We found that the best way to meet new people is to bond over what makes our lives meaningful
(By Dennis Melnichuk)
Ukraine prospers in creativity.
I am sure there are several historical reasons for this. One, for example, could be the deep connection to land and nature in the hearts of the people. This long-standing cultural feature still appears among young people today, whose strong appreciation for creation is reflected in creative expressions like art and music.
Another reason for this could be the tough upbringings many had (especially during the early fallout of the USSR in the 1990s), where, to make it, you needed to find a way. If you couldn't find one, you'd have to make one. Just one example: for quite some time, if you wanted an iPhone, the dream had the ring of skipping meals until the piggy bank was full enough. Even though this is not the case as much as it was a couple of decades ago, the difficult past has definitely shaped today's character of finding creative solutions to stalwart problems.
Even with these realities at play, the trait of creativity is found in a source beyond all this. There is something much deeper in the soul of the people here. A deep longing for beauty keeps Ukrainians from accepting any old illusory facade. If you don't believe me, just come with us on a trip to Ukraine and discover for yourself how far imagination can stretch across business, restaurants, and fashion. You would be amazed.
Although the West is confronting the philosophical demons lurking on its own turf, Eastern Europe is no haven from the battle for a generation's mind. Especially now. The difference is in the ideas at the forefront.
In a predominantly Eastern Orthodox and Greek Catholic culture, a consciousness of God remains unignorable in most of visible society. Despite this, many either suffer disillusionment from persistent corruption or become severely entangled in the mix of folk religions found in villages; even more so, the dagger of hypocrisy in life experiences has cut deep, and any healing has left only scars. All of this barely touches on the complications the war has brought. In dialogue, the question is often thrown around: How could a good God have allowed such an evil war to begin?
Our coffee shop was built to exactly reach this group of people, those seeking and hoping to find meaning in life. While the wheels of the war machine grind onward, young people are stumbling, trying to find who they are and who can mentor them in that discovery. Even with all the weight of this burden, many continue to seek spirituality and still turn to the arts for self-expression and a window into finding something more.
Well, that is exactly what has brought us here. This is what (actually, who) we want to introduce them to.
We are modeling life within a supportive community that lives for an aim much bigger than oneself. We are bound together in this common vision. Herein is the element of love, which is so often described but cannot be truly seen unless people make it manifest. Those who can reveal love can do so simply because they have found a "home" in their Creator. There is so much to go around once we have been found by Him.
Last year, after running these events, a few people decided they wanted to read the Bible together. They began to meet on Thursdays and talk about what they were reading. There was no formal teaching; just a few simple questions about the text and stories to get the conversation going.
Fast forward, we are now gathering discipleship groups and explaining the faith and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus! Faith is growing, disciples are forming, and the church is being activated. This is the dawning of something beautiful.
Everything I described above tells of God's grace pouring out. We believe your prayers on our behalf really make a difference. We do not know how we could do all of this without the love and support of the body of Christ. For example, when we look back at the last fundraiser we did earlier this year, we are still in awe at how quickly the need was met to keep our coffee house funded so the doors stay open through 2027! To each person who generously participated and continues to do so: Thank you so much.
Even though we spend so much time in Ukraine, we constantly feel the support of those back home. We are seeking the reward of Jesus Christ's suffering and the power of his resurrection in the nations, together with you.
Keep your sights out!
A lot has been taking place, and we have much to share! Keep your eyes open for more updates in the next few weeks. The last few months have been quiet on our end for good reasons. We look forward to sharing what has been happening with you soon.
