Saturday, September 22, 2012

Season of Change


Six and a half more weeks until we hope to be flying out to Ukraine.  It seems so far away, yet so close considering how much more we have to do.  As I type, our passports and visa applications are sitting somewhere at the Ukrainian embassy in Washington, D.C. waiting to be either denied or granted.  During this (short) period of time, we were told of the White's situation with the registration.  As far as we know, they are the first missionaries in Ukraine to experience this new law of UN-registering.  My heart goes out to them as I know it has already been a long, hard almost year for them.  We kept joking with them (in a serious way) about staying and working with us, but they always said they were too old for that.  Now to have to deal with the Ukrainian system...I know they covet your prayers.  They have been told that, according to the law, they must now un-register, pay a fine, then immediately leave the country and stay out for 3 months.  This would leave our dear church once again without a Pastor for a month.  Please, please pray for our little-growing church that God would protect it if it is His will for this to be.  God has been bringing in many new visitors and Nastia's dad even said that, if she gets her homework done, she can go to Sunday School on Sunday.  Pray, pray, pray for this little girl and her family.

As I think about our little church, I cannot help but remember our dear Russian Mama, Valentina.  It has been nearly 3 months since she has come to the church.  I would love to believe that once we get back, she will also come back, but I am thinking that she probably will not.  When she first left, it was extremely difficult...it just won't be the same without her...but the Lord has help give me peace through this and I have left her in His hands.

Everyone keeps asking us, "What will you do if you can't get back in?"  To be honest, we don't really entertain that thought often.  We tried talking about it a few times, going between Ukraine and somewhere else every 3 months, switching mission fields...but nothing seems right.  How can it?  Our hearts our there and we will pray and trust that God will make a way for us to get back home.  If not, He will change our hearts.

Thank you so much for your prayers and sweet notes.  You are all such a blessing and encouragement to me and I have enjoyed getting a chance to visit with some of you.

5 comments:

  1. I completely understand the struggle with visas, although our situation was different. We waited 3 years for our Australian visas. We now have permanent residency. Praying for you and your family, as well as other missionaries in the Ukraine.

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  2. I'm praying for you and the Sloans about visas. I cannot imagine having that situation here in Kenya. My heart aches just thinking about it. Love you lots, dear friend.

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  3. We are praying for you all, Jessica! I know your hearts are there and long to be home.
    Lots of love!
    Kami

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  4. I saw that unregistering part when I was reading the laws last year. I'm sorry it's causing problems. I'll be praying. I was sitting in Jon and Karen G's living room a few days ago, and I think Jon said something about your visa applications going to the wrong embassy? I guess that is straightened out now, if we're praying for them to be approved. :-) Anyway, I'm praying for you all.

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    1. Do you happen to remember what law talks about unregistering? This is the law I usually reference when it comes to immigration issues, but I can't find anything about unregistering: http://zakon3.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/1074-95-%D0%BF

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