The Kingdom of God in Ukraine

  The Kingdom of God came in a new way this summer to a group of women in Kherson, Ukraine, who attended two retreats designed specifically for them—pastors’ wives, ministry leaders and simply, weary saints.

 

Crashing waves, majestic mountains, long walks and sweet fellowship… are just a few of the delights God prepared for 26 ladies He brought together in June for physical and spiritual refreshment. For the first time ever, ladies who knew each other little came together to enjoy the Black Sea, to dig into God’s  word, to be refreshed in body and spirit and to develop deeper friendships with each other.

 

What began as a vision in prayer on Good Friday for Renee’ Flory, an NMSI missionary who served in Kherson for five years (’00-’05), came to fruition as a time of encouragement and strengthening those who serve in the church—in Sunday School, to street kids, as counselors and teachers—and who continually give as wives and mothers. For two days in Lazurna and three days in Crimea, the women had time of rest and reflection, prayer and fellowship, walking and talking, laughter and tears. God revealed himself in unexpected ways: In the beauty and grandness of the Crimean mountains, He revealed His awesomeness and glory.  In the relentless crashing of the waves, He revealed His great power and His relentless love. In the ladies’ spontaneous laughter, He revealed His tenderness, His joy and His delight in these, His daughters.  

 

For Alla, this retreat was “the beginning of the strengthening of the church and relationships with each other.”  For Galina, 62, the beauty of God’s creation spoke to her: “I have never seen mountains before. They are beautiful!”  For Katya, a non-believer who came with her Christian mother-in-law, the retreat broke down stereotypes against believers: “I have been to the sea many times, but usually people are drinking or getting drunk. I have never seen such fellowship with women before. I like it!” 

 

The fruit from these two retreats has only just begun. Relationships have deepened. Walls have melted. A vision for women’s refreshment has been birthed.

 

May the Kingdom of God continue to bear fruit in each woman and in the life of His Church in Kherson.

 

Renee’ Flory (right) served in Kherson, Ukraine, “encouraging the saints” --the students and staff of Tavriski Christian Institute--for five years (’00-’05). During this time, God also gave her friendships with and a heart for many of the women in leadership in the local and outlying village churches. Renee’ has served with NMSI since 2007.

Lazurna Retreat Photos

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