The group from KTS passed through the Ukrainian and Polish border after an unusually short 5-hour wait and arrived safely in Lublin! We began the week together with dinner, followed by a time of sharing, worship, and prayer. The sound of laughing and smiling adults, teenagers, and children have filled the large hotel, despite their travel-weariness. Praise God for many answered prayers!
Ruslan shared how meaningful the opportunity for a retreat is to KTS’s staff, and he and many many others from Ukraine repeatedly shared how grateful they were for it and Faith Church’s support of them, especially. Another KTS staff member, Roman, expressed that while it is easy to help quickly when a crisis begins, steadfast support over years of struggle and trial is rare and so appreciated.
Darrell discovered a museum about the hotel building’s former uses. Apparently it served as a Jewish institution before WW2 that, unusually, focused on the concept of resurrection and the afterlife. Further, he learned that in 2022, the hotel was host to Ukrainian refugees. It seems that God has ordained a sacred space for this retreat!
This evening, Pastor Jeff emphasized to our gathering that the KTS staff is not alone – that we are all part of one body in Christ and that as God sees and grieves the suffering each person has experienced, so do we. Alyssa also welcomed the group, sharing about her own time studying at KTS, and how that has enabled her to serve those suffering in war in Africa with Biblical counseling from KTS’s training. She made herself available for counseling conversations with KTS staff throughout the week. Rebecca, Olivia, Darrell, Amelia, and Jeff led the group in worship. Jerry shared our additional hopes and plans for the week, and Jenny introduced a daily Bible study opportunity to the group. The night ended with coffee, chocolates, and spontaneous praise and worship rising up to God, led by two of the KTS staff with guitar and vocals.
Prayer request: good sleep tonight for the travel-weary, continued connection and sharing, the kickoff of adult and kids programming tomorrow, and the leading of the Spirit in all things for each person.
