Hello Everyone!
I’m so excited to report the goodness of God in our lives over the past few weeks in Ukraine and Moldova!
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
In the midst of tragedy and darkness, the Holy Spirit shines brightly in and through his Church! We have had the honor of traveling in this region for the past 8 weeks with wonderful varying team members, seeing God touch many hurting hearts with his love, peace, encouragement, salvation, healing, joy, refreshment, hope, and strength. This was our hearts desire for this trip and we thank you all as you partnered with us in prayer. He answered this prayer in abundance!
Since our last newsletter, we traveled to Romania, Croatia, back to Ukraine, and lastly, Moldova. As you might already know, the European Church is unifying in love and compassion for the displaced Ukrainians fleeing their war torn country. We were blessed to participate in some of their food distributions and evangelism in these surrounding countries as well as in Ukraine (pictured below).
Izmael, Ukraine
Some refugees stay, but most of them pass through to other countries after a short time. The churches are continually fluctuating, making the most of their time with these precious ones that are passing through.
Taking the overnight train to Poltava (eastern Ukraine) from Odessa and back, marked a memorable adventure for us.
Everyone seemed hungry for God and the Holy Spirit didn’t disappoint them! The churches are full. The believers are passionate and God is showing up. We definitely felt the Lord sending us here “for such a time as this.” So many received a touch from Holy Spirit and testified about their heaviness lifting, depression leaving, and peace coming over them. Many were also healed physically of various issues. In some churches we were able to activate their members to believe and pray for each other for healing. One Messianic church in Odessa recorded the extraordinary testimonies, but we are still trying to get a copy of that. Hopefully we will be able to post some of those for you soon. We were there for 2 nights, Yom Kippur and the next day. The church members prayed for each other the second night and about 6 of them were completely healed, testifying all their pain had disappeared. We love empowering the Body with faith building testimonies and teaching to pray for the sick. I Cor. 4:20, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”
It never gets old to see someone’s eyes light up in complete surprise when they experience God’s power flowing through their body in healing power - sometimes emotionally, sometimes physically, or both! It’s even better when believers pray for others for the first time to see and feel the Holy Spirit flow through them in power. We will post testimonies periodically to declare the goodness of God and bring hope to any of you needing healing as well. We also hope this stirs you to join us in praying for those God has put in your path that need hope, comfort, or healing. For us, there is no greater satisfaction in life than to see people restored and renewed.
God is with us, protecting and guiding all the way! While on the overnight train ride back to Odessa from Poltava last week, we got news of the morning’s barrage of missiles attacking Ukraine. The train stopped unexpectedly on the outskirts of Odessa. With the sirens blaring across the country, we knew this delay was to avoid the bombs from hitting our train. Calling my dear friend and intercessor, Teresa, in this moment, the Lord gave her a vision. She saw a ball of fire going before us, preparing the way. Thank you, Jesus. Our team remained calm and encouraged. After arriving in Odessa the next afternoon, our Ukrainian team members stayed in Ukraine while the rest of us journeyed on to Moldova. The border crossing was long, but thankfully uneventful. We safely crossed over and have been blessed to minister this past week in several churches, seeing the Holy Spirit move beautifully again and again in the believers and the refugees in Moldova.
And we're off again!
Boarding another overnight train from Moldova, we head this time to Bucharest, Romania. From there we continue on for the next 3 days on various flights till we get to our final destination of Thailand!
We are blessed beyond words to carry the gospel in word and power to the lost and discouraged, partnering with the Body of Christ as we go.
Lots of love,
Lorena (and Brian)
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