September 1 Update

Has it been this long since my last report?  Below is brief summary of the past few months.

Summer Report:
Our summer home ministry visit to the States quickly passed.  We praise the Lord for what was accomplished in two months and ten days.  As a summary during that time we were able to enroll our son in university, help him obtain a driver's license, purchase a vehicle for our son, speak in seven adult Sunday school classes, visit seven churches, visit a number of supporters, preach in three church services, attend two family reunions, drive more than seven thousand miles and stay relatively sane after having to drag the family through all these transitions.  We praise the Lord for his grace and strength to endure such a whirlwind trip.

Son Remains in the States:
Kim said goodbye to Austin at four thirty in the morning on July 28.  That day Austin and I wanted to get an early start on our two day drive from Pennsylvania to Texas.  I only had a few days to help Austin in that final transition to university.  We are so blessed that some of our friends agreed to help Austin with housing until he could move into the dormitory.  Then on the first of August it was my turn to say goodbye.  What a strange feeling to have to leave your son behind.  Now I better understand what it is like to have children leave the house.  We ask your prayers for God to bless Austin as he continues the transition into life at UT Dallas.

Safe Return to Ukraine:
For the most part we had a good trip from New York back to Kiev.  We had a delayed departure from JFK airport that rushed our layover in Paris.  We arrived at the next gate right as they were boarding. We had a good flight on to Kiev.  But, when we arrived it turns out that all of our checked luggage was lost.  We had to wait three days for out luggage to finally arrive.  Air France lost our luggage on both legs of the journey.  Apparently the baggage handling service in the Paris airport does not work well.  I think that in the future we will try to avoid Air France.  Upon arriving it took us about a week to adjust to the time zone - awake during the night and sleepy during the day.

School Resumes:
Kim started teacher in-service on August 21.  School started on August 28.  This year Kim has ten students half of whom are English language learners.  Karyn started tenth grade and will play soccer this semester.  Kaitlyn started first grade.  We almost made it a full week before Kaitlyn became sick and had to go home for the day.  She stayed home last Friday and again today.  We ask your prayers for a successful and safe school semester for the entire family.

Starting New Ministry:
This semester I am looking forward to starting new ministries.  Tomorrow I meet with some friends about starting a Disciples Prayer Life small group.  Soon we plan to start a thirteen week course on developing a stronger prayer life for disciples of Jesus.  Also, I plan to reach out into my community to share Christ through offering English lessons.  I am praying that relationships can be developed that will eventually turn into Bible studies and possibly one day a new church.  I ask your prayers for the Lord to guide and bless these outreach efforts that His name might be glorified in this community.

Stalemate in the East:
Last week Ukraine was gaining ground against the rebels in the east.  But, this week Russia invaded with advanced weapons and regular troops supporting the rebels, surrounding the Ukrainians and causing a military stalemate.  It seems that Putin is trying to force Ukraine to negotiate with the rebels to have autonomy so that through them Russia can maintain control over all of Ukraine.  Putin lies to the west denying involvement.  But, even the blind can see the evidence of captured Russian troops, Russian tanks and equipment, personal videos, photos, eyewitness reports, satellite images, caskets, (need I list more?)  The official statistics are more than 2600 deaths. But, I suspect there are more.  Please pray for the Lord to to stop the bloodshed and the plans of evil men.