Although this was my second “round the world” trip, there were elements of this trip that were utterly unique from any other trip I’ve taken before. For starters, I have never been to a country that was actively in the midst of an international war fighting for its very survival. My travel partner Michael and I did a massive amount of preparation beforehand, setting contingency plans in place, logistical arrangement, and organizing tracking and security platforms so ReachGlobal and security force leadership would know our location at all times. We were set! What we didn’t count on was the uptick in missile and drone attacks from Russia upon Ukraine that coincided with our arrival. Randy, the RG risk management overseer for Ukraine, did an excellent job of staying connected with us every morning and night of the trip.

Since airspace is restricted over Ukraine, we had to travel by ground methods from Poland to Kyiv, and from there to Irpin where the training would be held. That meant a long train ride on the way in (with frequent stops for potential attacks since trains make good targets), and bus on the way out (again with frequent stops due to potential attacks.) Once we reached Kyiv, air raid alerts sounded throughout the city forcing us to quickly race to bomb shelters several times during the night and sometimes during the day. Drone attacks (don’t think of a small drone, think of a bus-sized, jet-powered drone carrying a ton of explosives) were “yellow” alerts, and missile attacks (traveling much faster than drones) were “red” alerts. In Kyiv and especially in Irpin we heard many explosions during day and at night. The church we visited on Sunday morning a half mile from where we stayed received damage from attacks on Sunday night. Sometimes the explosions were close enough that the windows rattled and we could feel the impact. A few of the explosions were startlingly LOUD and nearby! At times I even heard the sound of missiles flying overhead before they detonated. I also heard mortar gunfire shooting down drones before they reached their targets.

Michael and I took a walk around the area during the day in Kyiv and another walk on Sunday afternoon in Irpin, and we observed many war monuments to fallen soldiers and civilians from many nations, including Americans. Irpin was the location where the Russian army reached in trying to capture Kyiv, but the Ukrainian army held them off, so the bloodshed and destruction was significant. Everyone has lost loved ones, and the pain of war is ubiquitous.

Despite all of these obstacles, the training went on, although with a smaller group than normal since those from out of town did not feel safe traveling to the training. The pastors were quite advanced, being seminary students/grads. They were very lively, engaged, grasped material relatively quickly, and loved to joke around with each other. It was good to see the tragedy of the war had not completely quelled their laughter. However, they shared that they have all been changed in many ways from their experiences over recent years. The war virtually wiped out prosperity theology in Ukraine, and taught them much about theology of suffering and loss. All have lost someone close to them. All men in Ukraine 18-60 are conscripted into military service unless they have an exemption, which these pastors did.

I was thankful for the experience and opportunity to be with these dear brothers, although the stresses and lack of sleep took a toll on both Michael and me, and our wives. Please keep these brothers and the country of Ukraine in your prayers.

For Part 2 of this unique trip, continuing on to Thailand for the Great Commission Congress, tune in next week!