A Light of Hope for Ukraine

I was introduced to Frances and Bob Neill of Waco, Texas while hosting a Christmas Concert for David Phelps at Waco Hall in 2007.

Frances was a Waco resident, who served on the Board of Directors for the Music Mission Kiev (MMK).

Since the fall of Communism in 1992, Music Mission Kiev has served as a beacon of hope to those in Ukraine through sacred classical music. Their mission has been to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable in Ukraine. Such as, widows in need of help and hope, orphaned children longing for care and connection, as well as displaced and wounded people searching for shelter.

The Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus is composed of professional musicians, many of which are graduates from the world-renowned Tchaikovsky National Music Academy. They were invited to perform at First Woodway Baptist Church in Waco in 2008, through the Music Mission Kiev. Frances was a member of First Woodway and asked if I would like to be involved. I agreed to house 6 members of the Orchestra and Chior at my home for two nights while they were here to perform.

I remember there were two married couples and two young men who stayed with me. We stayed up late sharing stories about our lives. They were kind, they were caring, but more importantly they were human beings who became my friends.

As the whole world is watching the worst thing that could happen in Ukraine, I can’t help but remember having 6 of the kindest people in my home as they came to share their music with our part of the world. But music was just the beginning… There was great need in Ukraine then and even greater now. I just attempted to reconnect with Music Mission Kiev (MMK) to let them know I am here and willing to be of help, now or when they can receive it.

It’s extraordinarily painful to watch an entire country suffer from afar. Today, I have felt powerless, helpless, and guilty over just how lucky I am to have my family so close to me, all healthy, all free and live so far away from such an invasion. I understand that we cannot choose the time or place where we are born or what we deal with in our lives. And that’s why this is very painful to watch unfold, for me personally.

I pray for my Ukrainian houseguests from 2008, who are now packing emergency suitcases and trying to find shelter. They deserve to have their own future and build their own narrative, not to have someone else force one upon them.

Ukraine has its own history, its own culture, its own people, its own struggles, its own ambitions, and its own voice. May it be heard, and may God show them the way.