April 2011 update

Spending special moments together with family and friends is what brings joy and meaning our daily routines.  So, before we return to the States this summer to spend time with family, friends and supporters there, we are trying to maximize our last few moments with our Christian family here.  We spent our Easter with some long time friends, Sasha and Lydia, and making new friends, Dima and Natasha.  We have known Sasha and Lydia (on the right) for more than ten years now.  Lydia has baby sat all of our children.  Over the years we have supported their efforts to start a new church in Borispol.  Dima, Natasha and their children (on the left) are our new friends from Moscow.  They have been instrumental in growing the church in nearby Russia.  Dima sings in a church and works as an accountant in a Christian organization there.  Dima has recorded a couple of Christian music CDs.  Anyway, we have been blessed to meet and work with these brothers and sisters in Christ in this part of the world!

As we prepare for a six month "home ministry assignment" we are trying to finish and transfer some ministries over to nationals.  We have recently completed our church's small group home Bible study series on principles of building strong Christian relationships.  During the month of May David will be winding up the English club outreach ministry.  The English teaching team is planning an end of the semester celebration party for those who have attended.  We want the party to be fun.  But, we aslo want yet another opportunity to share Christ with the unbelievers.  So, pray for this special event that will take place on Tuesday, May 31.

In addition to the above ministries we are hosting a construction team May 22 -29.  The team consists of 3 construction workers from LakePointe Church in Texas.  These men will team up with men from our church  to help complete the interior work on the church sanctuary.  Pray for final preparations to be made.  Pray for the team's safe travel to and frim Ukraine.  Pray for the American and Ukrainains to build strong relationships and to accomplish much work during that week.  Pray for the church members to be encouraged toward further evangelism, discipleship and church growth.  We really appreciate all those in Texas who have contributed toward the furthering of God's kingdom in this part of the world and beyond.

Finally, we ask you to pray for our family during our transition into "home ministry assignment" the second half of this year.  Pray for logistics such as housing, travel, food, education, family reunions, mission agency meetings, church meetings, health check-ups, finances and hundreds of other details related to moving a family across the ocean for six months.  Thanks again for making our family's mission to the former Soviet Union a success!