May 2011 update

Construction Team at Pechersk Lavra in Kiev

The month of May in the Ukrainian language, (Травень pronounced "Traven"), means the month of grass.  It represents the time of year when there is new growth and the fields turn green.  This month not only have we been able to enjoy green trees and fields, we have also been able to experience new spiritual growth in our ministries. 

During the month of May we hosted a construction team from LakePointe Church in Texas.  A group of three men had given up some of their vacation time and crossed eight time zones to join up with Ukrainian believers to help build the Bortnichi church.  As the men hung from scaffolding and the rafters they were able to install several layers of insullation in the attic and ceiling of the church.  But, more than just building was happening.  The team built up relationships between American and Ukrainian Christians that will last forever.  The church here was encouraged to press forward in their challenging circumstances.  Through this experienced everyone grew in faith and fellowship.  There is still much work to be done on the church.  We would welcome more construction teams!  If your church is interested in sending a construction team please let us know.

English Outreach Party with Pastor Peter

 

Also, during the month of May we finished another semester of English outreach classes.  To celebrate the end of the study semester and the beginning of summer vacation time our church hosted a party for the English students.  About thirty were present.  We had the students participate in the program.  The beginners read Bible verses and quoted Scriptures.  The intermediate group performed a skit on the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.  They passed around real smoked fish.  Some of the advanced students gave their personal testimonies in English interpreted into Ukrainian.  This was a good opportunity for them to witness to fellow students who are unbelievers.  We ask your prayers for God to provide teachers for next semester as some of our key teachers will be away next semester. 


Baptism of Lena and Nadia

 

This past Saturday our church hosted an outdoor baptism.  Lena and Nadia have been coming to our church for awhile and have believed in Christ.  As very young children they had been baptized in the Orthodox church.  But, through relationships and reading the Word of God they decided that they wanted to be baptized again by immersion by their own desire.  So, we have been blessed to have these two young girls make such a public statement of their faith in Christ.  We ask your prayers for Lena and Nadia.  This summer they will be serving children as camp counselors and leaders in the Open Bible camp ministries.  Pray for their faith to impact hundreds of children this summer. 



Finally, we would like to ask your prayers for our next six months.  On June 10 we leave for "home assignment" in the States.  For four years straight we have been serving as missionaries to Ukraine.  So, the time has come to return to the States to renew relationships with family, friends, and supporters.  While in the States we would love to visit with you.  Please email dspirek@yahoo.com or phone 214-377-0469 to let us know when would be a good time to visit.  Thanks again for your prayers and support in growing the church in Ukraine.

Blessings,  David, Kim, Austin, Karyn and Kaitlyn