Loving the Unlovable
Recently I discovered that I'm a missionary in a place where people sometimes lose their lives for exposing the truth when that truth threatens the prosperity of certain individuals. The events seen on newscasts around the world of election scandals and an attempted murder of a then presidential candidate were certainly not isolated incidents.
There is still a great deal of corruption in Ukraine and it can be found at various levels of nearly any system, institution, or service. I write this entry with very real evidence of such corruption still fresh on my mind.
Just weeks ago a close Ukrainian friend of mine lost her father to malpractice in an extremely corrupt medical system. The family was shocked at events that transpired and led to the unexpected death of this young woman's father. An autopsy at the family's request revealed that indeed gross mistreatment had been administered.
A consultation with the doctors responsible unveiled cold, uncaring hearts and an attempt to explain away the situation without consideration for the severity of their misdeeds. Should the family choose to appeal to the courts for justice to be served, they might be endangering their own lives. In addition, the battle could carry on for two or three years, draining them of finances and emotional strength.
Another option exists for this family. There is a commission within the medical system whose responsibility it is to govern the practice of doctors and nurses. This option is said to be safe and the members of the commission trustworthy, but it's really hard to know for sure. Any reports of malpractice are thoroughly investigated by the commission and if evidence is found that validates those reports, the commission itself takes the case to court. In cases where doctors are found guilty, they are dealt with justly.
Sometimes it doesn't seem humanly possible to love all the people God has called me to serve. I have loved the Ukrainian people since the first day I arrived here almost six and a half years ago. I love staying in Ukraine and celebrating special holiday seasons with them as much as I enjoy going to Canada to celebrate the same holiday seasons with friends and family there. The corruption I see around me, though, and the blatant disrespect for human life and welfare of others is more than I can sometimes handle.
We know that one day everyone will stand before our Father in Heaven and that one day everyone will proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord. Nobody is exempt from that reality. No amount of bribe money will be enough to excuse a person from that final meeting of accountability and judgment. So how do we apply that knowledge and hope in the hopeless circumstances we face while on this earth? One day at a time.
Vengeance belongs to God. I must continue to love those He has called me to serve and by His grace alone I'm able to do so. Our God is mighty and able to transform hearts, lives, and entire nations. This is my hope and prayer for Ukraine.
