Russia and Ukraine: Holding Heavy Hearts in Montenegro

My heart is heavy leaving Montenegro. Majority of the ministry that my team did was ministering to those from Russia and Ukraine that are living and planted in Montenegro. Some have been there for years and a handful have just recently found themselves there. It’s not what we had expected when arriving in country, but God was moving before us to allow relationships and paths to cross right before our eyes for His presence to be shown to hurting hearts. 

We befriended Russians and Ukrainians alike, and got to cover them in so much prayer asking the Lord to bring his comfort and peace to heavy hearts. We got to meet many people who still had family either in Ukraine or Russia, and one of our close friends had family in both countries she explained with her heart visibly torn. 

It was a blessing we got to be close enough to comfort many, but to be far enough away to remain safe. We met families whose fathers left the safety of their Montenegro homes to go and fight for their homeland, Ukraine. We worked closely with the pastor of the local church who’s father-in-law, any day now at 56 years old, might get called to war. Families are living day by day only by the strength of the Lord to get through these tough times. I could write so many testimonies of what these people meant to me and how heavy my heart is leaving them now, knowing that their reality stays the same when mine changes. They are some of the strongest people I’ve met, and their strength comes from God alone. 

On our way out of Montenegro, we were invited to march in the capital, Podgorica, in support of Ukraine. (Photos below) While there, we ran into almost every Russian and Ukrainian friend that we had met during the month. Hearts were heavy, yet unified. All were against this war. We went to the capital with Mike, from Australia, who is married to his wife Natalie, from Russia. They offered to take us to the airport after the rally. After they dropped us off to fly to Kyrgyzstan, they were driving north to take Ukrainians from their community back to the boarder to serve. After dropping them off, they were picking up refugees to bring them to safety. They are truly an amazing couple.

If your heart feels led to give in support of those in Ukraine, please email me or reach out. I know personally, many who are working directly with the people of Ukraine. They need your help, your prayers, financial support, and your hearts to know them as brothers and sisters. After sitting down and being with them, we aren’t too different.

Pray for those who are believers, both in Ukraine and Russia. Pray for their faith to be strengthened, and for the Lord‘s presence and peace to dwell in their space. Take time today to set aside in praying for them. God bless Ukraine, and God bless the people of Russia.

Photos from the protest: Sunday February 27th, 2022