Ukraine was very unique, it wasn’t originally on our route, but God opened doors for us to enter, we got a chance to partner with another team as well, so it was 10 of us. As soon as we arrived at the airport the pastor, his wife and another missionary picked us up and took us to our locations where we would be staying for the month; they welcomed us into their home and life with open arms. I really liked how they welcomed us in and sat us down and asked “what can we do for you”; that was very special. I felt valued and cared for.
(Empowered Servants, sitting with our host enjoying breakfast she cooked for us)
(Members from the church blessed us with traditional Ukrainian borscht soup:)
We got into ministry right away. The church we got to partner with was called Living Water. Every week the youth met on 2 different nights; we would go to help teach the lesson and hang out with the youth.
There was an English club at the church every Wednesday night, and the people who attended got a chance to practice their English with us. We also got a chance to travel to a village on Fridays with a missionary from America; she would teach 6 classes back to back. I loved her positive energy towards helping each and every student, it was very inspiring and she made ministry so fun. I got attached to the students because they were so kind and welcoming; we got to participate with the childrens lessons, we played some learning games and helped out with whatever was needed.
(Wednesday English Club, playing a english game to help students practice their english)
(one of the English classes from the village)
(class from the village)
The last ministry opportunity we got to participate in was Royal rangers program. On Saturday mornings the children would gather at the church, our teams would take turns leading a devotional, creating a game and leading a master class (basically learning life skills). It was a pleasure getting to engage with the children as they learned more about the Word of God!
(Royal Rangers Class)
Then, Thanksgiving rolled around. The pastor’s wife invited us into her kitchen to help with making pies, which made me feel like I was back home in the states. I ended up making two cheese cakes: oreo and Nutella; they were so yummy! I also enjoyed playing with their children because they brought so much joy to my heart!!
( cooking dinner and doing nails)
(Thanksgiving in Ukraine!!)
(Half of our squad after a lovely thanksgiving meal)
Throughout the whole month I literally felt like I was back at home, since we were so welcomed by their family. In seeing them be so intentional in showing hospitality to strangers, I experienced a new sense of perspective; it helped me to see a lot of my shortcomings and how to better show hospitality to others.
(These ladies saw me walking with no socks, it was so cold, they blessed me with socks!)
For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;
Mt 25:35 NKJV
(Having a meal after church)
Thanks for coming! My kiddos in the village still ask about you!
It was my pleasure!! Tell them I miss them!!:)
It sounds like you really enjoyed the children and teenagers. It also sounds like you are a cook- you’ve been holding out on us! I am so grateful hospitality was shown to you and your team. I can’t imagine, as warm as you are, that you don’t show hospitality when given the opportunity. Great blog!
Yes ma’am, I really enjoyed them!, I cook alittle lol, I do show hospitality but I believe there is levels to it, I want to be better at it, thank you so much for your kind words!!:)