A love letter to you and my Ukrainian friend,
I’ve had so many thoughts swimming in the channels of my mind. How do I share with those I love dearly about the people that have touched me so deeply here? How do I portray exactly what’s going on in this community as war wages on? How do I give you, my friend, a glimpse into the heart and heartache of my every day?
Romania was a surprise for me. Somewhere I never expected to venture out to and definitely somewhere I never expected to find deep love. My heart both swells and aches to share with you the loss and the laughter I have found in this place. It’s been scary and exhilarating and there’s been so many times where fear has tried to captivate this space. But love. “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
I want to tell you about the families that have left their homes in this war. I ache to tell you their names and show you their faces. I long and wish that you could see their joy and wipe their tears. I deeply desire you to see the way the church is moving in this place. The way that souls from all over have been touched to serve and share. The way that pastors and friends and strangers have banded together in unity to meet the needs of a mother and her newborn child as they cross into unfamiliar territory.
My soul weeps as I think about the woman who has become my friend that had to leave behind her husband so she could find safety for her and her son. My heart shatters as I think about the family that has been with us for weeks desperately awaiting answers from foreign borders to make their new home. My eyes are full of tears as I think about the young man and his elderly mother who couldn’t make their final destination and were dropped off with no one that spoke their language.
These people aren’t just refugees. They are friends. They are lovers. They are fighters. They are brothers. They are mothers. They are beautiful men and women that are trying to do what’s best for their families. They are neighbors who no longer have a home to return to. They are business owners. They are children of great families. They are just like you and me.
If this somehow makes it back to the one that passed through this place, just know you are loved so deeply and spoken for by the creator of the heavens. I think of you every day and pray that you’ve made it safely to your new home. “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4.
If this somehow comes up on your feed on in your email, thank you my friend. Thank you for praying for me. Thank you for praying for this side of their world. Thank you for supporting a seven year olds birthday party. Thank you for providing meals for a convoy that went into Odessa, Ukraine. Thank you for proving house shoes for families here (these are surprisingly important). Thank you for checking in on me and my family. Please continue to pray for the church and the people here. Prayers specifically for endurance and a breath of fresh wind for the local church staff. Prayers for continued support both financially and people to be sent here to help.
Xoxox,
Katherine
Some have asked me the best way to donate to the church I am partnered with for this ministry. Here is the link to support: https://togetherformission.com/donate-for-ukraine/
The work you are doing is heartfelt, heartbreaking & beautiful. I pray that you & your team has the strength & perseverance to continue to spread hope and love. ??????????
My heart breaks as well thinking about so many families affected in that region. We are so proud of you for being obedient and continue to pray for you and all involved. Thank you for having such a giving heart and for sharing with us how God is using you. This verse makes me think of you. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
??1 Peter? ?4:8-11? ?NIV??
You have the sweetest most loving heart. I pray for you everyday. I miss so much. I’m so proud of the blessing, you are to other people. Thank you for serving our God so faithfully. Love Always your Meme
We continue to pray for your safety and health. We are so thrilled to hear of your opportunities of service. Blessings to you today.
This is so heartbreakingly beautiful. Thank you for giving heart and soul and humanity to what we’re only able to see and hear on the news. I love your beautiful heart, Katherine!
Katherine, what a blessing God is giving you to be His hands and feet. We are humbled by your heart and all that you are doing. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. We love you brave girl!
Love the heart that you shared in this letter. Two months removed, and know that this place and these people will always hold part of your heart. Thank you for following where the Lord calls you, loving deeply, and not allowing the enemy to cause you to retreat as the people you served fought their own fight each day. Much love!
Katherine, this is a beautiful testimony of your heart for others and the Almighty God. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for serving. You are an inspiration. Stay strong and keep allowing God to work through you. Praying for you sweet girl! ????????
Katherine… thanks so much for reflecting God’s love to His children who are in so much pain right now. Thanks for saying yes to His call to take a risk for the Kingdom. You are clearly where you are meant to be, doing what you were created to do. Keep loving!