What’s in your cup?
Coffee is one thing you won’t lack when you visit Ukraine.
We’ve consumed a few dozen cups of coffee in our first four weeks here. On a walk tonight we passed by five coffee places in one block.
Have you been thinking of helping us in Ukraine? It’s not too late. You can make a donation here. Designate your giving with Loads of Love to B&J Ukraine Ministry.
People
What fills our cups is the people we meet. I’ve introduced Jocelyn to friends I made during my first two trips. Once again we’ve met new friends – pastors, leaders, missionaries, volunteers, youth, and children.
In December 2023 I met the mayor of a small community. She was a new believer, introduced to faith through Pastor Aleksey, the bishop in her area. We met in her office with her staff and she shared how she had started a once-a-week Bible program for children out of her office. And who shows up at our pastor’s event? The mayor who is now a pastor in her community. And she brought the Canadian pin I gave her 18 months ago. Amazing.
Tamara, the Mayor of Ivanivka – 2023
Tamara, the Mayor and Pastor of Ivanivka – 2025
Now she is eager to learn how to be an effective pastor.
The Children
Of all the Ukrainians we encounter, it’s the children that capture our hearts. They have faced unimaginable loss and trauma. And yet kids will be kids. Hamming it up for the camera and dressing up for special celebrations.
On Saturday June 21, I was preaching in Cherkasy, a community with many refugees. Partway through my message a woman and two little girls came in. The youngest looked to be about six or seven. She caught my attention because she was sullen, with her head down and arms crossed through most of my message.
After the service we learned that the woman’s soldier husband is presumed dead at the front lines and they were refugees. I could only imagine what this precious little one had gone through. I went over to where she stood and tried to illicit a smile. Her name is Dasha. A cookie helped coax one half smile out. Her mother became a believer through this little church. When the pastor came over he got a full smile.
When they exited the building a piece of my heart went with my last glimpse of Dasha. God bless, heal, and protect this precious child.
Dasha in Cherkasy.
Pastors
We have met so many pastors in the training sessions we’ve hosted. We’ve prayed with them, eaten in the homes, gone on walks with them and been blessed by them.
Bishop Aleksey and his wife Marina, and daughter Masha in Kropivnisky.
Marina’s table and her special spaghetti. The only place in Ukraine where you can enjoy spaghetti.
Pastor Alexander is unforgettable. In December I prayed over him at his ordination in Smila. He now pastors two churches in addition to having a full time job and raising five children in a war torn country. Whew! And through it all, Alexander has maintained a mischievous sense of humour and an ever present laugh.
Pastor Alexander
The Soldiers
We visited with soldiers in a couple of military hospitals. Severe wounds. Trying to adjust to artificial limbs. Invisible wounds that run deep.
We met one young woman who was injured on the front lines. Both her and her husband are warriors, fighting for their children who are cared for by grandparents. We had the privilege of hearing her story and praying for her healing and her soul. She evidenced remarkable strength and optimism. She allowed us a personal photo as long as we did not make it public.
A healing forest connected to a hospital.
We spoke with soldiers able to go outside and enjoy a healing forest. They were eager to have us pray for them. Jocelyn hugged one soldier and in a moving gesture he bowed and kissed her hand.
Trauma and Terror
As we travel and meet people, they are share stories with us of attacks on their cities and neighbourhoods. Almost all Russian drone and rocket attacks are against apartments, residences, hospitals, schools, playgrounds and civilian gathering areas. An estimated one million people have been killed in just over three years.
For Ukraine
These words are from a Ukrainian and sum up their reality.
Our cup is full. Jocelyn and I are humbled by all we have experienced.
Please pray for our friends. Pray for peace and an independent, free Ukraine. Join the conversation and post a comment for our friends in Ukraine.
Help us help children like Dasha. It’s not too late. You can make a donation here. Designate your giving with Loads of Love to B&J Ukraine Ministry.Thank you!
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