A pastor is working with a group of former missionaries to send aid to Ukrainian refugees. Pastor Kent McDowell will travel to Poland on Sunday, April 24.
On Mission
In a report with The Villages Daily Sun, McDowell spent 15 years of his life in the former Soviet Union. During that time, he planted churches and spread the Gospel.
He spent many of those years in Ukraine. This time, he is doing what he can to offer comfort to those fleeing from the war-torn country.
The pastor explained that many of the areas that were destroyed during the invasion were where he and his wife planted churches. He added that he also preached the Gospel and hosted Bible studies there.
McDowell said he and his wife still had many friends in the area. Many have fled to escape the violence.
The pastor is scheduled to return to the United States on Sunday, May 1.
AIM to Change
In an earlier report with The Daily Sun, McDowell is said to be the Kingdom Coalition Pastor for First Baptist Church at The Villages.
According to the report, the pastor has a unique role in bringing ministry and fellowship to the community since the Kingdom Coalition holds a partnership with churches and Baptist associations.
The coalition teams up to help spread God's Word in the South Villages.
According to the news report, it is part of an initiative called "AIM to Change."
The pastor explained that AIM stood for Accountability with one another, Intimacy with God, and the Multiplication of disciples.
He stressed that they were "a church without walls, a kingdom without borders, serving a God without limits."
The Kingdom Coalition includes First Baptist Church at The Villages on its lists of participating congregations.
Other members of the coalition are the First Baptist Oxford and First Baptist Wildwood. The group has helped spread the love of God in the community.
The group stresses the importance of the AIM to Change initiatives.
"We've been launching small groups in the South Villages, both in homes and elsewhere," McDowell said.
"These usually consist of 2-8 people. The AIM Gatherings are the time where we bring the AIM Groups together."
AIM Gatherings occur every month at Brownwood Hotel and Spa. The pastor said these gatherings offered stories of hope from the community.
He added that these meetings served as times of encouragement through worship and fellowship. People who attended the gatherings were sent out to live out His mission.
Advocate for Migrants
Florida pastor Joel Tooley also spent nine days at the Ukrainian border to help refugees.
The pastor described the experience as a beautiful yet terrifying one. His heart went out to those who were suffering as a result of the war.
Tooley told the news outlet that most of these evacuees were women and children. He said many of these mothers tried to remain calm and strong as they offered comfort to each other.
According to ABC Action News, the pastor prayed that the war in Ukraine would end. Tooley is known for his advocacy for migrants.
More from Crossmap: St. Philip Phan Van Minh Parish vicar celebrates 25th anniversary
