Field Report - Ukraine

Teaching 
The Ukrainian chaplains and their spouses come from a very different theological background to the Flame team. Teaching on subjects such as Healing the Land, Spiritual Warfare, Deliverance and Generational Influences proved to be challenging for some of the delegates. By the end of the conference, however, most delegates had grasped it enthusiastically. Andrew, as he was about to leave, told us that he had decided to preach on Healing The Land the following Sunday at church. Another Andrew said, “Thank you for the teaching, especially Generational Influences and Healing the Land. In the post-Communist time many or all areas need to be cleansed.” One of our interpreters, Tanya, said, “I have wanted to forgive but I didn’t know how, but you have shown me how to hand my judgment to Jesus”. Tanya, one of the war widows, added, “Thank you everyone. Every story I heard, I could see in my life. The dramas were very special. I was able to give my pain to the Lord. I had been holding it for a long time. I burst into tears.”  

Prayer Ministry 
We had three afternoons of prayer ministry with the delegates. One delegate had been in a car crash 20 days previously, had chest pain from the seatbelt and a fear of getting back into cars (not helpful if you are a roving chaplain and pastor). He received prayer for this and his need to forgive the other driver and, the following day, told us that he was healed. Others received healing for fear, suppressed emotions, low self-esteem due to criticism from family members, and difficulty in forgiving themselves or others. Yarik told us, “I learned to entrust my feelings to God. I can give my judgment and fear to the Cross. I learned to discern which emotions are godly and to forgive myself.”

Sense of Unity 
On the first evening we were introduced to the rich harmony of local voices and the skilled playing of the accordion. The presence of God was in our worship from the start. Throughout the week the worship was enriched as we sang, simultaneously in English and Ukrainian, a number of songs familiar to both communities including 10,000 Reasons, Light of the World, and The Splendour of the King being just three examples. Though we had different words, we had the same heart and a touch of heaven as all nations worshiped. That same sense of unity came out in times of prayer as delegates opened up about deeply personal battles in front of people who, only 3 days earlier, they had not known. More importantly, however, we strongly sensed a deep spiritual unity which benefitted all aspects of the conference. Flame’s values include always connecting the spirit, soul and body. It was rewarding to see that heads, hearts and bodies were enriched by the content, drama and practical actions such as exchanging of gifts, nailing discs to the cross, and hugging!

Compassion 
The delegates told us that this sense of unity arose not only from the teaching but from the atmosphere of the team’s compassion and love. Within the Ukrainian culture it is not normal to offer praise in case it leads to pride. Negative criticism however, mixed with domination, manipulation and control, is quite normal. It was, therefore, a hugely positive experience for the delegates to be affirmed, loved and praised. This, mixed with the compassion they experienced from members of the team, proved to be transformative for many of the delegates. Oleksii commented that it was inspirational to see the truth of scripture practically worked out at this conference, adding, “You have prayed a lot, and we feel these prayers. We see the spirit, soul and body always walking together.” Lyuba added, “You are so sincere. This wins our hearts.”

Rest and Recuperation 
We recognised that we all need to value self-care and not be drawn to the dangers of self-comfort – to look after not just the spirit and soul, but the body as well. Most delegates have not had more than a weekend away for over three and a half years. Every day is filled with uncertainty, loss and grief as their country is pounded and their people killed. On arrival at the conference, therefore, the female delegates were met with an opportunity to have hands massaged, nails painted, and to be presented with make-up bags and products. Somehow the language barrier dissolved, relationships formed, and much laughter was forthcoming. Every day the delegates were given gifts, which had been collected and beautifully crafted by the  female members of the Flame team. Furthermore, the conference included time to relax in the saltwater spa near to the hotel, enabling husbands and wives to hold each other, relax and enjoy time together away from the stress of their current existence. This became, therefore, their first period of Rest and Relaxation since the main invasion began. In response one spouse said, “Thank you for the rest. We have many programmes, but to have rest with our spouses is special.”  

Prayer and Family Support  
God planned, and achieved, a great deal of good work at this conference. The enemy, on the other hand, was eager to stop it but, through prayer, wisdom, support and leadership, God overcame these obstacles. It has been wonderful on reflection to see how He does immeasurably more than we can imagine. The success of the conference was, therefore, completely dependent on the mountain of prayer support we received prior to, and during, the mission. The many e-mails, pictures and scriptures sent in were hugely helpful in encouraging the team, affirming what we thought was happening, guiding our thinking on how to move forward, and giving us insight into what was happening in the spiritual domain. Equally important, however, was the support of our families, friends and churches, without which we would not be able to come on mission.  

Conclusion 
So, what do you say to the bereaved parent or spouse, the family that has lost their home, or the pastor who has lost another member of their congregation? And how, as a Flame team, do you speak into that situation when you have no language in common? Often, you can feel overwhelmed and inadequate. But, when we trust in God, show compassion and love, point them towards the helpful scriptures through interpreters, and lead them to take the right steps to cut themselves free, confess, repent and forgive, it is amazing what happens. In short, we can help to point them towards Jesus – not just a vague concept, but a series of practical actions which will lead to healing and freedom.