After two flights, three car rides, and three commuting trains, we arrived to Khust, Ukraine. Gary and I spoke with a local church from the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). I shared spiritual practices to cultivate one’s spiritual journey and connection with God in the midst of great hardship. After an overnight in Khust, I shared with a group of women at the Transcarpathian Christian Institute about soul care and ideas for developing spiritual retreats for others. These beautiful resilient followers of Jesus desire their city to be a retreat center for all of Ukraine. May it be, Lord Jesus. Afterwards, Gary, Milan (our friend from Czech Republic), and I connected with an evening train, making our way to Lviv.
Sunday morning at 3:30am, we were thrown from our beds to loud sirens and automated air alert instructions to seek shelter. My heart felt as though it might thump out of my chest. Sleep was difficult. The entire nation experienced the alert from Ukrainian intelligence. The alert eventually passed, and the day continued, yet I shook. Remarkably I didn’t feel scared but startled. I felt very glad for prayer covering from each of you and others; it made a difference – Thank you!
While I stayed for the next week in Lviv near UBTS (Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary), Gary and Milan traveled throughout Ukraine visiting and encouraging people, having strategic meetings with God’s workers to help them establish sustainable ministries, witnessing the devastation, listening to stories of discouragement and hope, and offering prayer and support. Those they visited expressed great gladness for their visit in the midst of war. I felt grateful upon their return to Lviv.
Glad – A state of feeling pleased, delighted, and satisfied. Grateful. Alive.
For what have you experienced gladness in the last week? When did you feel most alive in the Lord?
Monday, March 25, I met my students. Ten of them present in-person and three online. Each of them from different parts of Ukraine, united by the Lord, with a desire to love and serve others. After this class, they take one more and then graduate with their Masters in Christian Counseling. Although most have already received extensive schooling: two doctors, one nurse, an esthetician, and several in full-time professional service or christian ministry, they each long to learn ways to journey with others into wholeness through Jesus Christ.
Training in the practice of soul care was unfamiliar to them and yet they exhibited curiosity to gain understanding and grow. In spite of teaching in a bomb shelter at times and waiting for instructions regarding various air alerts, together we explored many facets of caring for the soul. They demonstrated focus and attention to comprehend, experience, and engage with God, each other, and the material.
Each student gladly received the Lord’s tenderness to their own soul and spiritual journey throughout the week. Psalm 5:11 came alive: “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”
In what ways do you receive God’s tenderness to your soul? How do you feel glad?
The prayer practices and teaching experiences touched their hearts and minds deeply. They demonstrated great receptivity to this new way of companioning with others and even declared that this training was what they had been waiting and hoping for; they just didn’t know it existed. With gladness, they plan to share with others.
The President of UBTS and the Dean of the program wanted this training for their students and yet understood that it would be fresh instruction. The President encouraged me on Sunday before the course began to stretch the students and not hold back. On Friday afternoon, at the end of the week, he found me at lunch to give me a hug and rhetorically asked, with both a smile and a smirk, “What have you done with my students?” He received meaningful feedback and noted that these learners would never be the same. Wow!
Psalm 40:16 – But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!”
Please take a moment to thank God and delight in His presence and power throughout the world.
God moved mightily as I watched tears stream down my students faces, eyes light up with comprehension, and energetic interactions amongst the class. As I observed, Liana, my translator, interpreted so that I would understand the powerful presence and movement of God. Deep gladness filled my soul to see the hand of the Lord meet intimately and profoundly with each student.
Liana grew up in western Ukraine and as a teenager dreamed of the “idea” of soul care. At that point she dismissed it as it seemed quite foreign. She studied linguistics instead and speaks several languages. The translator originally contacted to interpret for this course became ill and just two days before the class began, Liana received a call to come to UBTS to interpret for me. I notice the mysterious and mighty power of God to make a way to revive this longing He placed within Liana several years ago.
By the end of the week our group bonded deeply. Now…each student returns to different parts of Ukraine, Europe (Germany, Poland), and the US, and yet we carry with us the experiences of God and each other from the week. It reminds me of how the gospel spread with the early church. With gladness the gospel scattered into the world and the church expanded (see Acts 11:23, 13:48, 15:3, 1 Corinthians 16:17).
Liana shared; “On [my] way home I was telling [my friend] about our seminars. I pulled out [my] bag [soul care pouch of supplies] and shared different ways how to take care of a soul. I cannot describe to you what the atmosphere was there… I had a very strong feeling that Jesus was going with us. He was watching us. I felt like I was taking Jesus with me in Rivne.”
After the devastation of Jesus death, the exultation of His resurrection, and the enjoyment of being with Him until His ascension, the church moved out on mission, sent by God, empowered by the Spirit to change the world. Just like Liana and the other students from UBTS, each of us get to encourage others in their spiritual journey, no matter our profession or place of living.
How are you being sent out on mission? To what does God invite you to invest your time, energy, passions, and gifting? What pleases your soul?
God did more than I could ask or imagine. My students, translator, and myself will never be the same. God united our hearts. Such gladness fills my soul. The Lord satisfies!
Philippians 2:7 – But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
I have sweet sisters in Ukraine. My heart aches with them regarding the war they and their country experience. Together, we wondered, however, if this might actually be the best and most holy time for their journey with God – to know, experience, and deepen their intimacy with Jesus. We each agreed that we are in the best place and time of God’s choosing for our deepest growth and His greatest glory.
What about you? Consider with God that where you live, the work you do, and the people you meet are designed by God for your deepest spiritual growth and connection with Him. Talk with Jesus about this reality – share your hopes and resistance with Him. Be glad in God’s good plan and purposes for you.
How am I changed? Though arduous and stretching, God guided me in the development of this course. He grew me. I experienced God’s pleasure as I taught and offered soul care at UBTS. My soul felt satisfied in the Lord and alive in my gifting and passions. God welcomed me into His indescribable gifts and goodness. I feel grateful!
UBTS has invited me back. I do not know if I can return as quickly and as often as they would like, but I will pray and discern with God and my family what is next. I resonate deeply with Frederick Buechner who said that “the place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet” (Listening to Your Life, pg. 86).
What about your deep gladness? When do you feel most alive in the Lord? Take a moment to ponder that which stirs deep within you.
How do you notice the world’s deep hunger around you? Might your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger collide with your passions and gifts from God?
Open your heart to the deep gladness within you created by God. Surrender to His ways of connecting your uniqueness with the great hunger and needs of the world both near and far. May God’s glory shine through you as you live alive in Him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad.
Click here if you would like to read the full trip report (from Global Trust Partners through which God supplied for the expenses of my travel) which shares some of the details regarding the aims of the trip. If you want to hear more, let’s set up coffee ☕️ 😊.
Follow Soulcare Anchoress on instagram: soul_careanchoress
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
2 Corinthians 13:9 – We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.
Psalm 118:24 – The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Frederick Buechner. Wishful Thinking: A Seeker’s ABC. San Francisco, CA. 1973.
Charles H Spurgeon. God’s Joy In Your Heart. New Kensington, PA. 2023.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Charity Gayle. You Have Made Me Glad. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fZDS_5Jv5E
Hillsong Worship. Made Me Glad. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4L3rnUtCaE
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
March 18 – April 5 – Ukraine, Slovakia, Czechia
April 12 – Breathe Retreat – Littleton, CO