What is it that has captured my heart? It's hard to find the words. Part of it may be the great natural and cultural beauty of Ukraine, such a fascinating place. The history of Ukraine, a story that mingles tragedy and triumph, the brutality of tyrants and the liberation of the oppressed, moves and inspires me. I can't help but admire the courage of a people willing to stand up and if need be, to stand alone against aggression and invasion. Bold and brave, the Ukrainian people refuse to be helpless victims. I admire and honor their indomitable spirit.

Dr. Slavic Pizh, the seminary president, walked us around a crumbling, abandoned building with a vacant lot and described it as the beautiful new home for the growing seminary. There is a ton of work to do and more money to raise, but he says that it will open for class next fall. And I believe him.

A young pastor, Vasil, led us down a muddy road beside his small church to show us the construction of two large houses his church is building to provide a home for twenty-four orphans from their area. They believe that living out the Gospel means to address human need with more than just words. Vasil has little help and some health issues, but he is undeterred. He says the homes will open in the spring and I have no reason to doubt his optimism.
It was my privilege to speak during the new student orientation. Over two hundred students crowded into Central Baptist Church in L'viv, since there is no room large enough for them at the seminary. As I looked in so many bright, young, eager faces, I was humbled and moved. I talked about dreaming God's dreams, sharing God's dreams, living God's dreams, but I could tell that the Holy Spirit was way ahead of me, already raising them up and calling them out with visions and dreams for Kingdom work.
See what I mean? Something is happening here, a great thing, a God thing, and I have decided that whatever I can do or give or provide to make God's dream for Ukraine and eastern Europe come true, I'm in, I'm committed. My heart has been captured.
1 comment:
Lovely reflection, Drew! Your post inspires the rest of us.
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