Flip The Script
On July 13, Ukraine’s headline news counted the 505th day of the war in Ukraine. At 2 AM, Kyiv was under drone attacks yet again. The reports said there were 20 drones and two missiles downed by their air defense. They also reported damage from broken pieces in five regions of Kyiv, with at least one killed and multiple injuries. The updates included many graphic pictures.
So, let me flip the script. Instead of all the horror, I want to share a special report from June 15 in the MMK Kyiv offices. It is hard to comprehend that it was already a month ago, but we celebrated the 30-year anniversary of Music Mission Kiev. It started with a holy calling on the lives and futures of Roger and Diane McMurrin in 1993. Thirty years later, twenty-two people shared a grand feast around a table.
After a morning of visiting our medical ministry with Dr. Vadym, where many widows came to thank us for the eye surgeries we provided, we then attended the “Digging Deeper” Bible study, led by Iryna D. We finished our visit at the Widow’s Bible Study in the main sanctuary. Afterward, we visited with many widows and pensioners as they collected their food vouchers and then stopped to talk with us. (If you are a widow sponsor, I’m confident they asked us to pass on their greetings and thanks to you.)
All of our staff, currently living and working in Kyiv, were joined by myself and the four board members to honor all God began in 1993 and continues today. It was a feast to remember, prepared by our dietician specialist and chef, Svetlana, and her helper, Sasha H.
This is where I am supposed to tell you we ate Chicken Kiev, but I am not sure that is what we ate. I do remember it was delicious, with salad, vegetables, fruits, soup, and an incredible pastry cake as our palate cleanser. It makes my mouth water, remembering the meal!
On behalf of our Board of Directors and American partners, I thanked them for their sacrifice and service in our mission to help make better lives for others. We emphasized their incredible sacrifice and courage to continue to do so during the past 480 days of war. We then presented them with an MMK embroidered polo. Many of them put the shirt on over what they wore, which led to much laughter.
Our final gift was to everyone who had been with the mission, in recognition of over 5 years of service. A beautiful acrylic glass plaque commemorating the thirty-year celebration was given as a reminder of their faithfulness and hard work for many years. It is our US logo written in English and Ukrainian. (See picture)
There was great laughter, warm embraces, and smiles all around. There may have even been a few teary eyes by the American group who considered it a privilege to be connected to and serve with such extraordinary men and women. They demonstrate love, professionalism, and commitment even during hard times.
Sasha A. made a passing comment during lunch that gave us goosebumps. He said, “This is the first time our whole team has been in the same room since the war began (Feb. 2022).” Seriously? The first time in almost 500 days? Serhiy B. added, “Yes, we really are one team,” and it was good to be reminded of how many areas our mission has impacted. It made our American team grateful to be included in this moment.
This gathering was significant in profound ways. Were there air raid sirens during our lunch? None of us can remember because we were all celebrating all God has done and continues to do through our mission. That’s how you flip the script. We focused on what God is doing. Period. That’s hard to do in a war zone, but that is what we did that day. Even if it was only for a few hours, we took time to stop and celebrate.
Maybe this will be an excellent reminder that all of us need to take time to celebrate the love and goodness in our life. Thirty years! Wow! Thank you, Jesus, for your love and grace.
May we trust in Him to always be able to flip the script.
Grace and Peace,
Greg