Greetings,
As many of you know, I returned to Australia in January. Over the past month, it’s been wonderful catching up with old friends and making new connections. I’ve really treasured the moments we’ve spent sharing stories and laughs. Your friendship, support, and encouragement have meant the world to me. For those who live interstate, I’m sorry we haven’t had a chance to meet in person yet - hopefully we can make it happen soon! Thank you all for continuing to pray for and think of me.
What’s Next? A DTS in Kyiv
After much prayer and consideration, I’ve decided to do Discipleship Training School (DTS) with YWAM Kyiv. For those unfamiliar with YWAM (Youth With A Mission), it’s an international Christian missions organisation that provides training programmes to equip people for missionary work around the world. A DTS typically involves a few months of biblical teaching (the “lecture phase”), followed by practical outreach, which can include a variety of mission projects.
This particular DTS is themed “Wave of Hope,” focusing on building homes in regions that were previously occupied and are now liberated. Over the course of these five months, I’m looking forward to:
· Deepening my relationship with God, learning to listen more closely to His voice and guidance.
· Investing time in learning the Ukrainian language.
· Getting to know the local community in Kyiv more intimately.
· Better preparing for future ministry opportunities.
Waves of Hope actually welcomes volunteers from other countries, even during this time of war. They run these short-term projects three times a year. This year, the dates are 8 - 15 June and 3 - 10 August. If you feel led to make an unusual trip, it’d so special to see you here! For more information, visit:
Waiting in Warsaw
I’ve been in Warsaw since last Monday (12 Feb), waiting for my visa to enter Ukraine. Initially, I was told it could be processed in just 1 day, but reality has proved otherwise. It might take up to 10 business days. As of today (20 Feb), I’m on day 9 - if I don’t hear back by the end of the day, I may be here for another weekend.
So, waiting. A lot of waiting, then even more waiting. It can be dull and frustrating. After all, we spend so much of our lives waiting: for the bus to come, for a new life to arrive, for a situation to change. In the Christian worldview, we talk about “waiting on God” and trusting in His timing. In the Bible, we see people waiting - Abraham waited for his promised son, Joseph waited in prison for freedom, and David waited years to become king. The challenge in all this is trusting in something bigger than ourselves, because in the waiting, we meet God. And at the end of that waiting, He meets us.
Here’s how I’ve encountered Him lately: this is the view from my Airbnb window - sunshine on the snow.
How beautiful.
I hope you see that too.
Prayer Requests
1. Visa Approval
Please pray that my visa will be granted soon
2. DTS Journey
Spiritual readiness, open ears to God’s leading, and the ability to learn Ukrainian well!
3. Safety & Provision
Both for myself and the communities I’ll be serving, that we may experience God’s protection and peace.