A Time For All Things
November 9-22, 2023
A wise King Solomon once wrote:
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven…
In many ways Solomon describes the contrasting feelings and thoughts that flood my heart and mind in trying to summarize our ministry trip to war-torn Ukraine during a season of Thanksgiving.
A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted… A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance…. A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1,2,4,8
A Time to Weep
We certainly saw some of the realities of war; destroyed buildings and blown up homes; the pain from the death of loved ones; the trauma of ongoing, indiscriminate missile and drone attacks; the empty places left behind by those who fled and the exhausted faces of those who remained. But, that is not what I want to focus on.
A Time to Love
We also saw the birth of new leaders and ministries, seeds planted in the hearts of those searching for God, laughter amongst friends, (okay, I didn’t see any dancing), a tremendous spirit of love and support for neighbors and a hunger for victory and peace. God is certainly at work in Ukraine and even now redeeming the tragedies of war as only He can.
Our journey took us on over 4,000 km of roads and rails, from west to east, stopping to visit with different pastoral couples and leaders every day.
We were so blessed to meet old friends and make new ones. Their bravery, sincerity, commitment, faith, loving hearts and warm hospitality humbled and inspired us. We saw God at work sustaining them, directing them and using them to be salt and light in the midst of a spiritual awakening.
They seemed encouraged that we had come so far to hear their stories, pray with them, bring a special gift and perhaps more than anything, let them know that they are not alone. The Lord is with them and He has raised up an army of prayer warriors who faithfully pray with them from around the world.
| You can read more about how God was being glorified through a few of their stories by clicking here. |
A Time to be Thankful
This Thanksgiving season, we thank the Lord for His sustaining grace in the lives and ministries of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. They are amazing people and have so much to teach us.
We also want to thank you! Your prayers and financial support are a very tangible encouragement to us and to God’s shepherds in Ukraine. God touched their lives by raising you up to bless them and we are so deeply grateful for your gracious and kind partnership with us.
Way you can pray!
- Everyone asked us to pray for God’s wisdom. They face with difficult ministry, life and family decisions everyday and they long to be faithful in all that has been entrusted to them.
- Pray for God’s indwelling spirit. People are exhausted. There is no end of the war in sight and it is easy to get discouraged. Please pray that they would rise each morning and be strengthened and filled with sweet fellowship and the loving kindness of our Living Hope, Jesus.
- Pray that God would continue to use the circumstances of the war to draw people to faith in Jesus and for the shepherds to continue to share the Good News in both word and deed.
- Please also pray for Shepherds’ Support as we continue to develop plans for 2024. It is shaping up to be another exciting year.
“Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.” Psalm 111:1-2
We have a living hope!
