Malcolm's Report #10

Malcolm's Report #10

Wednesday November 18^th.

Well it looks as if winter is soon to be here. It's quite cool with rain on and off. Things seem so messy here, so many poor sidewalks and potholes in the streets. The streets are much better but holes still seem to appear from nowhere.

We had decided to go to Virhovina a large boarding school across the Carpathian mountains. We thought we should get there before any snow arrived.

We were glad to see the road had been paved most of the way and was improved the rest of the way. We took 4 boxes of clothes with us as there is always a need for clothing in the lives of the “mountain children” that attend the school. About half the children live in the town but half of them travel to school on Monday and stay until Friday because of the distance they live in the mountains.

We met with Oxanna the Director and then went to the theatre, where the children were performing verses and song about Ukraine, as it was some special day, not sure which special day, they seem to have many ! They sang and spoke about their tradition of welcoming friends by giving a large Easter style loaf. The young boy and girl then came right to the back of the auditorium and presented it to me and Howard, complete with an embroidered cloth. So very sweet and unexpected.

As the children were now dismissed for the day-time studies, Oxanna took us to our "private" hotel.

We then took Oxana and her husband out for supper and had fresh trout. It was very tasty and well served. It worked out to about $5 to $6 Canadian each, including salad and drink. We then went back tp school at 6pm and over 100 students waited for us in the theatre. we then sang with them and gave a message as they listened well.

Then back to the hotel and Howard and Volodia shrunk a few pounds off in the sauna and pool. Volodia stayed in for 2 hours??

Breakfast provided in the morning and back to school to see two “workshops” that are almost complete. One for woodwork for the boys and a neat little “Cafe” where the girls will learn how to prepare and serve light lunches. They still need a microwave and dishes and cutlery, also a sink and taps to wash dishes etc, but I'm sure it will come in time.

We had planned to visit a school a little way from Virhovina but were warned not to go as the road was a disaster all the way back through the mountains.

Our plan turned out to be for the best, as we stopped at an orphanage on the way home and were warmly welcomed by a new young Director Michola who used to work for the original Director. He was excited to see us and show us what he had done and what he is planning to do. He brought all the 75 or so children from Kindergarten to 15, into an open hall with no chairs, He says that's his next project. We had a good time with them and they listened very well.

And so home very tired after the 130k through the winding roads for much of the way. I drove half way up and then half way back. We never feel it is wasted time or driving.

Will close off here and try to catch up on the rest of the days.

Malcolm Howard and Volodia.

Malcolm's Report # 9

Malcolm's report #9

Monday arrived with rain, it seems to have set in fairly regularly until it turns to snow but none yet.

We loaded up with boxes for Yabluniv or “Apple Village” to visit the orphanage/school there along with a maternity hospital and an old folks home. It is so convenient to have them all 5 minutes apart.

We met with the director of the school and spent time with her over a light lunch. I found out that here husband had passed away 3 months ago and she was taking it very hard, even though he had been sick with cancer for several years. We noticed a tear appearing so prayed with her. We then spoke to all the children and several staff. She does a wonderful job a training these children, some who are mentally backward. Her sewing and art teacher is amazing in what she has taught the girls and some boys to do.

She mentioned that she can use even small pieces of cloth as well as bolts of cloth, as she uses material to make pictures with silk flowers and other material, many on display are absolutely beautiful.

We left there and went to what was the maternity ward and found the door padlocked. We found the maternity nurses on the floor below and were told that the mat ward had been closed because of lack of women having babies. They were just talking to one mother to be who was obviously very poor with a mouth of rotten teeth but very sweet, who was in for a 7 month check up. We gave her one of the baby blankets a sister in Portage makes and she was very happy. We were told that most of the women go into the bigger cities to have their babies, as Labluniv is very small.

The old peoples home is in the same building as the hospital and we were very surprised to see a new entrance and ramp. As soon as we got inside we could see many improvements.

The Director Yuri was not in but came in about half an hour later. He was new to us and is obviously a go-getter. We spent about half an hour talking with him and the lady Maryanna, who is now in charge of the actual home in Yabluniv, he is director of 4 different areas of social work such as visiting homes to see who is eligible to come into the home, others who are asking for financial assistance and so on. He has made major renovations so far and is planning even more such as their own kitchen instead of carrying food from the hospital kitchen. He left Maryanna to organize a meeting and we met with about 20 or so as well as staff. They were very happy to have clothing and any help we may be able to offer.

We were then invited to have lunch with a 90% blind lady, another Maria and her son

(who was really not too well with a high temperature) and her mother. We had a nice meal in their one room and a kitchen apartment. How do people manage like this for years, she has raised 2 children here?

Tuesday was again wet and quite cool but no snow. We headed to the Half Way House, as we call it and met with the now assistant director Maria, as her son has now taken over as Director and she is now working with the children on a one on one basis and is enjoying it. They have made the changes they talked about a year ago and now can keep the children for 9 months instead of 3 which helps in school as they can give more time to their studies after settling down in the new environment. They have more children that they used to have and 6 more arrived while we were there. 4 had just been found sleeping under some stairs, after running away from home because of the drunkenness and abuse at home. Then the police brought 2 more in while we were speaking, the one about 3 years old and the other about 6. We didn't hear anything about these two.

The others listened very well as we gave them a simple gospel message. Some of the children are in their mid teens.

We had shopping to do for more parts for our hoist for the boxes which is already a great asset to loading the boxes.

At 4 pm we met with Svetlana, our former interpreter, for a light supper in a restaurant. Sveta now works in the Arab Emirets but was home in Ivano for a week. It was good to see her as she was our interpreter for several years and got saved during her time with us.

She then came with us to meeting at 6 pm. There were a few less number of people out but we had good attention and conversations afterwards.

Time is flying by so pray that we will know God's guidance and blessing in the remaining days here.

Malcolm Howard and Volodia.

Malcolm's Report #8

Malcolm's Report #8

Friday November 13.

A little overcast but very mild with no wind. Very nice they say, for this time of the year.

We had to leave at 7:45 am to go to Strii and meet Ruslan from Lviv to finalize the purchase of the house for Marie and Michal and their 3 children. We wanted the assessment of a Ukrainian man before finally settling the purchase.

Howard stayed behind and cleaned up the apartment and did some laundry. Volodia an I arrived in time to have coffee then Ruslan and Sasha, a plumber who has done much work for us, met us and we went to the house. Ruslan felt it was a good buy for the money and the plumber thought there was not much problem with the renovation in the kitchen. Ruslan tried to see if the owner would negotiate the price but she was not prepared to and got a little upset that he would ask. I guess she has lowered the price about 9 or 10 thousand dollars since trying to sell it as not many can afford to buy with the economy the way it is. I left a deposit and left on good terms. We have till the end of the year to pay for the house.

We had lunch and came home, stopping at our large Epi Centre to pick up the last pieces to finish the hoist at the apartment.

Volodia then worked on it until after dark and had it welded and able to hoist up our “test box” of 30k.

It will need to be finished tomorrow but will really assist in mainly getting boxes down to the van when we are leaving for a home or hospital. We can also bring the boxes up when they are delivered. I think I mentioned that the only negative thing about this lovely apartment is the badly worn two flights of stairs in narrow halls. The hoist will really help.

And so to bed quite tired tonight.

Saturday woke us with rain which eventually cleared into a nice day. We were planning on meeting a new Christian young man Dema, this after-noon and so needed some house supplies and fruit from the open market before. I must confess that both Volodia and I did not wake until 8:45am, the longest I have slept in to date. This put us a little late getting going after a breakfast of eggs and bacon by our late Chef Malconii. (I burnt the bacon!). After reading we got off at about 10:45. We met Dema And saw his mother at the same time, who invited us back for coffee after 3pm. Her name is Natalia and some will remember 5 years ago when were able to help her have surgery to replace her nose that had to be removed because of cancer. It was a miracle surgery and no one would think that she had had such surgery if they met her. She has four boys and one daughter Tania, who is saved and is working in Toronto. The four boys came in one by one as we ate. It was good to see them all now.

Dema is saved and we had a great time around the table, reading the word and challenging his older brother as to why he is not saved yet. He is very near and is very eager to talk.

Home then and getting ready for Sunday. Two messages for both of us tomorrow, two in Lviv and two back here in Ivano.

Sunday.

We left Ivano for Lviv in light rain that has continued for most of the day on and off. About 7 C temp.

We took Yaroslav, luba and Dema with us and got to the meeting 1 and 1/2 hours early due to the now good road that is almost finished repaving. It is an absolute miracle that this happened but such an improvement to the infrastructure.

We had a nice meeting with about 12 in the fellowship and 4 looking on.

Howard then spoke and I spoke to the children. After a lunch we headed home in time for a nap before the 6 pm Gospel meeting. There were 20 people out, mostly regulars but some missing.

One of the most difficult things is to know how to deal with people who come to meeting only to ask for money. Some show no real interest in the message but are asking for money right after the meeting.

We usually know those in real need and seek to meet their needs as best we can, but we have some who we fear a just beggars.

Please pray for wisdom in dealing with these people.

All for now. We are planning many visits for the week ahead as our time is fast depleting.

Malcolm, Howard and Volodia.

Malcolm's Report #7

Malcolm's Report # 7

Wednesday November 11.

Today Remembrance day is not celebrated her in Ukraine. They have another day when the remember the wars that have devastated this country so many times.

We planned a busy day today to visit two schools out of town. The first was Petriliv or Peter village. We had some boxes to take to the village as well as some school supplies left with us to deliver. It wasn't the most organized time, which is most unusual. Firstly, we had to wait for the principal who had other visitors. She came and we then went up to the class but another lady had arrive too, to teach a lesson on safety. She had started so Hana the principal suggested we go and see the lady mayor while the lady talked and we could unload our boxes at the mayors office. We got there and she was out! We sat around while they tried to find her. We were about to go and she arrived. We had a quick visit where she told us she had been elected again as mayor over 5 villages. We quickly unloaded the boxes of clothes. Olia, the mayor is very good at seeing that the needy people get the clothes, no fooling her.

We headed back to school and were told we should go for lunch first before we spoke to the children. We had a nice lunch of soup, burger and mashed potatoes.

Then we were ready for the children but they had to eat first!! We eventually spoke to them and had a good response.

We then had to rush to the other school at a town called Stari Licetts, on the other side of Ivano. We were about 25 mins late but no problem, we had to talk to the lady who teaches Religious Ethics and is probably a Christian. We met a class of about 30 grade 7 and 8 students and had a good time, even singing “ Jesus Loves me” and “My God is so big.”. It was good to see them singing and doing the actions. We have 2 choruses on nice charts.

We headed home and sorted boxes again for tomorrows visits.

Thursday opened with warm temperatures and dry weather and we headed to an orphanage/school in the town of Kosiv, lying in the foothills of the mountains. We were very happy to find new roads for most of the way, this really makes the trip more enjoyable. The school is one of the nicest and best run we visit. The children are happy and well behaved. We headed right into speaking to classes of about 20 students each class. There are over 170 students in this facility but several were sick. Again we sang and the children enjoyed the singing and messages. We were then invited to lunch in the principal Valentina's office. Without doubt the best lunch we have had in any school, all home cooked and baked in the school kitchen.

We then unloaded the boxes and and headed home. We had been told 6 boxes were to be delivered this evening, need to be there.

Another day when we could spread the word by mouth, with tracts, calendars and New testaments.

Thank you for your interest and prayers.

Malcolm Howard and Volodia.

Malcolm's Report # 6

Malcolm's Report #6

Sunday 8^th Nov.

We met for the morning meetings and had nice fellowship around the table, with bread and wine.

I brought the message after the meeting and then Howard spoke to the children. After a nice cold lunch we all said our good byes, Edmund and Agnes as they were heading to Ireland for a wedding at some time and us back to Ivano Frankivsk.

We arrived in Ivano Frankivsk in mid after-noon Sunday. What a surprise and delight at the 99% total road repair on the road back. I don't know where they got money from but it was amazing.

We checked our things into the apartment. It was the first time we had been here in the newly acquired apartment and are very impressed with every bit of it, EXCEPT the 200 year old stairs to it, that have never been repaired I'm sure.

A good number of people out to meeting and help was given to preach again, with Howard. We will continue to have meetings on Tuesday and Sunday.

To bed late, after getting settled and everything hung up. Volodia is to be our interpreter and driver and guide.

Monday.

I mentioned the Doctor Misha and Maria in Strii in earlier letters, well Maria had called to say she had found a house for sale, close to their present home. We decided that we would go with her to meet the owner and see the house. We arrived about 11:30 and had to wait for a while for the owner to arrive. We spent a lot of time looking at it and the garden and feel so far it will serve their need. We did not make a decision until we talk to others and have a week to decide whether to buy it. The kitchen will need some renovation, if we buy it.

We took Marie and Joseph her son for lunch, Marie said she had not eaten in a cafe for 20 years. We came straight home quite tired and planned our week before going to bed.

Tuesday.

We planned some visits in town today so went to get food to take. People will empty their cupboards to put on a meal. No matter what you say, they must make a meal.

Our first visit was to Natalia, our young friend with MS. She is cared for at home by her mother. She has lost all use of he limbs and bodily functions, but you come away blessed by her smile and positive attitude. She was worrying that she has been losing too much weight so she is taking a multi- vitamin/protein drink that Eric Fowler and wife got for her, she really likes it. She cannot use a pillow now and cannot sit up alone, but she loves The Lord. Her mother served us a light lunch of cabbage rolls and chicken broth.

It was then off to visit a sister in the meeting here and her daughter. A nice apartment but very little income as the husband left for abroad and is now with another woman. This is evident everywhere, I'm afraid. Luba is the lady's name, not the Luba who is in the meeting. She has 2 daughters, the one was home, Nadia, a teaching student at university. She had never been with her mother to the meetings in Ivano but agreed to come with us tonight. We were thrilled and she paid good attention. There a good number there.

We delivered a van load to their different homes and headed home ourselves. We plan a busy day tomorrow so had an early night to bed.

Thanks so much to caring to read this and to pray us and the work.

Malcolm and Howard and Volodia.

Malcolm's Report #5

Malcolm report #5

Today was not so foggy but damp and dull, not nice at all.

Today was our day to go to the Baby Orphanage #1 in Lviv. We have visited this orphanage since first coming here with Flo. Edmund and Agnes keep up the visits now monthly. The place seems in better condition than when we visited years ago. We were well received and soon were ushered into a room where about 25-30 staff gathered. Howard gave word and I finished. The main doctor recognized me and came over to me. He has been their 18 years. We then went to feed the 2 to 3 year old's their snack of a piece of bread and butter with red caviar on it. They love it and lick the caviar off first. Red caviar is cheap and very healthy.

We grabbed a meal at McDonald's and then headed to the airport to see Eric, Marge, Mary and Bonnie of to Toronto. They were in a tizzy when we arrived. The airlines have lowered the weight of the checked bags, and they were all overweight. They managed to get them all down but then their carry-on's were too heavy, so the same process. We saw them off then, but just as we were leaving, Volodia gets a call that he is needed at customs upstairs. He is gone about 10 minutes and comes back through the line again with Eric. He then got away. The problem was a jar of honey he had got from a farm and it was not bought in a store or something. Anyway, Volodia convinced them to let him take it. We hope he doesn't lose it in Toronto customs!

Supper again at Agnes's and then to meeting. I spoke tonight and gave my testimony. Please pray for this assembly as too many men have jobs that keep them from week-night meetings. Some do not get out at all in the week.

Had a good day today, a late start as we didn't need to be at the village until after 1pm but a wonderful group of young kid all willing to say their verses and sing. I spoke and then we went to the man who organizes the meetings, the one who worked with the gypsies. They have six children but she puts an amazing meal on.

Home and quite tired, at about 6pm. 30 boxes arriving but not ours but boxes and boxes of pampers from Salem Oregon. We were too tired to go up to the Pizza or over to E /A's for a snack, so I spent the evening getting ready to speak after the b of b tomorrow. Trust all is well. Heading away with Volodia tomorrow so should be on line tomorrow.

God bless you all and please keep praying as we move back to Ivano Frankivsk.

Malcolm and Howard

Malcolm's Report # 3

Malcolm's report # 3 Nov 4^th

Monday arose with bright sun and mild temperatures. It make it so much more joy than dull rainy days.

Ruslan arrived for us with Edmund, ready to go to one of our favourite little orphanages at Yosopowichi, about an hour away. Agnes was in need of a rest after the conference weekend, so stayed home.

There are presently 17 cute little children in the home. We sang choruses with them and Howard gave a little message.

Sasha, a plumber came with us and put a new set of taps on the tub, while we spoke. We also brought a new door to have installed in one of the rooms. We are going to look into a steel table they need to prepare food on.

After having a nice lunch of borscht and a fish plate, we bade farewell and headed to the doctor's home in Strii. He is the man who carves wood items. He is unable to do that now as he has a frozen shoulder, or something like it, and can't use his arm. Some may remember that their living accommodation is one of the worst we ever visit. We had hoped to help them get into and attached empty apartment, but it looks as if this will not happen as two sisters own it and can't agree how much they each need. Maria, Michaelo's wife is going to start looking for an apartment that they can afford.

Sadly, their oldest son was conscripted into the army and is now in hospital with shell shock and is mentally damaged.

We headed home to Agnes where she had prepared a lovely supper. We visited for a long time afterwards and them headed to out apartment less than 10 minutes walk away.

I have never been more frustrated with internet as with this one in our apartment. It is one thing to have something that does not work at all, but another thing to have something that only works when it feels like it. UGGGH! So to bed.

Tuesday. Not a very early start because of supplies we had to pick up from the supermarket. We were going to the Carpathian Mountains to visit Natalia, a school teacher who got saved while interpreting for us 10 or 12 years ago. She is now married with 2 lovely daughters. She is invaluable in knowing who are those in need in the mountain villages, so we head up steep rough roads and stop beside the road. The people seem to come from everywhere or nowhere. They must see the van, but some were in their gardens digging potatoes others maybe at home.

Before we distribute the produce, we have a little gospel meeting and they all listen very attentively.

I spoke on the harvest being over, the summer being ended and they are not saved. Edmund taught the little children a verse.

Natalia had wanted us to go to her house first and have lunch, which we did. She lives in a beautiful house her father built and her husband has now added on to. He works in construction in Russia so was not there. They have added several bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and hope to attract renters who come to ski in the area. Very smart.

We finished up at her sister Ira's home for the final distribution. Iira is also a teacher as well as raising a family of 15 children. Her husband works on the railway in Russia. Several people arrived and the gospel was preached again. One lady was there who lost here husband with cancer less than a year ago. She is left with 4 children.

It had turned quite cold before we left and we had a hard job to get warm on the way home. On the way up to the mountains, we stopped to changed seats in the van. We found out later that Howard's coat had fallen out when we stopped and we were too far to go back. He was quite upset as he had had it for 10 years and it was a used one at that!! Thankfully he didn't have anything in his pocket of value a he wasn't really upset, more annoyed at himself.

Home at last, very tired and cold, must have got chilled standing in the villages.

We had a good night's sleep. Keep praying. Malcolm and Howard.

Malcolm's Report #2

Malcolm and Howard's Report #2

Today Friday, We had a lay in as there was not too much for us today. The assembly ladies were starting to get ready for the meals. Supper tonight, lunch after meeting and stuff getting ready for 3 meals tomorrow. We went to E and A's for lunch and then later to the Central Baptist Church for supper before the meeting.

Several had already come from Ivano Frankivsk on the bus or train. It was so good to see some who we have known for years. Then Eric Marge and Bonnie arrived in a van load from Ivano Frankivsk.

After supper we gathered to sing for half an hour before the meeting started. A nice number had come but more were coming on Saturday.

Howard preached first and then Eric. The audience listened well and we can only hope that someone will believe the messages and be saved.

After meeting they had a night snack and those staying in the churches accommodations either went for a walk or played some games at the church. We headed home and had a good nights rest.

Eric and Margie are staying with Howard and me in our apartment, so we had breakfast here, rather than going to the church.

We went to the church in time for the 10am start. 4 people had come from Slovakia, 2 men and two young ladies. The one man Daniel Moses had been here last year but none of the others had. The one young lady was Daniel's niece and the other girl, her friend. The other man was We would all agree that they were delightful people.

The meetings started with half an hour of prayer and then a bible reading on 1 Peter 2. Eric Fowler lead it and we helped. It went very well, I judge. A van-load came during the prayer time, from Lutsk. It was good to see “old faces” once again. Timothy Sloan came with them.

After a good lunch, we held the main session of ministry of God's word. The first speaker was Daniel Moses I spoke next on Revival, and Eric spoke on Leviticus 1 and the burnt offerings and how the animals typified Christ our sacrifice.

This ended the Conference and some people started home right away, most of the rest stayed for supper. As the “night was young” some of the young people from Ivano came to the apartment and played UNO until bed time.

Sunday morning arrived with a bright warm sunny day. The weather was lovely for the whole week-end. The assembly hall was packed with many coming to observe the meeting. After the remembrance meeting, the other brother Pavel, from Slovakia ministered the word on “From Grace to Grace”.

The Sunday school children then sang and recited their verses. Eric then spoke to them on the serpent on the pole, complete with a pole and a serpent nailed to it.

This completed the meetings for the week-end and everyone, after a lunch, began to make their way home.

Eric and Margie are going back to Ivano until next Friday, when they return home. Howard and I will then go up to Ivano for the remaining 3 weeks of our time here.

Please keep praying for us, we need much wisdom.

Malcolm and Howard.                                                                                                                                   

Malcolm's Report #4 Nov 4

Malcolm's report # 3 Nov 4^th

Monday arose with bright sun and mild temperatures. It make it so much more joy than dull rainy days.

Ruslan arrived for us with Edmund, ready to go to one of our favourite little orphanages at Yosopowichi, about an hour away. Agnes was in need of a rest after the conference weekend, so stayed home.

There are presently 17 cute little children in the home. We sang choruses with them and Howard gave a little message.

Sasha, a plumber came with us and put a new set of taps on the tub, while we spoke. We also brought a new door to have installed in one of the rooms. We are going to look into a steel table they need to prepare food on.

After having a nice lunch of borscht and a fish plate, we bade farewell and headed to the doctor's home in Strii. He is the man who carves wood items. He is unable to do that now as he has a frozen shoulder, or something like it, and can't use his arm. Some may remember that their living accommodation is one of the worst we ever visit. We had hoped to help them get into and attached empty apartment, but it looks as if this will not happen as two sisters own it and can't agree how much they each need. Maria, Michaelo's wife is going to start looking for an apartment that they can afford.

Sadly, their oldest son was conscripted into the army and is now in hospital with shell shock and is mentally damaged.

We headed home to Agnes where she had prepared a lovely supper. We visited for a long time afterwards and them headed to out apartment less than 10 minutes walk away.

I have never been more frustrated with internet as with this one in our apartment. It is one thing to have something that does not work at all, but another thing to have something that only works when it feels like it. UGGGH! So to bed.

Tuesday. Not a very early start because of supplies we had to pick up from the supermarket. We were going to the Carpathian Mountains to visit Natalia, a school teacher who got saved while interpreting for us 10 or 12 years ago. She is now married with 2 lovely daughters. She is invaluable in knowing who are those in need in the mountain villages, so we head up steep rough roads and stop beside the road. The people seem to come from everywhere or nowhere. They must see the van, but some were in their gardens digging potatoes others maybe at home.

Before we distribute the produce, we have a little gospel meeting and they all listen very attentively.

I spoke on the harvest being over, the summer being ended and they are not saved. Edmund taught the little children a verse.

Natalia had wanted us to go to her house first and have lunch, which we did. She lives in a beautiful house her father built and her husband has now added on to. He works in construction in Russia so was not there. They have added several bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and hope to attract renters who come to ski in the area. Very smart.

We finished up at her sister Ira's home for the final distribution. Iira is also a teacher as well as raising a family of 15 children. Her husband works on the railway in Russia. Several people arrived and the gospel was preached again. One lady was there who lost here husband with cancer less than a year ago. She is left with 4 children.

It had turned quite cold before we left and we had a hard job to get warm on the way home. On the way up to the mountains, we stopped to changed seats in the van. We found out later that Howard's coat had fallen out when we stopped and we were too far to go back. He was quite upset as he had had it for 10 years and it was a used one at that!! Thankfully he didn't have anything in his pocket of value a he wasn't really upset, more annoyed at himself.

Home at last, very tired and cold, must have got chilled standing in the villages.

We had a good night's sleep. Keep praying. Malcolm and Howard.34

Malcolm and Howard's first Report October 29th

Malcolm and Howard's report #1 October 29^th.

Well here we are, safe and sound in Lviv. We arrived in good time yesterday but both very weary.

The flights we all good and on time but the lay-over waiting was especially tiring, for some unexpected reason. I slept well on the main flight to Vienna, but Howard hardly dozed.

We were met by Ruslan, our driver and Edmund and Agnes and Mary Fowler, and brought to our apartment. We had only enough time to shower and change, before going to Edmund and Agnes's for a good supper and then to the meeting for prayer and ministry. I was sure I would have fallen asleep during the prayer meeting but managed to stay awake long enough to speak a word on 4 great things in Mark 4 and the storm on the sea.

After a small lunch we were taken home and “crashed” into bed at 10pm waking at 6:45am, well refreshed, thankfully.

We were picked up at 10:30am by Ruslan and then joined by Edmund and Agnes and Mary Fowler, who is staying with them until after the Conference on Friday and Saturday. Then a whirlwind of a day, visiting a housebound sister, Ivanka, for about an hour, then visiting the Vernesage gift market to order a table runner from a lady we know, then to the largest Mall with a supermarket named Ashan. It has 44 check-outs!

We went there to by the food for the Conference. The bill came to over 5,000Rhv. But when converted came to $294.00 Canadian. The exchange is now over 17.30 Rhv to the Canadian dollar or 22 to the US Dollar. It was only 12 something to the Canadian dollar last year.

After leaving all the purchases in the fridge at the Meeting room we headed to E and A's for a good supper. We had to be home by 7pm as Nadia, a sister in the meeting was coming round to cut Howard's hair. Also the owner of the apartment was waiting to see what is wrong with our internet router. There is something wrong but the company will come to check it out tomorrow, God willing.

We took a nap after they both left and don't feel too bad after the busy day.

Remember our meetings starting tomorrow evening, Friday and all day on Saturday. Please pray that God will bless and the Christians will be blessed as well.

The exchange is now over 17.30 Rhv to the Canadian dollar or 22 to the US Dollar. It was only 12 something to the Canadian dollar last year.

Things have changed some in the last year. Someone is investing in the infrastructure here, building massive condos and apartment blocks and another large Mall in the centre. The roads in the city are vastly improved and still being renewed. Some things don't change though. When Ruslan arrived for us this morning, he told us he had had to change a tire as it had a big nail in it. We dropped the tire off at a tire shop on the side of the main road. It has no covered shop, you just pull up to the building and they work on the vehicle outside. We left the tire and picked it up later. We sat in the van, they lift it up with an air bag and install in in about 5 minutes, all for the cost of 90Rhv. Or just over $5.00! What a rip off.

The exchange is now over 17.30 Rhv to the Canadian dollar or 22 to the US Dollar. It was only 12 something to the Canadian dollar last year.

This will be all for now, please keep praying.

Malcolm and Howard.