AN UNFORGETTABLE, HEARTBREAKING DAY WE MUST KEEP FAITH IN CHRIST
I went to Ukraine in 2018 to conduct training and teachings about Christian business principles. I primarily conducted my training in Ukraine and developed my own teaching program called Business Lab Ukraine, which is partnered with iBAM. We shared a passion and vision for speaking the ideas and values of Kingdom building, and one of the aspects of this business program is the ministry of Kingdom Business School. This school has a vision and goal of reaching out to people in the marketplace and helping these individuals become disciples of God and help other Christians develop a business. We encourage our students to use the skills that God has graced them with and use those to change the lives of themselves and their communities. It’s been inspiring to see business people embrace this vision and use mission work to create brothers and sisters in Christ. In 2018, I moved my family of five to Ukraine. After spending four years there and helping our students become disciples of God, we were forced to evacuate in January 2022. We immediately needed to pack what we could in seven suitcases. Getting out felt physically and emotionally stressful, but this evacuation order didn’t come as a complete surprise. I had received a message about situations becoming tense with Russia in December 2021. But in January 2022, the U.S. Embassy announced that personnel would be evacuated. It seemed surreal leaving Ukraine. I remember looking around at all of the buildings, churches, and people. Our fellow Ukrainian students and people in the community thought we were overreacting about the situation and stated that nothing would happen. I had an internal battle about leaving because it seemed as if I’d abandoned my students. In fact, I felt like a cowering dog, whimpering, with its tails between its legs. I wanted — so badly — to help these people, but I had to leave them. It became a struggle, both physically and psychologically. I had to leave my students without knowing the end of the story. It honestly broke my heart. I will never forget the day when the bombing happened on Feb. 24, 2022. My family and I had been back in the U.S. for about three weeks, and my family had been moving into our new home. Of course, when you’re moving, you should be excited because you get to create new memories in a home with your loved ones. But all I could think about were my brothers and sisters in Ukraine. The experiences and tragedies they faced, the destruction of their homes and businesses. I felt shocked after seeing pictures of the churches we used to teach in and where we had coffee — all of it was just dirt and smoke on the ground. It’s still hard to fathom
Blown up church where iBam class was held
what I saw, and I kept thinking, how am I supposed to enjoy this milestone with my family when so many people are suffering?
Immediately after the bombings, our sponsors and I began developing strategies on how we could help those in need. We’d been frustrated, despaired, and anguished that we couldn’t do anything to help in person. But I was able to start and provide relief efforts and coordinate work here from home. I provided money directly to our students, teachers, and pastors. One of the churches I taught in began providing relief resources by providing food, medical supplies, and helping people exit dangerous areas. Our students showed bravery, courage, and grace during this tragic time. They stayed on the frontlines and helped those in need. They are the hope of the gospel in this dark situation. Seeing the determination of those in Ukraine, hearing about the stories of people putting their lives on the line to help their community, bringing others to safety, and providing resources, shows how God uses His disciples. Even during a time of darkness, Ukraine has united together to help its people. They have hope in their creator and understand that this situation is in His control. Although this can be difficult to see given the circumstances if you don’t have hope in Jesus Christ, each day will be just as dark — we need to have light and faith during this time. Please send your prayers to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. If you would like to donate and directly help those in need, go to iBAM.org/give. Your contributions will go directly to partners and students.
– Ron Jones
2 703-652-iBAM (4226)
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