Pilgrim Psalm - We Will Overcome

How do we live in Ukraine now?

No one prepared us for war. We were taught peacetime, but now war teaches us through grief, pain, and death.

But we must live, bringing hope, love, and the Lord’s Word of Life. We will endure this difficult winter. Surrounded by misery, you sometimes just want to hide from it all, escaping tormented memories and concealing your tears. Selah.

On a recent ‘fishing’ trip, we met with families on the street. We greeted families with love and comfort, sharing our faith that despite physical, moral, and financial hardship, the Lord of Israel cares for them.

One mother came to us with her five-year-old child, Sasha. Families must bring children despite cold and sirens, as home is no longer safe. Despite our inner brokenness and the surrounding darkness, we move forward to serve. Serving God means no “life for yourself.” Selah.

Ignoring the wailing sirens, Sasha took our flyer and said, “I’ll read to you.” Tracing the pictures, declaring, ‘Here’s a shofar for Israel and the Wailing Wall. I’ll be there someday!’

Our hearts rejoiced through tears. When his mother returned, he told her, ‘We’ll all have to go.’

I offered Sasha, a hand warmer. He held it with joy, but gave it back, saying, “You need it more. You still have a long way to go.” We cannot stop to heal our own wounds. Our task is to help those suffering much more. The right path is simply to hear and do His will, for His word is what unites, and leads the people forward. Selah.

Chosen by God, we rise up, hold on to Him, and refuse to let evil destroy us. The Lord’s joy strengthens us, and we praise God for the families who appreciate our work. Pushing through the bitter cold, because we know the work isn’t in vain.

Despite grief and exhaustion, we push forward. With God’s help, our life is to continually rise, hope, and persevere. Yes, difficult days lie ahead, but we are together, and God is with us and those to whom the Lord sends us. He grants us the courage to speak of the Jewish people’s return, despite our hardships.

We will overcome.

[Please pray for strength and perseverance and peace for our team in Ukraine, Yanya]