We stepped out of our vehicle on the side of a road. The local time was 16:13. All was quiet. I know that to be the exact time because two days previous, 100s of Christian leaders had agreed to stop, kneel, and pray for their country at 16:13 every day. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith.” I taught that we “stand firm on our knees.”
Kneeling on the side of the road a few kms from the Russian frontline in Ukraine, we prayed for protection of the soldiers, peace for the nation, and favour for the gospel. At the exact moment we said, “Amen,” an artillery shell exploded down the road shaking us to the core.
Kneeling on the side of the road a few kms from the Russian frontline in Ukraine, we prayed for protection of the soldiers, peace for the nation, and favour for the gospel. At the exact moment we said, “Amen,” an artillery shell exploded down the road shaking us to the core.
Landscape
In 2025, landscape has less to do with geography and more to do with experience.
I was in Ukraine for 3½ weeks in December 2023 and again in April 2024. My wife and I will return to Ukraine for 6 weeks at the end of May. People ask if it’s safe. Of course it’s not safe, but it’s good. Missionaries have been going to risky places over the last century. Nothing new.
We’ll settle into an apartment in Eastern Ukraine as our base and get used to going to sleep listening to sirens. We will be present. Support. Listen. Pray. Love. Give. Summertime in Ukraine is when community Kids Camps ramp up. For a day or two, Ukrainian kids get to feel like kids again amid the devastation of an invasion. There will be face painting, games, prizes, snacks, laughter, Bible stories, and love.
The Bible verse used in this writing prompt is one I pray will be fulfilled in Ukraine. “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:19 Until God rescues Ukraine, Christian presence is essential.
I was in Ukraine for 3½ weeks in December 2023 and again in April 2024. My wife and I will return to Ukraine for 6 weeks at the end of May. People ask if it’s safe. Of course it’s not safe, but it’s good. Missionaries have been going to risky places over the last century. Nothing new.
We’ll settle into an apartment in Eastern Ukraine as our base and get used to going to sleep listening to sirens. We will be present. Support. Listen. Pray. Love. Give. Summertime in Ukraine is when community Kids Camps ramp up. For a day or two, Ukrainian kids get to feel like kids again amid the devastation of an invasion. There will be face painting, games, prizes, snacks, laughter, Bible stories, and love.
The Bible verse used in this writing prompt is one I pray will be fulfilled in Ukraine. “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:19 Until God rescues Ukraine, Christian presence is essential.
Humanitarian Work
Since the latest Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, the evangelical churches of Ukraine have delivered 80% of the humanitarian aid. It’s dangerous work. We have delivered fresh bread and non-perishables to civilians while the ground is shaking from nearby artillery fire. Many are seniors, living on the edge of destruction with no heat, or infrastructure support. At least we can return to places of relative safety.
Since the latest Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, the evangelical churches of Ukraine have delivered 80% of the humanitarian aid. It’s dangerous work. We have delivered fresh bread and non-perishables to civilians while the ground is shaking from nearby artillery fire. Many are seniors, living on the edge of destruction with no heat, or infrastructure support. At least we can return to places of relative safety.
The church is growing in Ukraine with salvations, baptisms, church plants, pastors and missionaries trained for ministry. Prior to the war, evangelicals were seen as a cult. Now they are seen as community champions. Don’t believe what western social media says about the government being anti-church or anti-Christian. The church is the hope of Ukraine.
Generosity and presence go a long way in wartime. It’s not an exaggeration to say that $10.00 Canadian has the effect of $100 in Ukraine, not because of the exchange rate, but because of the compassion rate. Food, clothing, medical supplies, prayer, Bibles, and genuine love make a difference. Ukrainians appreciate all that Canada and Canadian generosity is providing for them.
The landscape of Ukraine shapes my thoughts and prayer most every day.
I think you can tell I am passionate about this subject. Happy to have an online conversation with you if you are interested in how you can support God’s work in Ukraine. Bob.pb.jones@gmail.com or on my blogsite REVwords.com.
Thank you for reading.
Thank you, Bob for this insider's look into the devastated landscape of Ukraine. May God grant them mercy and peace. Blessings on you as you serve God there.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the important work you are doing. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving us a glimpse into what God is doing in Ukraine, Bob. God bless you and your wife as you travel there again.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bob, for this 'right now' look at what is happening in Ukraine. We are all horrified at what this country is facing, and I'm so glad for your heart and for your personal involvement. Thank you for being hands and feet to the prayers of many. Grace and mercy as you return to serve in this way.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your insights, Bob. Lord have mercy. Praying for peace for Russia and Ukraine. Praying also for safety for you and your beloved wife, Bob, as you return to Ukraine in May.
ReplyDeleteYour post not only gripped my heart, Bob, it encouraged my hope and prayers for a country dear to me. In 2011 I spent three weeks in Kyiv, where my daughter and son-in-law were teaching English in a private school. I fell in love with this beautiful city, it’s people, culture and history. My heart breaks for the trauma and loss Ukrainians continue to suffer under Russian attack. God bless you and the many Christians ministering practically and offering the hope of Christ.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for sharing this incredible faith journey with us. Will add my prayers to the prayers of others.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bob, for sharing your heart with us and the plight of the people in Ukraine. May God bless and protect you as you minister to the people. I pray that God will continue to use you for His master plan.
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