Reflections on her time in Ukraine from Gabrielle...

This is a blog post from Gabrielle- I had asked her to write a little bit on her experience with us the first 10 days of our journey. Gabrielle did a great job listening to the Lord, loving on people, encouraging everyone she met and keeping the focus on Jesus! It was a great blessing to have her with us for the first part of this trip!   

This trip to Ukraine was very special and close to my heart. I’ve been in Ukraine most of my life and I’ve been back to visit multiple times in the last few years- but this was the first time being back since the war. The atmosphere and culture has shifted. The grief and uncertainty in the air is palpable, yet hope and camaraderie is felt even stronger. The people whom Jerry and I have had the privilege of meeting were brutally honest as they openly debated about the command of God to forgive our enemies. They acknowledged how easy it is for bitterness to creep in. But I was amazed to hear how many of them still had God’s softness of heart and could honestly say that they love the Russians. Most of the people we talked to said that since the war, they have never been closer to God. There is something about facing the possibility of death each day that brings such clarity and focus to the purpose and priorities of life. I witnessed such gratitude and trust in the Lord.  

Each step of the way I had to trust in the Lord’s direction and guidance. The day I entered Ukraine, massive shelling fell on all major cities in Ukraine. The Lord arranged the right people at the right places for me and led me to meet up with Jerry— which was not my original plan but I’m thankful of how God lined things up! I was able to meet, have fellowship with, encourage and pray with Jerry’s friends in Chernevsti, Ivano-Frankisk, and Lviv. We had such sweet fellowship.  

While I was in Ukraine, I kept asking God, “Why am I here?” I didn’t feel like there was a profound reason, but more of a simple one- to encourage people with the presence of Christ who dwells in me and in each one of us. I saw how important it is for friends to show up and be present during times of crisis. Jerry didn’t have an agenda but the Lord used his brotherly love and affection to cut straight to the matters of the heart. I thank the Lord for this opportunity for me to share in our walk of faith with Jerry and our Ukrainian brothers and sisters!  

-Gabrielle