A Star Shines Bright Over a Black Sea
The following article is by Rick Willis, a freelance writer from Lebanon, MO.
The fire flickered in the night. Waves of water could be heard splashing against the rocks nearby. A western breeze cooled the skewered pieces of meat fresh from the fire pit. Lights from the Crimean city of Alushta could be seen down the coastline. In this setting, the sounds of Ruski (Russian) and English voices blended together in songs of praise to our Creator. Above us an early star was shining out over the Black Sea.
Light in darkness. Spiritual light is provided in all places where God's truth breaks through the hold of godless ways. This was apparent on a recent trip to the Ukraine made by seven people from Southern Heights Christian Church in Lebanon, MO. Our driver while there, Victor Grishchenko, explained to us the hardships and discrimination toward Christians during "the Soviet time," not so long ago. The times have changed with freedom, but life is still hard in a culture where the absence of God was long preached by the government, and a bland sameness is woven even into the architecture.
I asked Victor, a lifelong Christian, how people worshiped when it was outlawed by the Soviets. A big man - a beekeeper - with a great sense of humor, Victor reminded me of Tavya from Fiddler On The Roof. He explained that it was very difficult back then. You could not even have house churches, because your neighbors would see people arriving and report you to the authorities. Many went to prison for trying such things. He said that he remembered an older relative who would decorate her house for a birthday party, invite Christians to meet in her home, then simply state that they were celebrating a birthday if the police showed up.
Our coordinator for this trip was David Mayer, from Master Provisions / Master Care. Master Provisions provides clothing to people in a unique way. Some are given away to the poorest who cannot afford to pay. Some are sold cheaply in stores run by natives of the country where they are distributed. This allows people who have some income to maintain pride, plus provides jobs for the natives who run the stores. Master Care, a sister organization, provides funding to help Christian families adopt orphaned children. These families could not afford to do so without the help. Our church was involved with both ministries, Bill and Frances Adams spearheading the local effort. We made the trip with them and three others (Ken & Judy Vest, Mary Fox) to see first hand the work.
We enjoyed the hospitality of many people during our week in the Ukraine. One example would be the two nights my wife and I spent with Luda and her two daughters, Veera (6) and Ira (4) in the Crimean village of Belogorsk. It was late and dark when we arrived at her apartment. Like most of the soviet built apartments, it had a gray, dirty, worn down blandness that was unappealing. Luda was waiting at the road. She took my wife Rexanne's hand and led us into her tiny one bedroom third floor apartment. Veera and Ira were on a fold out couch in the living room, and they peaked from under the covers as we passed by. Luda knew no English and we could only say yes, no and thank you in Russian. Her hands folded together, Luda made the symbol for sleep and we used one of our words - "Dah!" (yes).
This one family symbolizes much of the good we saw in both the Ukrainian Christians, and in the work of Master Provisions / Master Care. Ira, born to an alcoholic mother who died when she was 6 months old, had physical and mental problems. Luda and her husband took her in, with help from Master Care. When Ira was only two years old, Luda's husband died, leaving her alone to raise the kids. It has been a great struggle for her, seeking help from medical specialists for Ira and barely getting by financially.
Luda offered many prayers as Ira went through the extensive treatments, fearing she would need long-term care in special schools that she could not afford. Just before our visit, Luda was told by the doctors that Ira is now considered "normal" and will be allowed to attend the public schools. Luda went forward on the Sunday we were there to tell the church her good news and praise God. This was at the end of the two days we spent with her, and only now, through the help of an interpreter, were we able to finally understand her story. What a joy to share in her good news! I'll never forget Luda taking my wife's arm and gently caressing her as she shared her testimony.
We also traveled to rural villages in the Kherson area of Ukraine. There are few fences in the Ukraine and shepherds still can be seen tending their goats, cows and sheep with staff in hand as you drive down the narrow, bumpy, sometimes dirt roads of the country. We visited the humble dwellings of other families who had adopted children. Always they shared bountifully of their food, from their meager gardens in small courtyards surrounding half built houses of stone, brick, mud, straw and corrugated tile.
In one such place we found the adopted kids Vitalik, Nikolaus and Nina. Their 77 year old babushka (grandmother) Sofia, with typical scarf on her head, weathered face and aproned dress told us we were the first Americans she had ever seen. The three kids, with their mother Nadia, sang us a song in Russian about friends and God. As we left their home I could see tears in the eyes of Sofia. She was not alone.
So many stories could be told from our brief time there. Victor kept us entertained as we traveled, constantly joking in his low Tavya-like voice, smiling with a mouthful of golden teeth that sparkled in the light. He got up early the morning we stayed at the Black Sea and woke me, saying, "Rick, you come see." I went with him to the balcony of our old and quaint (a kind way to describe it) hotel room and he showed me the most breath-taking sunrise over the Black Sea. He then started to climb up on the railing of our fourth floor balcony, turning and smiling he said, "I go, take swim." His rich laugh will stay in my memory.
Victor's son, Sasha (23), interpreted for us. Such a fine example of a Christian young man. He was patient with us and our many language needs, and he, along with Papa Victor, provided so many details to enrich our understanding of the Ukraine.
The communists tried to kill belief in God. They failed. I'll never forget the images of a beautiful country, nor the people - pressed down, but not defeated. For a moment as I think about it I am transported back onto the beach of the Crimean coast, listening and joining the voices of Igor, Misha, Roma and their families from Belogorsk. We praise together the Lord of us all. For a moment I am transported back into Luda's apartment. Her daughter Ira smiles at me from across the room, shy. Suddenly she runs into my arms and embraces me, not wanting to let go. I don't want to let go, either.
Sin has cast a shadow over this land where a government long tried to deny the existence of God, and the service of His people. That is changing.
A star shines bright over a black sea.