Greetings from Ukraine!
We are blessed to be safely in the Ukraine. We have been blessed beyond measure by the hospitality of this church, as well as the compassion they have for the poor and hurting of their nation. We have been encouraged by the passion they have displayed for spreading the good news of the gospel to a nation that has a long history of oppression and the outright outlawing of any church but the “official”, state approved Orthodox church.
After going to Poland on three mission trips I expected to have a similar experience in Ukraine. Wow, have I been surprised! In contrast to the western orient
ed culture and economy of Poland, Ukraine still labors under much of the dysfunction of government and economy that ultimately caused the Soviet Union to collapse. Twenty plus years after becoming an independent nation there is still much thought that lingers from the decades as part of the Soviet Union. It’s hard to change your ways, even if they don’t really work!
In the midst of this our ministry partner, Kherson Christian Church is actively seeking compassionate ways to minister to the people of Ukraine. I have spent a lot of time talking with the translators since we arrived, and our conversations have started to become more personal as our friendships deepen. Despite laboring under
many of the same maladies that plague the population as a whole, e.g. lack of government attention to problems, government corruption, a
nd incredibly low wages,
there is a general joy factor that defies explanation – that is, unless you understand the incomprehensible joy that comes from a relationship with Jesus! Even as they describe their struggles we regularly hear a phrase such as, “but God is good, God is good!” They don’t have a lot in terms of material things, but their lives are rich nevertheless because they love Jesus and are devoted to ministering in His name.
If you have supported this mission in prayer, financially, or both through a Faith Promise at SCC I can attest that your support is being well stewarded. If you would be faithful to remember us in your prayers we would
be grateful. Some things to consider when you do:
- That work this team does in the short time we are here would have eternal impact. We as a team have spent quite a bit of time talking about this and we are confident that God will be faithful in this whether we see it or not.
- That Kherson Christian Church would be emboldened even more to reach their nation. They have an uphill battle against apathy, distrust, and cultural religious “tradition” that in many ways hinders people from coming face to face with their savior.
- That our medical team would be an encouragement to the Ukrainian medical people they come into contact with and be a witness for Christ to a culture that really does not know Him.
In His Grip, Keith
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