Jan. 2022 Update – Part 2

Friends, family, kind strangers – having you all in my corner to write to is truly such a comfort. I know you join me in prayer from all around the world and what a beautiful gift! 

[If you are new here, you can learn more about me and my ministry here!]

You get two updates from me this month because it’s a big one. Last I wrote, I told you I got to spend this past week with my sister and her family in North Dakota – unfortunately, Covid had other plans. Last week I tested positive with Covid for the third time. Yep, you read that right! I’ve now had this virus in 2020, 2021, and 2022. I’m choosing to see it as a gift, though I’m heartbroken to miss the time with family. Between my vaccine and my natural antibodies, I should be well protected during my transition to Ukraine!

Many have reached out asking if I am still keeping my plans to move to Ukraine in light of the rising tension and specifically with the US government pulling out personnel from Kyiv. I’m so thankful to say YES! After a lot of prayer, wise counsel, and honest consideration, I’ve decided to move forward with my scheduled plans. My flight out is on January 31st and I’ll arrive in my new city of Uzhhorod, Ukraine on February 1st! 

The future of this conflict is very unknown, how much I’ll be able to help is unknown, and just about every move I make in the foreseeable future is fairly unknown. In the midst of this, I know that God called me to Ukraine for this time, that there is a mission for me there. The truth of the matter is that if war does come, care for the vulnerable children will be needed more than ever and that’s the entire reason I’m going. 

I write tonight to ask for some specific prayer from you all over the coming days and weeks. 

• Prayer for the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, and all the involved parties (NATO) – may they be able to find a resolve to the conflict without the necessity of war.

• Prayer for the sovereignty of Ukraine, this nation has fought hard for her freedom.

• Prayer for the vulnerable children of this country and the people trying to protect them. War will likely undo a lot of the work being done to reunite the orphans with families and break the spirit of abandonment. Pray for integrity within the system. Pray for wisdom on how to protect.

• And prayer for my travel, transition, spirit, and morale. My biggest prayer is that I will truly be able to lift some burden and be a light for these children in a potentially scary time.

I know God is working in all of this and I’m beyond humbled to go and carry his spirit in this place! 

Many do not understand my decision around this move and that’s okay. But I feel like you understand, you have prayed, encouraged, and supported me through so much and God has built up this team to remind me I am not going alone. Thank you! 

If you feel led to support this mission financially – here is how I’m directing my funds right now:

• Emergency fund – $3000 – right now I’m viewing my personal savings as my emergency fund, this could go toward an evacuation if necessary, but also toward supporting the children through supplies, food, or shelter if needed. Again, I don’t know what the need will be but I’d rather be prepared. 

• Purchase a vehicle – $5000 – my plan was to wait a while to purchase a vehicle, but as so much is unknown I would feel more comfortable with having transportation rather than relying on public transportation. Many of the orphanages are outside of the city, meaning anywhere from 20 - 90 min commutes. I’m praying for a good vehicle to become available and for the funds to make the purchase when it does. 

These are big asks but if I’ve learned anything from my last few years on mission with Jesus, it’s to dream big. Thank you for being here, I truly cannot express my gratitude enough.

with love,

Lina