I haven’t posted as many blogs about Ukraine as I have in previous countries. Mostly due to some writer’s block. But we left Ukraine a few days ago and I’m now in Jordan. We’re in the Middle East! But I’m not writing about Jordan yet. Having left a few days ago I was able to spend some time reflecting on Ukraine. The idea that kept coming up over and over again while in Ukraine for that month was rest.
Ukraine was a busy month and it went by so much faster than any of the other months before that. We did a lot more ministry in terms of work that you can actually see. Compared to previous months where we didn’t really see the fruit of our work. It felt like we were a lot busier with ministry in Ukraine than in other countries. But at the same time, my team and I pretty much all agreed that it was a very restful month.
This was mostly because of the family my team was staying with and the pastor and his family with who another team was staying. One of their main goals for our time in Ukraine was to give us a time of rest. I’d say they succeeded in that part. This was the first month I felt more served by people, besides those on my squad, than I served. People were making meals for us, paying for meals when we ate out, driving us places, coming with us places to translate for us. All of that kind of stuff happened in other countries as well but the amount that it happened in Ukraine and the love it was done out of was so much better than any place before.
The people of the church cared for our two teams so very well. They made us feel so welcomed and like it was home almost instantly. I don’t think any of us had much of any expectations for Ukraine going in since it wasn’t on our original route. But I’m pretty sure we are all happy that we ended up going and meeting the people that we spent our time with.
Take time to make sure that you are getting the rest that you need. Sabbath, have a day where you don’t do work and do what is restful for you.
It was our pleasure to serve, and our blessing to have you serve alongside us. Thank you ??
So wonderful! There must be a network for residents in these countries helping World Race to meet their goals when they plan their trips and pilgrimmages such as yours. It would be fantastic to know the names and addresses of those supporting you and your whole group, so we at home can also express our thanks for their Christian hospitality and our gratitude for their efforts in unity as a part of your overall mission. These types of efforts that helped make Ukraine a time of efforts but also rest are a true sacrifice service to those who generously gie of their time, their resources, and their homes if that’s the case. These folk deserve encouragement and gratitude from all of us, watching from afar, as disciples do their work! I just love reading your posts, Reynaldo, and they really bring your experience alive to us at home. Thank you! Love, Aunt Cathy
What a difference it makes to have someone who wants to serve you, especially when your whole purpose in going was to serve. Love it! God bless those who serve. So glad you got to rest!
Hi Aunt Cathy,
I am Joel Brown, the pastor of the Reynaldo’s hosting church in Ukraine. I can help you out with some of that info. They were such a joy to serve and serve with together.
Duane and Lisa Tucker were the host home for him and his crew. Their address is:
Chervona Gora 42
Selo Lavki, Mukachevski Raion
Zakarpatska Oblast, Ukraine 89600
My wife Katya and I were hosting the other team at our house, as well as being the overall inviting hosts and working with all the racers. You have a great Nephew. He is and will continue to do great things for God.
Our address is:
M. Musorgskogo 3
Mukachevo, Zakarpatska Oblast
Ukraine 89600
[email protected]
Thank you so much for this information! Love to you and your families and thank you so much for all you’ve done with this ministry. Amazing!