Last weekend we went on a truly Ukrainian adventure. Imagine travelling back in time about 100, maybe 200 years....to rural life. To water that comes directly from a well. To food that has been grown and stored in all the old fashioned ways. To dishes being done by heating water on the big stove and without soap. To a toilet called an outhouse. To a village of 280 homes and families, mostly babushkas and dadushkas living the same way that they have for all their lives.
Here in this little village we were hosted by a hero of the faith. Baba Tania is her name. She is 85 years old, hunched over and can hardly hear. To have a conversation with her you have to YELL VERY LOUDLY. She is not inhibited from talking to everyone, however. She loves to talk of Jesus, she delights in sharing stories of faith and preaching the word of God.
Baba Tania was very disappointed when we told her that we were only able to stay for one night. We had come to her to lead the house church that meets in her home every Sunday. She also has run a children's ministry in her home for years and years and is still the host. She told us, "I want you to stay longer with me.., but my daughter tells me that I need to stop trying to tell people what to do!"
It was delightful to be with them. "Them" being the neighbours who came over to eat and talk with us all. These dear people, who are bonded because their share their lives together, are also a family in Christ because of the live and endurance of this "Baba" who has held the word of God and love of Jesus high in her small secluded village in rural Ternopil region. The service on Sunday was unique indeed. We all shared from our hearts and were delighted to partake in the Word of God and singing praise to Him in a very Ukrainian way (singing in that special melody and tone that is sung in Ukrainian cultural songs!!)
Unfortunately all of our photos somehow got erased....I wanted to be able to show you the face of a hero....but you will simply have to take my word that she is :)
Again, I was reminded of how vital our relationships are in life. And I was burdened to see the great need for encouragement in the rural communities all over the world, especially in nations where technology has not reached the villages. The young people were so thankful that we were there too - simply to talk to others and to hear our stories.
It is certainly NOT a waste of time to go to the undesirable rural places for the love and sake of Christ. He is there too...and there are precious people there waiting to receive His love, encouragement and relationship!
God - raise up rural missionaries right in their own towns, like Baba Tania, who will stay and declare the glory of the Lord. Send others to go as encouragements and messengers :)
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