Category: Guest Posts

Posted on

Go Canada!

IMG_3721Ben and Ang are forcing me to write a blog about my first impressions of Ukraine and YWAM and YWAM in Ukraine, which is a dangerous thing to do when I am so jet lagged…  Luckily, my impressions so far have been good ones.  I will elaborate with a three point sermon:

First of all, the people here (on the YWAM base) are very friendly and welcoming, which has been beneficial considering I have to share a bathroom with 8 of them.  The leaders on the base seem to really know what they are doing and they have a clear and vibrant vision for their ministries (yes, this includes Ang and Ben).  I would go into detail, but that’s their job.  They are doing a good work, but are overstretched which is probably the norm when doing ministry.  They all seem to wear many different hats, and in my short time here they have been an inspiration considering that they do all the things they have to do without complaining or arguing…as far as I’ve noticed anyway.

Secondly, I have had the opportunity to see a little bit of the city so far and have been told about it’s history.  It is amazing, beautiful and complex all rolled in one (much like whoever is reading this, I’m sure).  There is lots to see, lots of people and lots of things I do not understand.  (By the way, if you are thinking of coming here, which you should,  learn from my ignorance and consider learning a bit of Russian before you come, it would be beneficial.)

Thirdly, I have been astounded by seeing what Ben and Ang can accomplish with three kids along for the ride.  I will blow their horn for a while, so hopefully they won’t delete this part.  They are a testament to patience and grace.  I’ll tell you why.  First they have put up with me for the past three days, and they have two months to go.  I have not seen a grimace or eye roll from them yet, not even a sigh of exasperation.  Kudos to them for that.  In addition, every experience I have had here, whether it was actually flying here from Canada or even trekking through this massive city, I have imagined doing with three kids with me, and each time I’ve imagined these scenarios I found myself racked with imaginary anxiety.  Seriously people, my sanity would be hanging by a thread if I was them.  I don’t know how they do it (probably because of Jesus), and because they go through life with such amazing attitudes I find myself inspired.  And because they still are completely sane, thriving, faith filled human beings I have a new found belief in miracles.

In conclusion, this city is great, YWAMers are great, Ben and Ang and their kids are great, God is greater because He has made all these things and gives them all strength to carry on.  If you support Ben and Ang and their ministry in any way, which you probably do if you are reading this blog, then I have a deep respect and appreciation for you and, after being here, know that it is a great thing you are doing to support them.  Thanks for your attention.

Posted on

2 Weeks

** This is a guest post by Mike Hopcraft.

Wow!  I can’t believe that 2 weeks have gone by.  Lisa and I have thoroughly enjoyed Ben and Ang’s wonderful hospitality.  I am so glad that Lisa has been here before and that Ben was such a willing guide – I would have been lost many times over.  Not only with the language but with the driving!  Ben could be a rally race car champion!

Helping at the YWAM work day was very satisfiying.  Seeing two of the interior walls being built for the new kitchen and the volleyball court levelled as well as LOTS of other clean up was great!  It was neat to see how the whole YWAM team works hard, laughs a lot and encourages each other – what a great team.

We were able to see lots of the sights of Kiev as well as Lviv.  In Kiev we saw the Iron Mamma, the war memorial, Lavra, holodomor memorial, Khreshchatyk St. and many more sites!  I learned so much about the history of Ukraine, Kiev and Lviv.  I really like old buildings and… doors, funny eh?  Anyway, Lviv was a great place to take pictures of both!  Ben, Jay, Lisa and I took the night train to get there (at 6am!!) and we walked up and down almost every street in the old part of Lviv.  It was absolutely amazing.  Not only did we cover lots of the streets but we went ‘under ground’ for supper, which included secret passageways and hidden doors!  We also had a dizzying climb to the top of the bell tower and had a fantastic view of the city!  At the end of the day we went back to the train station to wait for our train, which was scheduled to depart at midnight.  We arrived at about 9:30 and it was very nice to be off our feet after a long day of walking.  On the way back our train stopped for about an hour and that train car got quite warm – no need for those wool blankets. :)

Thanks Ben and Ang for being such great hosts!  It was wonderful to spend so much time with you and your kids.  May God bless you for the work you are doing in Kiev.

Mike.