God is building His Kingdom in Eastern Europe!
January 12-26, 2025
Ukraine Strategic Planning
Three weeks ago a small group of our Shepherds’ Support team had the privilege of joining a group of ministry leaders in Ukraine to strengthen relationships, study God’s Word, pray, plan and seek His leading for future ministry. In the midst of the hardships and complexities of a prolonged war, this group of 48 men and women who serve on 9 different ministry teams from 33 organizations are reaching thousands of children and adults with the Gospel throughout Ukraine.
Their lives and ministry stories inspired us and we are humbled by the opportunity to partner with them to impact God’s Kingdom and help prepare the next generation of Christian leaders in Ukraine. One next step for us will be to host another Family Conference in June.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:23-25
Eastern European Leaders – Armenia
Immediately after the Ukraine trip we met with a group of 20 Eastern European Leaders in Armenia to seek God and advance our national and regional strategies. It was very encouraging to see these leaders trust one another, share deeply and learn together. Many commented on how important it is to belong to a team like this where they can grow as leaders and encourage one another in God’s Kingdom work.
Throughout the week we embraced the purpose and mission of Shepherds’ Support and the important role they have in developing pastoral couples with us. This is fueling their vision and desire to grow together as leaders and impact their nations and the region.
It is encouraging to see the unity of the Kingdom of God expressed through this group of dedicated disciple makers. By the end of the week we had developed the first steps in our strategic plan and some specific ways to serve one another over the next couple of years.
Ways you can pray!
- Thank God for the unity, pastoral hearts and faithful ministry of our Eastern European leaders. They are an amazing group of men and women!
- Pray for the Lord to continue to develop and guide our national and regional strategies and plans throughout the year. May He give boldness and wisdom to each of our local hosts as we serve together.
- Rick’s next trip will be to participate in the yearly Base Camp gathering of the Potter’s House in Guatemala at the end of February. Thank you for lifting him and the Potter’s House ministry in your prayers.
- Read more about our future training conferences and pray for our preparations.
Thank you so much for your prayers. It has been quite an amazing time together as we work to Encourage, Equip and Engage pastoral couples and leaders.
And the Shepherds’ Support Board:
David and Beth Butler, Jack and Nancy Shirley, Sid and Zane Williams, Daniel and Kate Wurzberg
P.S. Some have asked, is it safe for you to be in Ukraine?
What does it really mean to “be safe?” Our goal is not safety, but rather faithfulness. (Matthew 28:20). We have peace in the journey not from our circumstances, but because our eternal destiny and timing have been secured through the redemptive work of Jesus. We serve a good King! (Colossians 1:13-14, Psalm 139:15-16)
