Joy and I recently had the privilege of gathering with other FMI Missionaries and Foursquare Europe pastors in Kyiv, Ukraine. I was quite emotional during the first night of worship as the Lord kept bringing to mind the immigration of my father’s parents from Ukraine to the United States in the early 1900s.
Like many Jews who left under threat of persecution either before or during the Russian revolution, Alexander and Rose Peisachovich sought a better life in the US. And, like many who came to the United States, their surname was truncated - possibly to simplify the manifest on a ship bound for America, or maybe in an attempt to “integrate” more quickly with a more “American” sounding name. So … Alexander and Rose Peysakhovich became Alexander and Rose Peiss.
I have good reason to believe that none of the descendants of Alexander and Rose ever returned to their homeland … that is until April of 2019. And my heart was overflowing knowing that a departure under strife and persecution over 100 years ago, would be reconciled with a return in a spirit of joy and gladness! I had great anticipation for how God would show His deep love, faithfulness, and restoration power - both in Ukraine and across the whole of Europe! He did not disappoint! What a joy to see God moving powerfully in and through so many of the people we met in Ukraine, and with pastors and missionaries from 25 European nations!
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
- Hebrews 13:8
Jesus was with Alexander and Rose as they left in the early 1900s, and He was with me as I returned in April of 2019. Thank you, Lord, for always watching over the Peysakhovich (Peiss) family. You are are only good always!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. “
- Jeremiah 29:11
I trust it will not be my only visit. I hope to return someday and travel to the town where my grandparents grew up and were married. I am excited for the portions of this story that are yet to be written! And I know they will be good! “For I know …”