Report #6
Wednesday April 11th
We went to the minimum security today. I don’t know what is meant by “minimum” security when you see the walls and high fences, plus all the gates and doors to get into the place. Anyway, there were a good number of men out again and they all listened well. Afterwards some came and talked and one man asked if he could e-mail me, as he speaks English and they have access to the internet, I think, or he was getting out soon and had a computer. One of the things we were asked is whether we could come regularly and have bible studies. We could not give them any assurance of this because of the hassle of getting beaurocratic (can’t find the spelling!) permission to visit in the prisons. We were then taken for coffee and cookies with the administrator and his staff. They seemed like very nice people and very pleased that we come. We had a group picture taken at the gate.
I wish I could properly show you the condition of the 5k of road to this prison. It is unbelievable!
We got home in time to get ready to go the Lviv for the prayer meeting at 7pm. I had been asked to speak and so we headed out for the 2 hour trip with Volodia getting some driving practice. I’m not sure whether I have told you that he has been picked to be a driver to ferry officials around during the World Soccer Games in May or June. He gets to use a new Kia car or SUV and will be driving mainly referees and others to the games and hotels. He is very excited and one of the reasons he was picked is because of his excellent English.
He drove us to his apartment in Lviv and his mother had a lovely meal of fish, pork potatoes and salad. We went to the meeting and it was good to see the Christians again. We then went back to Volodia’s apartment before going home after dark. Driving is a little hazardous at night so I drove home. I was a long day but also a profitable one, we trust.
Thursday April 12th
We only had one of the Igor’s today as the other one had a lot of office work to complete. I think they have both enjoyed out time together and we have learned a lot about the prison system in Ukraine.
We were going to our final prison visit at this time and this is the big, 800 men, high security prison. Once we get through the 6 or 7 locked iron gates we walk to the large meeting room. As we walk we see the activity to plant flowers and paint things so that it really begins to look quite nice, once inside. The room was packed with men today, possibly 150 or more. Many had heard us last week and so greeted us with smiles. After speaking, we asked if anyone had any questions, to come and talk when they were dismissed. About 5 or 6 stayed behind to talk. The one man I enjoyed talking to could speak English and is a saved man, a Baptist, and his father is a Baptist Pastor. He told Dan that he was in prison because he sold used cars and didn’t know that some had been stolen. Anyway, he wanted my e-mail address but was most concerned that we come and meet with the bible study they have each week. They need a leader and no one comes to help. We explained the problem but are going to try and make application to the authorities and see what God will do. Dan would be willing to go.
We came home in time to take the van in to get the struts replaced and our summer tires put on. We had to leave it as the said it would take 3 hours. We flagged a taxi and headed home to clean up ready for our first meeting with invited guests, at 7 pm. We gave the apartment the best cleaning it has had since we rented it, I think. I washed the windows inside and out, Volodia washed and sorted out the kitchen and bathroom and Dan vacuumed and took a carpet outside to beat it. Busy little beavers!
The garage phoned to say they were waiting to get the van on the wheel alignment rack but they were having a problem with another vehicle on there, they may be a little late!! Volodia and I headed over to the garage at 6pm but the technician was only just starting the wheel alignment. He did a fantastic job with state of the art equipment but we didn’t get out until 7pm. We then had to pick up a man from his work and got home at 7:30pm, half an hour late. Thankfully Dan was there and was entertaining the other 3 men who had come. No one seemed to be worried about us being late; they are used to things in Ukraine running late.
We had a good meeting, getting to know these men, who we want to encourage to meet with us, study the bible and eventually see them saved. One of the men who attended is saved and baptized.
Although some who were invited did not come, we were encouraged by those who did.
Another full and good day.
Malcolm Dan & Volodia
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