CFK Trip to Ukraine (June 2024)
In June, Lynnise and Robin, the cofounders of Catalyst for kids, took a 4 week trip to Ukraine. While Lynnise goes every year, Robin had not been back in over 20 years. During their visit, they tried to meet with as many of the people and organizations with whom CFK works. It felt like an impossible task due to the sheer numbers of different lives we’re involved in.
Robin, having not been to Ukraine in a long time, was particularly moved by her experience there and had some new insights to share.
The best part of my month-long trip to Ukraine was the people. Ukraine is a very blessed country and is loved by God. Yes, there is a war and yes, there are problems because of it but I saw more God-given blessings than we see in many countries without war. The people are happy and it shows in their work and on the street. For twenty years they have had the freedom to work in what they choose, earn money competitively, worship where they want, and be free from oppression.
Caption: The classroom and staff in Plyskive sponsored through Catalyst for Kids.
Ukraine is the breadbasket of Europe. I saw miles and miles of crops growing everywhere with no irrigation at all. But God wants a relationship with the Ukrainian people because He loves them. He even uses war for his own good purposes. Perhaps it is to encourage Ukraine to trust him like he encouraged Israel to trust him in the Old Testament.
Most people are going about living their lives as Ukraine is a very big country and the occupied area is small. However, the war wears greatly on everyone, believer or not. Many people have anxiety about their husbands and sons who are of fighting age, which sadly means being between 18 - 60 years old. They worry that their family could be drafted into the army. Bombing of power plants causes regular power outages. Many families are separated because they have sent part of their family out of the country.
Caption: An evening with more of the “boys” who grew up in the orphanages we visited twenty-plus years ago.
We visited orphanages, pastors, vacation bible schools, hospitals, prisons, our soup kitchen ministry, widows, shut-ins and families caring for disabled children. These visits were about the people CFK serves and our ongoing relationship with them. Children are the same across the globe and love summer camps as they are called in Ukraine (we often call them VBS). The summer camps occur despite the war and associated restrictions, showing the enthusiasm of the children to learn and have fun. The children are often in the villages because they are at a lower risk of being hurt by the war, and instead get to enjoy trampolines, games, songs, food and making new friends. Because of this, we have concluded that the villages are a better place to run VBS.
Caption: Daniel and his Mom are one of the families who receive visits and support through Catalyst for Kids. They gave us gifts of fresh milk, eggs, and many words of thanks for the encouragement they received over the past years.
We also went out to dinner, walked in the parks, visited friends, went grocery shopping for the soup kitchen several times, cooked, interviewed Roma as an assistant to Ira and went to the Carpathian Mountains with the team that works for CFK.
Caption: Shopping for the Soup Kitchen Ministry.
I spent a lot of time using Google Translate, and this meant I connected with several people with whom I remain connected. I feel as if they could be best friends except for the language barrier between us. The most frustrating part of the trip was being illiterate and nonverbal. It will be so good when we get to heaven and can communicate.
Caption: Meeting a pastor and his family to learn how they will do VBS despite the town restrictions on gathering.
Would I go again? YES! But only when God wants me to go. I see God working in my life too. I am so thankful for the peace in our country and the strength of Christians in Ukraine who motivate me to always focus on God and what He is doing. “Slava Bog” Слава Богу, Praise God.
Robin has returned from Ukraine with greater insight into the scope and impact of our ministry, and it has invigorated her desire to support Catalyst for Kids for years to come. It is immensely gratifying for us to see how a few motivated individuals with a heart of service and consistent support from generous donors helps us to be a positive influence in so many lives.
