I spent the first two weeks of my time in Ukraine in Zhytomer. Tony and Coretta were such gracious hosts.
But I noticed a certain frustration, a very specific struggle. It took me by surprise. I came with the intention of doing as much evangelism as possible. And the first few days we did a lot of things together, but as yet I hadn’t done any evangelism. I thought it was some spiritual battle and I began praying about it.
My father is 95 and I like to keep in touch with him. Sometimes he struggles with WhatsApp. And we do the best we can to work through it. So it is often a small victory to make contact with him. One afternoon we made contact and were enjoying a normal conversation. It was then I figured out how to relieved my “certain frustration” and told Dad I would call him later.
The answer to the frustration was “Go.” Go do evangelism. I went downstairs and told Tony I was going to the square to do evangelism. He said, “Let’s go.”
We went day after day and had a great time. Tony’s presence made it easier and his company and encouragement was such a relief. I’m very grateful and I hope the seeds we planted will bring forth fruit.
The cause of the frustration was fear mixed with procrastination. Every time I go do evangelism I struggle with fear. But add procrastination and it is overwhelming.