‘There’s a task God has me to do’: Local missionary describes fleeing Ukraine

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A missionary is now back in Jacksonville after fleeing from Ukraine, the place she called home for nearly 29 years.

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Kathy Gould had only planned to be in Ukraine for a short time but fell in love with the country, as she felt called to teach others about God.

She made the difficult decision to leave after fearing that her Ukrainian loved ones would be in danger for helping her, an American.

“It was brought to my attention by someone I trust and admire that if Russia invaded and captured me, that it wouldn’t be good for me,” Gould said.

Gould’s friend woke her up just nights ago, saying that Ukraine was being bombed. That’s when they heard the sirens.

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She describes watching swarms of people trying to leave in standstill traffic for hours. Walking nearly seven miles to the border, she finally landed in Jacksonville, just after midnight Sunday.

“If the fighting stopped, I would be back tomorrow,” Gould said.

She made it safely back to Jacksonville on Sunday, shortly after midnight. She now waits on pins and needles, as she prays for her loved ones still overseas. However, she has remained in contact with them daily.

“I try not to bother them and say that I just want to hear from you once a day,” Gould said. “That you’re okay. If you want more, give me more information. That’s fine. If not, you don’t have to.”

Gould said they were all hoping the chaos would be resolved in a peaceful way but said that Ukraine has never been more united.

“I’m so amazed by the Ukrainian people,” Gould said. “I am impressed with them. I’m encouraged by how they are coming together and banding together.”

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Gould shared the responsibility she feels those in America have to hold leaders accountable.

“We can contact our government and push them to do what is right, to fulfill our promise,” Gould said. “If not, America’s going to lose even more of its influence in the world because nobody will trust what we say.”

The promise she’s referring to is the 1994 Budapest Memorandum that the U.S. signed onto, saying that if Ukraine got rid of all their nuclear weapons, they would ensure the integrity of Ukraine’s territory and independence, which she says is still in question.

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As President Biden’s State of the Union address approaches Tuesday night, Gould said she hopes American leaders will do more.

“The sanctions were slow, and they were too small,” Gould said. “They should have started before in my opinion.”

Over the past few days, Gould has been busy trying to get resources and money to Ukraine and is doing all she can to help the country from afar

“There are times I cry, and there’s been times I’ve wept -- but there’s a task God has me to do,” Gould said.

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She shared that her passion remains for teaching children about God -- serving as the president of ABC’s of Life.

“The children stole my heart,” Gould said. Even before I went, God put such a burning desire in my heart to be there that I knew I was supposed to go on that visit.”

At the end of the day, Gould said she’s grateful to be safe but knows her heart is dedicated to helping the people of Ukraine.

“You’re never happier than when you’re doing what God wants you to do,” Gould said.

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Local missionary describes fleeing Ukraine (Kathy Gould)

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