Pastor Barry is wrapping up his trip to Zhytomyr, Ukraine, with our partners at Mission to Ukraine. Here is his second update from the trip.
Life Under Attack
I heard the first explosion as I was eating breakfast. The second happened while I was leading devotions in the Mission to Ukraine bomb shelter. The third happened two hours later.
Put simply, Zhytomyr is under attack. The Russians are targeting power stations with drones, hoping to cause suffering for Ukrainian civilians as the freezing winter bears down.
This is Ordinary Life
But here’s the thing… These days this is just ordinary life for the people of Zhytomyr. My host family didn’t even flinch when the first drone struck. When the air alert sounded and the third bomb exploded while I was at Mission to Ukraine, everyone simply moved their therapy and classes down into the bomb shelter and continued their work.
Unbelievable.
I can’t describe how humbled I am to see Christ-followers so faithful in their self-sacrificial work. Especially as I’ve deepened significantly my understanding of what life is really like here.
What I’ve Seen
Pastor Barry visiting with soldiers and survivors of the Russia and Ukraine war.
On this trip I’ve had the privilege of visiting with wounded soldiers recovering from fourth-degree burns, head trauma, and amputations in the hospital. I’ve sat with war widows, families of MIA soldiers, and refugees from eastern provinces trying to figure out how to pick up the pieces of their lives. And I’ve met parents raising children with disabilities as they wonder what the future will hold.
Through it all, I’ve seen the steadfast dedication to love and support offered by Mission to Ukraine.
As I shared in my previous update, MTU is a beautiful embodiment of God’s kingdom in action, a reality made even more stark and profound as they endure the relentless trials and indignity of war. In such a dark time, the light of Christ shines all the brighter through their compassionate love.
Even in the face of war, MTU continues to serve children and families with the light of Christ.
Coming Home
So, yes. To those of you who have asked, I’m safe and well cared for here at MTU. In fact, I’m nearing the end of my trip and will start making my multi-stage journey home through Poland on Sunday morning! But I am coming home with a deep burden in my heart for our brothers and sisters serving God here in a nation at war.
If you’re at church on Sunday, you’ll see a little video I prepared to give you a glimpse into what I’ve experienced in Ukraine. And then I’ll be back in the pulpit on October 25 to share more about what I’ve learned. My sermon will be the final message in our series from Daniel about being faithful when our world looks nothing like our home. Gee. I wonder if I’ll be able to come up with any sermon illustrations!
Oh, and if you’re interested in hearing a lot more about my trip, I’ll be having an event the evening of Thursday, October 29. There I’ll share a bunch of pictures and videos, give a lot more insight into what I’ve learned, and open the floor for any questions on your mind. I hope you can make it! Details to come…
Grateful
All that to say, I am incredibly grateful for this experience. It has been a life-changing trip for me, to say the least. And I come back with even more respect for our dauntless partner ministry, Mission to Ukraine. Our spiritual family here has inspired me in ways I’ll be unpacking for months to come.
I love you all and I’ll see you soon!
Barry Rod’
Hear more from Pastor Barry
- Sunday, October 18: A short video from Ukraine during service
- Sunday, October 25: Pastor Barry preaches the final message in our Daniel series
- Thursday, October 29 (evening): Ukraine trip event with photos, videos, and Q&A. Details to come.