Second half of Jan 2015 From Dan Perez.
Ukraine is still in the holiday
season and the meetings have been falling either on the day before or on the
day of celebration thus causing the meetings to be lighter than usual and the
streets bare of cars and people. Haven’t had much snow this winter season and
has been warmer than normal, a light jacket can do on some of the days.
I saw my first procession from the new
apartment’s front balcony. I could see the camera crews and photographers
trying to catch up to the marchers but I had the best view out on the balcony.
There was a brass band first and a long line of people waving flags then 20
minutes later another long line of men in their military fatigues marching and
repeating some slogan. One of them, I think was, “Glory to Ukraine”. They
started from the government building that is called The White House which is
about a half block away on our street. Not too sure what it was for but think
it had something to do with Ukrainian history and unity.
I met with a man who invited me
to his restaurant just outside of town. He shared with me his desire to open a
rehabilitation center for alcoholics, he once was an alcoholic and found help
at AA and would like to help others with this problem. He has now become a
business man and is doing well. He also shared with me his testimony as to how
he came to know the Lord but he still keeps some of the icons and traditions of
the Orthodox religion. Before we had our lunch we met with the Mayor and while
in his office he showed me a hand full of government lists of men they are calling
up. That means they are being drafted into the armed forces to fight in the
East. The Mayor said last week twice as many were called up, he was sad about
this.
They took me then to a place where they would
like to have a rehab center. Under communism this area was used to build short
rang missiles, then collective farming, then a fabric manufacturing and now
vacant and deserted for more than 20 years. They are hoping that this area can
still be used for something useful. We then had a good lunch and talked a small
bit about the gospel.
Visited a school in a town
called Petriliv, where I spoke with the students then had lunch with the
principal. I was able to bring some things that we bought while Malcolm and
Howard were here; she needed to finish installing a shower that they are adding
to the school. The principal told me that the government will be using their
school to send students from the east there for the summer. She said that the
government chose their school because it was well kept and said this was only
possible because of the help they been receiving from us and was very thankful!
She told me of a family from the east that is
living in the village that has medical needs and ask if we can help. I also met
with the Mayor who wanted me to visit a man in his late twenties that had a
swimming accident a few years ago and is now paralyzed from the neck down. We
visited the family together and they asked me if I can buy some straps for the
man to lift himself from time to time. I left the family new testaments and
encourage them to seek for God’s salvation.
Had my second distribution in
Ivano; we prepared boxes last week having two of the girls helping. We came to
the place two hours early to set up and finished ½ an hour before opening the
doors. I was able to find ten people to help and we were now ready but there
was only one problem, too many people were pushing up against the door and we
could not open it.
I had put signs up saying to respect one
another and told them there were enough for everyone. It took some time before
things settled down but after that it went very smoothly. Many did ask about
food, but we had none and shoes which we had a few. Some showed real
appreciation for what we are doing; one lady kissed me on the cheek and thanked
me. Others did not understand why we were doing this but saw that we cared for
the people and were thankful for that! I also was very thankful for those who
came to help; they did a great job in helping the people!
I would like to thank all of
you who have helped with funding and merchandise to keep this work ongoing for
the Lord and for all the prayer support that is desperately needed, Thank You!!
I am now in Moldova for the 90
days I must be out of Ukraine, please continued to pray!
In Christ our Lord!
Dan.
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