Twain Harte EFC
(209)586-3835
Missions
Kevin DeVera
Kevin DeVera
Kevin DeVera, originally from Hawaii, has served for over 13 years with ReachGlobal (formerly known as Evangelical
Free Church International Missions) in Russia (home of bitterly cold winters - can only be a God-thing, right?), primarily as a church planter, but also teaching at the Bible College in Kursk. He is currently in transition, in Ukraine, seeking with several other missionary partners what type of missions opportunities are here.
The following letter gives a glimpse of how this transition feels.I once commented to a fellow missionary that, while at Candidate School, we are prepared for entry into the country where we are to serve. What we are not prepared for is what to expect when the time comes to depart said country. We are not told of the pain and sadness we will experience. We are told that, in essence, we are trying to work ourselves out of a job. This means, the day will come when the nationals will take over the work begun by missionaries and our presence there will not be needed. In our minds this makes sense. In our hearts and emotions there is a problem. You've given many years, (in my case almost 13 years) getting to know the people and culture. You've shared joys and sadness'. You've watched them grow. You've come to experience the truth of Matt. 19:29. You've watched as the light of understanding shines brighter and brighter. You learned what it means humble yourself, letting God lead in every situation. So what happens when it all comes to its logical conclusion?
On June 5, 2007 I said goodbye to the family I've known for 6 years. Pressure from the local KGB caused us to leave willingly or face the possibility of being "blacklisted" and not being allowed further entrance into the country. The timing made sense in that, after 6 years of great ministry at Immanuel Church, the Leaders were prepared to take the reigns. We ordained their first Russian Pastor two weeks earlier. Everything was in place for transition. With much sorrow and many tears I said goodbye to my spiritual children. So many people at Immanuel Church came to refer to me as, "Batushka", or Spiritual Father. I departed confident, knowing that they are in the Lord's hands. I also felt keen anticipation about what awaited me in Ukraine.
My initial impression of Kiev is that it is over saturated. Kiev prides itself on being an "open" city. It claims to tolerate all faiths. In my first week here I saw a Mormon church (something unheard of in Russia). I attended a Ukrainian cultural festival and one entire area had booths and food kiosks sponsored by the Hari Krishna. Kiev also has the largest charismatic church in Northern Europe with over 13,000 members.
My team and I have settled in a small town just outside of Kiev, called Broveri. We will remain here through most 2007/2008. This decision serves two purposes. First, it will, according to our Area Director, take us about 6 months to get settled and learn what the EFCA is doing in Ukraine. Secondly, I and my team will also do a three month home assignment in early 2008. Though I hope to do short trips in the fall, no decisions can be made until my team rejoins me.
For now I'm settling in to my new home. I've met a man who is interested in meeting with me to study the Bible. He is a taxi driver (Yuri) I've used. I'm hoping to invite my landlord (Igor) who lives above the studio I'm renting. Please be praying for them.
I do plan to visit Kursk, that is to say, if I'm not prevented at the border from entering. Though I have a visa, I was told that they might reject it should I try to re-enter the country -- we'll see. I'd like to be in Kursk for the 5 year anniversary of Immanuel Church. I've also been invited to teach again at the Bible College in November. These will be good opportunities to re-connect with friends there.
I remember what one of my Seminary profs once told us. He said, "Gentlemen, become comfortable living with uncertainty." I understand that that's what living by faith is all about. What we don't know; what we can't see, trust and wait on the Lord.