Our trip to Ukraine

We visited many Churches of Christ across Ukraine. The director of the RescueUkraine foundation visited Christians in numerous cities from the far west to the far east of Ukraine (including very unsafe areas): Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kramatorsk/Slovyansk, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Vinnytsia, Lviv, and several other places and congregations.

Kyiv reminds us that the war in Ukraine comes at the highest possible cost — the lives of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers. Each flag at the massive memorial in the heart of Kyiv represents a life given in defense of freedom from tyranny. One of our teddy bears from the “Remember the Children” event at the Washington Memorial is still there, standing its post — reminding us what this war is doing to the most innocent and defenseless. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

The visit of Jeff Abrams to Kharkiv is always a significant event for the Churches of Christ in that city. It brings spiritual encouragement, reminds believers that they are prayed for by many churches around the world, and provides a personal example of faith. Coming to places people are leaving because of constant shelling, yet still preaching the Word of God, encouraging and strengthening others, and constantly pointing to God: “It’s not me — it’s the God I have.”

Beautiful Ukraine!

It is the beautiful things that help us survive the ugly things. What a powerful response to the ugliness of war — planting flowers.

After this, we visited Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, two cities located about 10 minutes apart. We were there during what was supposedly a temporary ceasefire (sadly only in words). One of the Christians, a young brother named Vanya, lives in Slovyansk, and there were three explosions within a few hundred meters of his home. While filming in that area, a drone flew overhead and exploded nearby (we hope it was intercepted in the air). Please pray for the Christians who remain in these cities.

This “unsettling” video, recorded moments ago in Slovyansk, Ukraine, contains unexpected and loud evidence that the war is still ongoing. There is no ceasefire here. We are safe and heading to a safer place, but sadly many people here have nowhere to go. Here is link to video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CeuYnQ8Pi/

The same calculated, malignant, and devastating wrongs described by Prosecutor Robert Jackson at the Nuremberg Trials are being repeated in cities across Ukraine. In just two cities visited — Slovyansk and Kramatorsk — “never again” is happening again. People are dying here.

On Sunday, we spent time in Kramatorsk, where around a hundred people gathered. We were able to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and also provide food assistance. “No ceasefire, no problem” — a powerful Sunday in beloved Kramatorsk, where faith remains strong. Your prayers are saving lives and souls, and God is glorified.

After that, we visited Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia, where we also met with several congregations. These cities continue to suffer from missile and drone attacks, and sadly civilians are still being killed.

In one of the churches in Zaporizhzhia, Jeff answered questions from believers. A Ukrainian Christian asked: “Do Americans pray for us?” The answer: “Those going to heaven do.” This took place during a Q&A session in Zaporizhzhia — home to deeply faithful and evangelistic congregations despite constant attacks. Many of their neighbors were killed recently, yet they continue to worship and ask for prayers.

After Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia, we visited a newly established church in Vinnytsia — a place filled with children, servants, preacher families, hospitality, and love, and a strong future. That same city woke up to sirens, as much of Ukraine was attacked throughout the day by drones, missiles, and airstrikes.

After that, we visited Lviv — a wonderful church where most members are displaced people from eastern Ukraine who cannot return home. They now live together as one family in Christ.

And if you wonder what Acts 2:46 looks like — this is it.

To our dear Ukrainian friends (more like family): thank you again for allowing us to be guests in your communities. We are continually inspired by your courage, your faithfulness to God, and your determination to serve others even in suffering. See you again, God willing.

We hope to reconnect at Camp Amerikraine in July. Prayer and planning are underway so that it will be a true family reunion. We are increasing capacity to about 400 participants — we already have 350 registered and 100 on the waiting list.

Stay safe. Better days are coming. ♥️