Thursday the 12th of December Report #76 from Dan Perez.

Thursday the 12th of December Report #76 from Dan Perez. This week we have had some of the coldest temperature of the season and some of the warmest too, not normal for it to be so warm. Left early in the morning to a school in a town near Yasan . This is a new school and the first time they ever had a foreigner there! We were not sure what group of kids we will be speaking to but was told somewhere between 60-80 will be there. We were taken to their gym and watched as the kids came in, when it looked like the 60 to 80 we asked if it was time to speak, they said more are coming so we waited and then asked again this time they laughed a little and said still more will be coming. When they all came in there were a lot of little munchkins in the gym and a total 160+. In spite of the many munchkins they behaved and listened well and I could tell that they enjoyed the time. I do ask the kids if they had any questions so one kid asked “does America have any problems” what a loaded question! They all received a new testament, calendars and some candy and we were invited back which was good! Had to leave quickly to get to the sanatorium in the same town, where kids go for rest after illness. There we met with the director who has been sick for some time and still looked a little tired. He showed us some historical things they keep in a room as a museum part of the sanatorium. They use this to show the kids a time that once was, a kind of history lesson for them. Then we had some coffee and tea, he had to leave but wanted us to spend some time together. Then we spoke to about 120 kids plus staff. Here too they all listened well and participated well! All the kids received new testaments, calendars and some candy. Also left boxes of clothes and games that they asked for, they said they were in need of games and sporting goods for the kids. Then came back to Ivano and had our evening meeting, all when well but a very long day! Friday) I had some people over to get some clothes for their family. Then Sasha and I tried once again to learn each others language, not ever enough time before you get brain fatigue! On Saturday boxes came from Meest and as always a Big Thank You to all who put the time and effort in sending these boxes to help the Ukrainian people and to reach out to them with the Love of Christ! Sunday) Took the long journey to Lviv to be with the saint in remembering our Lord Jesus Christ! Then Mesha, one of the elders gave a good message on the effects of having the sun go down on your wrath ( Eph 4:26). Made it back in time for our meeting where Yaroslav and I spoke, all listened well! Monday) In the wee hours of the morning I was feeling some stomach problems and went to the hospital with Sasha. Though I wasn’t feeling well the nurse thought it cute that a foreigner was at their hospital, no real help was given but received a couple of shots to bring down the symptoms and it did. Tuesday) Sorted some of the boxes before meeting. Then had our meeting, Yaroslov spoke on complaining about others and against God, I spoke on forgiveness, why we need to ask God for forgiveness. All listened well and at the end of our prayer one lady came in and sat down, she was there for the next meeting that will be in this room. Then two more ladies came in, I gave them a calendar and a tract and an invitation. One of the ladies spoke English very well and said she is thinking about being an interpreter, I thought this was great news and invited her to our meetings, hope she can make it! Continue to pray for those that are coming to these meetings would come to know the Savor as their own and new people would come with a ready heart to hear the gospel message. Also for the messages that they would be honoring to our great God! I would also ask for prayers for these stomach problems! Thank You all for your prayers!! In Christ our Lord Dan

Dan's report #75.

Dan’s report #75. Wednesday the 4th of December Had an appointment to visit an orphanage in a village called Smonyaka up in the mountains about 2 hours from Ivano. Made it there in good time. We first met with the Director then went into one of the classrooms to speak with the kids but we came in while they were in the middle of a lesson. After I spoke the Director thought instead of going class to class it would be better if I spoke to all at once in the auditorium. By now it was lunch time so they made a nice meal for us but with no meat due to their religious holidays; (the 40 days fast before Saint Nicholas Day).After lunch I spoke to about 150 kids, found it a little difficult but it went well they listened and participated very well. All the kids received candy, a calendar and some received new testaments. We left also boxes of clothes and cleaning supplies. Before heading back to Ivano we went to visit the Director of a school we met while Malcolm and Jean were here. It is a big building but just under a hundred students. The Director’s mother started this school 50 years ago and now her son has become the director. In one of the rooms is a small museum to show some of their culture. This was an unexpected visit but we were welcome to come again to speak to the kids. On our way back we picked up a man that wanted a ride to a village close to Ivano, he works at the prison so I asked if he know of a way we can come to speak with the inmates there but he had no leads. Thursday) There were more protests today in the center of town; no longer for joining the EU, that door in now closed but now they are protesting for CHANGE! In one day they have raised $50,000 to send people from Ivano to their capital Kiev to help the demonstrators there. Left in the morning to a town called Olesh, there we visited a school and met with the Vice Principal. We had planned to visit this school weeks ago but they were having their annual testing and this was the first week after the tests. Before I spoke to the kids I talked to the English teacher, she was very disappointed with her students, their scores were bad and she showed me some of their books and said “how someone can learn from these”, she was so disappointed! The kids listened well and they received candy, calendars and new testaments, also left boxes of clothes for the poor families. Had our evening meeting all went well as we continue our topic on “Wrath”. We have been looking at this in three ways, God’s Wrath, Human Wrath and Eternal Wrath. We are coming to the end and I am now searching for another topic to discuss. Friday) Sasha and I spend some time together to learn each other’s language. Because he can already speak English he is much ahead of me but I can only do what I can! We then made up an invitation to the meetings now in a new place. I wanted to make sure others in town knew that these meetings are open to the public whether they come or not is their choice. On Saturday I printed the invitations and passed them out at the bazaar. Sunday) It looked like thousands of people came once again to the center to protest but this time the priest was at the microphone make his long prayers. I was told he was praying for the demonstrators. Then went to see Andrei who runs a charity and he shared with me some of the projects he hopes to start in the future. Had our gospel meeting, at first it looked like it was going to be small but after fifteen minutes the meeting more than doubled. I was hoping to see some new people from the invitations but not yet. After the meeting went to visit Ivan( the amputee) . He said he thought we forgot about him. I said we didn’t we had just been busy. He was a little sick and said that there is still no improvement in what is left of his marriage. Monday) Met with Sasha and we called a few places to visit for the week. We then went to buy some prescriptions for Roman’s wife who recently had some kind of spine surgery. Then visited Tania who works at the hospital and gave her a small box of baby clothes , she said she can give them to the needy that comes to the hospital and she asked for invitations to give with the baby clothes. Tuesday) We went to have our evening gospel meeting but could not get into the room. The security guard said we are not on his list as we had not paid, so after some time and commotion his boss called and said to open the door for use as we had paid but the woman who has the receipt did not pass them to the woman that does the booking. All went well at the meeting but no new people out tonight. Please continue to pray for these meetings, there are big difficulties with the language barrier and for Sasha’s salvation and with his learning how to interpret!! Thank You All!! In Christ our Lord! Dan

Dan's report # 74

Ukraine #74 from Dan. Wednesday the 27th of November There were more protest and hundreds of students took to the streets and started walking to the center of town where the White House is. They should all be in their classes but still pushing and hope for joining the EU. I did some errands in town in winterizing the van and in trying to make it “Ukrainian road resistant”, not an easy task! It was an all-day thing but will have to continue another day. Thursday) More protest at the White House; tomorrow is the final decision the President will make if Ukraine will join the EU. Had our evening meeting, this was the first time we had it at 6:30, some said an earlier time would work better for them and other are finishing the work at 6:00 so thought to move it a half hour earlier to meet in the middle. The meeting went well though one couple (Oleg and Olah) came at 7:00; they must have not gotten the message or just came when they could. After i had taken them all home, I heard someone at the door but ignored it. I then I heard it again and looked through the peephole and saw a drunken man so I just continue doing what I was doing, but now he is using force to try to open the door. So I then ask what he wanted but couldn’t understand him so I called Taras. The man told him he was going to the pharmacy. Taras told me told me leave him and he will go away. Ten minutes later he is doing the same thing and using force to try to open the door. I talk to him again and then walked him out the door he thanked me, then I realized he was too drunk to know how to get out of the apartment block!! Saturday) had to get winter tires for the van in the morning then went to visit Yaroslav. He has been sick all week and hasn’t been working; I wanted to see how he was doing. He didn’t look so good, I helped him with some prescriptions and left some funds for him, hope he gets better soon! Sunday) Left early to Lviv and once again was good to remember that price that was paid for us at Calvary. Today was Edmund and Agnes last meeting before they leave tomorrow for Ireland. They will be away for five weeks. This is a young gathering even though this is their third year meeting as an assembly. There are signs of growth but many struggle and still need mush prayer for God protection! Made it back for our meeting in Ivano, not many out so I thought to have a time of answering question. Some of the questions asked were, should we fear God if he is love? Why are there so many religion when there is one God? If you mean in your hart to pray to the true God would he hear your prayers? There were many good questions and I did my best to answer them! Monday) Sasha came in the morning and we made appointments to visit schools for the week. Then we visited a village called Harushka. We visited a few homes with the mayor’s assistant then met with the Mayor and had something to eat together; there we talked mostly about the happenings of the village. Then we had a gospel meeting in the small mayor’s office with the Mayor there. There were more people waiting for the meeting but had to leave and about 6 came and listened well! I was asked if I can come back tomorrow to visit more homes, I said I can! Tuesday) Headed back to Harushka in the morning with a few boxes of cloths. Each home we visited we brought cloths for them and I had time to talk to them about God’s free gift of salvation then gave them a new testament, a bible text and a calendar. When we got back to Ivano we met with a women named Lessia who comes to the meetings and she told me about some of her medical conditions that required a good diet so I took her to a supermarket call Wal-Mart, yes here too, where I bought food and prescriptions for her. We had a good talk about salvation and she could be a true believer, I encouraged her to keep coming to these meeting that we have here for her to understand more and to be strengthen. Had our evening meeting all listened well, Yaroslav is still sick so only I spoke. Lessia came out with her husband Yuri and their little son. I took them home after the meeting and had a good talk with Yuri, he is an unsaved man but said he will try to make it to the meetings, hope he does! Then bought some cleaning supplies for and orphanage we plan to visit tomorrow. Continue to pray for all meetings and visitations that God would give help and wisdom and that God would be honored and glorified!! Thank you all!! In Christ our Lord! Dan

Report #73 from Dan Perez

Report #73 from Dan Perez Thursday the 21st on November Went early in the morning to Lviv and met with Edmond and Paul. Paul brings in cargo vans from Europe and revamps them to passenger vans and sells them in Ukraine. New laws will make this harder to do and more expensive and it looks like Paul will have to close his shop. There we exchanged vans and I left with a newer one that handles these Ukrainian roads better. On my way back I was waived by the traffic police to stop and I did, there is another new law that you must have your lights on at all times. I did have my parking lights on which meets the new law’s requirement but the officer said I had no lights on, he kept my documents for a while before giving them back and letting me go. This being a revamped van there could be problems so I was glad that all the documents were there and correct. Made it back in time for our meeting, this is the first time on a Thursday that no one but me and Sasha was there. Though at first it didn’t look good but my time with Sasha couldn’t have been better and I saw God using this time as He has the other meetings, Praise God!! Friday) Paid the rent for the room where we have our meeting then headed up to Rasen. In Rasen there is a sanatorium and is about a two hour drive from Ivano and some parts of the road looked and felt like a war zone but the Vito (the van) handled well! There we went to see the director but he was still in the hospital and has been for weeks or months but the second in command had no problems in allowing us to speak to the kids. There were about 90 to 100 kids plus the staff, I can tell that the staff really likes when we come and the kids seem to enjoy this time too! They all listened well, interacted well and asked questions. They all received New Testaments, a calendar with bible verse on them for next year, some candies and left a few boxes there. On the way back I stopped by one of the schools near to Rasen and talked with the vice principal and asked if we can speak to the kids the next time we are in the area. She took us to her office and was delighted to have a foreigner at the school of 450 students and welcomed us to come back to speak to the students. When we got back to Ivano I received a phone call from one of the ladies that comes to the meeting. She was in the hospital and wanted me to visit her. I bought her some prescriptions that she needed and she told me that she did not like this hospital because it is where her husband died and is afraid that she might too. We then had a good talk about God’s plan of salvation! Saturday/Sunday) Spent the weekend in Lviv with the saints there, Edmond invited some of us from Ivano for a time of fellowship. Saturday we had a time for questions and games both with biblical topics and throughout the evening we had good talks, good food and a good time and was glad that Sasha was able to make it too! Sunday morning we met to remember our great God and His great works through His righteous Servant the Lord Jesus! Made it back to Ivano in good timing and before the meeting Sasha and I went through some passages and words to remember. Yaroslav and I spoke and all listened well! Monday) Boxes were delivered today from Meest and sorted them throughout the day. It was a cold and rainy day that later turned into snow, the first snow fall of the season. As I left the apartment for some fresh air (the dust on the boxes causes me to sneeze) and was walking down the street I was hearing loud chanting’s from a crowd coming from somewhere. On my way back to the apartment I came a different way and saw hundreds of people protesting in front of the government building that they call The White House. Police officers were barricading the doors to keep the protester out. The protesters were mostly students that were responding to their President’s decision to stop or suspend all talks about joining the EU (European Union). Most of these students see joining the EU as their future and the only way out of poverty but now they see no future. I then got a call from one lady that works at the school in Petrilliv, a town we visit often. We met and I gave her the meat grinder that was bought while Malcolm and Jean were here. The school there was still using a hand operated one and asked if we could help with getting an electric one, she was very thankful! Tuesday) Went to visit Anolina again at the hospital and helped her with more prescriptions that she needed to give to the nurse to do the injections. Then met with the director of a mentally ill home for men, a place we visit regularly. He was in Ivano for a meeting and asked in our last visit there with Malcolm and Jean for some strips that are used in a blood sugar monitor for the patients. I was able to find them here in Ivano and gave them to him before he left town. We then had our evening meeting, Yaroslav has been sick for the past couple of days so I was the only one that spoke. Continue to pray for the Lord’s work here in Ukraine, laws are constantly changing and could have a direct effect on what we do here and for unity among His own that come to help with the Lord's work here! Thank You!! In Christ our Lord Dan

Dan Perez report #72

From Dan Perez. Ukraine #72 Saturday the 16th of November Had a visitor today, Roman, a 72 year old man that comes to the meetings. Roman spends most of his days just walking around town, doesn’t care much to stay at home. Though he has big problems with his hearing and knows no English he does well in communicating his thoughts and ideas. I wasn’t too clear what he wanted but then I could see he just wanted to spend time with someone. I gave him coffee and put some cookies and chocolate candy on a plate. We communicated as he ate one cookie and a little later he put the rest in his pocket. He started to hold one of the candies and then put them all in his other pocket, I did offer him something to eat but he declined. He also has problems seeing and I gave him some glasses to try on, his prescription is higher than what we normally have but before he left he took one pair that might work. Sunday) I woke up late again and called Sasha to see if he was coming to the Lviv meeting this morning and he woke up as I called but he made it to the apartment in time and six of us went to Lviv. On the way there just outside Lviv there was a van stalled in the middle of the road. One man tried to wave as he was pushing the van so I pulled over to see if I could help. They ran out of gas so I asked if I could tow them to the next gas station so I did, all went well as I did my good deed of the morning. Had a good time with the Christians there and made it back in time for our meeting. Yaroslav and I spoke, though the ride to Lviv tires us, but we all stayed awake during the meeting. Then Sasha and I went to get something to eat at a famous restaurant called Taco Bell. Monday) Called a few places in the morning to visit for the week. Then went to visit the school in Steri Lisets ( Luba’s village). We met with the Christian ethics teacher and I gave her some biblical teaching material she asked for some for her and some for the kids. She shared some of her life’s journey and we talked longer then expected and by the time we were ready to speak to the kids she came back and said most of them have already gone home so she took us to her house were we had something to eat. Her niece was there and I gave her the bag of baby clothes that Jean had pack for her. Her niece has one little boy but will be having another, it looks like any minute now. Then went to pick up Luba and her son at her mother’s house. She is 83 years old and still walks her cow and works in the garden. I asked her if she had God’s salvation, she said she did and then I asked her if she knew she was going to heaven, she said she did and that Jesus died for her. She went on to say that God gives her the strength to work in her garden and said she does not know how she can do all that she does but it all gets done and said only God could do this! Tuesday) Met with a lady that runs a some charity call Charity and Heath Foundation. It was started by the head teacher at the medical school in 1989. It is considered part of the schools charity work but now this lady is the only one that is trying to keep it going. We talked about orphanages which she knows that we have not visited and we’ll make some time to go together to these places. Had our meeting, one new man out and he and the others all listened well! Wednesday) Went to Visit Ivan (the amputee) to see how he is doing. I brought him some food and talked a little. He seems to be doing better than the last time and was very happy to see us. He told me since our last talk he has been praying and said it has helped him a lot! He started to talk about his wife but I had to switch the focus to him and his heart. He listened well to what I had to say and then ask why people talk about Jesus more than God, I said this is easy to answer, because Jesus is the only one that can bring us to God no one else can do this! He listened carefully and said I gave him things to think about, hope he does think about his salvation! Thank You for all your prayers and please continue! Dan

Dan Perez #71 Monday the 11h of November Had an appointment in the morning to visit the head doctor in Ivano at the maternity hospital. As we arrived in the parking lot I notice the van felt different I looked at the front tire and it was totally flat, it was good that this happen in the parking lot. Had no time to change it then, wanted to meet with the Doctor because he is a busy man. He brought us into his office, my plans were to drop off the boxes and change the tire as soon as possible for we have two other villages to visit today. But we ended up taking longer than I thought; one of the things we talked about was abortion. He said in this hospital they do not perform this practice but said there are five clinics in Ivano that do. I stressed that this was sad, he said that this is practiced much more in the east of Ukraine. After some time we left his office he walked us to the hospital doors but outside his office door there were about ten people waiting to see him. We left some boxes with them and then started to work on the tire. We got four of the five bolts lose but the fifth one was a different size, we were able to fine a socket for it but as we were trying to loosen it the extension broke. Sasha went around the parking lot asking others if they had the right size, we finally found someone and were able to change the tire. By this time we had to cancel our appointment for the first village and dropped off the tire to get it fixed. We loaded up the van with some more boxes and headed off to the next village called Harushka. We met with the principal in the school, then with the kids; this is a small school about 170 kids. I spoke to about 50 of them and they all listened, well maybe too well, they were so very quiet. Then went to the Mayor’s office is to see if he or the assistant were there. The Mayor was away but we met the assistant and she was very happy to see us! We had some coffee and tea together and she asked if I can come again, she will get some people together to speak with them as in previous times. This was something that I was going to ask her about but she asked me. She said there are some homes that need to hear this message and perhaps I can visit them too. I told her I have no problem doing this and will call her to work out the time and date! Tuesday) Had our meeting in the new place, Yaroslav and I spoke. Before the meeting I went over words and passages with Sasha. After Sasha interprets for me we then sit together and he interprets to me while Yaroslav is preaching, this seems harder to do for most interpreters. All went well and they listened well, can only hope it is reaching their hearts too, not only their ears! Wednesday) Had a good talk with Luba , who comes to the meeting here and in fellowship at the Lviv assembly. She had question about Christian living and needed some encouragement. She said she knows no other Christians and at work others want her to go to the Orthodox Church, she needed some encouragement! Then went to visit Ivan ( the man who got his leg amputated). He has been having problems with his wife, they are now separated. She left with their two girls and is now living in Kiev. Ivan is heartbroken over this and slowly is realizing some of his wrong behavior; he did most of the talking I could see he wanted to talk to someone. He asked me since I knew his wife if I can call her and talk with her too, I told him I will. I then closed our time in prayer and told him we can come again and talk more, he liked that very much. Thursday) Sasha came before the meeting and we called Ivan’s wife Tania. She was open to talking with me and shared her side of the problems and feelings much the same way as Ivan. They are not a Christian couple and I shared with them both that God needs to be part of their marriage if they want it to work, they both think this might be true. Tania was glad that I called and said I am welcome to call again; this was good because I was thinking she may not want to talk. I then went over a few passages with Sasha before our meeting tonight. Once again the Cain and Abel in Gen. 4 took most of the meeting. There seems to be some reason to want to justify Cain’s behavior but I explain that in v7 Cain had a choice and he chose his own way rather than God’s way and said we have the same choices today. The meeting went well and then I took them all home. Continue to pray for each meeting and for this couple that they would bring God into their marriage and into their hearts! In Christ our Lord! dan

Dan Perez #70 Monday the 14th of October, Arrived in Moldova safe and sound, Praise God! Was picked up by Gabriel who is from Romania a commended worker that has been here for a number of years. The village where the assembly is, is about two hours south of the capital where the airport is. We rushed back to make it for a meeting they were going to have to discuss the preparations for the seed sowers distribution. As the meeting started I greeted every one and just sat there not knowing what was being said. I started to get sleepy, hardly any sleep on the plane. They saw that I was nodding off and said to go to sleep on the back couch but I took a walk outside instead. We then went to Gabriel’s house and met most of the family; this is where I’ll be staying while in Moldova, a town called Cahul that mostly speaks Romanian south of the country. More than thirty thousand people live in the town. Tuesday) The kids went to school in the morning then Gabriel and I had breakfast and afterword went to a place where some were preparing for seed sowers and I joined in and helped. There was an older couple there from England what may also move to the area to help with the work here. We then went back to the house where I prepared invitation for the Gospel meetings and Gabriel went to pick up his wife from the maternity hospital. When he got back I met his wife and their 4 days old new baby boy, they now have one girl and four boys. The rest of the evening we continued with preparing the invitations. Wednesday) The kids went off to school and Gabriel and I went to distribute the invitation house to house. It rained some throughout the night and in the villages there are no paved roads, you know what that means, mud everywhere! Some of the small hills were difficult to walk up and I kept sliding down though Gabriel seemed to do better. Once we got up these hills there were two to three houses all this only for two or three houses, you got to love it! There is a heart here to reach the people with the gospel message which is good to see and makes it all worth the mud slides! Two and a half hours later our shoes and pants were filled with mud but were able to distribute all the invitations we had! We got back to the house and after dinner prepared more invitation for tomorrow. Thursday) The kids went off to school and Gabriel and I went to distribute more invitations. There was no rain last night so made it not as muddy as yesterday. There was another man that helped from the assembly here named Oleg who lives in the same area. As we were passing out these invitation we visited another man that lives in the area also from the assembly, he was doing a big remodeling and addition to his house. We then went a little further and came to Oleg’s house and stopped in for something to drink. As I enter the yards to his house Oleg tuned to me and ask ” how long have you been saved” with a serious look, he continue to let me in I guess I gave the right answer? We continued with the distribution and came short, there were still houses that did not get an invitation. We went into town and printed more out and went back to finish the area, we needed to hurry because tonight is their meeting night. All went well in the end we think the total was 700 invitations; the distance between houses and the rough terrain caused it to take most of our time. The meeting went well. After the prayer meeting I gave a little word to try to encourage the saints here. There is a large new building that has been purchase by the Adventist’s and has discourage some but I reminded them that the truth will always stand in spite of any obstacle that stands against it, we can never lose if we are standing on the truth!! We will be starting three days of Gospel meeting before the seed sowers and need prayers for these meeting! There will be some coming from Scotland and some from Romania on Saturday to help. Please pray for safety and blessing in this time and for this assembly to be strengthened, Thank You!! In Christ our Lord! Dan

Report of our visit to Ukraine from October 23 to Nov 7th. (Malcolm & Jean Stanley)

I was privileged to have my wife Jean accompany me to Ukraine this time. She
had been with me in 2003 but not again until now.
We arrived on Oct. 23rd from England, where we had spent two weeks visiting
our remaining relatives and friends.
We settled into Flo Kancir's former apartment and spent time with Gilles and
Helene Plourdes as well as Agnes and Edmund Johnston.
As the Annual Conference was to be held on the 25th and 26th, things were
quite busy getting food etc. ready. There had been a glitch in the
arrangements for the location when Edmund was informed that we could not
have the meetings at the church as they had booked a youth retreat on the
same weekend, but we could still use the sleeping accommodation. This meant
that another venue had to be found in another church. This was done but the
place was almost a half hour from the sleeping quarters, hence a lot of
shuttling back and forth.
Well all things worked out and it was felt that all were blessed by being
there. We believe there were about 60 people present from several different
locations. A brother from N Ireland, Leslie Craig was one of the invited
speakers along with Nick Mazerolle and me from Canada.
We stayed for the Lords Day as the assembly in Lviv and then headed back to
Ivano frankivsk for the meeting at 5 pm. There were a nice number out but
Dan Perez, who is in Ivano until early January, had not been able to get
hold of some of the regulars to let them know we were back. We let those who
were out to meeting, know that we had booked a room in the centre of town to
have meetings on a trial basis beginning on the following Tuesday. We felt
the need to move the meeting out of the apartment for various reasons.
As Jean and I had only limited time we wanted to do two things. One was to
sort out as many of the 40 or so boxes in both the apartment and a brother's
garage. Well Jean set to, getting boxes sorted into the various categories,
men, women, boys, girls and little children. The other priority was to
deliver the boxes as soon as possible.
We started with a run to two homes for mentally handicapped boys and men. As
usual, we were well received and had the opportunity to speak to a large
number of staff in both locations.
The condition of the roads still leaves much to be desired and adds to the
weariness of the day.
We had institutions or individuals to visit each day as well as meetings on
Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons. We visited Petriliv village, a
favourite one for me, and met with the lady mayor and then in the school of
only 35 students now. This village is dying gradually as the old people are
dying, 17, this year, and young families move away for work. We also visited
the "Half Way House" in Ivano as we call it, but there were no children as
they were doing a complete renovation, prior to opening again next month
with a different program for the children they get from the streets and
abusive or neglectful homes.
We had a lovely visit with our long-time friend Natalia, who is failing more
and more from MS. She is so sweet and never complains though now completely
bed ridden at only just over 40 years old.
I should say that we were breaking in a new interpreter, a young man named
Sasha who is one of the sons of Oleg and Oleh. He is doing well but has a
lot of bible words to learn and translate.
We were invited out to our former interpreter, Svetlana's, mother for a
lovely supper. Svetlana is presently in Dubai working for a year.
Our last long trip was to Virhovina, near the Romanian border to visit the
school where we had installed indoor toilets 2 years ago. We found they are
only now putting in the sewer pipes to connect to the city. Oxana is the
principal of this school of over 400 students, 200 of whom board at the
school from Monday to Friday. We invited her to meet us for lunch, intending
to treat her but when we got to the cafe, she had phoned ahead and ordered a
meal and refused to let us pay.               The last time I was there, I
mentioned that we didn't mind speaking to a larger group of students. She
took me up on my word and they crammed about 300 students and staff into the
auditorium! It was bedlam as there were grade 1 to 12 children sitting two
or more to a chair. We did our best but it was very hard to be heard as they
did not set up the PA system. We arranged to speak to classes in their rooms
next time.
The next day was a Tuesday and Edmund had suggested that they come to Ivano
and attend our meeting and then take Jean and I back to Lviv. We all met for
supper before going to meeting. I was fully expecting that Edmund would
speak at the meeting but he insisted that I give my "parting message". We
said our good-byes to the Ivano folks and to Dan who will stay in Ivano.
On Wednesday we had supper at Edmund and Agnes and, as it was the meeting in
Lviv I was asked to give my "parting message" here too.
And so Thursday came and we were all packed and ready to head to Munich and
on to Montreal, Toronto and Winnipeg in good time.
It is always a bitter/sweet experience to leave Ukraine. We know how much
the people need help, both spiritually and materially, but the homeland also
calls and so, until the Lord sends us again, we come home to family and
friends.
Thank you, those who knew we were away and prayed for us.
God bless you all.
Malcolm and Jean Stanley

The Lviv Conference in progress

Malcolm preaching with Brother Volodia interpreting.

Nick Mazerolle, Leslie Craig and myself in the Lviv Meeting room.

Morning Meeting in Lviv.

Jean and I with Olga the lady mayor of Petriliv. (Peter Village)

School children hearing a message in the Petriliv school.

Jean and I with the school principal in Petriliv

Speaking to staff of mentally challenged boys home.

Speaking to staff of mentally challenged men's home.

Conference Weekend

What a weekend.
This was the weekend for the Lviv Assembly conference.
People came from Lutsk and Ivano Frankivsk Ukraine. A married couple from Slovakia were with us.  There were of course a few Canadians, several Irish and one American.  It was a great time, all together because of our common bond in Christ.  We were approximately 75 people.

Malcolm & Jean Stanley with Yacob & Yanna of Slovakia

Timothy Sloan Edmund Johnston Leslie Craig

Ruslan, Agnes, Ola & Gilles

Rhoda Sloan & Nadia Karpa

Nicholas Mazerolle Leslie Craig & Malcolm Stanley

So the weekend was very busy.
It was interesting transporting two large pots of soup from the apartment to the church, several miles on cobblestone streets, which are in terrible shape.  But nothing was spilt thanks to packing tape to seal the lid to the pot and lots of stretch wrap on the other pot.
We had the best weather possible which we were all thankful for.
These ladies worked very hard to make sure everything was in place for the meals.

Some of us were very happy everyone liked the food!!

Sunday we brought Leslie to the airport to catch his flight to England.
Monday we brought Nick to the airport to catch his flight to Canada.

The day was pretty quiet.  Tomorrow is our last long trip.  This time to the area of Truskavets.  Google it to find out more about this area.
Time to start thinking about packing to return home....

Wednesday-Lost in Lviv

Gilles and I had a bit of time to ourselves so we headed to the center to look around and maybe buy a thing or two.
We discovered this very nice coffee/sweet shop. The place was called Veronica's.  The desserts were calling our names so we went in and sat down. We ordered our coffees and our early morning dessert!!! It was 10:30 a.m.....good time for some food.  We didn't know just how happy we would be that we had this "energy food".



The weather was surprisingly warm (+20).  After a while, we went on our way, mindful that we had to be home in good time because we were having seven guests for supper.  At three o'clock we got on marshrutka #138 to head home since we read on the side of the bus, without any doubt, the name of the street just adjacent to ours.  So we got on this extremely crowded bus.  Much to our surprise, it was not at all going in the direction of "home".  Since we were sure, "without a shadow of a doubt" that we were on the right bus, we stayed on the extremely crowded bus as it wound its way through the downtown core.  Now anyone who knows Kapuskasing will know that we don't have a public transit system.  So, what difference would it make if we took #138 on "this" side of the street or on "that" side of the street?  After the crowd started thinning out and we had taken a few turns too many in the wrong direction, we started seeing signs for the airport! & the big box stores on the outskirts of town. When we saw the runway for the airport, Gilles went to the front of the bus and asked the driver about Pasitchna Street, where we wanted to go.  Now, you have to appreciate the problem with asking the simplest of questions in a language you aren't fluent in. Add to this that most people have a scowl on their face and don't answer in a very friendly tone of voice.  Well, Gilles came back and said he thought we needed to get off and wait for another bus.  At this point we are out of town, 6 miles out of town to be exact.  Then we turned off the highway onto a secondary highway.  Since there were only three people on the bus at this point, Gilles, myself and another man, I went to the front to ask about our street again.  My sentence sounded like this "Which number - Pasitcha?"  He looked at me, took the bus number off the window and pointed to it!!  Was that simple enough?  We finally stopped at a corner store .... (company is coming for for supper @ 5 o'clock??!!)
The driver was having a cigarette, went to get some water and finally we were on our way again.  We went through the whole route again, thankfully heading in the right direction eventually.  When we got to the street we wanted, he was kind enough to tell us we were there.  We got off at this point, still about 1/2 mile from where we wanted to go.  We walked the rest of the way, wondering where that early morning dessert had disappeared to. By this time it is 4:30.  I had tried to call Jean who was at the apartment but the call was not going through.  So I was very happy to arrive to the smell of the spaghetti sauce warming up and the spaghetti cooking.  After catching our breath the rest of the company arrived and we enjoyed our meal very much.
One cherry danish in the morning and spaghetti supper at 5:30.  Is it any wonder I could hardly stay awake during the meeting at night.
Thursday was spent getting all the food needed for the conference on the weekend.  It really did take the better part of the day.  To avoid anyone having to make supper, all nine of us went down to the center (by car this time) and had something to eat in one of the many restaurants to choose from.  It was a perfect end to another good day.  The weekend is ahead of us with much food to prepare for the meals of the conference.  We are expecting approximately 60 people.  Should be a wonderful time...can't wait to hear the singing. Ukrainians can sing!!!  Will add more on Monday.   Have a good weekend everyone.  It is a balmy +20 here again.  

The Neighbourhood

 Took a walk to the grocery store up the street.  Thought maybe you'd like to see the scenery. The one is of the Ruka Vitchka and the three others are right across the street from the small grocery store.




I'm very thankful when the trees are full of leaves and there are flowers growing since it takes a person's eyes off the aging cement structures.   So right now, most of the leaves are fallen off, the flowers are gone and the structures look even more bleak.  But the sun is shining!!!!   :o)

Carpathians - Ilnyk (Oct 21)

We were blessed with another beautiful sunny day to make the long drive to the Carpathian mountains, this time to a small village named Ilnyk.  It's such a remote place.  I was curious how anyone ever came to know of this village having people in need. So this is what I was told.  Flo and Ruslan (and whoever was visiting here) started going to a jail for boys in Sambir.  Whenever any place is visited, clothes and food are brought along as there is always a need. An institutiion often gets cleaning supplies, lightbulbs, toilet paper, soap/shampoo.  So one of the guards there took note of that and asked if it was possible that a visit could be made to his village because there was a lot of needy people there.  Shortly afterwards, a trip was made to this very remote area by Flo and Ruslan.  Regular visits have been made to this place since then.  I think Edmund & Agnes & Ruslan go about three or four times a year.  It might not sound like a lot but it is only one out of three villages that are visited in the Carpathians.








The people of the village were called ahead of time and we were expected to arrive around 2:00. Surprisingly we arrived on time.   Our main purpose when we go anywhere is to preach the gospel, the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.  Both Nick and Leslie spoke to the people with a short message.  There were approximately 50 people present.  They listened very quietly to what was being spoken from the Word of God.
There were groceries purchased for about 18 needy families.
About six large boxes of clothes received from various areas of the States and Canada were also brought along for anyone who needed some clothing.
The groceries get delivered to the individuals who need them. We went along with the couple from the area who distribute these bags of groceries.  The conditions some of these people live in are terrible.  One lady had several children but they were all gone to other areas and she is alone.  Her little house was very very cold and she is basically confined to one room. She sleeps, eats, prepares her little bit of food all in the same 12 x 12 room filled with everything she might need.
We stopped in at our host's house, had a bite to eat.  I decided to be brave and tried some salo!  What is salo you say? think in the lines of raw bacon fat!  When Vera asked me if I liked it, I said "not very much", she took out another 'different' one...which tasted no different to me.  It had the texture of chicken meat that wasn't cooked enough.  Ruslan assured me that if I had it with a slice of bread and some kielbasa with the slice of thinly sliced salo that I would love it.  Maybe I'll have the opportunity to try it again.....and then again, maybe not!!
Our drive back home was bumpy, fast, tiring, in other words normal.
We all landed at Agnes & Edmund's apartment for some chicken fried rice at 8:00.  A full stomach to get to sleep.
We were very thankful for a great day.  

Sunday October 20th

What a great day.
We had some visitors this morning at the Breaking of Bread.
One man arrived from Ireland and a couple of younger fellas came from Belarus.  They are from Manitoba Canada but were visiting different areas in Belarus. Alexi is actually from Belarus but has been in Canada with his family for four years.
So this morning we were quite a few people since the people from Ivano Frankivsk also come to the morning remembrance supper.  It was a wonderful time and the singing was wonderful.  For the most part the Ukrainians sure can sing well.
After we were done and everyone was delivered to their destination, we headed out to see Stefka and her family.  Stephka is Flo's sister in law and since the very beginning in 1995, contact has been maintained with this family. Everyone who comes to Ukraine eventually goes and visits Stephka.
Her sister was visiting, unfortunately I cannot remember her name.
I asked them if I could take a picture of the both of them.
So when they were looking at this picture they were going on about which one looks the oldest.
 
Stephka was teasing her sister because she had no teeth, but then as she was laughing heartily at this, we saw that she only has one top tooth and a few teeth at the bottom.  She thought it was all very funny.  We were all laughing at this also.

Stephka and her daughter Luba with her daughter Oxana.  Whenever we go there they always prepare a lunch for us... food food and always some more food.

Next door there is a couple who always welcome us for a short visit.  Gilles befriended this man in 2001 when he went and helped him with his crops, riding in the wagon with him and with limited language talking together.  Someone had taken a picture of these two on the wagon.  Everytime we drop in, he takes out the picture to remind Gilles of that time.
This time around, we left with a bag of fresh pears, freshly fallen off the pear tree in the yard.
Tomorrow is going to be a long day as we are heading to the Carpathian mountains again. Should be interesting!

Yosopovitchy & Stryii (Oct 19)

Friday we drove an hour and fifteen minutes to get to everyone's favorite orphanage - Yosopovitchy.  Anyone who has been to Ukraine will know about this little place.  Very small with about 16-18 young children, ranging from 4-8. We picked up some food, fruits and cleaning supplies to bring there as well as a box of children's clothing.  The kids were all fitted with winter boots the last time Tanya and Ruslan where there.  These boots all come from donations from the various assemblies who send boxes to Lviv.  We are very thankful for every single box that arrives here as it shows the care that people have for those less fortunate.
Unfortunately we were unable to interact with the kids on this visit since they were having their afternoon nap.


We chatted with the staff for awhile and went on our way to see the family we have gotten to know quite well in the neighbouring town of Stryii.
A lot of you would remember past posts of this family, the father being a doctor who is unable to work.  He is very good at making different wood carvings and these he sells at the bazaars.
His wife has had open heart surgery and is recovering from that but is still not well.
Their oldest son has special needs.
The youngest boy of the family required surgery a couple of years ago after he was struck by a bus, but he has recovered completely from that.
 
The conditions they live in leave a lot to be desired.  Since two of their daughters are now married they are down to six people living in a two room apartment. No running water and no indoor facilities presents many challenges. The smell of mold very quickly gets to you when you're there for any length of time.  It is a very unhealthy place to live, but there is no other place.  However Maria manages to keep her apartment very clean. 
We brought some groceries along with us to help them, chatted for a while. The kids were anxious to show us their rabbits.
 

After praying with them we got back in the van and drove back to Lviv.
Gilles took the bible study on the last 15 verses of John 20.  It was nice to see everyone one more time and a nice way to spend part of a Friday evening.

Starry Rosedil (Oct 17)

Starry Rosedil - meaning old chapter
Here in what was an old monestary there are approximately 75 developmentally challenged boys, ranging from 6 to 18.  It is one of the saddest places to visit I think.  We brought some soaps, laundry soap, a bit of clothing, diapers and candy.  We needed to see the repairs that have been done on part of their roof. They've changed part of the roof with funds donated to help in Ukraine.  The director got local people to do the work for a fraction of the cost of getting it done by a contractor.
Here are a few pictures of the people who live there.  Some of the younger ones were in bed, drinking their formula out of recycled bottles!  I couldn't get myself to take a picture.





Plans now are underway for the Lviv annual  Christian conference.  We know of ppl coming from Moldova, Canada, Ireland, Lutsk & Ivano Frankivsk and well as the US.  Should be an enjoyable time on the last weekend of our time here.

Birthday Girl (Oct 17)

nya is celebrating her 45th birthday Sunday.  Today she treated us to her birthday dinner, the custom here. You have people in for your birthday and watch them enjoy the meal you took all day to prepare!

Lviv Orphanage (Oct 16)

Not too far from where we are living, an orphanage is tucked away, surrounded by trees and aging playground equipment.  The building is not new by any stretch of the imagination, but it is very clean.  Today was a very lighthearted day as we went to see these kids and bring them some fruits and candy as well as a bit of clothing.
The children are around 4-6.  They all came in to the large room and were so cute to see.  The staff here takes very good care of these little ones.  They are all clean, their clothes in good condition, the girls' hair in ponytails, or braided.  I counted ten staff taking care of 55 children.  So five children to one caregiver.
Edmund spoke about a story from the bible and asked them simple questions, the answers they were happy to repeat loudly for him. 
Here are a few pictures I took.  They were all very happy to get some bananas.  The oranges and yogurt were left in the dining area to avoid a mess in the hall.





The director of the orphanage was very happy to tell us that 20 of the children have been adopted in Ukrainian homes within the last year.  Keeping them in their own country is certainly easier for the children.