Report of the happenings in Ukraine since I left on November 6th.
Several things had taken our time while in both Lviv and Ivano Frankivsk during the month of October.
One of most important decisions that had to be made was concerning the apartment that was rented by
our late Sister, Flo Kancir. It had been rented by Flo until March 2013 but we were concerned with what
should be done after that date.
The concern was in two areas, the first being where would people stay as the arrived or left Ukraine, as
we had always stayed in Flo’s apartment? The second was where would the boxes of clothing go to be
stored and sorted before distribution?
Contact was made first of all with the owner of the apartment as to whether he was willing to still rent
the apartment and would the rent stay the same? He is willing to rent to us and the rent would stay the
same at $450.00US per month.
All the brethren and sisters who have been in the habit of visiting in this area, were contacted and asked
their opinion about re-renting, and if they agreed, would they be prepared to contribute to the annual
rent of $5400.00US. They all agreed to contribute as God would supply and so are trusting the full
amount will be available by next March.
Our next concern was the possibility of having a caretaker family live in the apartment to keep it in good
order and be willing to host the visiting missionaries. Prior to making any decision about this, there was
a concern about a family in the fellowship in Lviv assembly, who were living in anything but congenial
circumstances. 7 people of 4 generations in one small apartment. One young couple Lubchic and Nadia,
with a 4 year old child Vitali, were contacted as to their willingness to take on this responsibility. We are
glad to say they have accepted the opportunity and will move in on December 1st. Because of adverse
circumstances, they will not be able to contribute to the rent or utilities. The assembly in Lviv will look
after the utilities.
The second need was to acquire a newer van for use in Lviv. The present one, purchased several years
ago, having over 400,000kms on it, was becoming unreliable on long trips. A newer, high headroom van
was purchased in Belgium and has now been fitted with seats and windows and is ready to use. This
vehicle will also be used to pick up elderly people to bring to meetings and to take humanitarian aid
when visiting orphanages.
The funds for this vehicle were sent from the USA and Canada. The old vehicle was also sold for $3,000.
Thank you to those who gave to this need.
The second Conference was held in Lviv and people from 3 areas came for the ministry. The time of
fellowship was excellent and the gospel and Ministry very suitable to the company gathered. Dennis
Williamson of N Ireland, Howard Pratt of Canada, Dan Perez of USA and Malcolm Stanley of Canada all
took part in the Ministry and Gospel.
Since Howard and Malcolm returned home, Louis Smith and Eric Fowler spent time in Ivano and all have
now returned home. Two Brethren have agreed to come to Ivano from Lviv and continue a mid-week
meeting. This will help until someone returns, hopefully in the New Year. We are praying for others to
be exercised about the work in both Lviv and Ivano Frankivsk. We need younger men, as at present, all
are pensioners with the exception of Dan Perez and Eric Fowler. The door is still open for the preaching
of the Word in schools, orphanages senior’s homes and in our apartment.
As most of you will know, reports from the workers are posted on this blog and can also be forwarded to
individuals by e-mail. Thank you for your interest and support in prayer and in supplying for the needs of
the work in that most needy country.
Yours by Grace.
Malcolm Stanley.
Christian Assembly Work in Ukraine.
210 Alfred Ave.
Portage la Prairie MB. R1N0H3
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Dan Report
November 05, 2012,
Monday) Monday we woke up to a quiet morning! Yesterday we took Malcolm and Howard to
Lviv, both spoke at the morning meeting and had very good messages! Do pray that God will
Bless all that they have done while here! Then we picked up Louis and make it on time for our
meeting, a good number out and listened very well! After the meeting one Lady (Oksana)
stayed behind and talked with Louis and me about her daughter who flipped out and now in a
psych ward, much prayer is needed!
Today had my first Ukrainian class, though overdue, better late than never! This class was a
two hour lesson and afterward I felt as if I made a trip to Lviv and back, it took a lot out of me
but think I need as much as I can handle to learn this difficult language!
Tuesday) Left in the morning to visit an orphanage for mentally ill girls, ages about 8-35, in a
town called Kolamaya. We talked with a small group of kids that have some kind of
comprehension, then had small talk with the director and a few staff. We brought clothes and
cleaning supplies to give to this orphanage.
Before leaving the town we stopped at the main school to talk to the principal to ask
permission to speak to the kids. It was a very nice school and the office was very nice and big,
the principal looked very serious. I was having flash backs to when I was in school and had to
see the principal. I thought he might throw us out of his office but he seemed to have warmed
up to Louie and was willing to have us speak, so we made an appointment with the Christian
Ethics teacher for next week. This school is the largest in this town 1200 students possibly the
largest we have spoken in, Louie did very well in talking to the principal!!
Wednesday) had my second two hour Ukrainian lesson, while I was there Louis and Vladimir
had a talk at the apartment with Luba, one of the ladies from our meeting and who is in
fellowship at the Lviv assembly. She had some questions about the Bible that they discussed
and family and relational problems that ended up being the main topic.
After this we went out for dinner with Ruslan and his wife Anna, (they were part of that church
group that came up with us to the Lviv conference), at the restaurant Ruslan had many
questions about Christian living and about eternal security. We later went to his house for some
coffee and tea. Vladimir was trying to get his computer to run faster while more questions
came up about eternal security. After a few hours there and our talk at the restaurant it looked
like a few light bulbs turned on as we went through parts of the Scriptures. Ruslan professes to
be saved but thinks the church group he was with has confused him and his wife. It was a very
profitable time we had together!
Thursday) Boxes came in the morning from Portage La Prairie CA. A big thank you to them!
We sorted out the boxes and prepare some to take with us to a town we will be visiting tomorrow. Then Louis went out to make a phone call at a place where international calls are
not too expensive. While he was in the booth the worker, who didn't know he was there closed
the place and left for lunch. Louis tried to leave but he was locked in and had to wait a half hour
or more for the worker to come back, it was good he made it back home.
We then had our new Thursday meeting. There were 7 of us all together and had a very good
talk about Geneses 5, 6. One man, who has lived in England, brought a pamphlet with him from
England that talked about the gospel and was from a gospel hall in the area. After the meeting
Taras, another young man, stayed behind with some questions about salvation, he did this
before and do believe he is still searching!
We will be picking up Eric on Sunday, Please continue to pray for these meeting and for our
visitations!
In Christ our Lord
Louis, Dan
Monday) Monday we woke up to a quiet morning! Yesterday we took Malcolm and Howard to
Lviv, both spoke at the morning meeting and had very good messages! Do pray that God will
Bless all that they have done while here! Then we picked up Louis and make it on time for our
meeting, a good number out and listened very well! After the meeting one Lady (Oksana)
stayed behind and talked with Louis and me about her daughter who flipped out and now in a
psych ward, much prayer is needed!
Today had my first Ukrainian class, though overdue, better late than never! This class was a
two hour lesson and afterward I felt as if I made a trip to Lviv and back, it took a lot out of me
but think I need as much as I can handle to learn this difficult language!
Tuesday) Left in the morning to visit an orphanage for mentally ill girls, ages about 8-35, in a
town called Kolamaya. We talked with a small group of kids that have some kind of
comprehension, then had small talk with the director and a few staff. We brought clothes and
cleaning supplies to give to this orphanage.
Before leaving the town we stopped at the main school to talk to the principal to ask
permission to speak to the kids. It was a very nice school and the office was very nice and big,
the principal looked very serious. I was having flash backs to when I was in school and had to
see the principal. I thought he might throw us out of his office but he seemed to have warmed
up to Louie and was willing to have us speak, so we made an appointment with the Christian
Ethics teacher for next week. This school is the largest in this town 1200 students possibly the
largest we have spoken in, Louie did very well in talking to the principal!!
Wednesday) had my second two hour Ukrainian lesson, while I was there Louis and Vladimir
had a talk at the apartment with Luba, one of the ladies from our meeting and who is in
fellowship at the Lviv assembly. She had some questions about the Bible that they discussed
and family and relational problems that ended up being the main topic.
After this we went out for dinner with Ruslan and his wife Anna, (they were part of that church
group that came up with us to the Lviv conference), at the restaurant Ruslan had many
questions about Christian living and about eternal security. We later went to his house for some
coffee and tea. Vladimir was trying to get his computer to run faster while more questions
came up about eternal security. After a few hours there and our talk at the restaurant it looked
like a few light bulbs turned on as we went through parts of the Scriptures. Ruslan professes to
be saved but thinks the church group he was with has confused him and his wife. It was a very
profitable time we had together!
Thursday) Boxes came in the morning from Portage La Prairie CA. A big thank you to them!
We sorted out the boxes and prepare some to take with us to a town we will be visiting tomorrow. Then Louis went out to make a phone call at a place where international calls are
not too expensive. While he was in the booth the worker, who didn't know he was there closed
the place and left for lunch. Louis tried to leave but he was locked in and had to wait a half hour
or more for the worker to come back, it was good he made it back home.
We then had our new Thursday meeting. There were 7 of us all together and had a very good
talk about Geneses 5, 6. One man, who has lived in England, brought a pamphlet with him from
England that talked about the gospel and was from a gospel hall in the area. After the meeting
Taras, another young man, stayed behind with some questions about salvation, he did this
before and do believe he is still searching!
We will be picking up Eric on Sunday, Please continue to pray for these meeting and for our
visitations!
In Christ our Lord
Louis, Dan
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Malcolm Report #8
Ukraine report #8 Nov 1-3rd.
Thursday,
we visited a lady who professed to be saved some time ago but has many
doubts and home problems. She has a very sparse apartment and a 20 year
old son who is a concern to her, they both sleep in the one room. We had a good talk about eternal security and told her she did not need to confess to a priest, once Christ had forgiven her. People are so tied to the church here and find it hard to just trust Christ and His finished work.
At 4 pm a lady Lena and her 13 year old daughter came to the apartment to talk. She was a delightful Christian lady who wanted to let her daughter hear what we said about the gospel. Anyway they finished up staying for supper. I made them soup and then they stayed for our next meeting at 7pm.
A new man turned up who Dan and Volodia met at the Sports Complex and was really interested as we talked about the Bible and its history. He promised to come out again next week.
Friday. We went to the Half-Way House Internat or orphanage and spoke to about 15 children and gave out candy and balloons texts and calendars.
We had picked up 6 chalkboards for Peter Village School and plan to take them out on Saturday.
We were invited for lunch to a man named Ruslan and his wife Anya, who had come to Lviv with the other group of people we had met and who then asked to meet with us. We were so impressed with this couple (especially her cooking!) that we stopped and talked for 2 hours. He was saved as a teen but went to the USA and became a citizen and started a very profitable business that took him away from The Lord. He has since repented and come back to the Lord but has suffered a real setback. It seems he has been either wrongly convicted of a felony in the States so had his passport taken as he headed home to Ukraine. He is now stuck with no passport to do any business in Ukraine or the States. He cannot get any help from the US Consulate as to what he is supposed to have done. Very strange but Dan knows some Christian lawyers in the US and is taking all his paperwork to them when he returns.
Out for coffee in the evening and home to bed.
Saturday. We took the chalk-boards out to the school in Petriliv and the staff was delighted with them. The old Communist boards were warped, scratched and had holes in them and were shiny and could not be written on any longer.
While we ate lunch
we talked about the future of the school and what would happen if they
closed it down. The Administrator said that it would probably be made
into a rehabilitation home for troubled children and it would be a
wonderful opportunity for us to work with them in this project. She said
they may not close the school but rather shut of the second floor and
have the school all on the lower level and the rehab upstairs. It sounds
interesting and needs much prayer. Nothing may happen soon but the
child population in Petriliv is dropping each year.
Spent
the rest of the day getting ready to leave for Lviv tomorrow. Went out
to a swanky restaurant for supper and could not believe it only cost
100R each.
God bless and thank you for your prayers. Malcolm, Howard, Dan and Volodia.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Malcolm Report #7
Ukraine Report #7 October 29-31
Monday morning we went to buy some school supplies for Yablunuv or apple village and also ordered some green boards to be made for Peter Village. We then headed off to Yablunuv. This must be a very popular name as we found 3 on the map. The administrator Natalia met us as we arrived and we had our usual chat about the situation in Ukraine with the lack of Government funding for institutions. They only get enough money for food and light and heat but nothing for maintenance of housekeeping. They are always robbing Peter to pay Paul and gong further into debt.
She called all the children into the auditorium and Howard and I spoke to them. There were quite a number of quite young children who were new to me. We gave the teachers some school supplies we had brought and the children some candy. They all listened very well but the older ones are quite unruly when it comes to receiving a gift such as candy. They push and grab and come back again and say they didn’t get any yet. Quite greedy and selfish but I suppose it’s to be expected when raised in an orphanage.
We then went over to the Maternity ward at the hospital and left baby clothes for the 3 mothers there. Not a very busy place at all. The nurse said that not many people are having children in that village.
We then went to the old people’s home in the same building and took a box of clothes for the women and a box of bedding but did not see the old folk’s as most were sleeping, however 5 nurses came to see the boxes and I had the opportunity to speak to them. I think this was the first time this had ever happened; they listened very well.
Tuesday We sorted some boxes to see what was in them as we needed some children’s clothing to take to Stari Lacets. What a name! It means Old People but had many young people and big new houses being built. This is the village we call Luba’s village as her mother-in-law lives there and this is the village we were made so welcome in the school. However, some parents have complained about us coming to the school, as we are not teaching what the priest teaches. So we had to go and have a talk with the priest. We went to the church and he was having a morning meeting, not Mass as they did not eat the wafer or anything. After he finished speaking to about 20 old people he came to us. He was very nice, about 45 or so and had been to the USA and the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. He was very impressed.
His problem was that he felt he was teaching the people in the village all they needed to know and wondered how we could teach them anything he had not. He was having a building built next to the church that was going to be a youth centre. We parted friends and he was going to show the bishop our new testament and another book we put into the libraries.
We had been invited to Yaroslav and Halia’s for breakfast so called to see if we came at 10am that would be ok? It was, so Volodia, Howard and I, Dan had stayed home; went for breakfast. I have never had a 6 course breakfast before, It was far too much, as we had eaten breakfast before going out.
We could only stay long enough to eat, but really wanted to talk to Halia, who has been sick and needs help. We rushed back to pick up Dan and 7 boxes to take to Luba’s Village and meet with the troubled kids. We arrived right on time and they were all waiting for us, about 13 boys and one girl. I spoke first, Howard followed and Dan finished. They all listened very well and we can only hope something stuck and will help them not be a disturbance in class and get their work done.
The 3 staff then opened the boxes and sorted clothing for the families of 3 little girls who came in. They have big and very poor families.
We left and rushed back to the garage and got the turn signal problem solved, then went to Yaroslav and Halia’s again to talk, but not before we had another 6 course meal for supper. We had a good talk with Halia but only time will tell if she will be willing to forsake her hold on the Charismatic teachings she has imbibed. Pray for Halia, she is a lovely woman.
And so to home and rest after a mixed up busy day, but a good and Godly one.
Pray for us and those who are coming next week, Louis Smith and Eric Fowler.
Malcolm, Howard Dan and Volodia.
Monday morning we went to buy some school supplies for Yablunuv or apple village and also ordered some green boards to be made for Peter Village. We then headed off to Yablunuv. This must be a very popular name as we found 3 on the map. The administrator Natalia met us as we arrived and we had our usual chat about the situation in Ukraine with the lack of Government funding for institutions. They only get enough money for food and light and heat but nothing for maintenance of housekeeping. They are always robbing Peter to pay Paul and gong further into debt.
She called all the children into the auditorium and Howard and I spoke to them. There were quite a number of quite young children who were new to me. We gave the teachers some school supplies we had brought and the children some candy. They all listened very well but the older ones are quite unruly when it comes to receiving a gift such as candy. They push and grab and come back again and say they didn’t get any yet. Quite greedy and selfish but I suppose it’s to be expected when raised in an orphanage.
We then went over to the Maternity ward at the hospital and left baby clothes for the 3 mothers there. Not a very busy place at all. The nurse said that not many people are having children in that village.
We then went to the old people’s home in the same building and took a box of clothes for the women and a box of bedding but did not see the old folk’s as most were sleeping, however 5 nurses came to see the boxes and I had the opportunity to speak to them. I think this was the first time this had ever happened; they listened very well.
Tuesday We sorted some boxes to see what was in them as we needed some children’s clothing to take to Stari Lacets. What a name! It means Old People but had many young people and big new houses being built. This is the village we call Luba’s village as her mother-in-law lives there and this is the village we were made so welcome in the school. However, some parents have complained about us coming to the school, as we are not teaching what the priest teaches. So we had to go and have a talk with the priest. We went to the church and he was having a morning meeting, not Mass as they did not eat the wafer or anything. After he finished speaking to about 20 old people he came to us. He was very nice, about 45 or so and had been to the USA and the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. He was very impressed.
His problem was that he felt he was teaching the people in the village all they needed to know and wondered how we could teach them anything he had not. He was having a building built next to the church that was going to be a youth centre. We parted friends and he was going to show the bishop our new testament and another book we put into the libraries.
We
left him and went back to the school with Halia the Christian ethics
teacher and had lunch and then made plans as to how we could still speak
to groups of children. Halia is very brave and said that the priest did
not say we could not come into the school so we made plans to go back
tomorrow and speak to a group of difficult children and take clothing
for some poor families. Then we had lunch and left for home and meeting
at 5:30pm. About 15 were out again and we had our last meeting before
going home next Tuesday.
Wednesday,
we had an appointment at the garage to get the turn signals adjusted so
that they cancel. The garage was having a problem with getting us in as
planned so we cancelled and re-booked for the afternoon. We had been invited to Yaroslav and Halia’s for breakfast so called to see if we came at 10am that would be ok? It was, so Volodia, Howard and I, Dan had stayed home; went for breakfast. I have never had a 6 course breakfast before, It was far too much, as we had eaten breakfast before going out.
We could only stay long enough to eat, but really wanted to talk to Halia, who has been sick and needs help. We rushed back to pick up Dan and 7 boxes to take to Luba’s Village and meet with the troubled kids. We arrived right on time and they were all waiting for us, about 13 boys and one girl. I spoke first, Howard followed and Dan finished. They all listened very well and we can only hope something stuck and will help them not be a disturbance in class and get their work done.
The 3 staff then opened the boxes and sorted clothing for the families of 3 little girls who came in. They have big and very poor families.
We left and rushed back to the garage and got the turn signal problem solved, then went to Yaroslav and Halia’s again to talk, but not before we had another 6 course meal for supper. We had a good talk with Halia but only time will tell if she will be willing to forsake her hold on the Charismatic teachings she has imbibed. Pray for Halia, she is a lovely woman.
And so to home and rest after a mixed up busy day, but a good and Godly one.
Pray for us and those who are coming next week, Louis Smith and Eric Fowler.
Malcolm, Howard Dan and Volodia.
Malcolm Report #6
Ukraine Report #6 for October 25-28
Thursday was a run-around get ready for the Conference in Lviv sort of day. We picked up the van from the shop and really appreciate the new stick shift. We also got some bulbs put in the instrument panel. Now we are ready to go to Lviv tomorrow.
We did some more shopping and then headed home to get ready for meeting at 7pm. Oleg and Ola and Igor, from the prison authority met with us and we had a good study of Isaiah 53. There was some lively discussion, mainly by Oleg, who does not think the Ukrainian bible is not as true or accurate as the Russian or English one. We concluded that he was probably right.
Friday we were making final arrangements as to those who are going to the Conference. Things are different in Ukraine to Conferences in N America. There are no homes of Christians that are able to host visitors, so they must all be housed elsewhere. A large Baptist church is rented, or at least a portion of it. We use a side hall that has a kitchen and then upstairs they have 3 floors of dormitories. This is not enough for all the visitors, so they also have to rent rooms in a local hostel that is quite nice, so they say.
We were to leave at 4pm sharp with a bus plus our own van. The group we met a week ago were coming with 16 people and they were in a bus we rented. Well some were late arriving and so our van left at 4:15 and they got away a 4:30. We went as quickly as possible as they had supper waiting for us in Lviv. We arrived at 6:30 and they had our soup and sandwiches waiting for us. The meeting started at 7pm and the other van arrived at about 7:10.
The meeting was for the gospel and a brother from Ireland, Dennis Williamson and Howard preached. After meeting we had lunch and then began the job of getting everyone into the right rooms. Not an easy job, I can tell you. Eventually we left, Howard and I and Yaroslav to stay at Flo’s apartment and Dan with Volodia at his home.
Saturday morning we all had breakfast at the Church and also had good fellowship with the invited guest. We know little about them but they were all the most gracious guests.
The first meeting was for Prayer and it went very well. It was followed right away with a bible reading in 1 Corinthians Ch 1, lead by Brother Williamson. There was good participation by several brethren.
After a good lunch, the meeting was for ministry of the word of God. Dan Perez spoke first, I was next and lastly Brother Williamson. The ministry was well received by all who listened. After this meeting we had a good supper again prepared by the sisters in the Lviv meeting.
The day was over and the Lutsk Christians went home to Lusk but we and the visitors stayed over for the Sunday morning meeting. We turned our clocks back one Hour before going to bed.
Sunday.
Meeting was at 11am in the Gospel Hall but we were ready by 9am because of the time change.
The brothers had setup enough chairs for our visitors. None were in the fellowship but there were seats for all. We were surprised to see a new man with a shaved head sitting with our guests. We found out they had found him on the street and he was willing to be brought to the meeting. They had shaved his head as he had lice and got him clean clothes. They are bringing him back to Ivano as they have a drug and alcohol rehab here.
We all headed home after a lunch at the hall and arrived in time for meeting at 5 pm. Had a nice number into the meeting.
Altogether, a most enjoyable weekend, trusting there will much Glory to God been seen.
Malcolm and Howard and Daniel.
Thursday was a run-around get ready for the Conference in Lviv sort of day. We picked up the van from the shop and really appreciate the new stick shift. We also got some bulbs put in the instrument panel. Now we are ready to go to Lviv tomorrow.
We did some more shopping and then headed home to get ready for meeting at 7pm. Oleg and Ola and Igor, from the prison authority met with us and we had a good study of Isaiah 53. There was some lively discussion, mainly by Oleg, who does not think the Ukrainian bible is not as true or accurate as the Russian or English one. We concluded that he was probably right.
Friday we were making final arrangements as to those who are going to the Conference. Things are different in Ukraine to Conferences in N America. There are no homes of Christians that are able to host visitors, so they must all be housed elsewhere. A large Baptist church is rented, or at least a portion of it. We use a side hall that has a kitchen and then upstairs they have 3 floors of dormitories. This is not enough for all the visitors, so they also have to rent rooms in a local hostel that is quite nice, so they say.
We were to leave at 4pm sharp with a bus plus our own van. The group we met a week ago were coming with 16 people and they were in a bus we rented. Well some were late arriving and so our van left at 4:15 and they got away a 4:30. We went as quickly as possible as they had supper waiting for us in Lviv. We arrived at 6:30 and they had our soup and sandwiches waiting for us. The meeting started at 7pm and the other van arrived at about 7:10.
The meeting was for the gospel and a brother from Ireland, Dennis Williamson and Howard preached. After meeting we had lunch and then began the job of getting everyone into the right rooms. Not an easy job, I can tell you. Eventually we left, Howard and I and Yaroslav to stay at Flo’s apartment and Dan with Volodia at his home.
Saturday morning we all had breakfast at the Church and also had good fellowship with the invited guest. We know little about them but they were all the most gracious guests.
The first meeting was for Prayer and it went very well. It was followed right away with a bible reading in 1 Corinthians Ch 1, lead by Brother Williamson. There was good participation by several brethren.
After a good lunch, the meeting was for ministry of the word of God. Dan Perez spoke first, I was next and lastly Brother Williamson. The ministry was well received by all who listened. After this meeting we had a good supper again prepared by the sisters in the Lviv meeting.
The day was over and the Lutsk Christians went home to Lusk but we and the visitors stayed over for the Sunday morning meeting. We turned our clocks back one Hour before going to bed.
Sunday.
Meeting was at 11am in the Gospel Hall but we were ready by 9am because of the time change.
The brothers had setup enough chairs for our visitors. None were in the fellowship but there were seats for all. We were surprised to see a new man with a shaved head sitting with our guests. We found out they had found him on the street and he was willing to be brought to the meeting. They had shaved his head as he had lice and got him clean clothes. They are bringing him back to Ivano as they have a drug and alcohol rehab here.
We all headed home after a lunch at the hall and arrived in time for meeting at 5 pm. Had a nice number into the meeting.
Altogether, a most enjoyable weekend, trusting there will much Glory to God been seen.
Malcolm and Howard and Daniel.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Maclolm Report #5
Ukraine Report #5 Oct 22-24th.
Monday We had an early start to go to a children’s rehab that is called a sanatorium over here. It is located in the foothills of the mountains and is the place I have mentioned before as having the worst roads I have ever had to drive on. However, we found a route that is a little longer but is a good road except for the last 20 or so Kms.
We arrived almost an hour early , due to the better roads, so went for coffee in a little “hole in the wall” cafe. A man who had a few too many vodka’s, noticed we were foreigners and wanted to talk and know all about us. He was still talking as we started to move away. Well at least we left him with a N/T and John 3:16.
We went to the sanatorium and were treated to hot chocolate and cookies before speaking to about 70 children and 10 staff. We really had a great time with good participation. I forgot to mention that Howard stayed back in the apartment to try and fight his sinus cold. He was feeling much better when we got home.
After the meeting we were treated to lunch before heading home.
Tuesday. We went to one of our favorite schools at Petriliv or Peter village and went straight to the school as the Mayor, who we usually visit, was away at a meeting. We were very happy to know we had arrived on the lady Administrator Hannah’s birthday, hence the 4 or 5 beautiful vases of flowers on her table. Before we went to speak to the children, we had to have lunch with her. Avery nice meal topped off with ice cream. We sang “Happy Birthday” to her and then explained that we who were visiting all had 2 birthdays. She listened very well.
We then went upstairs and spoke to all the children. As they do not have an auditorium, they all stand in a wide hallway which does not serve too well to keep their attention as they are rather crowded.
We hurried home to take the van in to get the gear shift mechanism replaced. We had no reverse for two days so had to be pushed out of parking spots at times. Glad to say they got it replaced and no more problems.
We walked over to the Solidarity building at 7pm and had a meeting with 6 people there. The subject being “How do you behave towards difficult or angry people?” One lady is newly saved and has an abusive drunk husband. We hope our remarks were helpful.
We are spending tomorrow getting ready for the Conference in Lviv on Friday - Sunday.
Thank you for caring and praying for us.
Malcolm Howard and Dan.
Monday We had an early start to go to a children’s rehab that is called a sanatorium over here. It is located in the foothills of the mountains and is the place I have mentioned before as having the worst roads I have ever had to drive on. However, we found a route that is a little longer but is a good road except for the last 20 or so Kms.
We arrived almost an hour early , due to the better roads, so went for coffee in a little “hole in the wall” cafe. A man who had a few too many vodka’s, noticed we were foreigners and wanted to talk and know all about us. He was still talking as we started to move away. Well at least we left him with a N/T and John 3:16.
We went to the sanatorium and were treated to hot chocolate and cookies before speaking to about 70 children and 10 staff. We really had a great time with good participation. I forgot to mention that Howard stayed back in the apartment to try and fight his sinus cold. He was feeling much better when we got home.
After the meeting we were treated to lunch before heading home.
Tuesday. We went to one of our favorite schools at Petriliv or Peter village and went straight to the school as the Mayor, who we usually visit, was away at a meeting. We were very happy to know we had arrived on the lady Administrator Hannah’s birthday, hence the 4 or 5 beautiful vases of flowers on her table. Before we went to speak to the children, we had to have lunch with her. Avery nice meal topped off with ice cream. We sang “Happy Birthday” to her and then explained that we who were visiting all had 2 birthdays. She listened very well.
We then went upstairs and spoke to all the children. As they do not have an auditorium, they all stand in a wide hallway which does not serve too well to keep their attention as they are rather crowded.
We came on home and prepared for our evening meeting. Good to see about 15 out once again.
Wednesday.
We went to the town of Pasishna, in the hills that we had visited last
week, when all the children were off. We were welcomed by the Vice
Principal who ran ahead of us, getting two classes into one at each
meeting. We eventually spoke 5 times so that would be to 10 classes.
These children were VERY well behaved and participated well when we
spoke. We hurried home to take the van in to get the gear shift mechanism replaced. We had no reverse for two days so had to be pushed out of parking spots at times. Glad to say they got it replaced and no more problems.
We walked over to the Solidarity building at 7pm and had a meeting with 6 people there. The subject being “How do you behave towards difficult or angry people?” One lady is newly saved and has an abusive drunk husband. We hope our remarks were helpful.
We are spending tomorrow getting ready for the Conference in Lviv on Friday - Sunday.
Thank you for caring and praying for us.
Malcolm Howard and Dan.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Malcolm's Report #4
Tuesday October 16.
We went out to a village that I had been to several years ago, but had
lost the name of the village and school. It is called Pasichna and is
situated in the foothills of the Carpathians. We arrived to find out
that school was out, no kids! Everything is centered on and around the
election right now and they thought they would have the week off so that
they could save on heating the school. WE had a very nice time with the
Principal; he remembered us from 6 years ago and welcomed us back. We
will go back next Wednesday when school will be in.
All was not lost as I remembered a beautiful river ravine with 2 waterfalls, so we climbed down and took some lovely pictures. It was really a lovely day. We did leave 4 boxes of clothes for the poor children at the school.
Ukraine Report #4 Oct 19-21
Friday. We were off early to Virhovina on the Romanian border, two and a half hours away. It was a lovely run with some mist at the beginning but it turned into a clear warm day.
Oxana the director was waiting for us and at 10 am we went into the auditorium and spoke to over 200 junior students. They listened very well as I and Dan spoke to them. We gave out all the balloons we had brought and all the pens with John 3:16 on them.
We then went to see the Auditorium that we had paid to have new windows in. They had filled in the one side with plywood and installed good vinyl windows on the south side to let in lots of light. They needed to repair the hot water radiators and have come up with a unique way of doing it. Instead of them all being all hooked up as one, each one will be separate, filled with antifreeze and an electric immersion heater fitted into the radiator. They will be operated independently on each thermostat. We were able to give them the money to buy the rest of the heaters still needed.
After a meal in the dining room we headed home; stopping to make an appointment at a new school on the way home.
At 5:30 we met with a group of Christians, renting a room at Solidarity, where we first met on coming to Ivano. The meeting was very good with some very good questions and comments. We are to go again on Tuesday next.
Sunday.
We had mentioned earlier about the church meeting in a nearby apartment and their invitation to attend their meeting on Sunday which we did. The reason being that we wanted to see how they held their meetings. They had told us that they had had no church teaching and were willing to hear us.
There were about 30 or 40 people present and there certainly seemed to want to do what was right in worshipping God .
I spoke first on 1John 3 and need to love since we have experienced God’s love in the giving of His only Son. Then Dan spoke on Romans 6:6 and the need to walk in the Spirit and see ourselves as crucified with Christ.
Howard was nursing a head plugged with a cold so did not speak. We later invited them to the Conference next weekend and about 10-15 men may come. Praise the Lord.
Thank you.
Malcolm, Howard and Dan.
All was not lost as I remembered a beautiful river ravine with 2 waterfalls, so we climbed down and took some lovely pictures. It was really a lovely day. We did leave 4 boxes of clothes for the poor children at the school.
Ukraine Report #4 Oct 19-21
Friday. We were off early to Virhovina on the Romanian border, two and a half hours away. It was a lovely run with some mist at the beginning but it turned into a clear warm day.
Oxana the director was waiting for us and at 10 am we went into the auditorium and spoke to over 200 junior students. They listened very well as I and Dan spoke to them. We gave out all the balloons we had brought and all the pens with John 3:16 on them.
We then went to see the Auditorium that we had paid to have new windows in. They had filled in the one side with plywood and installed good vinyl windows on the south side to let in lots of light. They needed to repair the hot water radiators and have come up with a unique way of doing it. Instead of them all being all hooked up as one, each one will be separate, filled with antifreeze and an electric immersion heater fitted into the radiator. They will be operated independently on each thermostat. We were able to give them the money to buy the rest of the heaters still needed.
After a meal in the dining room we headed home; stopping to make an appointment at a new school on the way home.
At 5:30 we met with a group of Christians, renting a room at Solidarity, where we first met on coming to Ivano. The meeting was very good with some very good questions and comments. We are to go again on Tuesday next.
Saturday.
We needed to get a rattle underneath the van fixed and when this was
done, we asked where there was a windshield repair place and were sent
to a very busy place who said he could replace it in half an hour. We
came back in half an hour and they started right away. In just about one
hour, it was installed. Cost of each window and installation was
$122.00? An amazing price.
We
were invited to join Oleg and Olah for supper and went to the Black
Castle restaurant and had a lovely meal. We had live entertainment while
we ate, as some folks had paid for a disc jockey. Very loud for most of
the time, no drunkenness or anything else though. Sunday.
We had mentioned earlier about the church meeting in a nearby apartment and their invitation to attend their meeting on Sunday which we did. The reason being that we wanted to see how they held their meetings. They had told us that they had had no church teaching and were willing to hear us.
There were about 30 or 40 people present and there certainly seemed to want to do what was right in worshipping God .
I spoke first on 1John 3 and need to love since we have experienced God’s love in the giving of His only Son. Then Dan spoke on Romans 6:6 and the need to walk in the Spirit and see ourselves as crucified with Christ.
Howard was nursing a head plugged with a cold so did not speak. We later invited them to the Conference next weekend and about 10-15 men may come. Praise the Lord.
We had our meeting at 3:30 with a good number out. Howard and I spoke.
Please
make specific prayer for a situation with 2 families that come out to
meeting. There is a “war” between them, mainly over their children. It
is too complicated to share here but pray for Luba and Oxana, the
mothers. Thank you.
Malcolm, Howard and Dan.
Malcolm's Report #3
Ukraine report #3 October 17-18 2012
Wednesday.
Woke to a cloudy cool day, but no frost yet as far as we know. Dan and Volodia had gone out early to swim but came back later saying that they did not swim because Volodia forgot his trunks and Dan forgot his money!! Well they made up for it by going to the park and working out on the things there. On the way home they went to the vehicle locksmith to get one of the door electric locks adjusted.
We did not have a visit planned for today so went and paid for 3 months rent, I also needed a new memory stick for my camera.
At 3pm, Ruslan arrived with Edmund and Agnes from Lviv. We unloaded the bibles they had brought us and then went for and early supper. The meeting started at 7pm with about 15 people out. Ruslan gave a very good message followed by Howard. It was a good meeting.
One our regular ladies at the meeting, Maria, brought 2 men to the meeting. They listened very well and then asked that we would go and visit them. We found they just lived around the corner from us on the 6th floor with no elevator.
When we got to the apartment there were about 12 people there. 9 men and 3 women. The spokesman was Anatoly. He explained that all except the women were ex-drug users and or alcoholics. Most had served time in prison, including Anatoly. They had all come to Christ in different way and places. Some got saved in prison and some after coming to this group of people. The oldest lady was a doctor and had got saved and left the Greek Orthodox Church, she gave her testimony along with all the men. It was exciting to hear.
They were meeting as a church in a rented building, about 40 of them and asked if we could give them teaching. We told them what we believe and how we meet and they are very eager to hear more. Please pray for wisdom to minister to this group.
Thursday.
Went to the village of Sniatin to a men’s home. We have been there many times and are welcomed very much to speak to both staff and the men who are mentally challenged but some can read and write, so all is not lost. When we arrived we noticed many cars parked there. We went inside and found everyone in the dining room, being fed a great meal of chicken, cabbage rolls, salad and much more. The people bringing the food were a group called Round Table from Lviv. They were part of a Ukrainian Catholic group and had a young priest with them.
We had our meeting at 7pm for those who are interested in Bible study. Only one man showed, Igor the man who worked for the prison administration. He is very interested in what we say.
And so to bed, very tired and having to be up at 6:30 in the morning.
Keep praying for the remainder of our time here.
Malcolm , Howard and Dan.
Wednesday.
Woke to a cloudy cool day, but no frost yet as far as we know. Dan and Volodia had gone out early to swim but came back later saying that they did not swim because Volodia forgot his trunks and Dan forgot his money!! Well they made up for it by going to the park and working out on the things there. On the way home they went to the vehicle locksmith to get one of the door electric locks adjusted.
We did not have a visit planned for today so went and paid for 3 months rent, I also needed a new memory stick for my camera.
At 3pm, Ruslan arrived with Edmund and Agnes from Lviv. We unloaded the bibles they had brought us and then went for and early supper. The meeting started at 7pm with about 15 people out. Ruslan gave a very good message followed by Howard. It was a good meeting.
One our regular ladies at the meeting, Maria, brought 2 men to the meeting. They listened very well and then asked that we would go and visit them. We found they just lived around the corner from us on the 6th floor with no elevator.
When we got to the apartment there were about 12 people there. 9 men and 3 women. The spokesman was Anatoly. He explained that all except the women were ex-drug users and or alcoholics. Most had served time in prison, including Anatoly. They had all come to Christ in different way and places. Some got saved in prison and some after coming to this group of people. The oldest lady was a doctor and had got saved and left the Greek Orthodox Church, she gave her testimony along with all the men. It was exciting to hear.
They were meeting as a church in a rented building, about 40 of them and asked if we could give them teaching. We told them what we believe and how we meet and they are very eager to hear more. Please pray for wisdom to minister to this group.
Thursday.
Went to the village of Sniatin to a men’s home. We have been there many times and are welcomed very much to speak to both staff and the men who are mentally challenged but some can read and write, so all is not lost. When we arrived we noticed many cars parked there. We went inside and found everyone in the dining room, being fed a great meal of chicken, cabbage rolls, salad and much more. The people bringing the food were a group called Round Table from Lviv. They were part of a Ukrainian Catholic group and had a young priest with them.
The
Administrator Leonid introduced us to the group with great enthusiasm.
The priest gave a word after the meal and then I spoke. I told everyone
how glad we were that the priest had emphasized the reading and
understanding the Word of God. I then went on to tell them of God’s plan
for man in giving His Son to die on the cross and that His blood cleans
us from all sin. I then sat with him and had a nice talk. I guess you
never know what might develop.
We
came home and went to visit a lady who is probably dying of cancer in
the lymph nodes. She is in great pain but not saved as far as we know.
We did have a good opportunity to give her the gospel. We had our meeting at 7pm for those who are interested in Bible study. Only one man showed, Igor the man who worked for the prison administration. He is very interested in what we say.
And so to bed, very tired and having to be up at 6:30 in the morning.
Keep praying for the remainder of our time here.
Malcolm , Howard and Dan.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Malcolm's Report #2
Ukraine report #2 For October 13-15. 2012
Saturday. Spent the day with Agnes and Edmund deciding what we will do in the future weeks. We went to see the man Paul, who is getting us a van to replace the one in Lviv. He brought up the picture on the computer, it is in Holland. It looked good and he will go and look at it and bring it back if he is satisfied. Most of the good used vehicles in Ukraine are brought from either Poland, Germany, Holland or Belgium. We were going to give out tracts in the centre of Lviv, but it rained and then Jet lag set in and we went to bed rather early.
Well we went to bed early but I was still awake at 3am. I stayed awake all night. I got some studying done for two meetings and so it was not wasted time. It was not until Howard reminded me that we had two cups of coffee after 4pm, that I realized what my problem was. It was the first time this has ever happened.
Sunday. We walked over to the meeting at 11am as it is only 10 minutes walk from the apartment. It was nice to see all the saints again. All except one brother were there. A deaf and dumb couple have been coming to the meetings and were there as well. Dan and Volodia were in from Ivano as well as Luba and her daughter. Howard ministered the word after meeting and I spoke the last 15 minutes. I spoke on the importance of being at the week-night meetings and trying to arrange to be there, even though it might cost you something, but that God was no mans debtor.
After a good lunch, we headed to the apartment to get our bags, but before this we packed a number of boxes of new testaments into the van. It finished up being very full and very heavy. We were late leaving but made good time and got to the apartment just in time to start meeting in Ivano. Only about 12 were out but we were encouraged. We were glad to get to bed in good time and hope we will be free now of out jet-lag.
Monday.
For some years now, I have wanted to find a place in the hills, where we visited one large school and several satellite schools but could never find anyone who knew where it was. A man Yaroslav has been coming to meetings and I remembered he had come with us to this school. Today he guided to the town of Pasishna and this was the place. There was only one problem; the kids were all on holiday! We had a good visit with the Principal and made an appointment to visit next week. They have over 600 children, without the satellite schools. So that the trip was not totally wasted, we went to visit a beautiful waterfall, in fact two waterfalls in the same ravine. It was well worth the mountain road drive although the van probably didn’t think so!
We then came home and went to meet Andrei and a lady named Miroslava who want Dan to go and teach a group of students Christian Ethics, as they call it, once a week. He will give it a try but will be using an Emmaus course on bible and the gospel.
We then went to our famous “basement Ukrainian Restaurant” for a good supper and then back to sort some boxes that we were just made aware had been received last July. This will be all for now. We will be reporting later in the week.
Keep praying.
Dan Malcolm and Howard
Saturday. Spent the day with Agnes and Edmund deciding what we will do in the future weeks. We went to see the man Paul, who is getting us a van to replace the one in Lviv. He brought up the picture on the computer, it is in Holland. It looked good and he will go and look at it and bring it back if he is satisfied. Most of the good used vehicles in Ukraine are brought from either Poland, Germany, Holland or Belgium. We were going to give out tracts in the centre of Lviv, but it rained and then Jet lag set in and we went to bed rather early.
Well we went to bed early but I was still awake at 3am. I stayed awake all night. I got some studying done for two meetings and so it was not wasted time. It was not until Howard reminded me that we had two cups of coffee after 4pm, that I realized what my problem was. It was the first time this has ever happened.
Sunday. We walked over to the meeting at 11am as it is only 10 minutes walk from the apartment. It was nice to see all the saints again. All except one brother were there. A deaf and dumb couple have been coming to the meetings and were there as well. Dan and Volodia were in from Ivano as well as Luba and her daughter. Howard ministered the word after meeting and I spoke the last 15 minutes. I spoke on the importance of being at the week-night meetings and trying to arrange to be there, even though it might cost you something, but that God was no mans debtor.
After a good lunch, we headed to the apartment to get our bags, but before this we packed a number of boxes of new testaments into the van. It finished up being very full and very heavy. We were late leaving but made good time and got to the apartment just in time to start meeting in Ivano. Only about 12 were out but we were encouraged. We were glad to get to bed in good time and hope we will be free now of out jet-lag.
Monday.
For some years now, I have wanted to find a place in the hills, where we visited one large school and several satellite schools but could never find anyone who knew where it was. A man Yaroslav has been coming to meetings and I remembered he had come with us to this school. Today he guided to the town of Pasishna and this was the place. There was only one problem; the kids were all on holiday! We had a good visit with the Principal and made an appointment to visit next week. They have over 600 children, without the satellite schools. So that the trip was not totally wasted, we went to visit a beautiful waterfall, in fact two waterfalls in the same ravine. It was well worth the mountain road drive although the van probably didn’t think so!
We then came home and went to meet Andrei and a lady named Miroslava who want Dan to go and teach a group of students Christian Ethics, as they call it, once a week. He will give it a try but will be using an Emmaus course on bible and the gospel.
We then went to our famous “basement Ukrainian Restaurant” for a good supper and then back to sort some boxes that we were just made aware had been received last July. This will be all for now. We will be reporting later in the week.
Keep praying.
Dan Malcolm and Howard
Malcolm's Report #1
Ukraine Report #1 October 2012 From Oct.10 -12.
Howard Pratt and I arrive safely in Lviv, on Wednesday October 10th. The flights were good and on time, but tiring because of quite long wait times. This much better than having short wait times between flights, if the plane happens to be late arriving.
This was our first time we had not been met by Flo Kancir and was rather sad, however, faithful Ruslan and Edmund and Agnes Johnson were all there to meet us. The arrivals process was amazing in the massive new airport. It was my first time in it. It was completed in time for the World soccer games, one sector of which was played in the new Stadium in Lviv. We were in and out of the terminal in less than 10 minutes. 10 or 12 customs officers and no questions!
We took our bags to the “empty” apartment that was Flo’s. It had been cleaned up beautifully by Ruslan and his wife Tania. we then went to Edmund and Agnes for supper. Then headed to prayer and ministry meeting, where we were asked to give a wee word. Well I almost missed the ministry as I dozed off in the prayer meeting but woke up with a jolt! I guess we usually have a sleep when we arrive, but not this time. However I think it was the best thing for us to have done, as we both slept for 8 hours and have not suffered from jet lag as yet.
Edmund had arranged for us to go to the Carpathian mountains and visit the needy people there on Thursday. We headed out at 10am, loaded up with 3 boxes of clothing and food for about 20 families. We were met by Natalia, the first guide we had, who says she was saved when interpreting for me from the 2-roads Chart, many years ago. She was able to take us to the families who need the food the most. We went to her sister’s house (who has 14 children) and a group of women and children had arrived by the time we had had some tea and a snack. I was selected to speak to the people before we gave out the clothing and food. As I spoke of the appointment we will all have with death and spoke of Flo’s dying, several ladies were tearful as they remembered her kindness for so many years. I impressed them with the possibility of being with her when they die, if they only trust Christ.
We were quite tired as we travelled home but had enough strength to eat a good supper with Edmund and Agnes. Then home to bed and another good sleep.
We planned to go to the Bible Society and get some bibles we had paid for when last here, but had not picked up yet. We found there were 40 boxes of them. They were really heavy and filled the back of the van.
Tonight there was a bibles study at the meeting. It went well, but 4 of the men were missing. Some working away from home, some, sadly not making an effort to get out to the weeknight meetings. This is a typical problem here that, when God blesses and finds them work, they allow it to keep them from coming to meetings. This is a very hard decision for the men to make, seeing that they make such poor wages. We would like to encourage them that God is no man’s debtor. Edmund would like us to address this problem probably on Sunday DV.
Howard Pratt and I arrive safely in Lviv, on Wednesday October 10th. The flights were good and on time, but tiring because of quite long wait times. This much better than having short wait times between flights, if the plane happens to be late arriving.
This was our first time we had not been met by Flo Kancir and was rather sad, however, faithful Ruslan and Edmund and Agnes Johnson were all there to meet us. The arrivals process was amazing in the massive new airport. It was my first time in it. It was completed in time for the World soccer games, one sector of which was played in the new Stadium in Lviv. We were in and out of the terminal in less than 10 minutes. 10 or 12 customs officers and no questions!
We took our bags to the “empty” apartment that was Flo’s. It had been cleaned up beautifully by Ruslan and his wife Tania. we then went to Edmund and Agnes for supper. Then headed to prayer and ministry meeting, where we were asked to give a wee word. Well I almost missed the ministry as I dozed off in the prayer meeting but woke up with a jolt! I guess we usually have a sleep when we arrive, but not this time. However I think it was the best thing for us to have done, as we both slept for 8 hours and have not suffered from jet lag as yet.
Edmund had arranged for us to go to the Carpathian mountains and visit the needy people there on Thursday. We headed out at 10am, loaded up with 3 boxes of clothing and food for about 20 families. We were met by Natalia, the first guide we had, who says she was saved when interpreting for me from the 2-roads Chart, many years ago. She was able to take us to the families who need the food the most. We went to her sister’s house (who has 14 children) and a group of women and children had arrived by the time we had had some tea and a snack. I was selected to speak to the people before we gave out the clothing and food. As I spoke of the appointment we will all have with death and spoke of Flo’s dying, several ladies were tearful as they remembered her kindness for so many years. I impressed them with the possibility of being with her when they die, if they only trust Christ.
We were quite tired as we travelled home but had enough strength to eat a good supper with Edmund and Agnes. Then home to bed and another good sleep.
We planned to go to the Bible Society and get some bibles we had paid for when last here, but had not picked up yet. We found there were 40 boxes of them. They were really heavy and filled the back of the van.
Tonight there was a bibles study at the meeting. It went well, but 4 of the men were missing. Some working away from home, some, sadly not making an effort to get out to the weeknight meetings. This is a typical problem here that, when God blesses and finds them work, they allow it to keep them from coming to meetings. This is a very hard decision for the men to make, seeing that they make such poor wages. We would like to encourage them that God is no man’s debtor. Edmund would like us to address this problem probably on Sunday DV.
All for now. Please pray for us as we seek to know God’s direction for each day that we are here.
Malcolm & Howard
Friday, October 5, 2012
Dan update - Sept 29
September 29, 2012 #55
Saturday) Oleg and Olah and their friend named Sergei and I went to a small village where
they have a small three room house, about 40 min. from Ivano. When we got there the house
was broken into and they had stolen all the metal from the house even took the electrical
conduit from within the walls. They had been too busy to make a trip out to the house and this
was the first time in two years.
There is another village we go through, just before theirs, so we decided to give a New
Testament and bible text to those we would see on the roads of these two villages. We wanted
to encourage them to read their Bible for it tells Gods Salvation plan. The people we met were
very thankful and gladly received it! Then we had a picnic by a river bank nearby, it was a very
nice time together!
Sunday) I went up to Lviv with Luba and her son for the breaking of bread. It was great to
remember Him who remembered us even unto death!
Brought Vladimir and his dog Bruno back with me to Ivano, made it in time for our meeting. All
listened well even Bruno!
Monday) did some work to the Van and took it back to the place where we had the alarm put
in; the doors were not closing as we pressed the close button. We were there for a few hours
but they did find the problem, it wasn’t the alarm but the motors that operated the locks to
open and close. We had both the driver’s and passenger’s side replaced. Works great now and
very comforting to know that when you lock the van that it is actually locked!
Tuesday) Went to CTO repair shop for them to see if they can fix the stick shift. To adjust this is
very difficult and few here in Ivano know how to do this but this shop did it last time for us and
hoped they could do it this time! A young man, maybe even a boy came to look at it, we pop
open the hood and he has a can of WD-40. He moved all kinds of wires and did a lot of spraying
with the WD-40 and in just a few minutes he told me to see how it felt, I thought to myself this
little boy doesn’t know what he is doing. I was so surprise how much smoother the stick went
into each gear, he said there was some dust build up and it happens from time to time.
I paid them for the work, just 20hgr or about $ 2.50! Thanks to God for His help!
Then came back to get ready for the meeting and on the way in I started to talk to a Russian
man that once asked me for a Bible in Russian. We talked for a bit and then he said to me”
there is no God” and went on to quote some Polish philosopher. I told him there were some
errors in this philosopher’s thinking and went on to tell him some facts of Scriptures. I was quite
surprised how well he listened. I then said we should talk more about this together at another
time, he agreed. Then had our meeting and all listened well including our new roommate
Bruno, I had Vladimir interpret but was good to see Svetlana at the meeting too!
Wednesday) had a few meetings with people in the morning then headed up to Lviv for their
evening meeting. Had dinner with Edmund and Agnes at their new apartment and after went to
the meeting. Though a small group, was a good meeting and a good time spent with Edmund
and Agnes! Headed back to Ivano, was a long day and a late night!
Malcolm Stanley and Howard Pratt will be coming to Ukraine next week Wednesday, please
pray for their safety in their travels and time here and for God’s blessing with this work, His
work here in Ukraine!!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD
Dan
Saturday) Oleg and Olah and their friend named Sergei and I went to a small village where
they have a small three room house, about 40 min. from Ivano. When we got there the house
was broken into and they had stolen all the metal from the house even took the electrical
conduit from within the walls. They had been too busy to make a trip out to the house and this
was the first time in two years.
There is another village we go through, just before theirs, so we decided to give a New
Testament and bible text to those we would see on the roads of these two villages. We wanted
to encourage them to read their Bible for it tells Gods Salvation plan. The people we met were
very thankful and gladly received it! Then we had a picnic by a river bank nearby, it was a very
nice time together!
Sunday) I went up to Lviv with Luba and her son for the breaking of bread. It was great to
remember Him who remembered us even unto death!
Brought Vladimir and his dog Bruno back with me to Ivano, made it in time for our meeting. All
listened well even Bruno!
Monday) did some work to the Van and took it back to the place where we had the alarm put
in; the doors were not closing as we pressed the close button. We were there for a few hours
but they did find the problem, it wasn’t the alarm but the motors that operated the locks to
open and close. We had both the driver’s and passenger’s side replaced. Works great now and
very comforting to know that when you lock the van that it is actually locked!
Tuesday) Went to CTO repair shop for them to see if they can fix the stick shift. To adjust this is
very difficult and few here in Ivano know how to do this but this shop did it last time for us and
hoped they could do it this time! A young man, maybe even a boy came to look at it, we pop
open the hood and he has a can of WD-40. He moved all kinds of wires and did a lot of spraying
with the WD-40 and in just a few minutes he told me to see how it felt, I thought to myself this
little boy doesn’t know what he is doing. I was so surprise how much smoother the stick went
into each gear, he said there was some dust build up and it happens from time to time.
I paid them for the work, just 20hgr or about $ 2.50! Thanks to God for His help!
Then came back to get ready for the meeting and on the way in I started to talk to a Russian
man that once asked me for a Bible in Russian. We talked for a bit and then he said to me”
there is no God” and went on to quote some Polish philosopher. I told him there were some
errors in this philosopher’s thinking and went on to tell him some facts of Scriptures. I was quite
surprised how well he listened. I then said we should talk more about this together at another
time, he agreed. Then had our meeting and all listened well including our new roommate
Bruno, I had Vladimir interpret but was good to see Svetlana at the meeting too!
Wednesday) had a few meetings with people in the morning then headed up to Lviv for their
evening meeting. Had dinner with Edmund and Agnes at their new apartment and after went to
the meeting. Though a small group, was a good meeting and a good time spent with Edmund
and Agnes! Headed back to Ivano, was a long day and a late night!
Malcolm Stanley and Howard Pratt will be coming to Ukraine next week Wednesday, please
pray for their safety in their travels and time here and for God’s blessing with this work, His
work here in Ukraine!!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD
Dan
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Dan Update - Sept 19
September 19, 2012
#53
Wednesday) Left early morning to a town called Vinnitsa, it is a larger town than
Ivano-Frankivsk but smaller than Lviv. It took five hours to get there and I stayed for a few days.
I was invited to a conference that was being held there that deals with Emmaus Bible study
materials for adults and children in the Eastern European countries. Half of the group were
from Ukraine the other half were from Moldova, Belarus and Russia. The key speaker was from
Russia and spoke on the development and difficulties of the evangelical movement in Russia
and Ukraine. They told me there would be someone there to interpret the messages for me but
when I got there they were hard pressed to find someone who was not too embarrass to make
a few mistakes with their English grammar. In spite of this language barrier the time there went
very well!!
Sunday was the first day back from Vinnitsa and got ready for the afternoon meeting.
It was good to see the two young girls out at the meeting, Maria and Tania. There was some
talk that started before the meeting about voting. It is also voting season here and I was asked
if is it right for Christians to vote, well I just gave them the two points of view and let them
answer this question for themselves. Though some were tired at the meeting and one fell
asleep, the others listened very well I thought. One lady even thanked me on the way out and
said it was a good topic, which was nice.
After the meeting Oleg and Olah invited me to their home to help in making dinner. Oleg and I
made chicken with rice and carrots with some raisins. I thought it came out very good, though
took longer than I would like. We ate late, we talked till late in the evening and it was a late
night but a very good time!!
Monday) In the morning Meest came with some boxes that came from New Harbour
Canada. A big thank you to them for their care!! Then made some appointments to visit some
school this week; after dinner I started the sorting process with the boxes.
I then got a call back from Tarras, he said he was busy early at the time I called him and he
asked if we can go to the park and exercise, so we did. As we were walking back to our homes
we talked a little more about salvation, he is still interested and still searching, I hope this
continue to grow!!
Tuesday) sorted more of the boxes and had to get the apartment ready for meeting
tonight. Had to stick some of the boxes in the kitchen for lack of space in the bedroom where
most of the boxes are. It is a small apartment and does create a problem. This is a good
problem to have, that people from the other side of the world would care so much as to send
these boxes and help in this way; as well as in other ways. It is a great blessing to many people
here!
We had a good meeting, the people listened well and I found out that some want to start again
the Saturdays singing, where we got together to learn and practice new hymns. We’ll see what
happens when the others arrive.
Do plan on visiting some places this week and some new places, would ask for prayer with this
visits and for Tarras! Thank You!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD!
Dan
#53
Wednesday) Left early morning to a town called Vinnitsa, it is a larger town than
Ivano-Frankivsk but smaller than Lviv. It took five hours to get there and I stayed for a few days.
I was invited to a conference that was being held there that deals with Emmaus Bible study
materials for adults and children in the Eastern European countries. Half of the group were
from Ukraine the other half were from Moldova, Belarus and Russia. The key speaker was from
Russia and spoke on the development and difficulties of the evangelical movement in Russia
and Ukraine. They told me there would be someone there to interpret the messages for me but
when I got there they were hard pressed to find someone who was not too embarrass to make
a few mistakes with their English grammar. In spite of this language barrier the time there went
very well!!
Sunday was the first day back from Vinnitsa and got ready for the afternoon meeting.
It was good to see the two young girls out at the meeting, Maria and Tania. There was some
talk that started before the meeting about voting. It is also voting season here and I was asked
if is it right for Christians to vote, well I just gave them the two points of view and let them
answer this question for themselves. Though some were tired at the meeting and one fell
asleep, the others listened very well I thought. One lady even thanked me on the way out and
said it was a good topic, which was nice.
After the meeting Oleg and Olah invited me to their home to help in making dinner. Oleg and I
made chicken with rice and carrots with some raisins. I thought it came out very good, though
took longer than I would like. We ate late, we talked till late in the evening and it was a late
night but a very good time!!
Monday) In the morning Meest came with some boxes that came from New Harbour
Canada. A big thank you to them for their care!! Then made some appointments to visit some
school this week; after dinner I started the sorting process with the boxes.
I then got a call back from Tarras, he said he was busy early at the time I called him and he
asked if we can go to the park and exercise, so we did. As we were walking back to our homes
we talked a little more about salvation, he is still interested and still searching, I hope this
continue to grow!!
Tuesday) sorted more of the boxes and had to get the apartment ready for meeting
tonight. Had to stick some of the boxes in the kitchen for lack of space in the bedroom where
most of the boxes are. It is a small apartment and does create a problem. This is a good
problem to have, that people from the other side of the world would care so much as to send
these boxes and help in this way; as well as in other ways. It is a great blessing to many people
here!
We had a good meeting, the people listened well and I found out that some want to start again
the Saturdays singing, where we got together to learn and practice new hymns. We’ll see what
happens when the others arrive.
Do plan on visiting some places this week and some new places, would ask for prayer with this
visits and for Tarras! Thank You!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD!
Dan
Friday, September 21, 2012
Dan Update - Sept 14
September 14, 2012
Friday - Good to be back in Ivano, came back last night and had a good night’s rest! Started
the day with washing clothes in a old Soviet style washing machine at the apartment that has
seven cycles for cotton and as far as I know all but one washes for three hours. I am thankful for
the one which is only one hour, I did three loads which already took a long time, then did some
errands throughout the day.
Saturday) did one more wash, know the task is always finding places to hang them to dry
(no drier).
I then called some people for the meeting tomorrow; did my best in speaking to them in
Ukrainian just hope they understood me? Then Visited Oleg and had a good long talk about the
local church, many things he seems to understand but I think to myself it would be good for him
to see such a gatherings in practice, hopefully here in Ivano someday! Today was Father’s day
and everyone but Oleg’s family remembered it, so I thought it would be nice to treat him to a
Father’s day dinner.
I had to buy a new sim card for my IPhone and the young lady said it was easy to activate, it
wasn’t as easy as the young lady said! After exhausting all my patience I decided to call Tarras, a
young man that works as a guide at the government building. He was very willing to help and
came right away but he too was having the same problem as I was, but knowing the Ukrainian
language he got it activated. This phone is amazing and works great out here and excellent for
translating languages, thanks to the Corduan family! Well Tarras and I had a good long talk
about the Gospel, he was very active in the conversation and listened very well , he is definitely
searching! After a few hours he left on very good terms, Praise God!!
Sunday) Got ready for meeting this afternoon. Svetlana may not make it today so will be
using Maria for interpreting. She is an English teacher in one of the local schools in town and
has been used before by some of the others who came to Ukraine. She came early so we could
look at some of the passages of scripture, but as she came to the door others were there also.
As she and I were talking about the passages, one of the ladies said why are we not starting the
meeting, I told her the meeting starts at 3:30 she said no at 3:00. Then I realized they had not
understood my Ukrainian accent, I guess my 3:30 sounded like 3:00.
I called only about five people and more than 15 were at the meeting, I was very surprised and
felt it was a good sign!
Monday) had an appointment at the auto repair shop (they call it here CTO) to drop off
the van for them to check the valve cover and clean the engine. They said would take all day
and will call me when it was ready. I then met with Svetlana and we looked for new schools and
orphanages and did find a few to call. I then I got the call that the van was ready to pick up.
Then Oleg and I went to his garage to pick up some of the boxes that we kept there. We took
about half and came back to the apartment. Sorting them out always makes for a late night!!
Tuesday) had another meeting today and used Svetlana to interpret, this would be the first
time she interpreted in over a month and she did well. Not as many out this time but was very glad to see Tarras there!! They all seemed to listen well even Tarras. After the meeting he
stayed behind and we had another very good talk about the gospel! During our talk he asked a
question in a very somber tone “how can I be saved?”. These are words that bring great delight
to any Christian’s ears! He knows more of the Bible than most Ukrainian people and seems to
think salvation is far away but I told him that he does not have to wait any longer for God has
brought salvation near to all men and says today, now is the day of Salvation(2Cor.5:2). He
thanked me for taking the time to talk with him and said it was very helpful!
Please pray for this young man Tarras, I truly believe he is at the door and that he will fully
trust in Christ alone for his salvation! Also for the local meetings and planning for the visitations
with the schools and orphanages! Thank You!!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD!
Dan
Friday - Good to be back in Ivano, came back last night and had a good night’s rest! Started
the day with washing clothes in a old Soviet style washing machine at the apartment that has
seven cycles for cotton and as far as I know all but one washes for three hours. I am thankful for
the one which is only one hour, I did three loads which already took a long time, then did some
errands throughout the day.
Saturday) did one more wash, know the task is always finding places to hang them to dry
(no drier).
I then called some people for the meeting tomorrow; did my best in speaking to them in
Ukrainian just hope they understood me? Then Visited Oleg and had a good long talk about the
local church, many things he seems to understand but I think to myself it would be good for him
to see such a gatherings in practice, hopefully here in Ivano someday! Today was Father’s day
and everyone but Oleg’s family remembered it, so I thought it would be nice to treat him to a
Father’s day dinner.
I had to buy a new sim card for my IPhone and the young lady said it was easy to activate, it
wasn’t as easy as the young lady said! After exhausting all my patience I decided to call Tarras, a
young man that works as a guide at the government building. He was very willing to help and
came right away but he too was having the same problem as I was, but knowing the Ukrainian
language he got it activated. This phone is amazing and works great out here and excellent for
translating languages, thanks to the Corduan family! Well Tarras and I had a good long talk
about the Gospel, he was very active in the conversation and listened very well , he is definitely
searching! After a few hours he left on very good terms, Praise God!!
Sunday) Got ready for meeting this afternoon. Svetlana may not make it today so will be
using Maria for interpreting. She is an English teacher in one of the local schools in town and
has been used before by some of the others who came to Ukraine. She came early so we could
look at some of the passages of scripture, but as she came to the door others were there also.
As she and I were talking about the passages, one of the ladies said why are we not starting the
meeting, I told her the meeting starts at 3:30 she said no at 3:00. Then I realized they had not
understood my Ukrainian accent, I guess my 3:30 sounded like 3:00.
I called only about five people and more than 15 were at the meeting, I was very surprised and
felt it was a good sign!
Monday) had an appointment at the auto repair shop (they call it here CTO) to drop off
the van for them to check the valve cover and clean the engine. They said would take all day
and will call me when it was ready. I then met with Svetlana and we looked for new schools and
orphanages and did find a few to call. I then I got the call that the van was ready to pick up.
Then Oleg and I went to his garage to pick up some of the boxes that we kept there. We took
about half and came back to the apartment. Sorting them out always makes for a late night!!
Tuesday) had another meeting today and used Svetlana to interpret, this would be the first
time she interpreted in over a month and she did well. Not as many out this time but was very glad to see Tarras there!! They all seemed to listen well even Tarras. After the meeting he
stayed behind and we had another very good talk about the gospel! During our talk he asked a
question in a very somber tone “how can I be saved?”. These are words that bring great delight
to any Christian’s ears! He knows more of the Bible than most Ukrainian people and seems to
think salvation is far away but I told him that he does not have to wait any longer for God has
brought salvation near to all men and says today, now is the day of Salvation(2Cor.5:2). He
thanked me for taking the time to talk with him and said it was very helpful!
Please pray for this young man Tarras, I truly believe he is at the door and that he will fully
trust in Christ alone for his salvation! Also for the local meetings and planning for the visitations
with the schools and orphanages! Thank You!!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD!
Dan
Dan Update - Sept 9
Sunday, September 09, 2012
Sunday I headed up to Lviv in the morning but just before I got to Volodia’s apartment I made
a wrong tune and though I knew I was only blocks away. I could not find his apartment and was
in so much of a hurry so not to be late for the meeting I couldn’t focus on reading the street
names. So I stopped one lady walking by to ask her if she can tell Volodia over the phone what
street I was on. She looked at me as if I had three heads and walked away. Some other people
that I stopped took me as their own family and even came in the van to take me where Volodia
was. We then picked up another family for the meeting.
The meeting was small and sweet and in the presence of The Lord!! After the meeting Volodia
and I went back to the airport to see if there was any information about my luggage, they told
me that my luggage will be in tomorrow, this was good to hear!
I spent the night at Volodia’s. His mother has been working in Russia for the past three
months and will go back in two weeks for another three months. She was coming into Lviv on
train, after a 24 hour train ride. We met her at the station and they both were very happy to
see each other! We then went back to the airport to pick up my luggage and once again no
luggage! They told me that my luggage somehow went to Moscow but was sent back to Vienna
and that is where they lost track of it, well at least they apologized. Spent some time with
Volodia and his mother and spent another night there.
I feel like nothing will get done in Ivano, I have spent most of my time in Lviv , though the time
has been well spent I do feel a need to be in Ivano!
Tuesday) we all decided to go to Ivano where much cleaning and sorting out the boxes
needed to be done, so to Ivano we went. I had been hearing much squeaking as the brakes are
pressed with the van so I went to the place we go for the van to check the brakes while Volodia
and his mother(Olah) stayed at the apartment. At the shop they told me it will take one hour to
change the brakes so I thought I’d wait but it was almost three hours later before I left. Got
back and we all went out for something to eat and to show Olah Ivano. This was her first time in
this town. Went back to the apartment and sorted boxes for the rest of the evening.
Wednesday morning I had made another appointment at the shop to check the engine,
there was oil coming from some valve and spraying the engine. They said it would take three
hours so I dropped it off. Then they called and said it would take at the least one full day, so I
went back to pick up the van for we were going back to Lviv and will try to make it for the
prayer meeting tonight. While I was away to and from the shop Olah and Volodia did a lot of
the cleaning and dusting and wash things, this was a big help!! We left for Lviv and Volodia and
I made it just after they started the meeting,
It was good to see Edmund and Agnes back from Ireland. After the meeting Volodia and Olah
compelled me to stay another night in Lviv and so I did.
Thursday we did some things in Lviv, met and had coffee with a friend of theirs at a place
where they make all kinds of chocolate and they also wrap them there. It was four floors, each
floor had glass to see the production and a place to eat.
Before I left Lviv I thought I would go to the airport once again but once again no luggage. Had
plan to leave but Volodia and his mother asked if I would take them to the store and while
there guess what, the airport called and said my luggage was there, we hurried through the
store to see if it was true and I couldn’t believe it, it was true! Was happy that I stayed in Lviv a
little longer before leaving to Ivano!
Had a good time with Volodia and his mother Olah and some good serious talks! Pray for
them both and Oleg her husband how works in Poland for God to guide this family and for
spiritual growth and protection!!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD!!
Dan
Sunday I headed up to Lviv in the morning but just before I got to Volodia’s apartment I made
a wrong tune and though I knew I was only blocks away. I could not find his apartment and was
in so much of a hurry so not to be late for the meeting I couldn’t focus on reading the street
names. So I stopped one lady walking by to ask her if she can tell Volodia over the phone what
street I was on. She looked at me as if I had three heads and walked away. Some other people
that I stopped took me as their own family and even came in the van to take me where Volodia
was. We then picked up another family for the meeting.
The meeting was small and sweet and in the presence of The Lord!! After the meeting Volodia
and I went back to the airport to see if there was any information about my luggage, they told
me that my luggage will be in tomorrow, this was good to hear!
I spent the night at Volodia’s. His mother has been working in Russia for the past three
months and will go back in two weeks for another three months. She was coming into Lviv on
train, after a 24 hour train ride. We met her at the station and they both were very happy to
see each other! We then went back to the airport to pick up my luggage and once again no
luggage! They told me that my luggage somehow went to Moscow but was sent back to Vienna
and that is where they lost track of it, well at least they apologized. Spent some time with
Volodia and his mother and spent another night there.
I feel like nothing will get done in Ivano, I have spent most of my time in Lviv , though the time
has been well spent I do feel a need to be in Ivano!
Tuesday) we all decided to go to Ivano where much cleaning and sorting out the boxes
needed to be done, so to Ivano we went. I had been hearing much squeaking as the brakes are
pressed with the van so I went to the place we go for the van to check the brakes while Volodia
and his mother(Olah) stayed at the apartment. At the shop they told me it will take one hour to
change the brakes so I thought I’d wait but it was almost three hours later before I left. Got
back and we all went out for something to eat and to show Olah Ivano. This was her first time in
this town. Went back to the apartment and sorted boxes for the rest of the evening.
Wednesday morning I had made another appointment at the shop to check the engine,
there was oil coming from some valve and spraying the engine. They said it would take three
hours so I dropped it off. Then they called and said it would take at the least one full day, so I
went back to pick up the van for we were going back to Lviv and will try to make it for the
prayer meeting tonight. While I was away to and from the shop Olah and Volodia did a lot of
the cleaning and dusting and wash things, this was a big help!! We left for Lviv and Volodia and
I made it just after they started the meeting,
It was good to see Edmund and Agnes back from Ireland. After the meeting Volodia and Olah
compelled me to stay another night in Lviv and so I did.
Thursday we did some things in Lviv, met and had coffee with a friend of theirs at a place
where they make all kinds of chocolate and they also wrap them there. It was four floors, each
floor had glass to see the production and a place to eat.
Before I left Lviv I thought I would go to the airport once again but once again no luggage. Had
plan to leave but Volodia and his mother asked if I would take them to the store and while
there guess what, the airport called and said my luggage was there, we hurried through the
store to see if it was true and I couldn’t believe it, it was true! Was happy that I stayed in Lviv a
little longer before leaving to Ivano!
Had a good time with Volodia and his mother Olah and some good serious talks! Pray for
them both and Oleg her husband how works in Poland for God to guide this family and for
spiritual growth and protection!!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD!!
Dan
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Update from Dan - Sept 4
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Arrived safe in Lviv, also went through customs ok, thought they held me back a little
longer than the others, being one of the last one to go through but can’t say the same for my
luggage. As I waited and waited and then the only one waiting for luggage, I started to get a
little suspicious. I then asked one of the baggage handlers about my luggage; they tried to look
it up in the computer but nowhere to be found in the system, not a good sign! Well, all they
could tell me is maybe it will come in tomorrow? Then I was picked up by Ruslan and Volodia
with our Vito (van) that we use in Ivano, the scary thing about it was that Ruslan was driving. He
happens to hit every pot hole in town and sees it perfectly fine to drive on the opposite side of
the lane with oncoming traffic. Then he screams at them for driving on the right lane. It was
quite a welcoming back to the Ukraine experience! We dropped off Ruslan then headed back
with Volodia to his place for the night!
Wednesday, Volodia and I went to Meest (the company we use to ship boxes to Ukraine) in the
morning to see who we can talk to about some of the changes that have taken place with
shipping boxes to Ukraine. We were sent to one of their offices but they said they only deal
with shipping within the Ukraine. We were then sent to another office where they did ship
overseas but not many there spoke English, but one young girl that worked on the phones
knew a little to nothing about this issue but she did her best to try to help. She said she will call
us later with information. We then went back to the airport to see if they had my luggage or
found it in the system but neither came true but the young man did say that a flight from
Vienna was coning in the late afternoon and my luggage will be on this flight. So we left and did
some errands in the century of town. Then the young woman we spoke to at Meest called and
gave us a number of a man from Meest that is on the executive board, this is who I was hoping
to get from the beginning. We then went back to the airport as the man said my luggage would
be in the next flight from Vienna but once again no luggage and nothing in the system about my
luggage either, not a good sign at all!!
We then had to hurry back to Volodia’s apartment to get ready for prayer meeting. On the way
to the meeting we picked up most that will be at the meeting tonight but spent about a half an
hour or more just in trying to get the gate open to the Hall. We ended up getting a key from
somewhere else and found out that the other tenant change the lock but did not tell anyone
from the meeting. Well, was a very small meeting but always worth being there!
Thursday we met with the man from Meest and found out that there will be little changes in
sending the boxes, just need more name and addresses, it could have been something more
difficult. This was very good news to hear and definitely something to praise God for!! Then
received a call from Oleg about another shipment of boxes coming on Friday, they were going
to come today but he was too busy so he made it for Friday. Had plan to stay in Lviv until
Sunday but felt that Oleg would want some help with these boxes, so plan to leave Lviv on
Friday for Ivano.
Friday, Volodia and I did some things in the morning and I headed off to Ivano. Managed to
avoid all the major pot holes on my way to Ivano but the minor ones are just unavoidable!
I made good timing to meet Oleg just as he was closing his shop. He said he was going to call
me and ask “where is you”. He thought it would be a good idea to take these boxed to his
garage for the time being to avoid an over load at our very small apartment, this sounded good
to me!! After the delivery I had dinner with Oleg and his wife Olah and Natalie that use to work
at Solidarity and is now working for Olah.
The boxes were from New Glasgow, NS, CAN. A Big Thank You to them and other that had sent
boxes for the care of the Ukrainian people and to further the work of the Gospel Message!!
I do plan to go to Lviv on Sunday, always need prayers for safety on the roads and for giving a
message that would encourage the Christians there, also for getting things in order here in
Ivano with the local meetings and in delivering these boxes to the right people and places at the
right time(God's timing)!! THANK YOU ALL!!!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD
Arrived safe in Lviv, also went through customs ok, thought they held me back a little
longer than the others, being one of the last one to go through but can’t say the same for my
luggage. As I waited and waited and then the only one waiting for luggage, I started to get a
little suspicious. I then asked one of the baggage handlers about my luggage; they tried to look
it up in the computer but nowhere to be found in the system, not a good sign! Well, all they
could tell me is maybe it will come in tomorrow? Then I was picked up by Ruslan and Volodia
with our Vito (van) that we use in Ivano, the scary thing about it was that Ruslan was driving. He
happens to hit every pot hole in town and sees it perfectly fine to drive on the opposite side of
the lane with oncoming traffic. Then he screams at them for driving on the right lane. It was
quite a welcoming back to the Ukraine experience! We dropped off Ruslan then headed back
with Volodia to his place for the night!
Wednesday, Volodia and I went to Meest (the company we use to ship boxes to Ukraine) in the
morning to see who we can talk to about some of the changes that have taken place with
shipping boxes to Ukraine. We were sent to one of their offices but they said they only deal
with shipping within the Ukraine. We were then sent to another office where they did ship
overseas but not many there spoke English, but one young girl that worked on the phones
knew a little to nothing about this issue but she did her best to try to help. She said she will call
us later with information. We then went back to the airport to see if they had my luggage or
found it in the system but neither came true but the young man did say that a flight from
Vienna was coning in the late afternoon and my luggage will be on this flight. So we left and did
some errands in the century of town. Then the young woman we spoke to at Meest called and
gave us a number of a man from Meest that is on the executive board, this is who I was hoping
to get from the beginning. We then went back to the airport as the man said my luggage would
be in the next flight from Vienna but once again no luggage and nothing in the system about my
luggage either, not a good sign at all!!
We then had to hurry back to Volodia’s apartment to get ready for prayer meeting. On the way
to the meeting we picked up most that will be at the meeting tonight but spent about a half an
hour or more just in trying to get the gate open to the Hall. We ended up getting a key from
somewhere else and found out that the other tenant change the lock but did not tell anyone
from the meeting. Well, was a very small meeting but always worth being there!
Thursday we met with the man from Meest and found out that there will be little changes in
sending the boxes, just need more name and addresses, it could have been something more
difficult. This was very good news to hear and definitely something to praise God for!! Then
received a call from Oleg about another shipment of boxes coming on Friday, they were going
to come today but he was too busy so he made it for Friday. Had plan to stay in Lviv until
Sunday but felt that Oleg would want some help with these boxes, so plan to leave Lviv on
Friday for Ivano.
Friday, Volodia and I did some things in the morning and I headed off to Ivano. Managed to
avoid all the major pot holes on my way to Ivano but the minor ones are just unavoidable!
I made good timing to meet Oleg just as he was closing his shop. He said he was going to call
me and ask “where is you”. He thought it would be a good idea to take these boxed to his
garage for the time being to avoid an over load at our very small apartment, this sounded good
to me!! After the delivery I had dinner with Oleg and his wife Olah and Natalie that use to work
at Solidarity and is now working for Olah.
The boxes were from New Glasgow, NS, CAN. A Big Thank You to them and other that had sent
boxes for the care of the Ukrainian people and to further the work of the Gospel Message!!
I do plan to go to Lviv on Sunday, always need prayers for safety on the roads and for giving a
message that would encourage the Christians there, also for getting things in order here in
Ivano with the local meetings and in delivering these boxes to the right people and places at the
right time(God's timing)!! THANK YOU ALL!!!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Direct Mail of Parcels to the Ukraine
For
many years we have just had to put a name of someone in Ukraine on a
box with our address and it has not been questioned. We are now informed
that for the past three months Customs has held boxes because the
address was not the address for the person whose name was on the box.
The director for MEEST has informed us that we must put both the names and addresses of the people on the label. He will try to persuade the authorities to allow the boxes to be shipped to the same place as before, and not delivered to each individual home. Another twist is that a person can only receive one box every three months. This means that if we send the boxes as we have been sending them we can’t be sure that they will be delivered. We will have to co-ordinate what parcels are sent to each person once we know the facts.
If we can still get boxes delivered to one address for distribution, we may have to get a longer list of names and addresses from people in Ukraine and not send boxes with the same addresses as often. We are prepared to start a database with information regarding the boxes and coordinate shipments. The only carrier we have heard from is MEEST.
We suggest you hold off sending any boxes at the moment.
This is all very new to us, so please send us any suggestions you may have. We never know when the regulations will change.
Malcolm and Jean Stanley.
Christian Assembly Work in Ukraine.
Portage la Prairie. MB
The director for MEEST has informed us that we must put both the names and addresses of the people on the label. He will try to persuade the authorities to allow the boxes to be shipped to the same place as before, and not delivered to each individual home. Another twist is that a person can only receive one box every three months. This means that if we send the boxes as we have been sending them we can’t be sure that they will be delivered. We will have to co-ordinate what parcels are sent to each person once we know the facts.
If we can still get boxes delivered to one address for distribution, we may have to get a longer list of names and addresses from people in Ukraine and not send boxes with the same addresses as often. We are prepared to start a database with information regarding the boxes and coordinate shipments. The only carrier we have heard from is MEEST.
We suggest you hold off sending any boxes at the moment.
This is all very new to us, so please send us any suggestions you may have. We never know when the regulations will change.
Malcolm and Jean Stanley.
Christian Assembly Work in Ukraine.
Portage la Prairie. MB
Update from Malcolm
Update on the work continuing in Western Ukraine.
Thankfully there has been a worker in Lviv and Ivano for most of the Spring and summer. This is very
encouraging for the Assembly in Lviv and the group in Ivano. Both need the help of brethren from
outside the country to keep up their interest and to encourage them.
In early Spring, Eric Fowler and Howard Pratt were together in Ivano Frankivsk along with Dan Perez.
Then Gilles Plourde arrived on July 26th and ministered in both Lviv and Ivano until August 9th. This was
very helpful as Edmund and Agnes Johnston had gone back to Ireland and so there was no one in Lviv or
Ivano to meet with the Christians as well as the non Christians.
Only a few weeks have elapsed with no one there and now Dan Perez will return on September3rd. for 3
months. Edmund and Agnes should be back in Lviv early September too.
Malcolm Stanley and Howard Pratt plan on returning on October the 9th for a month. Following their
visit, Louis Smith is planning to visit as well.
We are asking once more for your prayers as we seek to bring the gospel to those who are not yet sure
where they will spend eternity, and to teach those who need help to live as Christians. The family of Flo
Kancir would also desire your prayers for Flo who is still in hospital after two major surgeries and is not
making good progress.
Please pray also that we will still be able to send humanitarian aid with no problems from the
authorities, as the needs are still very great for the poor and those in institutions.
Malcolm Stanley.
Thankfully there has been a worker in Lviv and Ivano for most of the Spring and summer. This is very
encouraging for the Assembly in Lviv and the group in Ivano. Both need the help of brethren from
outside the country to keep up their interest and to encourage them.
In early Spring, Eric Fowler and Howard Pratt were together in Ivano Frankivsk along with Dan Perez.
Then Gilles Plourde arrived on July 26th and ministered in both Lviv and Ivano until August 9th. This was
very helpful as Edmund and Agnes Johnston had gone back to Ireland and so there was no one in Lviv or
Ivano to meet with the Christians as well as the non Christians.
Only a few weeks have elapsed with no one there and now Dan Perez will return on September3rd. for 3
months. Edmund and Agnes should be back in Lviv early September too.
Malcolm Stanley and Howard Pratt plan on returning on October the 9th for a month. Following their
visit, Louis Smith is planning to visit as well.
We are asking once more for your prayers as we seek to bring the gospel to those who are not yet sure
where they will spend eternity, and to teach those who need help to live as Christians. The family of Flo
Kancir would also desire your prayers for Flo who is still in hospital after two major surgeries and is not
making good progress.
Please pray also that we will still be able to send humanitarian aid with no problems from the
authorities, as the needs are still very great for the poor and those in institutions.
Malcolm Stanley.
Update from Gilles - #1
Greetings from Ukraine, from Gilles Plourde of Kapuscaping Ontario.
All is well here and the summer weather is easy to take. My time here started on a busy note. On
Wednesday June 27th I arrived and I was expected to speak that evening at meeting and so I did on the
faith spoken of in Hebrews 11.
On the Friday I opened their Bible reading on John 9 and Saturday we travelled an hour north to
Sosnivka to a rehabilitation center for physically and mentally handicapped people of all ages. We had
been to this institution before and we are always welcomed here. As usual we brought some clothes and
groceries. Edmund and I preached the gospel to the staff and the residents.
On Sunday I gave ministry in Lviv. Monday Ruslan and I were off to the city of Ternopil 1.5 hours away
to get the van repaired. The motor has stopped running several times now, leaving us stranded on the
road. We have had the van now for seven years and it has over 400,000 kms on it. They exchanged the
computer that runs the motor for another second hand unit. The van seems to run better. The next day
we went two hours south to Ivano-Frankivsk for the regular Tuesday night gospel meeting. There were
about 17 or 18 people out to hear the gospel, at which Edmund and I preached.
The next day was the regular Wednesday night meeting in lviv and I gave ministry. There were several
unsaved people at the meeting, friends of some of the believers, so they heard a little bit of gospel also.
The next day being Thursday we went 1.5 hours in another direction to preach the gospel in a women’s
shelter in the city of Drohovitch. Again we are always welcomed here and we normally bring supplies
for new mothers and newborns. This time was no exception. The next day in Lviv we finished the Bible
reading on John chapter 9.
The next ten days took on a different character because it was conference time in Lutsk, two hours
north. The conference actually takes place at a Bible camp half an hour out of the city. The actual
facilities were originally built by Stalin to be a “Pioneer camp”. That is, a summer camp where youths
were to be indoctrinated in communism, Marxism and Leninism. Stalin would roll over in his grave if he
knew the Bible was now opened and taught here. There were approximately 110 – 120 people at the
conference. About 25 or 30 from north and south Ireland and England, four believers from Slovakia and
one from Canada (me). The rest were all Ukrainian. Some were older Sunday school students from
Lutsk.
There are too many details to write down but I’ll give you an outline of the conference.
Every morning after breakfast we had a ½ hour prayer meeting and then a half hour break. This was
followed by ½ hour of singing hymns (Ukrainian, English and some Slovakian) and then one hour plus of
ministry. The ministry given by Phil Coulson from Ireland was excellent. Every afternoon we went to
nearby villages to give out tracts and invitations to an opened air gospel meeting in their village center.
Every day there was a children’s meeting in the village of Ozero in their community center. There were
about 50 or 60 kids of every age out every day and they really seemed to enjoy the meetings. The children’s meetings were taken by James College from England and he was excellent. The gospel
meeting at the camp on the first Sunday was taken by Edmund and I. In the course of the week one
young lady got saved and on the Saturday two young people from Lutsk were baptized. I was very sick
for a few days but recovered in time to take the bus to return to Lviv.
The week following the conference, on Tuesday the 17th we went again to Ivano for the Tuesday
evening gospel meeting with a good number out. Edmund and I spoke. The next day we were off to the
jail in Sambir a good hour away from Lviv. We often come here to bring supplies for them. This time we
brought 48 pairs of jeans, 20 sweat shirts, several packages of printer paper and a few ink cartridges. I
had forgotten my passport and did not expect to get inside with Edmund and Ruslan. But to our
surprise, the new warden thought nothing of it and I was allowed to go in. There were 48 inmates
listening to the gospel as well as staff and guards. Everyone got a few candies after the meeting. This
prison has 150 boys between the ages of 14 to 18 – all here for on criminal charges. We were back in
Lviv for the 7:00 pm meeting.
On Friday Edmund and Agnes were off to Ireland and Ruslan and Tania and their daughter were off to
Bulgaria for some rest and relaxation beside the Black Sea. So the following two Tuesdays, Volodia
drove me to Ivano for meeting and interpreted for me also. We stayed overnight both times and got the
oil changed in the Mercedes van and took care of other business.
On Sunday, August 9th, I started to distribute food packages which I put together: a loaf of bread, a
kilo of rice, a kilo of macaroni, a package of tea, a small package of cookies, a banana, a Gospel of John
and a John 3:16 text, all in a large zip-lock bag. I went to various areas with garbage dumpsters and gave
the food parcels to individuals picking through the dumpsters for food. The parcels were well received.
When Ruslan and Tania came back from Bulgaria we went to visit a gypsy camp near Tchervonohrad.
Most of the gypsies migrate south to the Carpathian mountains for the summer, but there was a group
of about fifteen families in this particular area. So we brought some groceries and had the opportunity
to preach the gospel. Unfortunately most of the men were not interested in us or our message and
stayed together some distance away. Only the women and children came to listen, with the exception of
two men. The women asked us to give their regards to Flo as they are concerned for her and pray for
her.
The next day, Saturday August 4th, we went to the city of Stryiy to visit a certain family which we have
been helping for many years now. They have six children. The two older girls are married now reducing
the load somewhat on this household. Their oldest is a 22 year old mentally and physically handicapped
boy. The youngest boy was hit by a bus last year and suffered a fractured skull and some internal
injuries. He has recovered well. He has a major scar on his head but it doesn’t show because of the way
his hair lies. They said they were praying for Flora and if they would not see her again on earth, they
would see her in heaven. We had brought groceries for them and also for the ninety six year old
neighbour lady who appreciated our help and attention. She likes Ruslan our driver.
Sunday August 5th was busy with breaking of bread in Lviv at eleven where I spoke and then off to
Ivano-Frankivsk for meeting at four where I spoke also. We returned to Ivano again on Tuesday for meeting at six. Attendance was good this week with seventeen or eighteen out. This being the last
meeting for now, the believers here and everyone else are anxiously awaiting Dan Perez’s return, and
anyone else who will come and help with the work in this city. Edmund and Agnes should be back in Lviv
in September also.
Your brother in Christ, Gilles Plourde.
All is well here and the summer weather is easy to take. My time here started on a busy note. On
Wednesday June 27th I arrived and I was expected to speak that evening at meeting and so I did on the
faith spoken of in Hebrews 11.
On the Friday I opened their Bible reading on John 9 and Saturday we travelled an hour north to
Sosnivka to a rehabilitation center for physically and mentally handicapped people of all ages. We had
been to this institution before and we are always welcomed here. As usual we brought some clothes and
groceries. Edmund and I preached the gospel to the staff and the residents.
On Sunday I gave ministry in Lviv. Monday Ruslan and I were off to the city of Ternopil 1.5 hours away
to get the van repaired. The motor has stopped running several times now, leaving us stranded on the
road. We have had the van now for seven years and it has over 400,000 kms on it. They exchanged the
computer that runs the motor for another second hand unit. The van seems to run better. The next day
we went two hours south to Ivano-Frankivsk for the regular Tuesday night gospel meeting. There were
about 17 or 18 people out to hear the gospel, at which Edmund and I preached.
The next day was the regular Wednesday night meeting in lviv and I gave ministry. There were several
unsaved people at the meeting, friends of some of the believers, so they heard a little bit of gospel also.
The next day being Thursday we went 1.5 hours in another direction to preach the gospel in a women’s
shelter in the city of Drohovitch. Again we are always welcomed here and we normally bring supplies
for new mothers and newborns. This time was no exception. The next day in Lviv we finished the Bible
reading on John chapter 9.
The next ten days took on a different character because it was conference time in Lutsk, two hours
north. The conference actually takes place at a Bible camp half an hour out of the city. The actual
facilities were originally built by Stalin to be a “Pioneer camp”. That is, a summer camp where youths
were to be indoctrinated in communism, Marxism and Leninism. Stalin would roll over in his grave if he
knew the Bible was now opened and taught here. There were approximately 110 – 120 people at the
conference. About 25 or 30 from north and south Ireland and England, four believers from Slovakia and
one from Canada (me). The rest were all Ukrainian. Some were older Sunday school students from
Lutsk.
There are too many details to write down but I’ll give you an outline of the conference.
Every morning after breakfast we had a ½ hour prayer meeting and then a half hour break. This was
followed by ½ hour of singing hymns (Ukrainian, English and some Slovakian) and then one hour plus of
ministry. The ministry given by Phil Coulson from Ireland was excellent. Every afternoon we went to
nearby villages to give out tracts and invitations to an opened air gospel meeting in their village center.
Every day there was a children’s meeting in the village of Ozero in their community center. There were
about 50 or 60 kids of every age out every day and they really seemed to enjoy the meetings. The children’s meetings were taken by James College from England and he was excellent. The gospel
meeting at the camp on the first Sunday was taken by Edmund and I. In the course of the week one
young lady got saved and on the Saturday two young people from Lutsk were baptized. I was very sick
for a few days but recovered in time to take the bus to return to Lviv.
The week following the conference, on Tuesday the 17th we went again to Ivano for the Tuesday
evening gospel meeting with a good number out. Edmund and I spoke. The next day we were off to the
jail in Sambir a good hour away from Lviv. We often come here to bring supplies for them. This time we
brought 48 pairs of jeans, 20 sweat shirts, several packages of printer paper and a few ink cartridges. I
had forgotten my passport and did not expect to get inside with Edmund and Ruslan. But to our
surprise, the new warden thought nothing of it and I was allowed to go in. There were 48 inmates
listening to the gospel as well as staff and guards. Everyone got a few candies after the meeting. This
prison has 150 boys between the ages of 14 to 18 – all here for on criminal charges. We were back in
Lviv for the 7:00 pm meeting.
On Friday Edmund and Agnes were off to Ireland and Ruslan and Tania and their daughter were off to
Bulgaria for some rest and relaxation beside the Black Sea. So the following two Tuesdays, Volodia
drove me to Ivano for meeting and interpreted for me also. We stayed overnight both times and got the
oil changed in the Mercedes van and took care of other business.
On Sunday, August 9th, I started to distribute food packages which I put together: a loaf of bread, a
kilo of rice, a kilo of macaroni, a package of tea, a small package of cookies, a banana, a Gospel of John
and a John 3:16 text, all in a large zip-lock bag. I went to various areas with garbage dumpsters and gave
the food parcels to individuals picking through the dumpsters for food. The parcels were well received.
When Ruslan and Tania came back from Bulgaria we went to visit a gypsy camp near Tchervonohrad.
Most of the gypsies migrate south to the Carpathian mountains for the summer, but there was a group
of about fifteen families in this particular area. So we brought some groceries and had the opportunity
to preach the gospel. Unfortunately most of the men were not interested in us or our message and
stayed together some distance away. Only the women and children came to listen, with the exception of
two men. The women asked us to give their regards to Flo as they are concerned for her and pray for
her.
The next day, Saturday August 4th, we went to the city of Stryiy to visit a certain family which we have
been helping for many years now. They have six children. The two older girls are married now reducing
the load somewhat on this household. Their oldest is a 22 year old mentally and physically handicapped
boy. The youngest boy was hit by a bus last year and suffered a fractured skull and some internal
injuries. He has recovered well. He has a major scar on his head but it doesn’t show because of the way
his hair lies. They said they were praying for Flora and if they would not see her again on earth, they
would see her in heaven. We had brought groceries for them and also for the ninety six year old
neighbour lady who appreciated our help and attention. She likes Ruslan our driver.
Sunday August 5th was busy with breaking of bread in Lviv at eleven where I spoke and then off to
Ivano-Frankivsk for meeting at four where I spoke also. We returned to Ivano again on Tuesday for meeting at six. Attendance was good this week with seventeen or eighteen out. This being the last
meeting for now, the believers here and everyone else are anxiously awaiting Dan Perez’s return, and
anyone else who will come and help with the work in this city. Edmund and Agnes should be back in Lviv
in September also.
Your brother in Christ, Gilles Plourde.
Monday, June 18, 2012
2012 Report from Eric #2
May 31
Up early man who makes arrangements to prison called we will get to visit two prisons. We must be at his office at 9am. He took us to the man’s prison first; it has 1000 prisoners in it. The prison is in Kolomia over an hour away. Took full Bible to man there who asked the last time Dan was there. We also had another full Bible as another was asking for one and he came and asked again, great to see that for sure. We spoke to 96 men with some at the back door listening. .Had nice time there, it is quite a complex run down Russian place. Most prisoners in Canada would die the first week if in a Ukraine prison. We gave them tracts and text. Then came back into town and went to the office here and then went to womens prison another hour over rough roads again. It makes the day long and tiring for sure. My wife packed lunch … boiled eggs , bread cut up apples , oranges and juice and a few sweets. We ate along the way. We spoke to 86 ladies and three workers there. The ladies truly listened very well. Heidi spoke for few minutes and it touched all the ladies. Some truly rough ladies there. Some for murder of their husbands one lady said it was a fight and either I was to be killed or him and I made sure it was him. We also took as wheelchair, crutches and clothing to that prison. Man oh man what a place to be. Came back to the city and had meeting. We had 19 out in the mid week which is good as summer is here and many away to gardens.
June 1 …
Our time is slipping quickly by. Up early, devotions and breakfast and ready to go to Lviv. Luba and daughter and daughter's friend went with us. Her name is Tanya and has come to every meeting and is very interested. This will be a holiday for them and a great treat. Also like for the girls to see the baptism and be with the Christians there. We picked up soap, and cleaning things for toilets for an old people’s home along the way. The home had 22 people in a village 30 min. off the main highway. Very sad sight for sure but amazingly, someone had helped put new windows and doors in the place. A little warmer for winter. Spoke to 11 of them and 3 workers…others were in bed and couldn’t come. I went to one lady and explained the truth of John 3:16. They could use wheelchairs there as well and some walkers. You should see some walkers they used there. Got to Lviv and took things out we brought ,a bed to sleep on and food and few things for weekend. Went to Edmond and Agnes for supper.They are the couple from Ireland who has now been in Lviv for two years. Where are our Canadian couples who will give themselves to such a work? Go YE into all the world and preach the Gospel. WHO WILL GO? We then went to meeting .. Bible Reading on John 8 : 12- 30 went well. Then back to Flo’s apartment for the night.
June 2
Up early as the Baptism is at 10 am. Little read with the girls and Prayer. Breakfast is dry cereal. Luba said girls don’t get this at home a treat for them. Then to the Baptist church in town for the Baptism . It is nice they will allow us to use the place for the Baptism. Some extra came and this was nice. Then we came back to the little hall for dinner and time of fellowship. It went well I thought. Then we went to the center and gave out the special tract for the Soccer games. Many people has already come into the city they expect 2 million to come. Four games here in Lviv next week. Had nice time for sure. There were 13 of us. I gave out everything in my case that had a text on it, even some English magnets. Then we went to MacDonald's and had some Burgers. I went to look for the others and while gone Margie and Heidi met a young man and his wife who are Christians. I gave him a magnet with my name on it 5 minutes before that. They saw Margie and came to them and said are you Christians as you look like it? Had nice time with them. Heidi came and found me and brought me back to them. They come from the city which had the explosions in it that was on news before we came to Ukraine. He had many questions on can one be sure you are saved and can you lose it. He almost cried when I show it to him he could not,from the Bible. He said God sent you to us. They now study in POLAND. They know 4 different languages. He wants to keep in touch by e-mail. Amazing how God leads. Went back to Apartment very tired but happy that God made himself known along the way.
June 3
Rested some but up for devotions with all and breakfast and ready for meeting. Got pampers and boys pants and few other things we needed from Flo while up here. Went to worship meeting and some away sick. Volodia’s mom out the first time for some weeks. This was great to see. Howard stayed with them as not enough room at Flo’s apartment for everyone. Meeting went well Howard and I spoke.
Then came back here to Ivano for the meeting here. I drove and this makes things little heavy as the roads are very poor and drivers are not careful. God is able and more than able. The crowd was as in mid week as holiday on Monday and some away. It went well and now we are relaxing after 6 rough days .Thanks for praying even though you hadn’t heard from us. The true value of prayer wild only be known and seen when we reach the Bema. Thanks so much in Lord’s name
Eric and Margie Heidi and Howard
Up early man who makes arrangements to prison called we will get to visit two prisons. We must be at his office at 9am. He took us to the man’s prison first; it has 1000 prisoners in it. The prison is in Kolomia over an hour away. Took full Bible to man there who asked the last time Dan was there. We also had another full Bible as another was asking for one and he came and asked again, great to see that for sure. We spoke to 96 men with some at the back door listening. .Had nice time there, it is quite a complex run down Russian place. Most prisoners in Canada would die the first week if in a Ukraine prison. We gave them tracts and text. Then came back into town and went to the office here and then went to womens prison another hour over rough roads again. It makes the day long and tiring for sure. My wife packed lunch … boiled eggs , bread cut up apples , oranges and juice and a few sweets. We ate along the way. We spoke to 86 ladies and three workers there. The ladies truly listened very well. Heidi spoke for few minutes and it touched all the ladies. Some truly rough ladies there. Some for murder of their husbands one lady said it was a fight and either I was to be killed or him and I made sure it was him. We also took as wheelchair, crutches and clothing to that prison. Man oh man what a place to be. Came back to the city and had meeting. We had 19 out in the mid week which is good as summer is here and many away to gardens.
June 1 …
Our time is slipping quickly by. Up early, devotions and breakfast and ready to go to Lviv. Luba and daughter and daughter's friend went with us. Her name is Tanya and has come to every meeting and is very interested. This will be a holiday for them and a great treat. Also like for the girls to see the baptism and be with the Christians there. We picked up soap, and cleaning things for toilets for an old people’s home along the way. The home had 22 people in a village 30 min. off the main highway. Very sad sight for sure but amazingly, someone had helped put new windows and doors in the place. A little warmer for winter. Spoke to 11 of them and 3 workers…others were in bed and couldn’t come. I went to one lady and explained the truth of John 3:16. They could use wheelchairs there as well and some walkers. You should see some walkers they used there. Got to Lviv and took things out we brought ,a bed to sleep on and food and few things for weekend. Went to Edmond and Agnes for supper.They are the couple from Ireland who has now been in Lviv for two years. Where are our Canadian couples who will give themselves to such a work? Go YE into all the world and preach the Gospel. WHO WILL GO? We then went to meeting .. Bible Reading on John 8 : 12- 30 went well. Then back to Flo’s apartment for the night.
June 2
Up early as the Baptism is at 10 am. Little read with the girls and Prayer. Breakfast is dry cereal. Luba said girls don’t get this at home a treat for them. Then to the Baptist church in town for the Baptism . It is nice they will allow us to use the place for the Baptism. Some extra came and this was nice. Then we came back to the little hall for dinner and time of fellowship. It went well I thought. Then we went to the center and gave out the special tract for the Soccer games. Many people has already come into the city they expect 2 million to come. Four games here in Lviv next week. Had nice time for sure. There were 13 of us. I gave out everything in my case that had a text on it, even some English magnets. Then we went to MacDonald's and had some Burgers. I went to look for the others and while gone Margie and Heidi met a young man and his wife who are Christians. I gave him a magnet with my name on it 5 minutes before that. They saw Margie and came to them and said are you Christians as you look like it? Had nice time with them. Heidi came and found me and brought me back to them. They come from the city which had the explosions in it that was on news before we came to Ukraine. He had many questions on can one be sure you are saved and can you lose it. He almost cried when I show it to him he could not,from the Bible. He said God sent you to us. They now study in POLAND. They know 4 different languages. He wants to keep in touch by e-mail. Amazing how God leads. Went back to Apartment very tired but happy that God made himself known along the way.
June 3
Rested some but up for devotions with all and breakfast and ready for meeting. Got pampers and boys pants and few other things we needed from Flo while up here. Went to worship meeting and some away sick. Volodia’s mom out the first time for some weeks. This was great to see. Howard stayed with them as not enough room at Flo’s apartment for everyone. Meeting went well Howard and I spoke.
Then came back here to Ivano for the meeting here. I drove and this makes things little heavy as the roads are very poor and drivers are not careful. God is able and more than able. The crowd was as in mid week as holiday on Monday and some away. It went well and now we are relaxing after 6 rough days .Thanks for praying even though you hadn’t heard from us. The true value of prayer wild only be known and seen when we reach the Bema. Thanks so much in Lord’s name
Eric and Margie Heidi and Howard
2012 report from Eric
June 3
Busy very busy …. The other days we just thought we were busy ….
Morning rise with breakfast and devotions … we were in Lviv all weekend since Friday .
Morning worship was great, Howard and I spoke at the end. May God help Edmond to guide the sheep here. Still some missing but summer is very busy for all.
We came back to Ivano and nice number out again. The crowd was smaller than last Sundays as it is an holiday Monday and some away to home villages. Everyone tired from weekend travel.
June 4
Monday holiday, not much traffic in town. We went and made a payment to give back water and lights to poor family. The two children needed payment made so they can pass in school, It’s sad but bribes are everywhere in this country. The girl is a good artist but poor and may not get very far.
Then went to Michael and family and gave medicine and help to get glasses …they never miss meeting he has been coming even thought not well; heart trouble and sugar. Nice to see him. We went over the Two Roads Chart with them him and son may be saved she didn’t say to much. Then went to a neighbour here, Russian and gave him Bible, he asked and yet said he doesn’t believe in God . God knows but he was happy we came and gave us honey. Leanna and Daughter came for supper had nice visit with them, she had many questions.
Then we got bags ready for Hospital tomorrow to give to mothers; we have 15. These are the bags the Ladies from Welland Ontario got ready and gave me.
June 5
For sure, God gives rest for tired minds and bodies and then energy to go and do the days visits. Went to hospital and made 15 visits to new mothers. Some were Christians, amazing as God leads; some very very poor. We met the head Doctor first and gave him some more sheets ..the need is so great. Then went to Ivan and Dana and finished the needed payments there and went over some more Bible truth. She is saved for sure but not sure about him andsons.
Vadym’s wife child and father in Law Aundri were out. We would like see him saved, he was troubled last year. 22 people out and a great rain I thought no one would come, they must have an interest surely.
We need a good leader here to help them yearly. A GOOD EXERCISE FOR SOME YOUNG COUPLE ….WHO WILL GO? One wonders when the day over what is in it for the Lord.
June 6
Early rise and away to the mountains to be away all night. This is to the school where we did washrooms last year. Now we will deliver a gift from Canada for the Gymnasium. They will close school if it is not up to standard. We found out why no money is given to the school by the government. It is a nice piece of land and the Government men want to build on it. They don’t care what will happen to the children.
Had nice visit with the Head lady of the school. She took us to her home for supper. We left clothing and school things with her in the evening. She took us to a man who sings and teaches local singing a nice visit for sure. He had a collection of harps, fiddles and many other things. We stayed in a log cabin resort. I t was a nice place. Many government people have resorts in the mountain area.
This was a long drive and the roads were very bad from rain. The country was hit by wind and rain and damage everywhere.
June 7
We had our devotions and breakfast outdoors. Amazing for sure . Gave her the money for the project; teachers will do most of the work. The money will be for material. We went to the street while waiting to meet with her and gave out New Testaments, tracts, and texts and other material. This is where I’m the happiest for sure.
We were praying for an opening in the town it has 7000 people. A lady came and we are invited to meet with a Baptist man. He showed us the building they meet in in town. He then took us out of the town to another building another group meets in and also a summer camp area. The Germans have helped them much and also with a Van. He gave us tea and fresh strawberries. He was very friendly and very humble. He has been in the mountains 15 years and has seen 4 little groups come together and another one in the making. They are independent Baptists and are clear on much truth. We asked if any need and he said 100 full Bibles would be the greatest need so we will get those in Lviv on the weekend. He was to Manitoba for visit and went to some Baptist there and went out only once but said he would not go back. We may be able to help more then we think so will pray much about this. The assembly in Lusk started from a Baptist group there.
Went to the ski resort nearby, before coming back to Ivano. Tired very tired but happy in spirit as God guides to help others. OTHERS LORD LET THIS OUR MOTTO BE OTHERS …..
June 8
Days left are short in Ukraine, home on the 16th.
Went to pick up more medicine for the folks that are coming to meeting. Also went and got boots for Luba’s mother in law and went with Luba to village to deliver them. We wanted to explain little more of the Gospel to this lady. We did just that and met her daughter from the village. Came back to Ivano and went and paid 3 month’s rent on the apartment. We rent it from a Lawyer lady and again she asked about if we want to buy. It would be nice to be able to do this. But we need a place to display clothing where anyone could comes in and get clothing free, like a open front door with a place to talk to those who came and give literature too.
God is able to move hearts to the need.
June 9
Breakfast and devotions. My body is slowing down … the trip is winding down and the mind gets tired of different sounds and need are so heavy it touches the compassion part of the heart and with such a great demand. No plans for the day but as it started it got filled. Danna called a German lady and took us to an orphanage of 26 children 50 km out of town. Had nice time there took two boxes of clothing and went picked up some more at a used clothing place but not like what we have come in the boxes. We are running out here and was expecting boxes from Newfoundland but doesn’t look like it will come before we go. Spoke to the children and workers and gave them oranges, candy, text, tracts and some games we bought. Came back into town and went to take Heidi to Jewish mass grave of 12000 Jews. Svetlana is Jewish and she said it’s not good place to be. She was there when she was 15 years old and not since.
Then went to Danna’s mom’s friend, a lady who was a doctor and her husband was a very famous artist. What a home and what history. We went into a room where they had famous people’s faces drawn on the wall, many were in the room and all had their face drawn on the wood there. Much much more but can’t say more by e mail.
Went to supper and now home to rest …for tomorrow will be the drive to Lviv over 2 hours there and back…. But nice to break bread every Lord’s day when here. It would be great to see an assembly here in Ivano…GOD CAN DO IT AND MAY WE WILL SEE IT SOME DAY. But, unless God build the house …….
Ivano has history of God’s earthly people may there also be history of his Heavenly Children.
Eric Margie Howard Heidi
Busy very busy …. The other days we just thought we were busy ….
Morning rise with breakfast and devotions … we were in Lviv all weekend since Friday .
Morning worship was great, Howard and I spoke at the end. May God help Edmond to guide the sheep here. Still some missing but summer is very busy for all.
We came back to Ivano and nice number out again. The crowd was smaller than last Sundays as it is an holiday Monday and some away to home villages. Everyone tired from weekend travel.
June 4
Monday holiday, not much traffic in town. We went and made a payment to give back water and lights to poor family. The two children needed payment made so they can pass in school, It’s sad but bribes are everywhere in this country. The girl is a good artist but poor and may not get very far.
Then went to Michael and family and gave medicine and help to get glasses …they never miss meeting he has been coming even thought not well; heart trouble and sugar. Nice to see him. We went over the Two Roads Chart with them him and son may be saved she didn’t say to much. Then went to a neighbour here, Russian and gave him Bible, he asked and yet said he doesn’t believe in God . God knows but he was happy we came and gave us honey. Leanna and Daughter came for supper had nice visit with them, she had many questions.
Then we got bags ready for Hospital tomorrow to give to mothers; we have 15. These are the bags the Ladies from Welland Ontario got ready and gave me.
June 5
For sure, God gives rest for tired minds and bodies and then energy to go and do the days visits. Went to hospital and made 15 visits to new mothers. Some were Christians, amazing as God leads; some very very poor. We met the head Doctor first and gave him some more sheets ..the need is so great. Then went to Ivan and Dana and finished the needed payments there and went over some more Bible truth. She is saved for sure but not sure about him andsons.
Vadym’s wife child and father in Law Aundri were out. We would like see him saved, he was troubled last year. 22 people out and a great rain I thought no one would come, they must have an interest surely.
We need a good leader here to help them yearly. A GOOD EXERCISE FOR SOME YOUNG COUPLE ….WHO WILL GO? One wonders when the day over what is in it for the Lord.
June 6
Early rise and away to the mountains to be away all night. This is to the school where we did washrooms last year. Now we will deliver a gift from Canada for the Gymnasium. They will close school if it is not up to standard. We found out why no money is given to the school by the government. It is a nice piece of land and the Government men want to build on it. They don’t care what will happen to the children.
Had nice visit with the Head lady of the school. She took us to her home for supper. We left clothing and school things with her in the evening. She took us to a man who sings and teaches local singing a nice visit for sure. He had a collection of harps, fiddles and many other things. We stayed in a log cabin resort. I t was a nice place. Many government people have resorts in the mountain area.
This was a long drive and the roads were very bad from rain. The country was hit by wind and rain and damage everywhere.
June 7
We had our devotions and breakfast outdoors. Amazing for sure . Gave her the money for the project; teachers will do most of the work. The money will be for material. We went to the street while waiting to meet with her and gave out New Testaments, tracts, and texts and other material. This is where I’m the happiest for sure.
We were praying for an opening in the town it has 7000 people. A lady came and we are invited to meet with a Baptist man. He showed us the building they meet in in town. He then took us out of the town to another building another group meets in and also a summer camp area. The Germans have helped them much and also with a Van. He gave us tea and fresh strawberries. He was very friendly and very humble. He has been in the mountains 15 years and has seen 4 little groups come together and another one in the making. They are independent Baptists and are clear on much truth. We asked if any need and he said 100 full Bibles would be the greatest need so we will get those in Lviv on the weekend. He was to Manitoba for visit and went to some Baptist there and went out only once but said he would not go back. We may be able to help more then we think so will pray much about this. The assembly in Lusk started from a Baptist group there.
Went to the ski resort nearby, before coming back to Ivano. Tired very tired but happy in spirit as God guides to help others. OTHERS LORD LET THIS OUR MOTTO BE OTHERS …..
June 8
Days left are short in Ukraine, home on the 16th.
Went to pick up more medicine for the folks that are coming to meeting. Also went and got boots for Luba’s mother in law and went with Luba to village to deliver them. We wanted to explain little more of the Gospel to this lady. We did just that and met her daughter from the village. Came back to Ivano and went and paid 3 month’s rent on the apartment. We rent it from a Lawyer lady and again she asked about if we want to buy. It would be nice to be able to do this. But we need a place to display clothing where anyone could comes in and get clothing free, like a open front door with a place to talk to those who came and give literature too.
God is able to move hearts to the need.
June 9
Breakfast and devotions. My body is slowing down … the trip is winding down and the mind gets tired of different sounds and need are so heavy it touches the compassion part of the heart and with such a great demand. No plans for the day but as it started it got filled. Danna called a German lady and took us to an orphanage of 26 children 50 km out of town. Had nice time there took two boxes of clothing and went picked up some more at a used clothing place but not like what we have come in the boxes. We are running out here and was expecting boxes from Newfoundland but doesn’t look like it will come before we go. Spoke to the children and workers and gave them oranges, candy, text, tracts and some games we bought. Came back into town and went to take Heidi to Jewish mass grave of 12000 Jews. Svetlana is Jewish and she said it’s not good place to be. She was there when she was 15 years old and not since.
Then went to Danna’s mom’s friend, a lady who was a doctor and her husband was a very famous artist. What a home and what history. We went into a room where they had famous people’s faces drawn on the wall, many were in the room and all had their face drawn on the wood there. Much much more but can’t say more by e mail.
Went to supper and now home to rest …for tomorrow will be the drive to Lviv over 2 hours there and back…. But nice to break bread every Lord’s day when here. It would be great to see an assembly here in Ivano…GOD CAN DO IT AND MAY WE WILL SEE IT SOME DAY. But, unless God build the house …….
Ivano has history of God’s earthly people may there also be history of his Heavenly Children.
Eric Margie Howard Heidi
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Ukraine Update
An up to date report on the work and workers in Western Ukraine at this time. May 27th 2012.
Thankfully the work goes on with a number of brethren in both Lviv and Ivano Frankivsk.
However Flo Kancir is not there at present, having had to return home suddenly because of sickness.
She had surgery on the 24th to remove a cancerous growth from a major organ, but has come through and is now recovering at home. Please pray for a complete recovery in the will of the Lord.
Edmund and Agnes Johnson are back in Lviv and no doubt starting to plan for the second Conference to be held in early Fall.
Eric Fowler and Howard Pratt are in their third week of six, in Ivano Frankivsk. They have a young brother Volodia, from Lviv as their very efficient interpreter and van driver. He will have to leave them on June the first as he has been hired to drive officials attending the World Soccer matches to be played in Lviv. He feels very privileged to get this job out of hundreds of applicants.
They have been visiting schools and villages as well as having the 2 weekly meetings in the apartment.
When I was there in April, Dan Perez and I had started Bible studies with some invited people, who we felt would appreciate this different format of meeting. One of the men who had come was one of the officials from the Department of Prisons, Igor and had shown good interest. The Brethren had not got around to having the meetings and so Igor phoned and asked when they were starting, as he had some friends who wanted to come. We have not heard the result of the meeting held last night but trust it was profitable.
Please pray for Dan and his desire to return to Ukraine. He has had some problems with a one year visa he was rightly issued in Chicago, but was not recognized when he left the Ukraine. The official said he had overstayed his 90 day limit. Anyway, please pray that this will not hinder him from returning in June if possible. Dan had not done anything wrong but they had stopped issuing visas while he was over there but he could use his for the allotted time. A lack of communication with the Customs officers!!
One last note for those who have shown interest in the school in Verhovina with up to 450 children, where we built the washrooms. I had mentioned in one or more of my postings that the authorities were going to close off the gymnasium in the school, if the director didn’t get a separate system to heat the gym. I asked her to get a price to install an electric boiler and repair any burst pipes or radiators and she got a quote of $5,000.00US which sounds quite reasonable as they have to install a new electricity cable and switches as well. The government offers no funding but sets a date of September to have it done.
We have not replied yet but the brethren are going to visit the school and ask to get a copy of the estimate etc. We will see what God has in mind as to our meeting the cost.
The brethren are waiting for their permission to go to the prisons. The man who signs the papers went on holiday. Pray that he is back before they leave for home.
Thank you for praying, the fields are still white to harvest, but where are the reapers?
Yours in Christ.
Thankfully the work goes on with a number of brethren in both Lviv and Ivano Frankivsk.
However Flo Kancir is not there at present, having had to return home suddenly because of sickness.
She had surgery on the 24th to remove a cancerous growth from a major organ, but has come through and is now recovering at home. Please pray for a complete recovery in the will of the Lord.
Edmund and Agnes Johnson are back in Lviv and no doubt starting to plan for the second Conference to be held in early Fall.
Eric Fowler and Howard Pratt are in their third week of six, in Ivano Frankivsk. They have a young brother Volodia, from Lviv as their very efficient interpreter and van driver. He will have to leave them on June the first as he has been hired to drive officials attending the World Soccer matches to be played in Lviv. He feels very privileged to get this job out of hundreds of applicants.
They have been visiting schools and villages as well as having the 2 weekly meetings in the apartment.
When I was there in April, Dan Perez and I had started Bible studies with some invited people, who we felt would appreciate this different format of meeting. One of the men who had come was one of the officials from the Department of Prisons, Igor and had shown good interest. The Brethren had not got around to having the meetings and so Igor phoned and asked when they were starting, as he had some friends who wanted to come. We have not heard the result of the meeting held last night but trust it was profitable.
Please pray for Dan and his desire to return to Ukraine. He has had some problems with a one year visa he was rightly issued in Chicago, but was not recognized when he left the Ukraine. The official said he had overstayed his 90 day limit. Anyway, please pray that this will not hinder him from returning in June if possible. Dan had not done anything wrong but they had stopped issuing visas while he was over there but he could use his for the allotted time. A lack of communication with the Customs officers!!
One last note for those who have shown interest in the school in Verhovina with up to 450 children, where we built the washrooms. I had mentioned in one or more of my postings that the authorities were going to close off the gymnasium in the school, if the director didn’t get a separate system to heat the gym. I asked her to get a price to install an electric boiler and repair any burst pipes or radiators and she got a quote of $5,000.00US which sounds quite reasonable as they have to install a new electricity cable and switches as well. The government offers no funding but sets a date of September to have it done.
We have not replied yet but the brethren are going to visit the school and ask to get a copy of the estimate etc. We will see what God has in mind as to our meeting the cost.
The brethren are waiting for their permission to go to the prisons. The man who signs the papers went on holiday. Pray that he is back before they leave for home.
Thank you for praying, the fields are still white to harvest, but where are the reapers?
Yours in Christ.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Malcolm Report #12
Final Report 12. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday April 23rd, 24th, 25th 20012
Well I start my last part- week before going home on Thursday.
We
have a visit to a school that I had not been to before, but Dan had. We
missed our turn to the village and arrive half an hour late. This
doesn’t seem to worry people here in Ukraine. After a little visit with
the two assistant directors, a man and lady, we spoke to about thirty 10
to 12 year olds, who gave good attention. We gave out candies and
balloons as they had n/t’s from a previous visit. We then spoke to and
older class of teen- agers who gave good attention except for 3 boys who
got the giggles over something, but managed to cool them down!!
We
got back in good time and picked up Lubchek, a brother from Lviv, form
the bus station who wanted to spend a few day with us in Ivano.
Tuesday.
Dan
had dentist’s appointment at 9am so I stayed and ironed my shirts,
where’s my wife? I cleaned up the apartment ready for the meeting
tonight.
Dan
came home and we took the van to get a new security alarm put on. It
was to take 3 hours so we left the van and walked up town. Can you
imagine a state of the art security alarm, installed for $131? They also
fixed two door locks.
I
needed to get money exchanged and we must have gone to 4 or 5 banks
before I could get anyone to exchange the new plastic $100 Canadian
bill. They said their banks were not set up to accept them yet??? By the
time we had walked the town, I was worn out, (Dan can walk all day) but
we met a young man who dan is hoping will interpret later on. We sat in
the sun in the centre of town and had a great talk as he works for the
city tourism people and gave us a good history of Ivano Frankivsk.
We
got the van back and headed home for the meeting at 6pm. About 20 came
out for a ‘goodbye to Malcolm” party after the meeting. They can really
make you feel bad for leaving.
Wednesday
I
got my things ready to leave in the afternoon and then we went to buy a
blood sugar machine for a lady with diabetes who comes to the meeting.
We then delivered it to her, she was very grateful for it as she has a
bad case of diabetes.
After lunch we headed for Lviv as I wanted to buy some things from the Vernasaj? Bazaar.
We
arrived in the middle of a violent thunder storm that went on for much
of the day. People were soaked to the skin as it had been nice and sunny
until the rain hit. I managed to get what I needed as we dodged under
the plastic awnings, loaded with water.
We went to the prayer meeting at 7pm but several of the people are away because of sickness.
I
was then deposited at Flo’s “empty” apartment to sleep and get my
flight home on Thursday afternoon. Thank you for praying for us. I trust
God has been able to use us to His glory. We trust that eternity will
reveal it.
Please continue to pray for Dan who goes home on May 8th and for Eric Fowler and Howard Pratt who arrive on May the 9th.
You’re Brother in Christ.
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