Life in Ukraine is like being on an emotional roller coaster.
On Saturday June 7, Bob spoke in an afternoon service that lasted three hours (not all Bob talking; that would be a miracle).
After the service we went for a walk in the sunshine on a 32C day. That was killer. It was a purposeful walk as we wanted to go to the heart of Poltava and walk the path of heroes.
There are memorials erected to soldiers from Poltava that were killed in the war. On Saturday they were digging 8 new sites for memorials.
The young adult in the bottom left is a lieutenant in the Air Force. He serves as a flight engineer on a helicopter that fires on Russian troops and shoots down drones and rockets. He deployed to the front lines on Sunday June 8th. Knowing him makes the memorial images above very real.
This morning, June 8th we read about the attacks in Kharkiv, the place we drove through a few days ago. Buildings that we passed by were destroyed. 
And in Kyiv, makeshift memorials popped up mourning the deaths of 8 first responders killed in a rocket attack.
Then we headed out for the 1st of three services.
L-R Masha, children’s worker, Marina our translator, Jocelyn
A 35-minute drive got us onsite in time to worship, preach and pray and then jump back in the car for the next service. Did I say it was 33C today?
Notice the prayer card that was on the pulpit as I preached. Part way through my message I caught myself tearing up.
Jocelyn Dancing
We made it back in time as the first notes of worship resounded. It was loud. It was energized. And it was electric. They know how to celebrate. Even Jocelyn and I got in on the dance.
Bob preached a very engaging message and there was prayer afterwards.
We had a quick bite to eat and then on to the youth service. We love their young people.
Students praying over us for our ministry in Ukraine.
And that was our day.
We’ll keep posting as long as we can. Please keep praying as long as you can.
The most challenging part of the trip is coming up in the next three weeks.
Please join the conversation and post a comment below. Thank you.
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Good Morning Pastor Bob. I get teary when I read your blog & see the photos. I could not do what you do. I don’t think that I could go through 1 day….seeing the grief & heartache of these folks who have lost their loved ones…or worried about their loved ones, fighting the evil that has been unleashed upon them. Innocent citizens caught up in a fight that was started by an evil man. It is hard to watch the news every day & not be disappointed in the way some human beings conduct themselves…the ones in power & the ones who lead their countries. Selfishness, ego, greed & all self-serving. Not concerned about their citizens…only how to put money in their own pockets, along with all the cronies that follow them. Thank you for sharing this blog with us. Stay safe. I am hoping and praying that God covers you and protects you both…and sees that you have a safe trip back home, when you are finished your mission trip. ❤️ Keep on, keeping on.
Praying for you every day and peace in Ukraine.