Shane and Jem Paxa Update
Shane and Jem Paxa: Ukraine
To understand Shane and Jemimah’s ministry and the reality of their daily life, let’s begin with where they are, because that will help you understand their situation and get a sense of place... Rzhyshchiv (Ржищів) is a small town about 80km by road from Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. Shane and Jemimah have served in Ukraine for more than 15 years, and live in a modest house a stone’s throw from the Dnieper, Europe’s fourth-largest river. Ukraine has been transformed by the ugly reality of war. It has been more than four years since the Russian Federation launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the increasing cost for Ukraine and its people has become enormous.
Who we are
It’s Real - Not a Hollywood Set.
Over 3.8 million people are displaced within Ukraine, and nearly 5.8 million are beyond Ukraine’s borders. These figures can sound like some data-driven abstraction, but for the displaced, and for those who have stayed (or have nowhere to go), daily life carries much uncertainty. Kyiv continues to endure relentless drone and missile attacks, many of them following the Dnieper River, past Rzhyshchiv. The enemy’s engines of war pass close enough to be seen and heard. They are a frequent reminder to Shane and Jemimah of the seriousness of their situation. There are many towns, villages and cities that know the same unsettling fears. Besides the very public and obvious destruction, there are localised horrors on the front lines, shattered communities, personal trauma, lost amenities (electricity, heating, water) and increasingly, the loss of loved ones.
Beyond the Backdrop
What’s been related above provides the backdrop for Shane and Jemimah’s work on the ground in Ukraine. With gospel hope and love-driven passion, they spent many years evangelising and discipling young people in youth and young adult ministry. The invasion changed that ministry. Shane says, “…our lives have changed in uncountable ways. Our ministries changed and morphed to accommodate the new needs that arose. Our church and community opened its doors to refugees, and ministering to these people who have fled the war became a large part of our ministry.”
Summarising the changes Shane comments, “Jemimah runs a day centre for children from disadvantaged and struggling families, and I have focused on my passion for biblical counselling”. Their lives are focused on taking the gospel to their community in word and deed. Shane again, “The care for those affected by the war is a huge need, and we are thankful to be able to provide support to those God puts in our paths.”
The day care centre (Anchor Day Care) is the place where children come to be fed spiritually and physically. Anchor is a safe place where kids can be kids, can experience the love of God in practical ways, and where their physical and spiritual health are in focus. Recently, Jemimah and the Anchor team have also begun an expansion of the day centre with a new kindergarten program for local children.
Since the war, Shane has become focused on his passion for Biblical counselling. He provides counselling to soldiers who are fighting for Ukraine's freedom (sometimes venturing close to the front lines to do so) and also provides pastoral care and counselling to the families of those who are fighting.
What we need
Prayer
The task before Shane and Jemimah and their church community is challenging. Life in a country at war is stressful, and the shared public strain across the country can become deeply personal as well. Shane and Jemimah (and their church family) have not been insulated from that personal cost.
Shane and Jemimah have asked that you pray that God will grant them wisdom and discernment, the courage to speak and act boldly in service to Jesus’ church and those who are yet to hear the good news.
When you pray for them, pray also for peace in Ukraine. Nations may rage, and leaders may have their plans, but kings and nations cannot thwart the work of Jesus as He builds His church – even in the chaos of war.
How can you support
Aside from your prayers, if you would like to support the Paxas financially, you can do so by visiting their Operation Mobilisation (OM) web page here
Check out the recent podcast interviews with them by following the "Learn more" link below.
Follow their updates to stay connected, learn what is happening on the ground and see how your support is making a difference.