Little Things for Man - Big Things for the Kingdom

We're so excited that the Lord has brought us back to Ukraine. As we are adjusting to life in Kiev, we continue to realize how much our lives need to be completely dependent on the Lord. Ministry will look different than it did while we were in Donetsk. The situation in the country is different and, in some ways, more difficult than they were a year ago. Life in Kiev is different than it was in Donetsk, and many people have been greatly affected by the war this past year. But the Lord continues to remind me, that the ultimate need, whether in Kiev or Donetsk, remains the same as always: the desperate need for Jesus in people's lives.  

The Lord is showing us that this summer will be a time to trust in Him, to place our faith in Him, and a time to stay faithful in the small things. We are praying through church planting and orphan ministry (the big picture vision we have always had for Ukraine). But now, the question is how do we get there? I think God's Word answers this question in Zechariah 4:10:

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand" (NLT).

And also Zechariah 4:6:

"...'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts" (NKJV).

The Lord really taught me this lesson while we were in Ternopil as well, and in the early days in Donetsk. And now, here He is teaching me it again in Kiev. To stay faithful in the small things and to not despise the small beginnings. 

We're now in a new city, in a country that has been devastated by war for the past year plus, seeking ways to minister to the people, but more importantly wanting to be led by the Spirit. 

The last blog post from Emily (HERE) shows how awesome God is and how He totally ordained it and made it possible for us to be back in Ukraine. It's a huge answer to prayer to be back here in Ukraine. Every morning, I wake up just amazed that I am in this country again. God was so faithful to bring us back here. And He continues to remain faithful as He leads us in the ministry here, day by day. 

Byron Teaching at Calvary Chapel Kiev

There are three little things (that I believe are actually big things) that the Lord has done this past week, to continue His faithful work in Ukraine and in our lives: 

1) Calvary Chapel Kiev

Getting to know the pastors and leaders of this church the last few weeks has been very encouraging to us. We are currently fellowshipping with this church and praying through opportunities to serve with them. They have played a huge part in supporting us and encouraging us during this adjustment period. 

This past Sunday, I had the privilege to teach at Calvary Chapel Kiev. What a blessing it was to share God's Word to this congregation, with a message that the Spirit really has been teaching me recently (You can watch the service HERE).

Alyx's first ride on the metro in Kiev

2) Alyx

A girl who was one of our interns in Uganda is now living with us in Ukraine! We have been very blessed to be a part of her life over the last 8-9 months, watching the Lord do an awesome work in her heart. 

As our time in Uganda was winding down (and when the Lord confirmed to us that we were to come back to Ukraine), we began to sense the Spirit prompting us to invite Alyx to come spend the summer with us in Ukraine. We invited her in faith, not knowing what her response would be and not exactly knowing what God had in mind for her, but soon after the invitation, God made it very clear that she was supposed to come here for the summer! She safely arrived on Saturday and has been here for four days now, and we can already see how God is using her and growing her in awesome ways.

Please be praying for her as she adjusts to this new culture (a culture very different than Uganda). As we are still in the early stages of restarting life and ministry in Ukraine, everything is very flexible and fluid for us. Please be praying for Alyx as her role in ministry will also have to be very flexible and fluid.

3) Yana

Byron, Emily, and Yana in Maidan

Words can't describe the miracle it is that we are in the same city as she is, once again. She has been through many trials, this past year especially, but God, yet again, remains faithful. Pray for her and for us as we are praying about what life will look like for all three of us, now that we're all together again. 

These three things may seem small and simple to man, but with the perspective from the Kingdom of God, they are actually very big things. God's faithfulness to encourage His children with the body, His sovereign work to bring Alyx here, and His grace to allow us to be with Yana again are HUGE things, and such a blessing to us. And how awesome it is that this is just the beginning of ministry for us in Ukraine (again)!  

With so many thoughts, ideas, opportunities, open doors, closed doors, desires, needs, joys

, burdens, and so much more running through my head as we are now back in Ukraine, God brought me to Proverbs 19:21 this morning, which says; "There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel - that will stand." Another reminder from Him for me to keep focused on Him, being sensitive to the Spirit's leading, and obedient in His calling. 

We love you guys very much!

Blessings,

Byron