Two years ago today, we had a team in Ukraine, we were working on a northern transition house for girls, seeking God about a second property for boys, trying to encourage gospel churches being planted, gospel men and women giving all they had for Christ. This included a trip to share good news with those in earshot of gunfire, and seeing the birth of new churches amidst destruction and chaos. None of us knew or foresaw what happened next. Covid was not a word we used then. The next 12 months threw us even more on 100% unconditional dependence on God, but you will know that is the best, most fruitful and joyful place to be.
Everything that has happened since has been ALL of GOD. He has macro control and micro care over our lives. Many have come to Christ. Through this humbling and trying season, more and more people have bowed not in despair but acknowledgment that Christ is the only answer, and the only name under heaven given to us by which we are saved. There have been (many, many) more baptisms, more church planting conversations, more initiatives to prepare for missional advance, more global connections made for fruitful partnership. This has been a good season, we have an incomprehensibly GOOD GOD.
On 23rd October - 8th November a new UK team fly out. There are some old wise bears who have been before and know the ropes well (like Zach who is extremely close to being 18), but with the exception of 3 of us all are first time short termers to these locations. 7 of the team are around 18 or under. This is exciting as a new generation catches the vision and picks up the mantle of mission. In fact I cannot think of a more strategic mission trip we've made.
We want to keep you up to date and we would love you to pray with us, dependence on God is our no 1 priority and reason why this is all happening. A number of small groups are setting up to strategically cover us in prayer during this time. If you would like to join in we can tell you of small groups in Dorset, North Wales, Midlands and Worcester. If you would like the information for personal prayer and want to share it with friends all you need to do is send us an instant message on facebook / give the ACTION UK office a rind to tell us how you want the info (electronically or by post etc).
To get you started - here are 3 things to pray for...
1) Pray for each of the team as they prepare... for Trev, Brendan, Martin, Reuben, Abi, Lois, Paige, Zach, Jimmy, Thomas, Jon, Susie, Paul. That they will be blessed to be a blessing to others as they fit in with God's plans for their lives
2) Pray that we will be a post covid encouragement to all we meet, a reminder of our ongoing partnership and solidarity in Christ. Pray that we will make great progress on renovating the 2nd property for gospel work and residential mission, encourage those in urban and rural church planting. Pray also that our partnership with church family will continue to grow. May this be a new season of continued growth, where gospel ripples are seen not just in Ukraine, but even internationally as we all fit in with God's Global Mission.
3) Pray for Wisdom as we seek to establish gospel initiatives in which the UK can play its full part. This is very much the beginning of a new season under God, a foundation stone being set for future gospel extension. Lord give us your heart, your timing and your open doors.
ECCLESIASTES 3:1
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...
Psalm 31:15
MY Times are in YOUR hands.
Job 12:10
In his hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind.
Matthew 6:31-33
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Isaiah 43:19, Revelation 21:5
And he who was seated on the throne said,
“Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said,
“Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
No comments:
Post a Comment