27 February 2009

Coleen's Dad

For those who have followed this story, my dad has been home now for some time and is doing well. My sister ordered him a hospital bed which he refused (good for him). She said he is starting to get back to his normal, "order everyone around" self. This is evidence he is fully coming back as he was so out of it for so long due to the long-term anesthesia that takes so long to recover from. Thank the Lord for his miracles are still being performed in people's lives.

26 February 2009

Who Says Kids Don't Have Something To Say

15 February 2009

Kiev Accident - September 2008

On September 19th, 2008 a church excursion of 11 years old children went into Kyiv. Three of those children where hit by a car (the same driver). One, Vica was not badly hurt and released after an overnight stay for observation. Pasha had a badly broken leg and is now also fine. Andre, the worst hurt had brain injury and was in a coma for some time. We are pleased to share with you that Andre returned to church two weeks ago for the first time. He continues to need your prayers as he still experiences short term memory loss which could have devastating effects on his education, but we are glad he is with us. We praise God for those of you who have contributed to the medical expenses of these children. This will go through the church here and be a great encouragement to the families that most need it.

09 February 2009

Sunday School Craft Time

Prayer Issues, Our Activities

Please pray for the prison ministry team that we have formed and for our meetings this month with officials in the Ukrainian Department of Corrections. Please pray that Col Subotenko, who is in charge of social and religious work, will be open to our vision for ministry and also will be disposed to give us the necessary passes and permissions to work in the prisons.

The All-ages Sunday school literature ministry is facing many challenges. Please pray that God will move more pastors in Ukraine to entrust teaching of God's word to gifted members of their congregations. Currently 800 churches are using the literature, but many of them not effectively. Pray for the 20 coordinators who are introducing the literature to the churches. Pray also for the team of writers and editors, that they will be able to make their deadlines, and that the Lord will bless the department for the needed funding for printing.

Please pray for the three Bible conferences in 2009 which we have planned for Iranians from the underground churches. Those who come may face persecution both before leaving Iran and after returning. Five of our former students are now in prison, and I would ask you to remember them and their families. I can't give you their names here, but the Lord knows them.

Coleen is serving in Sunday school ministry and is also leading faith scrapbooking classes as a means of witnessing to family and friends. Pray that the Lord's hand will be on those who attend and will bless their witness to their families, causing many to be saved.

Our daughter Leah is working in Coleen's craft ministry as well, and is very busy with the Samaritan's Purse ministry in Ukraine, working sometimes until late in the evening. The shipping containers have to be cleared through customs, and every box given to children needs to be accounted. She has to get the information to customs officials and also coordinate ministry with many churches. Leah, at 21, is also at a crossroads in life and needs direction and grace in continuing her education.

07 February 2009

California to Ukraine

Well, I am back home again. One's own bed is always the best. My dad has done a most remarkable recovery. He was still in the nursing home when I left on Wednesday, but is to go home on Saturday. It is quite incredible that after ruptured appendectomy, septicemia, breathing/feeding tube for 10 days while under induced coma that a man of 86 would recover from that at all. I guess the Lord still is not done with him. Thank you for all your prayers. We still don't know his spiritual status. He was still in much confusion from long-term anesthesia so prayers are still needed. It is good to be back home with my family and our familiar routine. God has been good and protected me again on my long journey. Now, to get passed the jet-lag.