church members to think about our relational God in ways that differed from their Orthodox upbringing. The members were engaged in asking questions, and it was powerful to point them to opening scripture and seeing what it says, as the final authority.

Living Water church served their community in a variety of ways: English classes, youth Bible study, adult Bible study, Royal Rangers (children’s event on Saturdays), attending public school classes to practice conversational English, and Roma community children’s events. John and I also led worship regularly for their church service, Bible studies, and a worship conference! It was a full month, and our 2 teams rotated to serve in different aspects each day.

My favorite memories:

*One-on-one with Katya: She took me out for breakfast. Her words were exactly what I needed to hear on my journey. She shared some spiritual disciplines with me to pursue (such as praying scripture over myself and others).

*Eating meals with members from the church: after serving, sometimes a family would invite us for lunch/supper at their home! I deeply wish this kind of hospitality and organic fellowship were a habit in the states! They offered us their slippers, were very friendly and generous!

*Talking about education with Vanessa: I enjoyed connecting with another ESL teacher by sharing our triumphal and pitfall experiences working in education.

*Swimming in Thermal Pools: Joel took us and his kids to Zhayvoronok to relax on our Sabbath.

*Thanksgiving with the church: I loved helping prepare the feast, and connecting with local people that evening.

*Getting to know Anya, Ulyana, & Dasha: We led worship together many times! We are all about the same age, and got to share both our celebratory moments and burdens with each other, and pray together. I really appreciated their friendship! <3

*Sasha being Sasha! He joined us almost always to translate for us. He could be silly and upbeat, and then in another moment serious and caring. He had such reverence for God and empathy for others, and it was inspiring to see his great friendship with Ruslan (also tremendous heart for God and others)—they reminded me of David and Jonathan!

*Eating dumplings and talking about culture with Elijah: The last Sunday we got introduced and he wanted to spend time with our team before we left, so we worked it out to eat some traditional food and dessert around town with him! Elijah was such a good listener, very honest, loved learning, and thought very deeply about culture, faith, and life. It was really powerful to hear his story, how He encountered the Lord in some really dark painful circumstances, and how God has worked so powerfully in redeeming so much, and how Elijah continues to seek Him now even when so much is shifting around him.

*Spending quality time with 4 girls from RR: At the church’s kids event, after the games, Bible story, and snacks, I joined 4 girls at a table to encourage them!

*Women’s Event: We carefully planned an evening of food, engaging games, and a biblical message about how the Trinity meets us where we are: as a Savior, Father, Comforter, a Friend, etc. The Ukrainian women spoke words of wisdom and life back over us–it was a wonderful evening! 

*Catching a train back to Lviv: LITERALLY. Trains do not wait for anyone! It was stunning to see Ukraine’s landscape by train and while it was snowing!

I’m so thankful for the time we got to spend partnering with Living Water Church and God in His plans for all of our sanctification (transformation of our hearts to align with God’s). I felt that their church was in a “spring” sort of season: so many new and hungry believers. They were really good about celebrating each other: through baby gender reveals, birthdays, thanksgivings, and in-home hospitality. As well as celebrating God’s provision: Dasha shared with the whole church how God provided a way out of a toxic job to a healthier one; Anya and Demi shared how God provided a car and an apartment for them. They were celebratory and gave credit where it was due. As a church with about 20-30 regular members, their numbers are still growing!

At the top of this article is a link to the vlog I did for Thanksgiving. I didn’t think it would be appropriate to film at the English classes, Bible studies, or children’s events. Thanks to everyone who participated in asking questions and joining my livestream! If you missed it, here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6aomW23eik.

During November we were in Ukraine, December was Jordan, January was Turkey, and now we are headed to Georgia the country! In December, I was invited to team lead for the 3rd time! The role has kept me present and on my toes! It’s been so edifying and the perfect challenge for me to steward serving this new team well. I enjoy it a lot! Thank you for praying for me and my team! Whenever you see Ukraine and Russia tension on the news, remember that THESE PRECIOUS BROTHERS AND SISTERS of yours are there! Please drop a comment below–I love hearing from each of you!