Is it possible to carry the weight of others? The mental and emotional trauma experienced (and still being experienced) but someone outside of your immediate life circle? We believe it is. And while Jesus would certainly suggest we give that weight over to Him (ours and theirs), it is not always easy for us to do that.
For three years, now, we have felt that weight of friends and colleagues in the nation of Ukraine. And as the war has intensified hundreds of miles from the frontlines (due to missiles and drones), the mental, emotional, and spiritual weight of the war has intensified as well. These are not simply faces or names in a BBC news story. They are our friends, fellow pastors, and those whom we lock arms with when we go to Ukraine to serve.
A common refrain from the strongest people I know is “We smile so that we do not cry.” How difficult must it be for these Ukrainians after three years and now six intense months in 2025 of long-distance aggression and bombing. They are only able to do this with the Lord’s strength as they seek to bring the hope of Jesus to those who don’t know this source of strength.
We are grateful for the many prayers of friends and family for the work that we have the privilege of doing in Ukraine. Know that this prayers, too, are our source of strength in and of themselves, and the strength we pass on to our friends and colleagues who we know need it infinitely more than we do.