A Few Words from Ukraine
I appreciate your prayers these days more than you can imagine.
Last week saw the conclusion of 10 days of back-to-back ministry with my friend Josh Barclay. We also enjoyed a wonderful surprise visit from Pastor Sydney Ropp, who shared 3 days with us on his way to another ministry assignment in Europe.
Our trip was to Odessa where we spent most of our time with Pastor Vitaliy, and his wife Natasha. You may remember that Church of Praise in Odessa has been a part of Armada for a very long time, and Vitaliy is an incredible pastor to the entire region.
We began with a pastor’s retreat where many gathered for two days and nights of rest and refreshing in the presence of the Lord. Josh and I were so blessed to meet many new men and women of God who are doing so much with so little. There is something special in the atmosphere of every meeting when everyone needs a miracle. God has a way of getting through to us when there is nothing in the natural standing in the way!
Vitaliy took us on a one day outreach East to Mykolaiv, and then even further East toward the frontline to a small village called Centralny. This village had been captured and under Russian occupation for more than 9 months! We were so honored to preach in the third service of a new Church that just started in the village, and it’s simply impossible to describe the emotional impact that had on me.
I met one man who is 92 years old — which means he was 12 at the end of World War 2 — and he spoke of how the Germans had invaded when he was a boy, and in the past few years he watched the Russians do the same. Such a peace and calm faith on his face. Even joy! What God is doing in these people is amazing.
Vitaliy shared how Armada’s finances, renting their warehouse, and providing supplies had impacted this village, and others like it, in life changing ways. To be able to see first hand what has gone on before and what is there now -- well, I don’t know how to describe it other than amazing and wonderful. So here is a big thank you from them, from Vitaliy and from all those who have been touched by your partnership in Armada!
We also had nights when the windows rattled from the explosions of drones and incoming missiles. You never get used to it. The sound of the air raid sirens, and the waiting are not easy to endure. One night two people were killed and more than 30 injured. We went together and observed much of the damage, and while we were standing outside the shell of what use to be an apartment building Josh and I felt led to minister to a woman. The entire floor where she had lived was gone, but the Lord had miraculously saved her! It was an incredible testimony.
I also have to comment on Vitaliy’s heart. He was so eager to share us with other churches and pastors in Odessa, and as a result we ministered to their church families and leadership. That also led us to an amazing veterans rehabilitation program they have established, and time with the pastor of a drug rehabilitation outreach as well. You know what is around the corner when churches and ministries get into solid unity! Look out, revival is coming to Ukraine!
Through Josh’s encouragement and example, he got me to setup an instagram account where you can see alot of our photos from our ministry time. I’m sure it will bless you, so please give me a follow at ArmadaDirector.