Robin Price, an MTW missionary to Ukraine, was struggling to learn Russian. She often felt that she was disappointing the very people she came to serve as she labored to communicate with her limited vocabulary. Not being able to ask a simple question or share a simple thought made her feel clumsy and inadequate.

Recently, Robin decided to invite her Ukrainian church friend Alyona over for tea. She longed to get to know her friend better. The two managed some basic conversation with the missionary’s limited Russian and her friend’s limited English. As they visited, Alyona graciously asked Robin how she was doing. Robin unexpectedly teared up as she shared some of her frustrations at not being able to communicate better. Alyona reached out her hand and said, “But you have talent. You look after souls.” She proceeded to explain that there is a Russian word, dushepopecheniye, that means “soul looking-after” and that this is what she and others in Ukraine need and want very much. No words could have been a greater encouragement to Robin that day and were a sweet affirmation that God had brought her there for a beautiful purpose.

Please pray for the many Ukrainians who long to know more of God’s truth. And pray for Robin and other missionaries like her who are mastering a new language in order to share the truth of the gospel.