chris forgot....

MARY! after not being able to go on our first trip God has opened the doors for her and is giving her another chance :)

God works in crazy ways and I'm so glad he did! It was looking like it was going to be a very difficult task to get me to Ukraine with all the airline details. But God totally worked everything out! Mary and Jeanne will be flying to Ukraine with me in January :)

Our God is SO good!

When are you coming back?

As time has gone on, it's been so cool to see how those on our team have stepped up in different areas of ministry. Jeanine is going to Thailand next summer, and Josie...well she's going BACK to the Ukraine for four months to help out with Micah and Christy. So happy to see how the calling continues.

How about the rest of the team? Well, Che and Deanna got married. Abbi and Taylor still busy as ever with Youth. Michael went off to Bible College, and Aaron and I are down in Maricopa.

So...this blog will continue. Occasionally. With input. I'm hoping we'll get this started earlier for our planned trip in Winter 2011! So...stay tuned sportsfans!

"Settling Back In"

I love short-term missions. However, there is a sort of downside to it. The return home. Don't get me wrong, I love my family, I love my church, I love Arizona and wouldn't want to really live anywhere else...except for Colorado. ;-) What I mean is the return home to the routine...the comfortable...the daily grind.

When you are in the field, sharing the Gospel, serving at a church, living on an island with a hundred crazy Ukrainian, Australian, and New Zealand people, you feel more alive than usual. Why? Because your entire focus is at what is in front of you. Your whole being is in "servant mode" and you are absorbing cultural and societal differences.

When you get home, there is a brief period when you almost despise the things that are here. I call it reverse-culture shock. Believe it or not, it's a good thing.We need these reminders of just how non-important some of the routine is in our lives. We need to see the bigger picture of what God is doing in peoples lives around the world. That way, we can be changed here. And that's what I want to encourage you with today. God has you HERE, wherever that is.. For some of you reading this and following our blog adventures, that's in Arizona. For some, that's in your city or state where you are sitting reading this. Be of good cheer..God has a plan for you RIGHT HERE...RIGHT NOW. If you feel that God is moving you to do long-term missions, then start praying and get ready to go. In the meantime, get your sights upon Jesus, walk with Him in the place you are currently at and praise Him for His marvelous grace and mercy.

One last thing from me right now...I can't wait to go back. The relationships I've built with Pastor Wayne and Olya, Danny and Lise, Yura and Oksana, Alonya, Anna, Magdala, Petya, Nazar, Sasha (the many), Lyena, Katya, Dan, Priscilla, Jono, John, Ruth-Ann, Tanya, Natasha, Max, Vova, and all the others... what a privilege to know and fellowship with these awesome people. It's what heaven is going to be about...relationships with Christ-followers as we WORSHIP together, SERVE together, and even EAT together. (Borscht is of course the official soup of Heaven...every Ukrainain knows this)

Until we meet again...here, there, or in the air... Grace and Peace!

Ukraine-For the Win!

My brain is freaking out at how cool the Ukraine is. I've learned so much in only the first week. So many things have happened that have totally changed my perspective on life. This trip has taught me to look at all the differences and accept and embrace them rather than shy away from others who are definitely more outgoing and accepting than I am. I love this place, and if the Lord leads me, I am seriously praying and considering being a missionary. I feel God has been leading me to the mission field for quite some time, but until I get confirmation, I'm just gonna chillax in the states for a while.

I also want to thank Christy and Micah for putting up with four crazy girls in the house along with their own kids. Hope we haven't been imposing on you that much.

I miss my mommy alot. I didn't think being away from her for only two weeks would be so darn hard! I haven't been on facebook either so if she reads this, she'll know I wasn't hit by a car or eaten by rabid giraffes or anything (though with my luck, that would probably happen).

- Abbi Swenson

Well, well, well.. Ukraine has been quite the amazing experience so far. It's pretty phenomenal to see to radically different cultures blend together as one. The team is also just the perfect mixture of people and it is very apparent that God has brought us all here together for our common goal. 

The time that I have spent here will never be forgotten and the memories made will last a lifetime. My time I have been here has had some crazy experiences that include: crazy bus rides, pushing vans to get them running, Kiev subways, jumping (and being pushed) off of a bridge into a gorgeous lake, marvelous worship nights, apple fights and making "cherry blood."

Along with all the good times God has also been teaching me a lot. Between my quiet times and Micah's teachings I have seriously been brought to reality. The world is huge but Christians all have this unexplainable bond just through Jesus Christ.

What a cultural experience this has been. The people, the food, and the weather; all nothing that I'm used to but everything has been extravagant and even beyond that. I've tried some crazy dishes (including vegemite) and met some fun people (they know how to have a good time here in Ukraine) and the weather has been nothing short of perfection. God has really shown me a lot about myself and will continue to do so throughout this trip. 

much love from Ukraine,  ya'll!

Taylor Moore :)

Beginning of a mindset

So here I am,

Half-way around the world, it's past eleven thirty on Sunday morning and in Phoenix, the day is just starting.

I have had some of the best experiences of my life so far here in

Kagarlyk, Ukraine. This week has been filled with music, laughs (a little too many), great conversation, worship that has been out of this world, interesting foods (i've got some stories for you when i get back), and a making of a completely different mindset. Last night was probably one of my favorites, we went swimming with the youth group in a lake near the church, and there was just something about it that made it all come together. Jumping off a pretty shaky looking bridge into mucky water, and later introducing s'mores to the teens, and the lesson that Micah taught, really brought everything back into perspective.

It's so different here that it's mind-boggling to think that i am here and doing what God has called me to do. In actuality, we haven't abnormal amounts of work, or been tossed into the city to fend for ourselves. We've been painting, clearing trash and rocks, running around with the Claycamp kids, and having some pretty beastly apple fights with the pastor's sons.

But what is amazing, is how beautiful it is here. The people, the mannerisms, and the weather for that matter. I've seen more rain this week than i've seen in Phoenix this year so far. 

All in all, it's just crazy to still accept, how far not only i have come, but everyone on this team.

From crazy airport situations, tremendous language barriers, and a certain situation with a tato and his lost lady, we've made it this far.

Tomorrow we leave for the camp, the main part of the dish hasn't even arrived yet.

I pray that it help not only myself to grow and be encouraged, but most importantly, the kids that we will be coming alongside of.

So in a summary,

here is the not to say that i'm still alive, i made it here safe, God is working

and i love and miss you all.

always

jeannine...

Comfort Zone??? It's overrated!

Dobre dain (good day) everyone. It's already Sunday morning here in the Ukraine, WOW how time flies when you're having fun! Yesterday we started off at the market which is like the swapmeet back at home. There were so many things to look at including live baby chicks and ducks that you can purchase (hmmm...I wonder if they are for pets or food??). After we bargained for some really cool souvenirs and clothing, it was church clean up day. Half of the team pulled the weeds and cleaned up the yard (being a fair skinned li'l Irish in-door girl didn't stop me from joining in on the the fun...) while the other half painted the back entrance. It was a hot day but with all the team work we were able to get it done in less than 3 hours. What a difference it made!

Last night was youth group so Christy and I prepared a spaghetti dinner to share with the church peeps before we headed off to the lake down the street for what we thought would be worship and bible study around the camp fire. Well, the locals decided that it was time for some water fun and started jumping in off the bridge (who needs bathing suits...) and our kids quickly followed their lead. Back flips, dives, and belly flops led to a great time of fellowship. This was certainly a new adventure for me also because instead of just taking pics and watching everyone, I was persuaded to jump in even though I was wearing jeans. While soaking wet and somewhat cold we all worshiped by the campfire, made s'mores, and listened to Micah teach on what it means to be a new creation in Christ. It was a great reminder of how much we have been forgiven by the blood of our Precious Lord and Savior. God has great plans for all of His children and we need to be careful to not let sin divert us from His leading.

This mission trip has been a great time for me of reflecting on what God has is doing in my own life. I know that He has called me to full time missions and I am excited to see what doors He will open for me to serve in that capacity. In addition to Christy and Micah, there are other missionaries serving here from New Zealand, Australia, and other parts of the US. I have been so blessed to spend time getting to know their testimonies and witnessing how God has changed their lives. These missionaries have left the comforts of there homes and devoted their lives to building a church in a foreign land and the church is growing...How awesome is that???

It has been a great privilege for me to come along side of Christy to help her with her everyday duties of managing a household while Micah helps build a church. Doing basic things like helping prepare meals, watching her children to give here some free time, going for an early morning run in the park, and just taking some time for "girl talk" has allowed me to get to know her better which has blessed me. There are many facets of missionary life and being able to hear how God called them here and see what He is doing through their obedience to come has truly touched my heart. I am thankful for this opportunity and look forward to camp 120 tomorrow on the island as we "rough it" while God continues to take me even further out of my comfort zone.... - Deanna Warren

Culture shock or Culture sameness

The group took a day to go to Kiev and look around the capital city of Ukraine. I think it is a very beautiful city as they try and keep forest/parks throughout the entire city so that you feel a part of the country, yet it is the largest city in Ukraine with several million people.

Pastor Danny had given us the cultural breakdown for our group when we first arrived so that we would be more like guests instead of rude Americans who crashed the party. So very important here as we stay a mere two weeks, yet the Missionaries must deal with any aftermath of our visit. Noise level is one thing that really sets American's apart. So, with American Teens as the majority in our group, that's something that is always a challenge. Everyone had done a great job in trying to contain themselves a bit. However, in Kiev I noticed that Ukrainian kids and teens are also loud. They talk on the cell phones just like our kids. They laugh at each others jokes, they mess around with each other, and definitely are into the latest fashions both European and American.

Whereas the older folks are a bit more contained and controlled, there were also some things that are the same in any part of the human. We see them enjoy a cup of coffee or tea as they discuss politics or current events. They meet at the "Love Bridge", hang locks on it and kiss each other promising eternal love. War memorials show patriotic pride in their country yet also speak of the wars that have been fought over petty differences.

What this tells me is that the need for Jesus is universal. Perhaps the methods of sharing the Good News are a bit different all over the world, but the message never changes. The core of what we teach never changes. The reason we share never changes. Pray for Ukraine!

Perspectives

Hey everyone:) Well it has already been 5 days since we left and time seems to be flying by. Everyone is in good spirits and enjoying this adventure. We went on a day trip the Kiev yesterday to check it out. Quite amazing!! The buildings and different statues and such were beautiful to gaze upon. Me and Michael were, at one point, talking about how interesting it is that the Ukrainian people look as though they could speak english like us americans. Basically saying that you could not tell them apart, for the most part, from us until you heard them speak. So alike in many ways, yet so different too! I think a lot of times we have a tendency to judge a book by its cover before taking the time to open it to see what it says.

For me this trip so far has been interesting. I said before in my first posting that I was not sure why God wanted me to come here instead of Honduras. As of yesterday it has become very clear to me. I have felt called to full time missions to Mexico for some time now and being here is allowing me to be able to discuss different aspects of a life as a missionary with the Micah and Cristy. I find myself "picking their brain" so to speak. God has been allowing me to see and experience different things that I will encounter as a foreign missionary. For me it's not so much the work of the missionary, rather the different aspects of the battlefield the missionary faces on a day to day basis. A lot of these things are common to what we as christians face in the USA. The difference being that on the mission field out side of your home country, these common everday battles and struggles( personal or not) some how become intensified.

God has given me a lot to think about as He prepares me to GO.

Please continue to pray for unity amongst the team as well as safety and that we all are open and willing to going deeper with our MIGHTY GOD AND SAVIOR, LORD JESUS:)

Working and Singing...oh and don't forget the ice cream!

Day 3 in the field was definitely diverse. We split our group up into three teams. Most of the guys went with Sasha Romanenko and Micah Claycamp to chop up some wood that was left for a Babushka. Harlan, Taylor, and Jeannine went with Pastor Danny Foote to take care of a huge trash pile. Then the others went to do some wallpaper at a lady's house. Some sweat and labor put out today!

This afternoon we mellowed out a bit after lunch, bought some snacks and actually a few of us got naps in. Then it was off to Micah and Christy's for dinner followed by Music outreach in the town center.

On the way there we stopped by the big park in the middle of Kaharlyk. We then lost Harlan and Aaron! Well, not really. They went to look at the War memorial and then came back a different way. I had a blast trying my VERY sparse Ukrainian to ask a group of young soccer players if they had seen Americans. They all nodded, but I think they thought I was asking if they had EVER seen Americans. LOL.

Music ministry was great. Micah, Michael, and Josie led us in worship songs. It was such a blast. Several people stopped and watched, but no conversations really sprung up. Well, maybe next time! Off to slumberland with a very tired, but happy team. Serving is always a blessing, and we are having a blast doing it. One last favor I ask, and it's a personal one. Please pray for my sister Bonnie Chamberlain. She went in for a routine surgery and when she came out she suffered major involuntary muscle and torso spasms. Painful and she can't control herself. She is going to the Barrow's Neurological Institue in Phoenix. Being here in Ukraine at this time is hard. Pray for my brother in-law Steve and my niece and nephew as well.

First Full Day

One of the visions of Calvary Chapel Kaharlyk is to reach out to the community with social outreach. Micah Claycamp, Pastor Wayne, and Pastor Danny have been working towards putting a Coffee shop in the church in one of the old rooms. Realize that this is a 1920's sewing factory that has been slowly renovated for the church. So first off we had to clean up the old sewing room of machines, tables, etc. Then we began patching the walls from electrical and water pipe runs.

All of this occurred right when a big rainstorm hit. All the "crazy Americans from Arizona" went out and danced in the rain. It also helped clean all the plaster off from the plaster fights. ;-)

This evening we spent time with the Youth Group and shared in worship and testimonies. Once that was done, outside we went for their Youth's first encounter with S'mores. We had brought marshmellows and graham crackers from the US. Their incredible chocolate they have here in Ukraine really helped make them glorious! It also brought about many conversations with the Youth Leaders here in Kaharlyk. One of the leaders told me about the tremendous spiritual growth they have experienced in the past few months after increasing the amount of prayer they have lifted on behalf of this city. One leader told us about a Satanic worshipping band that came to town and sung songs about how Church has left them hanging and that Satan is the answer. How important it is gang that we pray for the young people in our country, yet it's so important to pray for the kids here in Ukraine and other parts of Europe.

We also gave Pastor Wayne and his wife Olya their gifts. What a blessing our fellowships were to them today. They were overwhelmed by the coffee, Ikea mugs and saucers, and all the clothes we brought for the fellowship. THANK YOU to everyone who donated clothing and other gifts. Tomorrow is more work! Pray for continued health and strength for our team.

We have arrived!!

After a rather harrowing journey including a 4 hour delay at JFK, a fuel spill and repairs, we arrived in Kiev at 12:30pm Ukraine time (10pm Tuesday) We had a work day today and tonight is Youth Group. We'll post more as we get a chance this evening. Thank you for all your prayers and keep them coming!

What's this "Camp 120" all about anyway?

Lots of you probably are wondering what we'll be doing for part of our Missions trip? Serving at a Youth Camp on an Island in the middle of the Dneiper River. Think "Survivor Ukraine" except you can't be voted off. In fact, you can't leave!! Boats drop us off and then come back at the end of camp. I guess if you're a great swimmer, you could make it to shore. Ha! But something about "shreeking eels" enters my mind at this time. ;-)

At the Camp we will be having devotional studies, times of worship, and just letting the Youth have a good time! It's just like camps at home, except for you're on an island..in the middle of the river...well, you get the point.

All the food is brought in, our drinking water, and we even build our own toilets. It's the real deal. I think this is also why my wife wants to visit Ukraine in the winter rather than this time. ;-)

We could definitely use your prayers. Pray for safety, good weather (camping is not as fun when it's raining all the time), and for the lives of our team, as well as the youth at this camp, to be changed. Pray also for Jono Miller, our camp director. He's a Kiwi from New Zealand, so this oughta be a great "walkabout".

Michael - Uncertainty leads to Faith

I'm not exactly sure why I signed up for this trip. I did pray about it, but I'm not totally positive I received confirmation. I just kind of took the approach of , "if God provides, then I guess He wants me to go," and so far, He has provided. In truth, I have found throughout my walk with the Lord, that when I just open the door to let God work, He does. It's scary. It's full of uncertainty, but He comes through, over and over again. I am encouraged by how He worked in the last mission trip I went on. You probably all heard this, but it's so cool I'll say it again :).

I signed up for the Ukraine trip in 2005. All of the money came in smoothly, I had my passport, but I didn't have my visa in time, and that basically meant I couldn't go. I prayed to God, bringing Him my situation, but it all seemed hopeless. Honestly, I felt like I blew it. If I weren't such a procrastinator, I could have gotten my visa in time and avoided the whole issue. But God in His grace, took care of everything. I think it was the day before we were supposed to leave that we found out that Ukraine changed its foreign policy to where short term visitors from the U.S. no longer required visas. He totally came through. In my immeasurable weakness, in this case procrastination, God showed His power, and gave me undeniable confirmation that I was meant to go, and that He wanted me to go.

So yeah, I didn't receive some incredible vision or a voice whispered in my ear telling me to sign up this year, but I am simply leaving the door open, and giving God an opportunity to work in me and through me, and whatever happens, happens. - Michael Steinle (i'm the guy to the left in the photo)

Aaron's return trip...

Hi, I'm Aaron, and I have been to the Ukraine before. When I went with my dad, we met many new faces while also trying new things. I have a heart for these people and the Lord has blessed me in allowing me to go again in just one more week! I am super excited and hope that it will be as fun as it was last time.

I thank everyone who donated money that I may go again, and I really appricate the support you gave. I will post a couple more blog entrys while there and will hope for the best while there.

Living the Life!!

Hey ya'll! It has been an interesting time from the point of making the decision to go to the Ukraine and the events leading up to our,very soon, departure. Interestingly enough, I was planning on going on the Honduras trip when Jeanne Claycamp talked to me about the Ukraine. Initially, I was saying in my mind " yea, don't think so." My heart was kinda set on Honduras. I told Jeanne that I would pray about it and let her know a little later what my decision was. As I prayed over the next few days, God spoke to me saying, "There will be time for Honduras and other trips to Spanish speaking countries, let's go to Ukraine and see a different side of missions."
At that point it was a done deal and from that point on my sights have been set on the Ukraine.

Like some that are going on this trip, I am not exactly sure why God is calling me to His mission to the Ukraine, but do know that He wants me to have a surrendered availability to Him and His purposes. I know for sure that it will be a stretching and humbling experience that will lead to a changed perspective of who God is and who we are in Him.

I look forward to hanging out with the team, learning how to serve in a deeper way, watching God's love move in and through us, causing us to fall deeper in Love with Him!!!

Prayer:
May we go and tangibly show the Love of Jesus in speach and in action, serving Him by serving each other and to those whom he presents us the opportunity. Prepair our hearts and those that we will encounter, Oh Lord and may you use us to Glorify you:)

Mary's change of focus...

Well, I’m going to be honest. I have no idea why God picked me to go on this mission trip. A year ago if you would have told me that I’ll be spending two weeks in Ukraine, I would have thought you were crazy. Ever since I went to Mexico last October, I’ve felt like God wants me to step further out of my comfort zone, to stop being so focused on me and my life and my plans..
To me, being a short-term missionary means giving of yourself, even for a short time. It’s a way to serve that doesn’t just fit God into your life, like we can do so often. But it’s a way to really live your life for Him and through Him. It’s being vulnerable to what He wants to do with you, and how He wants to use you in other people’s lives.
God has taught me so much, and we haven’t even left yet. He’s taught me patience, and most of all that I need to rely on Him. I know God is going to do amazing things within our team, just lifting each other up and learning from each other. I also know He’s going to do amazing things through our team, because none of us (well, at least I know I couldn’t) could do this alone. I can’t wait to see what He has for each and every one of us. Also, I can’t wait to see what God has for all the people we meet, and all the people here at home that are supporting us. I’ve found that when our hearts are willing to serve and love each other, we learn the most and are the most encouraged :)

Taylor chimes in...

Honestly, I am so stoked about this trip. God has blessed me with this mission trip and it will truly be a life changing opportunity. Seriously, this mission trip has meant so much to me and has been in my thoughts since I first heard about it back in January. Time has flown by; and since then I have filled out the application, gotten accepted, had all the money donated to me, have gotten a passport and gotten to know my partner’s in crime who are also looking forward to this amazing privilege.
Throughout all of this I have drawn so much closer to the Lord, for without Him none of this would be possible or even thinkable. In my journey thus far God has already shown me how to trust and be more confident in Him and His provision.
Being a short-term missionary means to me is that I get an amazing chance to just bless these people and not think of myself and my comfort at all. The small amount of time I am in Ukraine I want to get a chance to get to know as many people I can and learn and teach as much as possible. I really just want to show the people I meet to see pure and unbridled love, which only our Lord and Savior can provide. I look forward to what God has for my teammates and I throughout our adventure to Ukraine. I love you all a lot and keep us and everyone we are going to meet along the way in your prayers.

Jeannine - Short term, Long term, impactful term

I feel God has called me to this missions trip to Ukraine to experience Himself in a completely different way; to step up and be a light in not only my familiar surroundings but also in places that need more help than most. The place to devote two weeks of my summer to serving Him and showing others His unchanging love and power. I know this trip is going to be a very impactful aspect of my life. Being able to have this opportunity to step out of my element and see first-hand how God can move is so extraordinary to me. That no matter what has gone on in the processes of preparing, that God still wants to use me.

I have been on missions trips before but both lasted no more than a couple days. I felt that in that amount of time we were just getting started. I am immensely looking forward to this trip, to stay for, in actuality, a rather short time, and be there for others in any way that I can. People are all the same. Everyone wants to be loved, cared for, and needed; everyone needs a purpose. And to maybe be an encouragement, nay, a light in someone else’s life and to have God move through me is so mind-boggling. I have been reminded and redirected (countless times) during all of this that all God wants me to do is trust Him and not freak out over everything. I know myself and the rest of the team is going to come back a changed person, and I whole-heartedly hope that the people in Kagarlyk will have an even better memory and love for God from a few teenagers in the states.

Josie's story...

Hello whoever is reading this, I’m not much of a writer so bare with me. My name is Josie and I am 16 years old ( that will change on the trip!!!!) and I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to go and minister to the people of Ukraine. I guess I’m supposed to tell you why I’m going on this trip, I must warn you I have no crazy story, no voice telling me where I would go, honestly my reasons have changed quite a lot from the beginning. When Jeanie Claycamp told me of this opportunity almost a year ago, I had reservations, at that time I had no idea about going with Chris or the team we have now. I had been to Mexico so it just seemed logical to make the next step up, plus I would be crazy to pass up such an offer. I now regret not taking the time to pray and really ask God what his will was.

Not to worry though, God is understanding and patient and for that I am very thankful. Over time he took what were selfish reasons and changed my heart. God has really given me a heart of compassion for the hurt and broken and taught me that I need to do all I can for them. It’s not good enough for me to sit at home in my comfortable atmosphere and just say “oh that’s horrible, I’ll pray for that” and then never do it. God has totally changed my view on what a disciple is, we are all missionaries maybe not in a different country but we are all called to live for God each day. Not just a person who says they are a Christian, does the minimum and then goes on with life, without even knowing who God truly is. So my goal in Ukraine is to share with them the true love of God, but somehow I have a feeling that there going to be the ones showing me : )
I’m so excited to go and see God’s hand work, I know he’s going to do something amazing! In a way I think Ukraine is going to be the easy part, after it’s over and done I’m still going to have conquer everyday life with the same love and excitement. But I know I have something bigger and stronger than my everyday life…

Deanna's perspective

I am very excited to be part of the mission trip to The Ukraine. Ever since Micah & Christi Claycamp moved, I have had a desire to go and see first hand how they are ministering to the people there. I was blessed to have my son in Micah’s high school youth group at CCNP prior to him leaving and look forward to seeing how God is using his family now.

I love mission’s work and have been to Honduras twice in the past few years to share the gospel to a spiritually dry country. I have also been on multiple trips to Immures, Mexico to help out in and orphanage as well as sharing the gospel. Each time I have come back I have a new appreciation of the power that the Word of God has and how it truly changes lives and restores hope to people that have none. We are all called to be Christ’s ambassadors and to share His good news with others. When we do this in another country, it takes us away from our comfort zone and teaches us to truly depend on Him for everything that we might take for granted at home. Each and every mission trip I have been apart of has drawn me closer to The Lord and created new passions to serve in any opportunity that He gives me. My heart’s desire is to be a full time missionary someday and these trips give me a glimpse of what that would look like.

When I heard about camp 120 I knew it was something I would want to be a part of. I have been a high school youth lead at CCNP for 3 years and love to work with the youth. Every time I have had the privilege of going to summer and winter camps, I have been blessed to see the Love of Jesus poured out during the worship, teachings, and fellowship. There have been so many new salvations and re-dedications that have huge impacts on the youth and the decisions they make in their life. Being able to participate in this with a whole new culture is a blessing and I am honored to be a part of it…

Can you say....BORSCHT??

Yes it's true. Pastor Chris cooked up some Borscht to prepare the team for one meal they will get a lot of at people's houses in Ukraine. I figured that "sashlyk" (that's how the word sounds, still need to get the transliteration), which is grilled, skewered meats would be pretty straightforward for them. I think it was unanimous that they all said they could eat it. Some actually went back for seconds! Jeannine and Josie are definitely Borscht fans. Che on the other hand made a comment about it looking like Ukranian Salsa with cabbage. LOL We'll see how that goes over!

What really came out of that meeting this last Sunday was a sense of excitement for what God will do in Ukraine. We just need to be ready. Harlan suggested that we take a day and fast/pray for the trip. AWESOME! I'm reminded of some of my heroes in the faith, George Mueller, Hudson Taylor, Eric Liddell, and how they would take days, sometimes weeks of fasting and prayer to prepare for their trips or tasks laid before them. How much more in this day of excess here in the Western world should we also seek the LORD on those terms.

Excited. Pumped. Ready for the trip. Let us be clean vessels LORD!

The Beginning!

Many people will never have the privilege of going on a Short-Term Missions Trip. I feel badly for those Christ-Followers who never get to step out of their comfort zones to "Go into all the World..." as Jesus commands.

Now, don't get me wrong...you can be a missionary (sent out one) right in your own backyard, school, place of employment, and even perhaps the local mall. There are people who need to hear about Jesus all around us.

So why a trip to Kagarlyk, a village outside of Kiev in Ukraine?

Because there are specific people doing specific tasks with a specific agenda in this special place. I've known Micah Claycamp (Missionary to Ukraine) for a long time. I know the work that he and his lovely bride Christy are doing first-hand. I've seen it with my own eyes. I've seen the hand of God upon the Claycamps as they stand beside Pastor Wayne Zschech and the staff at Calvary Chapel Kagarlyk. Community outreach, Missional driven evangelism, and a knack for innovative programs have made this church a light in a very dark land. Even the name of the city, Kagarlyk, means "cursed place". The team that's going to Kagarlyk in July of this year are light-bringers; reflectors of the grace given by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

So begins the journey of Harlan Loper, Che Stow, Michael Steinle, Aaron Ward, Josie Sprague, Taylor Moore, Deanna Warren, Mary McMahon, Jeannine Evans, Abbie Swenson, and yes, even me, Pastor Chris Ward. You'll hear from each member of this team. Each will blog their thoughts and share their perspectives. Perhaps it will get you motivated to join us next year, or perhaps join a missions team from your church. Perhaps it will just give you another place, people, and purpose to pray for. Whatever happens, I'm praying the Holy Spirit will touch your life as He touches ours on this incredible journey.

53 days to go. Are you ready?? Let's go!!!