on the border of Ukraine and Poland
On Thursday February 24th Russia invaded Ukraine on the premise of ‘de-natzifying ukraine’ but to the rest of the world it was an unprovoked act of aggression. The morning I woke up and heard the news was a Thursday when we have weekly 6am prayer. We proceeded to intercede for Ukraine and Russia alike and that the Lord would meet people fleeing their country with a peace that surpasses understanding and that surrounding countries would respond with compassion and aid. I remember thinking “I want to be there.”
If you are unaware, I am currently in college studying Biomedical Science in the hopes of going to med school and doing medical missions in some capacity and a specific calling to go to ‘dark places’ whatever that looks like. So when news of the war broke I felt a deep longing in my heart to go and serve – after all, besides the Lord equipping, I am the best candidate to go: single, fit, early twenties and a yes in my spirit. But alas, I was reminded of my reality and commitment to being in college. But intercession didn’t stop and I continued to pray with different groups for the Lord to intervene and to break our hearts for what breaks His. I continued to get to see how the Lord was moving on the front lines through various missionary friends who had said yes to dropping everything to go serve on the Ukraine border. Since the start of the war I have personally known someone who was serving on the border which has only increased my compassion and desire to help.
About a month ago I got a text from my friend Claire, “Ellie ! Come to Poland with me !” I was immediately intrigued and was reminded of the story of Esther, specifically when Mordecai tells her “and who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this.” I felt a yes in my spirit. We began to pray together and Claire and Rebecca graciously worked on logistics with the YWAM base in Poland. We would be going as a ‘freelance’ team for lack of better words. We aren’t with a program or one specific church, but a group of former and current vocational missionaries who are yielding to the call to go.
As we began to pray, logistics communication was slow and we had been waiting to get the final yes from one of the bases in Poland to confirm we would be received and helpful there. Then, as of a few days ago, our team of 13 got approved to Partner with the YWAM base in Rzeskow, Poland !!!! What does this mean?
In short:
From June 11-June 22nd I will be going with a team of missionaries to Poland to be working with Ukrainian refugee children, orphanages, and displaced families about an hour and a half from the border.
If you are unfamiliar, Poland has received an estimated number of 3 million Ukrainians fleeing their home country – this is about half of the estimated 6 million in total that have fled Ukraine. Because of this, there is a huge need to go and serve and be the hands and feet in any capacity we can.
I have been met with a lot of questions concerning safety and to that I offer no comfort. It is a war zone and there is no guarantee what Russia’s next steps are going to be, however I am comforted by the declaration, “If I live I live, If I die I die, I’m already crucified with Christ.” And there is no greater act of Love than to lay down ones life for a friend. However, there are several measures in place if it seems like tensions are increasing, but everything is playing out day by day. I won’t pretend there is no risk, but faith without risk is not faith, but we are also not entering blindly without support and direction. We are partnering with a YWAM base on the ground and we also have Antioch Austin covering us with pastoral oversight.
There are a few ways you can partner with me during these next 3 weeks as our team prepares to launch.
Financially: I am looking to fundraise $2,750 to cover the cost of food, lodging, flights, and other necessities. You can do so through my venmo (elliemilla) or if you would like it to be tax deductible please reach out and I’m working on getting something set up to do that.
Currently I only need $1550 left of that goal - we are almost halfway!
Prayerfully: I would love to have a team of prayer warriors who are specifically covering our team of 13 in prayer before and during our time in Poland.
If you have been looking for a way to support the current crisis going on in Ukraine, this is an awesome way to support the mission of God in Eastern Europe.
Shalom,
Ellie Miller
Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have and I would love to let you in on more details.