Friends and those who have been so good to me over the last few days,
Thanks so much for your prayers and your love!
Over the internet, not everything can be, or should be communicated.
Some will know that I’ve been in Ukraine these last few days, and yes Ternopil Oblast, when the attacks came last Wednesday. A week on, my heart is profoundly moved by the way God is using the churches, our partners and projects at such a critical time. I know I am a stuck record, but what we are called to and our new start projects are never about projects, always about people. God is blessing these profoundly.
Friends who have been widowed, ophaned, processing trauma and grieving need relationship, true faithful long term friendship and they need Jesus Christ. This is why we do everything through local churches and long term partners who have been and are dug in for the long haul. In the process of helping them on that journey many friends in this situation also have great practical need, for todays’ food, bed, and a plan of where next they will live and start again from zero. I was with countless folks in their 70’s and 80’s who having lost their homes, families and everything in the East are now starting again, afresh. I am so encouraged by both our longstanding and new younger partners who are being so used of God. Their compassion, resillience, practical adaptability and truth filled witness of integrity under great pressure is a great commendation of the gospel. When people encounter the love of Christ in His church (John 13:35) it makes a profound radical difference in our world. Many have lost so much but found Jesus Christ, certain eternal hope.
I had the privilege of being with those grieving and working on the ground. I am not unfamiliar to chaplain ministry amidst such a stark backdrop of tragedy and trauma, but this was utterly unique. My heart grieved in so many dimensions for those without hope.
Sincere apologies for the delay in update. The Last 24 hours have been non-stop. Sunday morning was such a tonic. The church much fuller than last time was bursting with life, and a real sense of the presence of God. Sometimes things just seem orchestrated like a symphony. Present were those there for the first time, military from the frontline in recovery from injury after exceptional bravery, families in need of a word from the Lord and representatives of a nation who undoubtedly ask big questions with earnest seriousness. The word of God has all these things prepared. As we looked at Hannah and the big picture view of a God who hears our cry, we saw Christ the one who makes sense of all suffering, and has a bigger plan for us in his grace. In such a context the holiness and justice of God is a joy to preach. It is a great comfort to those who have been suffering at the hands of a tyrant to know that he will face God.
Thank you each and all for praying for us to arrive safely. We sensed God's protection and His going before us. In fact as we travelled one main road, a car (containing 5 adults) hit a big lorry just in front of us. The car was obviously very smashed, and hurtled into a ditch some 6 foot lower than the road. Amazingly all adults, some very elderly got out seemingly relatively unscathed other than a few cuts and bruises, We don't always know what chaos the enemy causes around us, but we do know for sure that He protects His people. Psalm 91:11-12
On arrival, I was offered to rest. I guess I had been in travelling mode for 36 hours. Something better was on offer than rest... 14 brothers in arms having a leadership gathering to encourage each other and plan the future of youth and camp ministry. I was so privileged to be included, I jumped back in the car with enthusiasm and it didn't disappoint.
