How The War Changed Us

Jocelyn and I leave for Ukraine shortly. We see the trip as a privilege and a pleasure.

It comes with some measure of risk. But risk that pales in comparison with our friends who live in Ukraine.

I reached out to three friends in Ukraine and asked them, “How has the war changed you? How has it affected your faith?”

Their answers reflected the words of the Apostle James, the brother of Jesus, and Isaiah an Old Testament prophet.

Testing Of Faith

James 1:2-4 – ² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Isaiah 63:9 – “In all their affliction He was afflicted.”

Oleksii

Oleksii Zabelien was one of our translators last summer. This trip we will stay with him and his wife and four children.

He said, “When people ask me how I’m doing, I often simply answer, ‘I’m alive.’ During this war, I’ve come to appreciate life itself as an incredible gift. When people are dying every day, you begin to see even the simplest things differently. I’ve always been someone who loves planning, setting clear goals, and knowing where I’m heading. But the war has taught me to be more flexible.

In the beginning, we were afraid of every air raid alert and spent many nights in the basement. My wife and children even left the country for three months. Eventually, we realized that we couldn’t put our lives on hold until the war was over. We had to keep living, making plans, raising our children, and serving God, even when everything around us remained uncertain.

One Scripture that has become especially meaningful to me is Isaiah 63:9: “In all their affliction He was afflicted.” 

In Suffering

God was right there with His people in their suffering. And this has also shaped the way I understand ministry. When the full-scale invasion began, friends abroad offered to help me leave Ukraine. But I kept thinking about the elderly people and people with disabilities I had been ministering to in a residential care home. They couldn’t simply pack their bags and leave. I felt a responsibility to stay and be there for them.

Another important lesson I’ve learned is that we cannot allow the war to steal our future. This is especially important when it comes to children.

In our church, we organize children’s camps in both summer and winter, paying special attention to children whose fathers are serving in the military or have been killed in the war. Many of these children get to see their dads only once every six months, usually for about two weeks, and sometimes even less often. In many ways, they’re growing up without their fathers being physically present. We want to invest in their lives and help them know that they are loved, that they matter, and that they still have a future. I think the war has taught me to value people even more deeply and to understand that we shouldn’t wait for better times to love, care for others, and serve God. 

Sveta

Sveta Suhina is a worker with Loads of Love. We stayed in her home last summer.

 “I think that for many of us Ukrainians, the war has changed the way we see life and what is really important. The material things that were once important to us are now less important. Today, what matters most is to hear that our family and friends are safe and alive.

My way of thinking and my attitude towards life have changed. But the most important thing is that God remains at the center of everything.

I really want to return home one day and I believe that this day will come.

Bob, Sveta, (unknown) Ed Dickson, Pastor Oleksandr

For now for the sake of my children, I continue to serve people where God has placed me today. We continue to see how great our God because He works through us here and people receive Jesus. He is faithful!”

Tanya

Tanya Manukian was our translator and her husband David, drove us safely through Ukraine.

 “There was a re-evaluation of the values. What seemed to be important turned out it was not. I remember part of the letter of the boy in the first days of the war: ‘I just want to live my normal life .. at my home.. with friends.. being able to see my grandpa..  ride my bike.’

You started to live by today … appreciated the simple things … and happy just being able to wake up in the morning and go to bed with your beloved trusting every day that he’ll return. Of course, there are plans but the emphasis is on today.

The faith became deeper. There is a difference when you live in security and in the absence of it and see the hand of the protection of the Lord on your life. It does makes us stronger. You understand that we need to be able to stand … and stand … and stand and do not forget to put on the armor of the Lord.”

Bob, Tanya, David

When death appears unexpected and without schedule you appreciate life more and He tells you that He already died for you and you don’t need to fear death  It’s a joy to see people in our refuge church growing and maturing in the Lord.

Responsibility

You learn to live under the pressure of oppression without asking when will the end of the war come.

You cannot get used to see the suffering of the soldiers … the young guys in the hospital under the influence of drugs to avoid pain… the burnt parts of their body… it triggers you… causing you pain or you get hardened trying to avoid the pain of compassion.

You understand the responsibility of the church to pray more in spite of when you don’t see the result young what as intended for evil, and  are longing for now.”

Reunion

We look forward to reuniting with people we met because of a war. They are a gift from God.

Please pray for our friends and us.

It’s not too late if you would like to help with a financial gift. Click this link and give through e-transfer, cheque or credit card. Designate JONES MINISTRY. Thank you.

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