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
Monday, June 18, 2012
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.
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