MISSION PARTICIPANTS--From left: Todd Couch, Craig Shrum, Douglas Hall, Kristy Henderson, Tonia Weik and Carrie Fields. [Photo by Brenda Plonis]
By Tonia Weik
KHUST, Ukraine--Four WCG members joined two other WCG members already in Ukraine for a summer mission project.
The four are Todd Couch from Mara, British Columbia, Douglas Hall, San Jose, California, Kristy Henderson, Cottonwood, Arizona, and Carrie Fields, Bristol, Tennessee.
Since last September, Craig Shrum and I have been teaching in Khust. We took what we learned and organized a summer mission program in Khust, a continuation of the summer program that has taken place since 1994.
Over the past year, we've learned more about short-term mission work. With help from other Christians who have worked in similar areas, we made improvements upon past programs. An effective mission prepares its team members and organizes itself according to local culture and attitudes.
With the support of our brothers and sisters in Watford, England, pastor Andrew Silcox commissioned Craig and me and asked God's blessing on the summer mission during the May 23 worship service. It helped to put everything in the proper perspective: God is the one leading this mission, and we're thrilled to be working for him.
To prepare the group, we organized orientation meetings in Borehamwood, England, before leaving for Ukraine. The team arrived May 25, and meetings began May 26.
Team members received details about the program they would work on: English classes, Bible classes, praise and worship meetings for young people, English-Russian hymn sings, a Prayer for Ukraine small group, viewings of Christian videos, a discussion group for graduating students and other activities.
We also discussed cultural traditions in Ukraine. For example, Ukrainians pride themselves on their hospitality, and team members needed to prepare themselves for what to expect in a Ukrainian home, such as removing your shoes when you enter someone's home, standing when you pray before a meal and being greeted with a kiss on the cheek.
We also talked about religious customs and some differences in worship between Christians in Ukraine and Christians from Western cultures. Such customs include kneeling during prayer at church, praying out loud and women covering their heads at church.
We spent some time discussing language. We went over basic Russian words, the alphabet and began working on a Russian Christian song we could sing at church.
Music is an important part of Ukrainian culture and an important part of the summer mission. Team members were prepared to sing at church services in Khust and with their students at English hymn sings.
We also discussed different beliefs they would encounter. However, it was important to emphasize that despite any variance in understanding, we all have the same core beliefs: Jesus Christ came to earth, died for us and rose again. God sent his Son because he loved us, and out of love for our God, we serve him. Those are the things that bring all Christians together all over the world.
Part of our service in Ukraine would also include teaching English to young people. So, we talked about what to expect from students and how to build good relationships with them.
Our job as teachers is not just to teach English and then go home. Instead, it's to build friendships with our students, listen to them and help them build better relationships with God.
Before leaving for Ukraine, we got together with other brethren from the Watford congregation for a prayer meeting, led by George and Sueann Henderson.
MISSION PARTICIPANTS--From left: Todd Couch, Craig Shrum, Douglas Hall, Kristy Henderson, Tonia Weik and Carrie Fields. [Photo by Brenda Plonis] |
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