To our friends who are interested and praying for the work and workers in Ukraine. I thought you would like to know what is happening, God willing, in 2011.
As far as we know, the only Assembly work being carried on is in Western Ukraine, with 2 Assemblies now functioning in both Lutsk and Lviv. There is a growing interest in Ivano Frankivsk but there is a need for a full time worker in this city. Things seem to fade once the short term missionaries head home.
Last fall, Eric Fowler and Howard Pratt saw a good number of people coming out to meetings, some who had never been out before. We hope the numbers will revive again when brethren return in spring.
Several of us are planning to go then. Myself in March for a month along with another brother, not yet decided. Louis Smith and Doug Yade will be going for a short period, before or after going to Russia. Eric Fowler would like to go back in May.
Most of us will arrive in Lviv, where Flo Kancir will be, beginning in March. This is always our ”arrival city”, and so we spend time with the saints there before some of us go on to Ivano Frankivsk. 2010 saw the commencement of an Assembly in Flo’s apartment. Pray that they will find a meeting room to rent, as the apartment is getting too crowded now.
Many of you have asked what is the greatest need in Ukraine? We always appreciate the boxes of clothing, the finances to purchase Bibles and literature, and your prayers. But the greatest need is for men and women who see Ukraine as a full time mission field. Each of the Assemblies has started where a full time couple have moved to. At the present time, both couples are from Ireland. One couple are in Lutsk and one in Lviv.
I want to mention one other particular need at the present time. The need was met some years ago in Lviv and the van is still running and bringing people to the meetings and taking Flo and others to outlying towns. e do not have any such vehicle in Ivano Frankivsk which means that we have to rent vehicles that are often not at all reliable or suitable and a lot of time is wasted. Please pray that a suitable vehicle, at the right price will become available for this year. There is a small fund already started to purchase this much needed vehicle. The reason we feel lead to mention this need is the fact that many ask us to be more specific, not as a pleading letter. We plead at the Throne of Grace. I hope you understand.
I hope this update will help you to pray more intelligently, as you become aware of current needs as well as blessings.
Malcolm Stanley. (for Christian Assembly Work in Ukraine.)
