War

War came to Ukraine this week, Thursday morning for us to be exact. We awoke to news of a Russian invasion with explosions in and around Kyiv. While processing this news still lying in my bed, having just opened my Bible, I heard a strange, unfamiliar sound of something flying through the air followed by an explosion that felt and sounded all too close. I jumped up to look out the window, fully expecting to see smoke, but there was none in view. Soon afterward came a second explosion, then quiet for a time, then two more explosions. Lutsk, my home for the past 8 years and the home of so many people I know and love, was under attack. I wanted to deny it, but my own ears had heard the unmistakeable sound and my own body had felt the rumble. Thankfully, this was the end of the explosions in Lutsk, but it was only the beginning of a completely new and unknown life in Ukraine. War had come to our country and even to our own city. 

We went to work at Agape as normal that day, even though things were far from normal. Our administration decided all patients would go home and Agape would close until it became clearer what war in Ukraine would look like and how our area would be affected. So we set about discharging patients and preparing Agape as per our leadership's instructions. Blocks, purchases long ago for future construction at Agape and standing in the nearby field, were brought by men and stacked in front of all first floor windows. People, our own people, would be living in Agape. For example, families who live on the upper floors of a 9-story building with no basement in which to take cover. And people with disabilities for whom it would be difficult to rapidly get to shelter at the sound of air raid sirens. Each night the number of people residing in Agape has grown and at least once they have all taken cover in the basement, bumping people in wheelchairs down the stairs and remaining there for several hours. 

When we finished work and began parting, it was unlike any other departure from Ukraine. This was not a closure for the winter holidays or for quarantine. None of us were going on vacation. Agape was closing because of war and we didn't know when or if we would see one another again. The following phrase has been spoken many times in the past few days when parting with a friend: "We will see each other again. If not here on earth, then in heaven." It's a sobering and difficult thought to realize it might very well be true that I will not see some of these beloved people again on earth. But, it is also a hope-filled thought to know that, as believers, this world is not the end of our existence. Eternity with God awaits, sooner or later. War heightens that awareness! 

It became apparent that we would need to depart Lutsk and so plans were made and remade and remade. By God's grace, friends in Uzhgorod, a Ukrainian city on the border with Slovakia and Hungary, agreed to receive us. So, for the many who are wondering if we are safe and have contacted me through various means to ask, now you know that yes, we are safe, praise the Lord. This is a peaceful and safe city with even the street lights still aglow when we arrived late last night. 

On Saturday, we drove through the Carpathian Mountains to Uzhgorod. Along with Sveta and I is her mother and a family from Kyiv. We have been given a house to live in by a former Agape patient and his wife. They have not been able to reside in this house since his traumatic brain injury several years ago, but graciously opened it up to us. God is good! Another young woman and her 12-year-old daughter made the journey with us and were welcomed by a local church. They are originally from Luhansk and fled the war there in 2014. They told us how they fully expected to return just a few months later, but haven't been back in the past 8 years! That thought was sobering to me as I drove away from our home yesterday, believing myself that I will be back before long. Will I really? Have I spent time with beloved friends, worked in Agape, worshipped at Fimiam Church, fellowshipped and studied the Word with my brothers and sisters in Christ at our home church, gone for a run in through the streets and fields and along the river in our village, sat and read by the fire in our home...for the last time? Would I really be back? I prayed so, but the uncertainty of it all made for a great internal turmoil while driving away from Lutsk. 

I honestly struggled with what to think and feel yesterday. I had no intense sense of fear that was driving me to depart, and so there was also no sense of relief as we drove away. There was an awareness that this was the right thing to do at this time, but that was also mixed with a lot of sadness, uncertainty, and questions. The first two hours of our drive is a very familiar stretch of road. I began thinking of all the times I've driven it and the reasons for traveling it. We go that way to get to the Lviv airport, either to take a trip ourselves or pick someone up who is coming to visit us. Or we go that way to get to the mountains for our summer vacation or our winter ski trips. Until this particular day, traveling on this stretch road was taking us somewhere exciting and adventurous or to someone we love and haven't seen in a long time. But not on this day. On this day we were refugees. We were leaving our home, driven by war to search for a safer place and not knowing when or if we would return. 

Our journey should have taken 6-7 hours under normal conditions, but in a country in a state of war it took over 15 hours with nearly 8 hours spent in long checkpoint lines. It was an exhausting day, but we were warmly welcomed when we arrived. 

Checkpoint line through the mountains

What else can I say of what I've witnessed, heard and experienced over the past four days? Here are just a few things: 

 

- Ukrainians are fighting! We know and read how the army is fighting and many volunteers in recent days have joined them to fight with weapons. We are thankful for their resolve, skill, and courage. We pray for their safety, strength, and victory. Average citizens, young and old, are also joining in the fight in whatever ways they can. Men are building checkpoints at strategic locations to protect their cities, villages, homes and families. They are standing guard, ready to defend by whatever means they have available. 

Men from Fimiam participated in building several checkpoints

- Ukrainians are helping one another! I can only begin to tell you how many ways this is happening. From gathering supplies (food, clothing, bedding, etc) for refugees flocking to the western cities and heading to the borders, to providing housing in churches for anyone seeking shelter when the air raid sirens go off (which is happening more and more frequently in Lutsk), to participating in the building of homemade checkpoints, to giving money to meet a variety of needs, to driving a bus full of women and children to the Polish border (men ages 18-60 are not allowed to leave Ukraine but are sending their families), to cooking meals for those seeking shelter in Agape...the list goes on and on and every person seems to be finding a way to help another. 

 

- Ukrainian churches are active! They are meeting the needs of people in their immediate community. Fimiam and other Lutsk churches are open for local citizens to seek temporary shelter or for refugees to find a place to reside. Once there, people also find food and encouragement from church members ready and willing to serve them. Churches are also out in the community seeking ways to help refugees and meet the needs of the citizens. And each evening Fimiam holds a time of general prayer for anyone able to attend. 

The "partially" underground Fimiam Church gymnasium, prepared to welcome shelter seekers. 

Sand bags to block the windows

These are difficult days and there is no guarantee of the final outcome of this war. So we plead with God for a Ukrainian victory, for the protection of citizens and soldiers, for our government leaders to have wisdom, for world leaders to maximize their assistance to Ukraine, and for peace to return to this country. Please continue with us in these prayers. We know God is in ultimate control, not any man. 

Thank you to the many people who have contacted me through various means in recent days and weeks. I have not yet been able to respond to each one personally, particularly over the past few days. But do know that I am blessed and encouraged by each message, inquiry, and especially declaration of prayer! The outpouring of love and prayer has been truly amazing and encouraging! Thank you!!!

Some people have inquired as to how they can assist financially in meeting needs in Ukraine. The needs of Agape, our ministry and people with disabilities will be fluid. Agape is closed indefinitely (meaning no source of income for Agape and ultimately its employees depending on the length of closure) and many of our people with disabilities are going to attempt to travel to Europe to be housed by some of our partners there. Needs have and will arise and they will vary as the days pass. If the Lord leads you to participate in meeting these needs, the best means to is through the US non-profit organization Agape Ukraine, Inc. Donations can be made on the website: agapeukraine.com. Select the English various of the website and you will see a "Donate" tab. Thank you in advance to any who participate in this way. 

Please feel free to share this blog via personal means of communication with anyone who may be interested. I only ask that you not publish any of this information or the link to this blog on your personal social media accounts. Thank you. 

Again, thank you to all who love and support Ukraine. We are in God's hands and pray for His mercy and a rapid end to this war. 

Pray for Ukraine

As I'm sure most of you know, Ukraine is experiencing a time of tension and uncertainty with the threat of a potential Russian invasion. I will not get into all aspects of what is occurring or may occur. I will simply ask that you join us in prayer: 

- For God's protection over Ukraine from invasion or any other attempts by Russia to disrupt the lives and safety of Ukrainians. 

- For God to turn the heart of Putin away from any evil he is potentially planning against Ukraine.

- For wisdom for the leaders of Ukraine and other countries of the West as they attempt to achieve a diplomatic resolution with Russia.

- For peace to reign in the hearts of believers in Ukraine. That we would trust in the Lord and testify of our confidence in His goodness as we converse with unbelieving family and friends.

On a personal note, I am in Ukraine. Since I live in the western aspect of Ukraine, I am far from the current area of potential invasion. I am closely monitoring the situation and receiving updates from the US Embassy Kyiv as well as counsel from people both in Ukraine and the US. I am continually praying and seeking God's guidance whether to stay or go. I ask for your prayers to discern the will of God for my life at this time. 

Our lives here in Lutsk are currently operating as normal. The Agape Rehabilitation Complex is open and fully functioning, our stores are fully stocked, and our churches continue to meet. COVID cases throughout Ukraine are on the rise, however, so that is an area in which we also covet prayer. 

Thank you to all who have reached out to check on me. I am thankful for your concern and prayers, not only for me, but for all of Ukraine. 

May God be merciful toward Ukraine at this time! 

Agape Celebrates 5 Years!

On June 25, a party was held to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Agape Rehabilitation Complex! Current patients and residents of Agape, employees, and other guests were in attendance. Polos shirts with the Agape logo were given to all employees for the occasion. The evening included a delicious dinner, a concert by some of our own employees, recollection and gratitude for how Agape came into existence and has been upheld by God's hand these past 5 years, and an admonition to continue in the work from our senior pastor at Fimiam Church. It was a wonderful evening together!

I love working daily alongside this rehab team that has become like family!

The pictures below are particular favorites of mine. Sasha Tkachuk (left) is senior pastor of Fimiam Church and my home church leader. Sergiy Bolchuk (right) is another Fimiam pastor and the visionary leader of our ministry. These two godly men deeply love the Lord and others and it is a joy to be shepherded and led by them. Their passion to sacrificially serve the Lord with their lives is a tremendous example to all who have the privilege to witness it. Their earnest, sincere prayers of gratitude, praise, and petition are an encouragement to me any time I get to hear them. Please pray for God to continue to grant them both wisdom in the roles into which He has called them. 

The following link is for a video made for this 5th anniversary. Unfortunately it is not yet in English, but you can still watch it to see Agape in action. Many employees and a few residents are stating "For me Agape is..." 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ED4Ti9z3nA

So what else is going on at Agape? 

Well, paperwork is being completed so that construction of the Agape House can begin. This building will provide temporary or permanent residency for 18-25 people with disabilities. Our current building will then house only people who come for rehabilitation. The need for this new building is increasing as our therapy staff grows and is able take on more rehabilitation patients while the needs of people with disabilities to have a place to live or visit also continue. There is much to pray about in regard to the Agape House:

    - That the paperwork will be approved soon so that construction can begin this year.

    - The finances needed to complete this construction.

    - Wisdom for the big and small decisions that will be made throughout the construction process.

The prospect of the Agape House brings much joy to many people with disabilities. The majority of people with disabilities do not live in a place that is fully wheelchair accessible and allows access to the outdoors. When many of our friends with spinal cord injuries are at home, for example, they must stay in bed as moving about in their apartments or homes is not possible. Also, many people with disabilities have caregivers who are ageing and are increasingly unable to care for them. So the Agape House will provide them with a place to reside, temporarily for most and permanently for some. But Agape cannot offer this for free and people with disabilities draw a very small amount of money from the government, many less than $100 per month. This is an inadequate sum to purchase necessary hygiene supples and medications, as well as cover room/board at Agape. If anyone feels led by the Lord to assist someone with residential costs at Agape, please let me know and I can help you become acquainted with a person in need and also how you can donate the funds. This is a current need and will be an ongoing one when the Agape House opens in the future. 

Rehabilitation continues to be in full swing this summer. This is one of our recent patients who was much loved by all and brought a smile to our faces every day. 

Thank you to all who think about and pray for us. God has given us many blessings in the past five years and we look forward to what God has in store in the future for the Agape Rehabilitation Complex!

Spring News

Spring in Ukraine this year was long and cool, but also beautiful as ever...

It's kind of hard to tell, but this is a cemetery, 1 of 2 in our village

Several of the pictures were taken on my early morning runs and give you a taste of the beautiful countryside around us! 

So what have we been up to this spring? 

In April, the fourth class of the PT Training Center completed their final session. Not everyone was able to be physically present in Agape due to coronavirus, but this group of students has learned to be flexible and participate in distance learning, so we were able to complete the session anyway. Some of the students have joined or will be joining our Agape rehab team and the remainder will continue working together at a rehab center located at a church in Rivne, a city about an hour from Lutsk. We are thankful for all that this group of students learned and look forward to witnessing and hearing how God uses them in the future. 

The first session for the fifth class will be scheduled when we have a minimum of 8 students who meet our requirements. The application process has been slow, so we will be patient and wait for God to lead those who should participate in this program to us. 

Other events of the spring have included the annual tulip festival...

Walks in our central park with friends: This spring they deep cleaned the park and had a contest to make structures out of the brush, branches, undergrowth, etc. Some of the results were pretty good...

Cookouts with friends or just on our own here at home...

Gardening: Our garden gets bigger every year and my favorite addition this year is the 4 blueberry bushes. It was a very specific and somewhat time-consuming planting process, but they look good so far. We also expanded our strawberries, raspberries, corn and okra this year. While our garden doesn't compare to most in Ukraine, we definitely enjoy reaping the fruit and veggies it produces throughout the summer.  

Summer has now officially begun and I love the long daylight hours and warmth that beckons us outdoors. The work at Agape continues and we will soon be celebrating the 5th anniversary of the complex...more on that in a future (soon I hope) post. Camps have also begun. This year our ministry will host 3 camps, one each for children, young adults, and adults with disabilities. This will be the first year that Sveta and I are not participating in any of the camps, but will instead continuing working at Agape and hopefully make a day trip on a weekend to visit during the adult camp. 

The start of the construction of the Agape House for permanent residency for people with disabilities had to be delayed when it was discovered that the paperwork requirements necessary to break ground had changed since the Agape Rehabilitation Complex was built. The process is now much lengthier and beginning construction before it is completed would incur a huge fine, so for now construction is on hold with the hopes that it can begin by the end of summer. Please continue to pray with us for this construction, the finances necessary to complete it and that the work could begin soon. There are many who are eagerly looking forward to the opening of this home for them. 

I hope your summer is also off to a great start! And I hope you hear from me again sooner than later! 

                          

Winter News

The melting snow, sunny days, and temps moving above freezing have us believing that winter may soon be on its way out! So I should catch you up on some of our activities since the New Year. In January, we completed the 3rd session for the current group of students of the PT Training Center. 

We were privileged to have Annie, an occupational therapist that lives in Uzhgorod, join us for the second week of teaching. We were grateful that she was willing and able to participate and that this group of students could learn about occupational therapy from an actual OT. Following the session, Nikita (the tallest guy in the pic) joined our rehab team. He is currently training for several months with Pasha before he begins working independently as a PT. We are thankful that our team is growing and, therefore, the number of patients that can receive rehab at any given time is also increasing. The plan is for this group of students to return for their final session in mid-April. 

On a fun, personal note, a few of us were able to get away to the mountains to ski for a few days at the end of January. We had a great time and enjoyed the beauty of the snowy mountains!

We returned to a snow-covered Lutsk and the month of February has held many very cold, snowy days. We got more snow over a few days than I think I've ever seen except in the mountains. It will definitely take a while to melt the large piles of snow everywhere. We enjoyed walks by the river and evenings by the fire during this time!

 Taken from the balcony of our office at Agape

                                       The Agape dog has found his new favorite lookout point

                                  We definitely got a workout clearing the driveway for our car!

Lutsk city center

With the growth of the rehab team, the current building at Agape is rapidly becoming too small to accommodate both rehab patients and temporary residents. So plans are actively moving forward to begin construction of a separate residential building on the property that will house 8-10 people with disabilities. This will allow the main building to be devoted to the housing of rehab patients, which will allow us to invite more people for rehab as we have the therapists to provide them with services. Please join us in praying for the planning, construction process, and necessary finances to begin and complete this next phase at Agape. 

That's the quick update from here. We are thankful for the Lord's provision, protection, and grace in our lives these first months of 2021 and look forward to what lies ahead for Agape and the work here in the months ahead.