Gospel Expedition

Our way from Kiev to Chernigov was not as long and hard a journey as we had previously experienced. We are not always accompanied by a favourable wind. But by God’s grace, when we have had to cover long distances we have had a favourable wind. The distance between the two cities is only 120 km, but when we left Kiev for Chernigov, the road appeared to be 170 km long. The road was good, straight and even, with two travel ways and we created no problem for the cars.

We arrived at Chernigov in time. The senior pastor of the region met us — our first meeting with a Ukrainian regional senior pastor. We were led to a big Christian camp where we had time to get into shape and had a wonderful lunch. The worship service was planned for 7 p.m. in the missionary church. The church hall had over 200 seats and it was filled with people — both believers and unbelievers. It was rather stuffy in the church hall, but the stream of the Word of God refreshed us. It was the last service where all team members of this leg of the Expedition would take part in the worship service. Two of our musicians left for the railway station before the end of the service as they had to attend a training session in the University.

Sharing from the Heart

Andrew Kaplin preached about God’s deeds according to prayers of His people. The church was very much interested to listen to his words as they heard God’s answeres to their fervent prayers for the Expedition. Vladimir Skovpen is well-known here and his words were simple. He appealed to his friends who pray and are anxious about our ministry. Leonid Kartavenko preached about full commitment to Christ. It is impossible to live a full life if the heart is only partially devoted to Christ. It is impossible to serve God and mammon. It is impossible to love partially. If one is to love, then love completely. If one is to serve God, then serve with a full heart.

After the official part of the service ended, individual fellowship began, and our team was encircled by young people. They asked us many questions, prayed, exchanged addresses. The kids took autographs of the cyclists. It could continue for hours, but we had to get up early next morning. So we said goodbye to everyone, had dinner and went to our beds.