Our church has been going on short-term mission trips to the Ukraine for a number of years now. Initially, we learned about the plight of some Reformed Pastors in Eastern Europe through the work of COAH and prayerfully sought ways to help them. We sent money to help build a church building and to help the Pastors so that they could do the work of the Church. Then several from the church went over for a couple of weeks of work: teaching the Pastors; giving dental treatment to the children of these poor village churches and area orphanages; providing them with a Russian or Ukrainian Bible, and a copy of Blanchard's Ultimate Questions in Ukrainian; provided lots of clothes (most of the kids got some new shoes, stockings, winter coats, hats, mittens and scarves, etc.) While part of the crew engaged in dental clinic work, others did construction work on the churches. Our "practical" involvement with the churches helped us to "roll up our sleeves" and partake of the common work with our brothers there and develop a closer relationship with them.

In recent years, there have been several other churches participating in sending members, helping financially, sending clothes and supplies. One organization has sent medicine that was needed by some in the churches there as well. We continue to pray about how the Lord would have us to serve in that part of the world.

For those who have gone out to serve on these missions, it has been quite transformational. I think I can speak for most of the others who have gone by saying that we have gone out to serve but have come back so much richer. It is a joy to be able to help others, not looking to gain personally be having gained so much joy. We saw God grant us each the grace we needed as we walked in His good works.

The Chestnut Mare