Greetings from Kyiv, Ukraine.

We arrived in Kyiv on the sunny (but cold) afternoon of March 10. We were greeted by the loving hospitality of the Farkovets family and the traditional welcome meal of borsch, grilled chicken, potatoes, and blini (think crepes). Best of all was the time spent catching up with our wonderful friends.

The next afternoon we spent several hours with dear friends Sergei and Lera Yeletsky. It was a joy to hear of their excitement to have carried on the Sunday Evening meetings in our absence, with me attending by Zoom to teach. There is something wonderful about seeing the spiritual growth that offering love and hospitality in the name of Jesus creates.

We hosted our Sunday small group in person and enjoyed being with our spiritual family for a time of fellowship, worship, and study.

The next day things began to change - winter returned with a couple of snow storms, the COVID numbers began rising, Kyiv entered a tight lockdown closing restaurants, stores, and businesses, and Lora and I got sick with some type of flu/allergy/COVID illness that is lingering still. We have been meeting only online due to our illness and confirmed COVID cases among some in our group.

Like most of the world Ukraine continues to struggle with COVID and the work to stop the spread and heal the people who have it – both number of new cases and daily deaths have hit records in the past week. It is easy to be tired and weary by the continual rush of bad news and problems that stream from the news sources.

And yet we know that the gospel is a news source of hope! While not denying the problems and difficulties of life, the message of Jesus is that life is found in God’s love and grace. As Easter approaches (next Sunday in the US , May 2 in Ukraine), may the events of Holy Week remind us that Jesus faced the difficulties of life, felt the weight of their oppression, yet entrusted himself to the will of the Father. As it looked like all hope was lost on silent Saturday, the angels were preparing to deliver the message of resurrection in this darkest weekend. The risen Christ changes everything. That is our hope, and the purpose of our work! As we move into spring, we anticipate warmer weather, relaxing of COVID restrictions, happy gatherings with our small groups, and lives touched with the peace and healing of Jesus Christ.

We are so thankful for your partnership with our work in Ukraine. Remember the church in Gorlovka in your prayers as the war continues unabated in its seventh year! May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and your family!

Kenny

Cross Culture Update March 2021