ukraine | a growing fellowship
Thu, Jul 17, 2008
When I arrived in Ukraine my initial perception was that I was arriving in a country that was coming into its own. No longer a Soviet satellite, Ukraine is fast emerging into a democratic, capitalist, western society. While this has many positive benefits for the Ukrainian people it also has some negative drawbacks. While your average Ukrainian earns far less than your average Canadian, what little money they do have is quickly spent on expensive designer clothing, cell phones, and high-tech gadgets. I am also amazed how irreligious the city of Dnepropetrovsk is. Unlike Canada where churches are found on every street corner, I was struck by the sheer absence of churches. While the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has a presence in the city, it is by no means an overwhelming presence. In this part of Ukraine, secularism is the dominant ideology.
My hopes for this summer ministry placement include developing deep friendships with the young people of Dnepropetrovsk Corps. In one year’s time, Captains Sergey and Tania Katchanov have grown the Army from nothing into a fellowship of about 35 people. They have almost nothing in the way of resources so I know that the reason behind their success is God’s anointing. I hope to help their ministry by strengthening the connections they have with the young people. Already, there has been much excitement generated by our visit and the youth are eager to show us around their home city.
I have seen God moving through the efforts of the Katchanovs and through the success we experienced in making positive friendships within mere days of our arrival. God is directing our conversations as we talk about faith and matters of the heart. I attribute this to the power of prayer as I know that many people back in Canada are praying for us on a daily basis. I am enjoying my ministry experience thus far as I open myself to the Spirit’s leading.
posted by Rob Jeffery
March 24th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Rob:
I wish you all the best! It has been a while since we were at Music Camp (Scotian Glen) together.
Keep practicing your cornet for the Lord!
God will bless your ministry if you remain faithful to Him!
Hope to see you at Commissioning!