Day 1096

Day 1096.

Ukraine

Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014, fought in the Donbas for eight years and then invaded from Belarus on February 24, 2022. A “special military operation” that was expected to see President Zelensky flee and Kyiv surrender in three days.

Ukraine rose up behind Zelensky’s courageous leadership – “I don’t need a ride. I need ammunition.”

Natali Sevriukova reacts next to her house following a rocket attack the city of Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Russian troops poured across the borders destroying everything and everyone in their path. Never forget the Bucha massacre, Irpin, Mariupol, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson.

80,000 women and children walked across the border to Poland in 48 hours to escape the war.

Ukrainian women and children after crossing the Slovak-Ukrainian border into Ubla, eastern Slovakia, on Friday. Photo: Peter Lazar/AFP via Getty Images

Who can forget the image of the Ukrainian boy in tears, carrying a small bag, escaping across the border with his mom.

This was my first post about Ukraine on March 12, 2022. On The Road of Lamentations

Mariupol, 2022

It’s been three years. 1096 days of devastation, bloodshed, and terror.

And we’ve witnessed the strength, resiliency, courage, and ingenuity of Ukrainians. In particular, the churches in Ukraine who have stepped up to deliver 80% of the humanitarian aid. Before the war, Ukraine was the brightest light of the gospel of Jesus in Europe.

The Light of Europe

The war affected the Ukrainian church in the same way persecution affected the church in the 1^st century Roman world. Ukrainians were scattered throughout Europe in 2022 and everywhere they landed, they planted churches. There is a Ukrainian-led revival in Europe.

Ukraine was not in my future three years ago.

Some of my friends in ministry (Mike Love, Steve Hertzog, Patti Miller) travelled and worked there in the past two decades. Our daughter-in-law, Angie, was in western Ukraine with a missions team years ago. They loved what Ukraine was all about. One friend purchased an apartment in Ukraine, planning for a preferred future. I heard about Ed Dickson and his humanitarian work through Loads of Love. As well, Dennis Scraba and his work through Amigo.

Canada is loved by Ukrainians for our stedfast support in the last 1096 days.

But going to Ukraine? Why?

My life was occupied with family and working with Canadian churches.

Invitation

And then I was invited to fill in for Steve Hertzog at pastors’ conferences in December 2023. Jocelyn said, “Go!” and the rest is history.

Jocelyn and I were privileged to travel the world in ministry: Thailand, South Korea, South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Russia, and England. All were wonderful experiences, but Ukraine holds a unique place in our hearts.

I met Vadim, Tanya, Sergei, Alexei, Marina, David, Carolyn, Pasha, Martin, Lena, Oleg, Yuri, Roma, Nastia, Alina, Masha, Olya, Sveta, Yulia, Bogdana.

Make no mistake, Ukraine is the front line defender of peace in Europe and the world against Russian aggression. She has friends but stands alone in many ways.

“We all need peace: Ukraine, Europe, America, everyone in the world.” President Zelensky

What lies ahead for Ukraine, Europe, and Canada?

Jocelyn and I will have an update about Ukraine in the next two weeks. Stay tuned.

Please join the conversation and post a comment below. Thank you.