Today as I write to you, it has been several days since I awoke early in the morning to the news that Russian tanks and troops had rolled into Ukraine from the north, the east, and the south. I watched the news that morning with a heavy heart. I wasn’t angry at a man, or a nation. Rather, I mourned the inescapable sinfulness of man and the never-ending injustices people carry out against one another. I felt real fear for dear friends that I knew would be directly in harm's way.
Even days later, it is hard to know how to react. Even as we continue to consistently talk to our close connections in Ukraine, it still feels unreal. We ask ourselves whether the Ukraine we knew will be forever changed. We wonder how missions work will look different in the coming weeks or months. I know that many of you are looking to us for clarity and answers. At this juncture, I don’t have all the answers. Some things only God knows.
As my mind struggles to process what’s happened, and my heart grieves for the people of Ukraine, I remember that God says in His word that He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Rom 8:28). God, by His Spirit, reminds me
that this promise is not only for the sunny, easy days. If I just take a moment and remember to look, I always find Him, even in the darkest hours.
I am so grateful that God entrusted us with resources that we were able to use to provide food and blankets around Ukraine in the last month. As a matter of fact, we were able to get some of these resources into eastern Ukraine just in time. Food and blankets that you helped supply in the city of Kyiv are keeping people in bomb shelters fed and warm. God is still at work! There are no adequate words to express how deeply humbled and honoured I am to be even a small part of that.
Today, the only thing I do know, beyond a doubt, is that our resolve to serve people in Eastern Europe is firm. Our desire to see the Gospel be spread far and wide remains stronger than ever. I cannot escape the calling of God on my own life. So, we will stand our ground. We will hold fast to our Saviour. Our hearts are steadfast, echoing the words of the prophet Isaiah; “Here I am, send me!”
In this situation, we must be more open and flexible than ever before. I invite you to stand by our side today, hear the call of the Lord in your heart, and join us in saying, “Here I am, send me.”
