Our Bags Are Packed, Ready To Go

All our bags are packed, ready to go.

Ready To Go

John Denver sang it. We’re living it.

It’s five days before departure, but we are ready to go to Ukraine, courtesy of Jocelyn’s preparedness.

Why are we going to Ukraine?

Jocelyn has a significant birthday in 2025. Last year I asked her where in the world she wanted to travel to celebrate.

“Ukraine. I want to meet the people you talk about so highly.”

And so, we are going to Ukraine. People will love Jocelyn (and the purple hi-lites in her hair).

We consulted with Ed Dickson, of Loads of Love, and he thought 7 weeks that would be a great idea.

Last year, our oldest son ran 7 marathons in 7 days for my 70^th birthday to raise money for Ukraine.

This year we’ll spend 7 weeks in Ukraine to celebrate Jocelyn’s birthday.

7 is the number of completion or perfection so we’re expecting a wonderful experience.

Preparing

We’ve been praying and preparing and trusting God for all the details.

We don’t know where we will be living, but it will be good.

When we were married in 1979, our first weeks were spent in missions work in northern Ontario.

The last 46 years we served as pastors.

Now, we get to go as short-term missionaries to Ukraine.

The Resource Centre of the Alberta and Northwest Territories District is sending me as an International worker to support churches and pastors in Ukraine. Their investment is not lost on me.

I’ll be doing some of the same work I do in Canada.

Is it safe?

No. It is an active war zone. We’ll be staying about two hours away from the Russian border. Part of our trip will be bringing humanitarian aid to civilians near the frontlines.

We’ll hold some kid’s day camps in bomb shelters.

But it is good to go. The gift of presence means a lot to Ukrainian believers who are now in the fourth year of the Russian invasion. Everyone knows someone who has been killed or wounded or captured. Yet, believers are resolved to share the gospel in word and humanitarian aid.

Ukrainians love Canadians.

Giving Goal

We set a goal of $30,000 to support Kids Camps. As of May 22nd we have raised just $12,000 so far.

We are believing for the remainder to come in before we leave Ukraine.

Some churches are raising money over the next two months.

Even if the money comes in after

You can support us here. Loads of Love to B&J Ukraine Ministry Thank you.

An Outline of Our Itinerary

Depart Edmonton May 28^th.
Arrive Warsaw, Poland May 29^th
Arrive Lviv, Ukraine late May 29^th
Depart Lviv May 30
Arrive Poltava May 31^st at 7:31am
May 31^st – Jocelyn speaks to Women Leaders at 11:00am
June 1^st – Bob speaks in a morning service and at a 21^st Anniversary Church Service from 12pm – 3pm

June 8^th – The Feast of the Trinity – Pentecost Sunday

Serve in the daughter churches in villages and towns in the Poltava area.

Children’s Day Camps

Youth Ministry

July – 4,5 – Jocelyn and Bob speak at a weekend retreat for all pastors and spouses. A time of worship, walking, fellowship, special prayers.

Arrive Warsaw July 12^th

Bob speaks at a Ukrainian church in Warsaw July 13^th

Depart Warsaw July 14^th

Arrive Edmonton July 15^th at midnight

Thank you

We will do our best to post updates.

Thank you for praying. We do need it.

Got a comment or a thought for us? Please join the conversation below.

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