Zapporoshia

If you look at a map of Ukraine, you will find Zapporoshia in Eastern Ukraine, along the bank of the Dnieper River. Because of its location, Zapporoshia is greatly influenced by Russia. This means the cultural mindset, the spoken language, and the religious views of the people are very Russian. The Communist roots have developed a strong atheistic position among the people. In the midst of this dark and dreary world you will find a young church that has become a beacon of light to many, seeking something different from the sorrow in which they live. During our first week in Zapporoshia we spent time constructing Western Decorations, publicizing for Vacation Bible School, and playing with the children who hung out at the church. Kids met us at the door. They came in groups. They wanted something to do. They needed somewhere to be. Sometimes we played with them outside, other times they helped us construct buildings of cardboard and construction paper. It didn’t matter what we were doing the kids were there. For these kids they were at more than a church, they were coming home. In the eyes of the children, Andrei the pastor, his wife Marina, and Nina the President of the Non-profit organization the Nazarene church uses to distribute humanitarian aid are family.

Working with this small, very young church, was an inspirational experience. Nina, was one of the most giving ladies I have ever met. When we arrived in Zapporoshia, a very pregnant woman and her husband had taken up residence in the apartment in which we were to stay, so that they would be close to the hospital for delivery. Immediately and without hesitation, Nina opened up her air conditioned house and everything in it to four strangers. Although she also lived there, we saw very little of her. She left early in the morning and did not return till late at night. She was busy running a ministry. But not too busy to welcome the 10 teenage girls who visited her office every day for a hug. Before the church started Nina had started working with and mentoring the young girls. One evening while we were there, she brought one of the girls home with her to stay the night, giving the young girl shelter from the nightmare going on in her own home. Joining Nina, Andrei and Marina have also opened their hearts to the children by opening the church doors to them and offering them love by building relationships with them and even reaching out to their families. Because of Nina’s love for the kids and Andrei and Marina’s open arms almost half of the congregation is made up of children. God could be seen in the hearts of church leaders. Vacation Bible School was an opportunity to reach out to the families of these children and to further touch their community.

For two weeks we were blessed to be a part of this family of believers for two weeks. One of the most interesting activities I participated was advertising. As would be customary in the states we went door to door, leaving fliers and giving them to people we met on the street. One of the things I have never seen in the U.S. is the posting of fliers on buildings and telephone poles using GLUE! Yes, that it right. We took school glue, squirted it right on the back of the flier and stuck it right to the cement telephone poles and the metal doors of apartment buildings. Although it may seem odd to us, this is a common practice here.

The second week our family grew, as we were joined by two Ukrainian teams, one from Kiev and one from Vinnitsa. Men, women, and teenagers gave up their week to reach out to children they had never known. They came to Zapporoshia as part of the church body. Together People from all three areas of Ukraine put together a program to offer kids, fun, food, and God’s love. They allowed us, Americans, despite our lack of communication skills, to work with them.

Vacation Bible School is one of my favorite summer activities, whether I am in the U.S. or in Ukraine. When I was only four years old, I prayed to receive Christ as my savior after hearing about him at Vacation Bible School. Growing up in the church, VBS was a time I looked forward to every year. It was a fun time with all my friends. I heard Bible stories containing God’s promises for my life. When I was too old to be a student at Vacation Bible School I became a worker. I have helped, behind the scenes and on the platform. I have been a part of VBS in several countries, Native American Reservations, city parks, and churches I have never attended. No matter where I go, what language is being used, or what part I play it never ceases to amaze me when I see the body of Christ come together to tell the story of his love and see lives of both children and adults transformed. Anyone who has helped with a week of VBS, will tell you it is exhausting. But I am living proof that it is worth it. I am ever thankful for the people who took the time to present the gospel to me in a way I can understand. I am also grateful for those who continue to poor themselves into the lives of children everywhere. You never know what seeds you are planting. By offering yourself you are offering God, perhaps even to a child who has never experienced him and to a family who has never known him.

This thought was magnified on the Friday night of our VBS during the closing concert. Three little boys wore their best dress suites for the concert. Grandparents and parents came to see their loved ones perform. For some kids the church body, including Nina, became the parents who came to celebrate their accomplishment- learning Bible verses and songs. Many who had not come to the church before came for the occasion. There were not enough chairs for me to sit during much of the program. As I stood smashed in a corner I couldn’t see the slide show of pictures from the week. What I could see were the faces of kids and adults. The crowd cheered as pictures appeared. Parents smiled at the sight of their children’s faces. My heart overflowed. People were experiencing the love of God because someone had invested in those they loved. Children’s lives were changed because someone gave up a week of time. It is amazing what God can do if we give him what little we have. At the end of the week, I find myself humbled. It was not the decorations, the games, the food, the crafts, or even the singing that the kids will remember but the love they received.

With these thoughts in mind, I find myself wishing to go back to my children in Vapnyarka. However, God has another plan for my summer. I will be travelling to a small village, more rural than Vapnyarka, named Goradkeefka. I will once again be traveling with Vica, Nadine and Jessica(The two NNU students), and Ree another college student who joined us for the second week in Zapporoshia. We will be orchestrating a three day children’s program. We are currently uncertain exactly what the details are.

Please pray for us as we travel. Pray for the village of Goradkeefka and the church being planted there. Pray for the children we will be working with. Please continue to pray for the church in Zapporoshia. God is doing amazing things there. Pray for the community. Pray that they will continue to be touched by God’s love through the church. Pray for the children from the Children’s Center in Vapnyarka. Pray that they will have a restful summer and that God will continue to heal and change them. Pray for the program that I am developing over the summer. Hopefully it will go into effect in the fall. Pray for wisdom and guidance as I go wherever it may be that God takes me next. Pray for the team I am working with. Please pray that we will be an example of God’s love to each other and others around us. Pray for Natalia as she continues to plant a church in Odessa. May God’s hand be on her and on her family. I am continually thankful for the church around the world. By joining me in prayer you have blessed me greatly. May God Be With You. Tiffany