Hearing about the war-torn country of Ukraine on CNN - it was an unfamiliar place halfway across the world unknown to me until Russia brought it to news headlines – and honestly,  I had to look it up on a world map to get a perspective.  Going to Ukraine (which was never in my plans - but God had other plans) and spending time with the people, it's now a familiar place grafted into my heart, because the people reside in my heart.  

ENGLISH CLASSES DRAW MASSES: 

Unique to this trip were the English Lessons and spending all the days with the same people, seeing them change day after day to the outreach of love and care shown through the power of Christ in us. So many people showed up on 'day one' to see these Americans that came to spend time with them - even in war, and they continued to come faithfully each day to learn English, to sing American Worship Songs, to discuss the Bible (using our IamSecond Discipleship Model), and to just be with us.  

Initially skeptical of our smiles and outward enthusiasm (what's wrong with these crazy Americans), in the end skepticism turned to laughter and reserved demeanors turned to smiles and hugs - they did not want us to leave and their tears mirrored their hearts. 

THE FAITH OF YOUR FRIENDS:

Meet Jana, confined to a wheel chair.   Our first day was spent assessing the English level of those who came to learn. During this time Mark (our country leader) and I were told that a lady wanted to meet with us, but she could not get upstairs.  We went outside and met Jana, waiting in her wheel chair in the dirt parking lot.  We thanked her for coming and her guarded uncertainty evident on her face changed as she lit up at our enthusiasm and encouragement.  She was eager to learn and we encouraged her!  Jana and I bonded immediately.

Each day four or more of our men lifted Jana and another lady and carried them up and down narrow stairs leading to the second floor of the building where our events and classes were held.  Each day it reminded me of the story in Mark 2, (also told in Matt 9, & Luke 5) of the men that carried the crippled man to Jesus.  

May the faith of these men who carried Jana and her friend each day to 'hear' about Jesus be a catalyst to bring both of them to the foot of the Cross, to forgiveness and to salvation!  AMEN!

• Mark 2:3-5 (NIV)  3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, "Son,your sins are forgiven." 
• Matt 9:2 (NIV) 2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."
• Luke 5:19-20 (NIV)  19 When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.  20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."