Hello from the middle of nowhere.That’s what Ed Dickson likes to call the arrival point after travelling on two planes, one van, a train, and another van over three days.
It feels like nowhere because we are nine hours ahead of local time in Edmonton and the written and spoken language is all Ukrainian. Good thing we have Ed.
I will let the pictures do most of the talking in this post.
Ernie, a pet therapy dog handler stopped by us in the Edmonton airport. Goldens are Jocelyn’s favourite. The dog’s name is FAITH. She enjoyed the comfort of the dog and of the Godwink.
Arrival in Warsaw. Pastor Peter, a Russian-speaking Korean pastor of a Ukrainian church in Warsaw met us with Ed. Bob will speak at his church on July 13th.
We travelled from Warsaw by van and crossed the border in record time. One minute into Ukraine, we stopped at a gas station for hotdogs. Official arrival!
Lviv at night.
The next day we walked around downtown Lviv before departing for Poltava. Everywhere we go in Europe there are memorials to the Holocaust. Never again.
Jocelyn loves doors. One of her favourites.
Enroute to Poltava!
On the train to Poltava.
Tea for two.
The end of day 2.
The fields of Poltava, one month ahead of our season.
Russia and the frontlines on the horizon, less than 2 hours away.
Jocelyn spoke at the inaugural Women leaders event with Veronika Nuznha, a women Jocelyn admires.
Welcome to the Church of Good News celebrating 21 years!
Pastor Vadim Ignatenko, founder of the church, bishop of the Poltava region. Packed house with extra chairs. a 3 1/2 hour service including worship, dance, children, speakers, honouring, a baby dedication, prayer for miracles (and announcements).
A meeting of the bishops at the end of the day. Our plans changed in that meeting. They said, “Now we know better why Bob and Jocelyn are here at this time.”
New Life
There is a lot going on in the middle of nowhere.
This is the view from our apartment window in Poltava.
It’s an abandoned Soviet building.Probably 50 years old. We are on the 7th floor of our apt building. Passerbys wouldn’t see this extraordinary growth from the street.
Even on hard ground, with no human care, there is new life and growth.
What situation are you facing? Feeling abandoned? Your world feels hard and lifeless?
There is hope. Trust God today. We are praying for you in Ukraine!
Please join the conversation and post a comment below. Thank you.
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Good Morning Pastor Bob. Not the morning for you…but, for me. I enjoyed your blog this morning. I enjoyed seeing the pics…it is awesome seeing your journey through the photos. Stay safe, I’m praying for you and Jocelyn….for God to protect and cover you while you are both in the Ukraine. And for your safe return to Canada after your mission trip. Thank you for sharing this blog with us. Take care. ❤️
Thanks for your update Pastor Bob and the great pictures. I love your story about the golden retriever at the airport for Jocelyn. What a beautiful Godwink! Thankful that you arrived safely. We are continuing to pray for your safety and that the Lord would abundantly bless your work and service there.
Thank you, Julie. We can always count on your connection and prayers.
Thank you, Sheila. Our day was filled with more stories of miracles in Ukraine.
Pastor Bob and Jocelyn. Thank you for the great pictures and for sharing your journey. Wonderful greeting at the Airport with the Golden Retriever. They are my favourite dog also! It’s amazing to see that things grow among the cement on an old abandoned building. May God Bless you and keep you safe as you continue your ministry trip! God is Good!!