Planned Trip to Kyiv is a GO

Ukrainians in Kyiv live with the threat of war and destruction every day because they do not have a choice. We dearly miss seeing them in person. How better to remedy that than to go to Kyiv and meet face-to-face with everyone there? Even though the war continues, several of us felt we must go to be a witness of hope and encouragement. Our hearts and minds would not be silent. The US Consulate is open in Kyiv and our staff are telling us it is safe enough to come. If either of those positives change, we will abort and regroup.      

The decision has not been made lightly. Four of Music Mission Kiev board members are joining me for a quick trip to Kyiv to see and celebrate the wonderful people in Ukraine. The past four months have included much time praying, meditating, and planning. Lots of planning. We have talked with our families and friends to ensure they know we trust in God’s goodness and protection. The MMK board sends us with their blessing.  

Romans 12:15 reminds us, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” We know we will be experiencing some interrupted nights of sleep, just as our friends experience almost nightly. There will be some tears and laughter shared to last for eternity.

The five of us have felt strongly compelled to go and be with our staff and the widows, pensioners, children, and Internally Displaced People our mission has the privilege to serve. Therefore, we go knowing we are answering a calling to put our faith into action and go rejoicing in the challenges we will face.

I will post updates and pictures to our Facebook page while we are there. You can see them at www.facebook.com/MusicMissionKiev/.  

We leave on Monday, June 12, from our homes in the States and travel to Warsaw, Poland, to catch a 19-hour and 13-minute overnight train ride to Kyiv. We will have the pleasure of being with everyone through Sunday evening, June 18, when we will take the train overnight back to Warsaw.

I share this simple update to let you know we covet your thoughts and prayers for safety and that we can accomplish more than we can plan or imagine. Please be in prayer for Doug and Lydia Cottrell and Frank and Barbara Corwin, who are traveling with me. Pray for our families who wait for our return. Glory to God and Victory for Ukraine!

Grace and Peace,
Greg