KINDLING THE FLAME
The central square of the cold, snowy streets of Ternopil began filling with people excited for what was to come. An outdoor concert was soon to begin, bringing together ministries from around the region to do this one event. Some came from over a couple of hours away to take part in this moment! As the first song began, and for the next several hours, the struggle of the last few months melted into the background as God's presence came into our midst.
This has been an exceptionally challenging winter, with long, constant power outages across the country. Nevertheless, hearts were enlivened. The evangelistic flame between songs made it evident. Without missing a beat, the camaraderie of a singular Christian witness refreshed our souls as we silently realized how far-reaching our commonality is in Christ. Even in the face of war, one desire left was shared by all: that Jesus be lifted high.
(Photo 1: dance team (Photo 2: evangelism training and prayer before the main event
Our newly found dance ministry debuted with a group choreography, giving some a first-time glimpse of how God can be praised with song and dance! People walking by stopped to observe and enjoy the scene of young people gathered together and enjoying their time. It has been a long time since something like this has been organized in our city by Christians. At times, the shake-up everyone has experienced has made the years before the war seem distant. Yet, through events like these, we feel as if the Bride of Christ is emerging from the trenches, vitalized with a holy vision.
It's become clear that a new song is beating in the chest of Gen Z. So stark is the difference that it seems like I would not recognize the Ukraine I see today from the one I knew when I first visited in 2014. Since so many people left the country in 2022 at the onset of the war, the passion for collaboration among believers has steadily grown. In cities where refugees have dispersed and integrated, new friendships have sprouted, and expressions of ministry are growing quickly. With resources hard to come by, hands are wide open and ready to work together.
The current state of the multi-level crisis facing Ukraine is creating an unanticipated shift in societal and cultural norms. Whoever rises to the occasion now will evidently be steering the future of the country. If Ukraine has ever felt like the wild, wild West, it is now more than ever. Sure enough, the rangers and pioneers have an opening horizon.
It is moments like this that encourage us all by showing what initiative can do. The point in case here is that this event was coordinated by a visiting Peruvian missionary who needed to renew his visa and decided to enter Ukraine. While being here, he noticed these same opportunities for cooperation and began reaching out to different ministries. In a short time, the entire function came together through the willingness of various partners to host an evangelism event in unity. It goes to show just how one person's "Yes" can create waves beyond them, affecting an entire city. And the movement for the year is only getting started.
THE LOVINGKINDNESS OF GOD
Awakened Generation had the joy of coming alongside this project by putting together a worship team and helping set up the stage and food/coffee/tea stations provided by YWAM Ternopil. One of our friends from YWAM came by with a hot pot of Ukrainian Borscht to feed the team of volunteers. As soon as he set up the table, some of the elderly who were enjoying the city square began to come up and get portions. We quickly reacted by scooping into cups and giving away what we had as people waited in line. Volunteers were happy to give away their lunch and pray for those in line!
As the food was put out, the word spread suddenly, and the elderly came from all over the city center to get in line for a meal
The road ahead is long and winding. While the war continues, wounded veterans and broken families are increasing. The realities can be hard to bear at times. And yet, our eyes are on the ones in front of us, taking each day at a time. Even with doors of opportunity opening this year to run national conferences and discipleship schools, we realize that the change we want to see begins by cherishing the individual whom the Lord brings into our paths. Small acts of sincere love bring long-lasting breakthroughs. We strive to keep a vision large enough to see our neighbor's eyes peering back at us.
As we prepare for 2026, including organizing a nationwide alliance of evangelists in Ukraine (with Global Evangelistic Alliance, a.k.a GEA) and other wonderful things like it, we do not want to lose sight of what Jesus truly values in the heart of his Bride. For that reason, we continue to gather regularly to pray, seeking his face, and to count our successes less by attendance numbers and more by the quality of relationships gained in Christ.
As we set our hearts towards this ministry, please pray for us as we pray for you.
The Lord be with your spirit.
Maranatha! (Our Lord, come!)
