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.

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!!!