We have wrapped up another full day…lots of emotions, lots of terrific conversations, lots to still process.
We opened with Amelia sharing her testimony…it was appreciated by those who heard her honesty in the tension of trusting God in times of great uncertainty. Jenni again led the Bible Study on Psalm 106. Great engagement from people who shared from their hearts on this message of remembering. And Jacob and Olivia Baldwin used Chinese finger-traps as visuals for their workshop on “God’s Gentleness.” It was a message well-received by a group who has been working exhaustively in ministry…and basic survival…for at least 3 1/2 years now.
Today was a day of very mixed visuals and emotions. On one hand, we had children being children…running, and laughing and playing. Whether or not it was a wise idea to play balloon games outside on a breezy day, it was a joy to be with the kids.
Later we all travellled about 45 minutes away to tour a palace and visit the grounds of an amazing place restored to its baroque glory after Communism had left it in disrepair. Images of stunning beauty and elegance were juxtaposed with the continued pictures coming from Kyiv which sustained its worst attack of the year two nights ago, with 28 now confirmed dead.
This evening, it was an emotional time as we heard from Academic Dean,
Vitalii Mariash, who could not join us as he has been on the war front serving as a chaplain since the war began. His wife and 12-year old son were with us, and listened to his message. It was so painful to hear, yet an encouragement that God is working in horrific circumstances. Yet the questions of, “where is God?” remain. The acting Academic Dean, Andrii Zalischuk, travels a week a month to volunteer as a chaplain. His was another emotionally-wrenching reminder of the challenges the church faces in the midst of horrible evil. We will share these stories in more detail when we report back. These believers are modern-day heroes of the faith.
Much more to write, but we all travel to Warsaw tomorrow for a day trip.
Please pray for continued open hearts and good conversations…particularly, wise listening for our team, as the KTS team continues to process and enjoys the rest even while anxious about the city to which they will return. Please pray for safe travel for us all tomorrow as we take the bus to and from Warsaw.
–Jerry, for the Faith Church Team
