After having created this blog some two months ago I am finally finding the time to jot some thoughts and hopefully commit to coming back!!

I have just returned back (May 22) from a ten day mission trip to the Ukraine with my church. I never thought it would have the impact it has had on me....very humbling and I would say it life changing in many ways. We were fortunate enough to visit several small villages throughout central Ukraine. We would typically visit local pastors, churches and then orphanages. We were accompanied by four brilliant translators ages 18 to 23.

The most humbling experiences came from local believers. The joy they have in the midst of such harsh conditions is amazing and encouraging. I work in some poor parts of Birmigham but never have I seen these types of conditions.....but the joy, it is overwhelming!

The children at the local orphanages were precious. The first one we visited outside of the city of Uman was the most difficult to witness. Such beautiful children with little to no hope of ever having parents. At the age of 18 they are sent away and a majority of them turn to prostitution, alcohol or crime. How important is it to share the hope of glory, Jesus Christ with them? How desperately they need to hear of a heavenly Father who has known them from eternity past and longs to share all that He has with them? How imparitive it is to feed them with the Bread of Life and share Living Water with their thirsty souls?

Amazing Grace....