Voice of Ukraine

From: Ira Kapitonova in Kyiv (Day 1235)

I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalm 34:1

Last night, russia launched drones and missiles at residential buildings in Lviv, Lutsk, and Chernivtsi, the cities far enough from the frontline for people to feel safe and evacuate to. It feels cruel and unfair. In our present circumstances, we may not know why something happened or how God could allow it, but we need to trust in His faithfulness and sovereignty.

Today’s post may be longer than usual, but this story deserves to be told.

About a year ago, on day 895, to be exact, I shared a beautiful picture of the Ukrainian Carpathian mountains. I remember the longing to be away from reality and be filled with the beauty of God’s creation. Soon, I got a message from someone I knew only through Facebook. Simeon Ewing wrote that his family and friends had just returned from a short vacation in that region and that God told him to invite my family to join them in the summer of 2025. Of course, I politely avoided accepting the invitation because it came from someone I didn’t know and because it felt impossible to plan for something a year in advance. However, if I am being completely honest, the real reasons were deeper — it was an “I don’t deserve it” feeling, perhaps mixed with a little bit of pride (“I don’t need it”).
As time passed, I met Simeon in person when he and his friends visited our school (remember the flag of Scotland on my classroom wall?), and he reminded me that his invitation still stands. In the next couple of months, several things (too complicated and too personal to go into details) lined up, and I realized that I ran out of excuses not to accept the invitation.

As I write this, my son and I are returning from an incredible and refreshing retreat in the Carpathians. It was a blessed time of rest and nourishment, something I wasn’t aware I desperately needed. It was a time to experience the mystery of strangers turning into friends in a matter of hours because we share the bond of Christ. It was a great time to experience God’s unconditional love and care.
However, what fascinates me even more is the realization that God had it all planned out a year ago. When I was focusing on the uncertainties of life in Ukraine, He knew what He would do. God had an incredible plan of blessing in mind, but it took humility and obedience from several people to carry it out.

Thank you, the Ewing family and Children’s Ministry Ukraine, for being a blessing and bringing hope to Ukraine.

I hope this story inspires those who struggle with uncertainty in their lives. God already knows what He plans to do while you are doubting and wondering.
I also hope this story will give boldness to those whom God wants to use to share His love with others. Take this step in obedience, and see what a magnificent picture God may be painting with your little steps.

P.S. This time, the picture of the beautiful Carpathians was taken by me, and you will see several more in the days to come.