What a glorious day last August when the old hammer and sickle symbol on the Motherland statue was removed and replaced with Ukraine’s new national symbol, the Trident. It is the coat of arms for Ukraine now. This all happened on the same day which is Ukraine’s Independence Day. It was a historical event for Ukraine since Russia was still at war with Ukraine. I heard this caused a “wave of indignation” in Russia.
On the other hand we saw the country opening up more during war. People turning to God more since churches are generally full again as people come looking for answers in God’s word. In one church it was so full (300 plus people) that I had to sit on the window sill.
There is something unusual here about the stubby sword in the woman’s hand of the Motherland statue; it looks more like a dagger. Ukrainians told me that the statue was originally taller than the tallest church spire in Kiev. The churches protested about this, so the sword was shortened making the monument slightly shorter than the tallest church. See the tall church in the valley below and the tall nature of the white church.
Note the white Baptist church in the distance and to the left of the Motherland statue.
In other words God’s people prevailed on that one. Note that it is common since the Reformation to build churches with tall spires or steeples. Why? It makes the buildings stand out. The church I grew up in was like that in Warden, WA. Every Sunday they rang the bell also to call people to worship God. I know this impacted me that this was something important and I should pay attention. God calls us to worship in many ways so listen for him calling you. See the church I grew up in below. It is where I first heard about Christ and the Gospel.
Mark Suko
Pastor Redeployed
Watch our Ukraine video: Click here. Bombs & Blessings - Discovery Baptist Church (churchcenter.com)
Sat Oct. 7th 7:45-9:15 Men’s & Boys Discipleship After breakfast we’ll chew on Acts 6, which has a lot of meat in it. How does this apply to our church and homes?
Church work day follows at 9:15. Bring tools & gloves. Weather will be good.:-)