June 2012 update

Hello Everyone,

It seems like it was only a couple weeks ago that David returned to Ukraine, but in reality it's been over a month. I apologize for not writing soon after his return, time somehow slipped away.  David returned home to a fixed boiler which meant he didn't have to worry about taking cold showers. The stabilizer still needed to be fixed. We finally got it back this week, repaired. :-) Now there is no need to worry about burning out any of the appliances. The best news is that David has not had any episodes of arrhythmia. 

School finished last Wednesday. The family kept busy with all the activities of the last week. Karyn and Austin finished out the semester well. Karyn made the honor roll, Austin the headmaster's list. Then there were the last get togethers before families left for the States. 

Short-Term Mission Construction Team June 2-11

And today, I've been really busy finishing up preparations for a construction team's arrival and getting them settled in. We are excited to see how much can be accomplished next week as they partner with the Ukrainians from Bortnichi Church. Five men are here to help out, two who were here last year and three new men from the Texas Baptist Men's group. In addition to helping with the Bortnichi church construction, some of the men will be hold evening seminars on the Experiencing God book. Pray the men would stay healthy and safe, everyone involved in the construction project would have a cooperative spirit and open mind as to how things should be done, and the seminar attendees would really reap valuable insight that would be passed on to neighbors and friends.  

As David was preparing for the team to come, we've been able to witness some unexpected surprises. It's been neat to see the Ukrainians take charge of getting some preparatory work done. The floor heating had been installed. Then later, an anonymous Ukrainian donor gave time and resources to put in an electrical system to run the sanctuary heating. We thought money raised for the construction project would have to be used. Instead, the unused money can go towards the next step in the building project.

Later this summer, Living Vine Church (where David co-pastors with Vitalic) and Bortnichi Church will have a summer camp for the children of the village. It's great to see churches working together to reach into the community. I don't ever remember churches doing a joint effort like this. Pray for the leader as they make the necessary preparations. 

Kim performing during worship service at Hope Church

Last Sunday Karyn and I had the opportunity to play at Hope Church, one of the first churches we attended in Kiev. Karyn's piano teacher Nadia wanted her to have some experience playing in front of people. They played a piano duet of "He Lives."  Nadia and I played "People Need the Lord." The music was well-received by those in attendance.

After the service, my first language teacher Galina came up to me. We, along with another missionary wife, conversed a bit. Unfortunately I didn't understand everything. After she left, the missionary wife Sherry explained some of what Galina was saying. You may remember the missionary community had been witnessing and praying for Galina and the other Russian teacher for a while. We had written that if Galina, who is the leader among the teachers, the others would be more likely to follow. Anyway, three years ago, Galina accepted Christ and was baptized. Sherry told me that David and I played a big part in Galina making the decision. The testimony of our faith in God despite our tragedy had a big impact on her. I knew that Galina really respected us for our strong faith despite suffering a tragedy. But it was only a week ago that we found out it was more than that. Praise God for the good that came out of a great loss.

I want to thank for teammate Randy Hillebrand for the cultural insight. What follows is what he shared with his supporters. 

From Jun 8 through July 1, the Euro 2012 (European Soccer Championship) will take place. To prepare for it, Ukraine has built two new stadiums, repaired two others, repaired roads, opened four airports, and replaced the subway system with newer trains. It may become a financial failure because of the many problems that she has. One is the imprisonment of Yulia Tymoshenko, the opposition leader. For this reason Germany's chancellor might boycott coming to Ukraine for the games.

Other reasons include racism, fears of corrupt police, and over-priced hotels. Some fear that tourists will increase prostitution. Ukraine has spent more than $14 billion in preparing for the games, but it may all be for naught because of the country's reputation. Not much has changed since her independence in 1991. Some believe it was wrong to give Ukraine this opportunity.  The west's outlook on the country is bleak. Because of this, please be in prayer for Ukraine that the gospel would truly make a positive impact. 

Thank you for your prayers!