God's Work in Western Ukraine

Dan's Reports: #12

2012-02-11T12:04:00.002-06:00

Tuesday, 31 of January #37

These days have been very cold and have been appreciating the people coming out to the meetings knowing that they are taking the bus both ways waiting in the cold. Had 13 out but 3 came towards the end of the meeting, they were Luba’s neighbours, a mother and daughter along with Luba’s son Vessel. After the meeting I had a long take with them, the mother had questions about hear “near death experience” and said there is no proof that heaven or hell exist. I told her though this cannot be proven, the sin in our hearts proves that we are sinners, and then read in Rom.3:9...

Wednesday I called the board of education but the women whom we need to talk with is still sick, will try again next week. The schools have been close this week due to the cold weather and some businesses as well. I have been going on long walks in this weather and if you dress properly and keep moving it’s not so bad, though your face feels like it will crack.

Friday morning I found that I have the same experience what many buses have been experiencing, frozen diesel. Haven’t driven the van since Tuesday and since the van takes diesel it froze on me too. Though I get the diesel at a reputable gas station they tell me that all the fuel in Ukraine is mixed, for more profit. Trying to do my best to get the van running again before next week which is forecast to be even colder some days being as low as -33c,-25f, not good.

Then had my first Ukrainian lesson since September of last year. This is a language school just down the street from the meeting place. It was my first time there and was only going for one hour but the teacher kept on going until her next lessen three hours later My brain was definitely feeling fatigue and will not be doing that again, one or two hours max!

Sunday got ready for the meeting, about 15 came out. Was good to see some out who haven’t been out in a while, like Ivan who has the 7 children that are all grown up but all sick. Orisa, a lady who like to cook rabbit for the visitors was also out. They all listened well and afterwards had some coffee and tea with sweets before they left. Had some questions on how to pray and on which religion in Christianity is true.

Pray for these meetings, that those who are coming may come to know the Lord and for help with the messages and wisdom in answering these questions being asked and for guidance in reaching out to the people! I Thank You All!!

In Christ our Lord

Dan

Update from the Sloan's at Lutsk

2012-02-11T12:03:00.000-06:00

Lutsk Ukraine 4^th February 2012

With no electric and that my only form of heating and no water as all the pipes are frozen life is tough! My car is frozen and will not start as nightly temperatures are below -30 and the daily temperatures are approx. -27. (I have it better than the Ukrainians – I can afford to take a taxi and go the other end of town where there is a café with electric, heat, an internet connection + plus cups of cappuccino)!! The weather forecasters say these extreme temperatures will last until 14^th February though the cold will stay until the middle of March.

In the assembly we have only 3 believers out of over 40 who earn more than £127 ($200) per month – the most are trying to survive on less than £56 ($88) per month. When we get a winter like this they do not have the money for extra wood to burn or extra electric to use and therefore it is my duty and privilege to help. This I have done with 5 families over the past 4 days.

Do also pray for the parents of Michael (Mykola) whom we had shown in our yearly update. Michael, who was severely paralyzed since birth and mentally sick died on January 15^th only 17 years of age. He has gone to Heaven and what a change! Thankfully there were believers like yourselves who cared enough to enable us as an assembly to make his sad short life on earth just that little bit more comfortable.

We would appreciate your continued prayers for the building of the new Gospel Hall in Lutsk. We have not been able yet to afford to buy a wood burning stove and radiators and even with electric heaters on at present the ice is thick on the inside of our windows and doors. The builders would like a week off as it is so cold in the building but I have said no as I have a target to try and get the main hall finished before our 10^th anniversary on the 22^nd of April. If I can get up at 06.00 (6 mornings a week) and be at the hall before 07.30 so can they! I am 20 years older than they so I don’t allow any excuses for holidays!!! We still have the lighting to do, finishing of the wall surfaces, 130sqm of carpet to get, 150 seats, the baptism tank to tile and 5 doors to buy and install. I have the sole responsibility regarding the financing of our new Gospel Hall and I am confident the Lord is able to meet our needs.

One of our builders did go home on Wednesday for 1 day for the funeral of his 23 year old nephew. The nephew left home on Tuesday to walk to the bus stop to collect his son coming home from school. He sat down at the bus stop and froze to death before the bus arrived. Pray for the builders. They are coming into contact with the gospel every day and we have had many an interesting conversation with them.

The cold does affect many aspects of the work but that does not mean we don’t have anything to do. Ukraine Christian Publication Centre is the name we use for the printing of literature. Over the last 10 years we have printed 230,000 Ukrainian gospel tracts, 60,000 Seed Sowers, 20,000 “Who we are and what we believe” brochures not to mention books etc. We are now in the process of printing 6 new titles of gospel tracts (5,000 of each) and 2,000 each of the 10 “Focus On” booklets. 3 translators and 4 proof-readers from the Lutsk assembly are involved daily in this work. New Hymn Book – Rhoda and a Ukrainian sister Oksana who is a gifted musician from Lutsk Gospel Hall are in the process of producing an assembly hymn book. This is a big task and will involve 100’s of hours of work in translation and proofreading.

Over the last 20 years we have only had cold winters. I remember back to the winter of 1994 when Rhoda and I were walking to language school in Norway. We woke one morning and it was -54. We thought the school would be closed due to the cold but felt we should ring just to make sure. The woman at the other end was amazed we even thought the school would close and said – “There is no such a thing as bad weather there is only bad clothing”!! The winter of 2006 in Ukraine was really bad and we managed that one and this winter won’t beat us either! With over 100 Ukrainians dead due to the cold we would really appreciate your prayers!

Yours in Christ

Timothy & Rhoda

report from Flo

2012-02-11T12:01:00.001-06:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ;

This is just a short note to fill you in on a few things that have been going on in Ukraine this past year.
Since the assembly was planted in Lviv at the end of October 2010, we have been happy to see continuing growth in the young Christians. Having Edmond & Agnes Johnson there has certainly been a great asset. He is a very good leader for the people there. He's soft but not one to be swayed when it comes to things of scripture.
The first conference to be held in Lviv was at the end of October 2011. What a joy to see 80 people gathered on the Friday evening for prayer and a gospel meeting. Christians from Lutsk and Ivano Frankivsk joined us ,as well as unsaved from Lviv. Those who took leading roles in the conference, were Timothy Sloan, Edmond Johnson, Malcolm Stanley, Howard Pratt and Lawrence McHugh who is from Northern Ireland. The conference was certainly a blessing. It was so good to see the Christians in Lviv working smoothly together as one body.
We continue in our outreach efforts in children's homes, schools, the boy's jail, the gypsies and outlying villages. The Lord blessed the work with the saving of a young man, Andre, He is a very mature 19.This family was reached as a direct result of humanitarian aid received.
I wish to thank you all for all the kind support both spiritually and financially
Lord willing I will be returning to Ukraine on March 4^th.

Your sister in Christ
Flo Kancir

Dan's Reports: #11

2012-02-01T15:56:00.002-06:00

Sunday 22 of January #36

Had our 3:00pm meeting with about 14 out. Talked a little about the “holy water” they have questions about, by speaking on John 4, how that the woman thought Jesus was talking about water of this physical world but He was talking of the spiritual water that can only flow out from him. The water that the people will get from the church will run out and if they drink it they will thirst again. But that water that flows out from Jesus satisfies the thirst for God and the longing of our souls now and for entirety.

Monday we called the board of education but the woman whom we were to meet with was sick and we were told to call next week. We then went to a town called Kalush to visit two orphanages. The first place was very welcoming and remembered some who came about 3 years ago; we planned to speak to the kids on Thursday. At The second school we had a good long talk with the director, she showed some knowledge of the bible and was able to share a bit of God’s, not man’s, salvation plan with her. She said to call her back in a few weeks when she gets more kids but also said it would be difficult to speak for this is a school for the deaf, which we did not know, do hope at least to talk with her again.

Tuesday Edmond and Agnes with Ruslan came from Lviv and spent some time together before the meeting. at the meeting Ruslan and Edmond spoke. Earlier we went to visit Oleg at his work and it was good to see him at the meeting and Yaroslav, about 15 total.

Thursday we had our meeting at the orphanage. As we arrived we were invited to sit in on a lesson they were having about Ukrainian history but as we sat for a few minutes we realized most of these kids were deaf, this too is a school for the deaf. We should have known before coming, a slip up by my secretary, Svetlana! When it came time for me to speak the room was very hot and someone even closed the window. About 25-30 kids were there and about 5 teachers. Maybe some could hear a little but there was a man doing the sign language as Svetlana interpreted, not sure how the message came out at the end of the chain but pray that God will speak to the hearts of these kids. I then gave them all note books and pins with a gospel tract; they had new testaments from the last visit. They requested school supplies and we are welcome to come again.

Sunday got ready for our afternoon meeting. We are finally experiencing real winter, the weather has dropped considerably; the forecast tells us that today’s high will be -12C/ 5F and the low -24C/11F. This weather is predicted for at least another week. This Thursday will be the coldest day, H-17, L-30C, H2F, L-22F. In spite of the cold about 10 still came out to the meeting. Today I had Sasha interpret for me for the first time; he is Oleg’s older son. He was a little nervous but thought he did well for his first time. After the meeting had coffee and sweets to warm them before going out and waiting for the bus in this bitter cold weather.

We then headed to Oleg and Ola’s house, had dinner and spent time together. We talked a bit about assembly fellowship with Oleg and planned to continue another day.

Please pray for the Holy Spirit’s moving in the hearts of the people here and in my own heart as well!! Thank You!

In Christ our Lord

Dan

Dan's Reports: #10

2012-01-29T19:04:00.001-06:00

Sunday, January 15, 2012 #35

I went to Lviv in the morning with four others from Ivano. The snowy and icy roads add to our time, took 2.5 hours each way. I was worried as I was driving, thinking of the car we saw a few weeks ago that spun out of control due to the icy road and flipped over in front of us. The driver was alright as we helped to flip his car upright. We made it late back to our meeting in Ivano but there were some waiting. There were about 14 out. Afterwards spent some time with Oleg as we talked about certain passages of scriptures and its translations in Ukrainian, good talk!

Monday had our visit at the children’s hospital. As we waited for them to gather up the kids we heard that most were taking a nap so told them not to disturb them if they were sleeping. We ended up with about 10 that came, some mothers came with their children. There was much competition in being heard with about three of these young one crying, at times I couldn’t even hear myself speak. We gave those who came N/T a bible text and a gospel tract. After the meeting one lady had questions about the Russellites (JW), she is almost sucked in but said she still searching, do hope we talk again.

Tuesday morning sorted some of the boxes of clothes with Svetlana, and then had our meeting in the evening, about 10 out. Had a question asked about holy water. The Orthodox Church recognize the baptism of Jesus on the 19 of Jan. they call it Jordan. Followers come to church and pay for some water that some say comes from the Jordan River and others say there is something special about this water (anything to make a buck). I was happy to let them know that none of this is based on scripture but only a religious tradition; so if they did not run out to get this water, it was not a sin.

Saturday had those that come to the meetings come over to pick out clothes if they needed some; about 10 came but I was the only one that spoke English, yet it is at these times when I get to practice what I know in Ukrainian, if I know anything at all. I then had dinner with a young man name Alex, we went skiing about a month ago. We had a good time as we were learning each other’s language.

Prayer will be needed for our meeting with the head of the board of education this Monday and also to the director of two new orphanages that we hope to speak to. Also pray as always for the small gathering here in Ivano Frankivsk!

Thank You In Christ our Lord, Dan

Dan's Reports: #9

2012-01-15T22:03:00.000-06:00

Tuesday, 10 of January #34

Hasn’t been too cold yet but has been very cool and dark, haven’t had sun in weeks and if it does show its shining face it is only for 5 or 10 minute, make for a depressing mood upon all people here. Hope this will cause the gospel message to shine even brighter upon the hearts of these dear people!

Went to visit a hospital for new born babies here in town, we talked with the head doctor whom Eric has been keeping contact with. We talked for about an half hour as he explain that this year the government has cut funding for the hospitals in all of Ukraine and though it has been hard it just got harder. He told us of a children’s hospital across the street and called the director and we planned to talk with her tomorrow. As we left we gave them 4 boxes, some with clothes, sheets, and toys. Then had our evening meeting about 12 out, we have been practicing the hymn Silent Night in Ukrainian and though slow, this last time sounded the best but still needs more practice!

Wednesday went to visit the other hospital for children from 5-18. There we talked with the Director a very nice lady, we told her what we do here in Ukraine and asked if we can speak with the children and give them new testaments, she replied quickly with a yes and ask when. I was surprise by her welcoming us so easily and was very glad she did! We made an appointment for Monday and will speak to about 30 kids, do pray God’s blessing on this meeting!

We had made plans a week ago to meet today with an older woman name Olah. I met her while Scott and Kim were here and talked with her 3 or 4 time since but this was the first time we made plans to meet. Unfortunately she never showed up after Svetlana and I waited for an hour, hope we can try again soon. We then bought prescription for one of the ladies that comes to the meetings name Antalina. As we went to her home to drop them off she insisted we have something to eat but we could not stay for long. We talked a little as she said how she likes coming to the meetings. Before she started coming to the meetings said she did not know there was an old and new testament and feels that she is learning new thing from the Bible.

Thursday spend some time with Luba and her daughter Maria and Tania her friend. Took them ice skating and they had a very good time, I said we will do this again soon. We must focus on these younger generations that they too may come to know God’s promises brought to them through His Son, Jesus! Last week bought a mattress and frame for Luba’s son, Vessel, who has scoliosis and lung problems, a doctor recommended the mattress. Vessel has been sleeping on a broken down recliner that needed a piece of wood to hold the extended end from falling, truly something to see! Hope the mattress helps.

Saturday, one of the ladies (Maria) that comes to the meeting invited me over for dinner with her son, Paul. This will be his last year of schooling and will be graduating as some kind of economic counsellor; he is hoping to get a job at a large company. It was just me and them, they know no English and I no Ukrainian. It all it worked out very well, they were willing to work with me and I with them, the hardest part was when she wanted me to read the names of the Bible in Ukrainian, with her help I went through them but still learning!

Pray for the meeting on Monday at the hospital and for good relations with the institutions that we visit and for those person to person visits here locally!

In Christ our Lord

Dan

Dan's Reports: #8

2012-01-15T22:02:00.000-06:00

Tuesday 3 of January

We went in the morning to try to meet with the women at the Board of Education; unfortunately she was not in so we will try again tomorrow. We had our evening meeting, not many out, still some away for the holidays but still had a good meeting. Afterwards had cake and ice cream to acknowledge the New Year together!

Wednesday tried again to meet with the women at the Board of Education and waited for about a half hour, when she came out of the office she told us she was too busy so we made an appointment for the 23rd of Jan., hope this meeting will go well!

Then we headed to the printing place to have some tracts and texts made, hope to have them by next week.

Friday visited Oleg at his shop and as always had a good conversation, his English is getting better and better with each visit and he is not shy in trying to speak English, wish I could say the same about my Ukrainian! Oleg then invited me to his house for a Christmas dinner with his family (orthodox Christmas in on the 7th of Jan.). The food was good and the company was great, each of them prepared a dish of their choice. Oleg and his wife, his two sons and is new daughter in-law were all at the table as Oleg opened the Bible and talked about God fulfilling his promise in sending his Son, Jesus Christ.

Saturday Oleg called me and asked if I wanted to do a Ukrainian tradition, not knowing what it was I said, sure. As I picked him and his wife up on the way to meet others, he then told me what it was We were going to go house to house singing carols and they gave me a tambourine, not knowing what to do with it I just raddled it as they sang. After a few hours we had a break and I thought it was over but in the evening they got ready to do it again. I thought at this point I should end my singing career and turn in my tambourine, so I took them to their next location and thanked them for the experience and for the fun, as I headed home.

Sunday had our evening meeting, about 15 out and they listened well. Had to do some homework as I asked in the last meeting why the difference in the Christmas dates? Few could answer so I volunteered to do my homework on this subject. It’s all based on two calendars, the Julian and the Gregorian. Then I looked into the Scriptures and spoke about the two calendars of generations we see first in the beginning of the Old Testament with the generation of creation and its vastness and marvel, then in the beginning of the New Testament where we read of a greater generation. We marvel and wonder, when we see that God fulfilled his promises of a plan of salvation in sending his only beloved Son, born in Bethlehem and gave his life in a place called Calvary.

The full Christmas story must be told for in it we see how great a love God has for us his creation! After the meeting we had cake and ice cream for those who were not at the last meeting.

Pray for this meeting on the 23 of Jan. that God will be honoured and for our weekly meetings, that the Word of God would be taught by the Spirit of God to exalt the Son of God!

In Christ our Lord

Dan

Dan's Reports: #7

2012-01-10T21:24:00.000-06:00

Went to Lviv to pick up more New Testaments, called Ruslan and he had them ready for me
when I got there. I then spoke at their evening meeting and we had a nice time together. After
the meeting was encouraged to stay the night and leave in the morning, sounded good since
night driving is much more difficult with the pot holes and night fog, so I stayed.
Thursday headed back to Ivano with a young man in fellowship at the Lviv assembly named
Vladimir. He does the interpreting there for us visitors and starts most of the hymns; he is
finishing up his Masters in psychology and had a little break from his studies and wanted to
come to Ivano with me and spend some time together. On our way to Ivano the back door
of the van opened and half of the 400 N/T’s flew out of the van onto the wet pavement. We
stopped to gather them up wipe them down and continue driving. As we came into Ivano, it
happened again, the back door opened and a few fell out but far more traffic. Looks like we
need a new lock for the door!
Friday spent the day skiing with Vladimir and another young man name Alex, he came once to
the meeting while Malcolm and Howard were here. We had a very good time, no broken bones
thanks be to God!
Saturday received 14 boxes from Lance-Au-Loop NF and 5 boxes from New Lenox ILL, USA. A
Thank You to both of these assemblies for reaching out and caring for the people in Ukraine!!
We then left for the kids meeting at the gym but found out that we cannot use the gym due to
a complaint from one of the gym teachers, hope this will change in the near future!
Sunday left early to Lviv with Luba and her daughter Maria. Enjoyed the time remembering the
Lord with his people! Vladimir stayed as we headed back to Ivano for our meeting; about 18
were out and listen well!
Monday we had our first meeting at the prison in a town called Tomahic about an hour’s drive
from Ivano. Picked up Tarras then a man named Igore Leonadvich who has a lot of pull in the
system and had to come with us to each prison, without him we could not get in. But the nun,
who was supposed to accompany us, was late and we left without her, this was an answer to
prayer. It seems her only purpose is to represent her religion, but we come representing no
religion but only Christ crucified!
This prison was a maximum security but had adopted new standards from America and Europe.
There is a church inside the prison that was built by the prisoners. All the paintings on the walls
of the church and throughout the prison were done by prisoner, very nice work! We met in
a hall with about 200 prisoners, many were standing. We brought 350 N/T’s but found out
that the prison holds 879 prisoners. They listened very well and after the meeting I got a few
thank you’s from some and had a talk with three of them, that had very sincere questions like “
what kind of prayer they should pray for God to hear them”. For Tarras, being on stage with a
microphone facing the prisoners and his first time interpreting was a new experience but he did
very well! We then had some coffee and tea with the man in charge of the prison and a few of
the officers. The whole visit went very well!!
Tuesday had our evening meeting, about 12 out and listened well!
Thank You for all your prayers!!
In Christ our Lord,
Dan.

Dan's Reports: #6

2012-01-10T20:44:00.001-06:00

Dan’s report #31

We went to a prison here in Ivano with Svetlana and met with Igor, the man we need to enter the prison. This time the nun came with us, we can’t do anything about that.

I think the prison would be like a detention centre as they wait for paperwork to go through the system. We spoke to about 25 prisoners in a small room along with three prison guards. You could see their expressions as we were so close to them. Some sadness and regret and for others frustration and anger. As I was speaking there were some that put up a front of not wanting to hear but you could tell deep inside they were taking it all in, which was good!

After the message we gave them all New Testaments, a Bible text and a gospel tract; as they were leaving a few said thank you.

Igor told us that we would speak to about 125 prisoner at the next prison but before afterwards told us there would be 300! This meant I had to get more N/T and I was not looking forward to a 4 hour round trip to Lviv. Anyway, Svetlana came with as we headed to Lviv and there we met with Ruslan; saw the new hall for the Lviv assembly which is almost ready to have meetings in. Then we picked up 500 more N/T at the Bible Society and also picked up Vladimir on the way out and headed back to Ivano together. We had a great conversation about salvation with Svetlana.

Thursday we left early morning to a prison near a town called Dolena, about a 1 ½ hours from Ivano. Vladimir and Svetlana came with me and we picked up Igor. This time no nun which was good.

This prison was minimum security, the last stop before leaving the prison. This time Vladimir interpreted for me and did a great job. About 150-200 prisoners were spoken to and by the looks of it God was touching their hearts! There were a few that ask if I could come back and these grown men were asking me to sign their New Testaments. They all received bible text and a tract. After the meeting we had coffee and tea with the officers that run the prison, our time spent with them was longer than usual but the talk was good! Before was left we gave three boxes of clothes and shoes for the prisoners.

Igor stayed at the prison as we went to visit a school in Dolena. There we met with the principal and ask if we can speak with the students. The principal remembered the last visit to this school about three years ago, and welcomed us with open arms; we will meet with the students on Monday.

Friday Tarras was unable to interpret for me not due to work and called me late Thursday evening. God knew about this, as Vladimir was with me and was able to fill in. We picked up Igor and another man also name Igor who also worked in the prison system and this time the nun came with, O well.

This prison was about 45 min from Ivano. We found this prison more difficult as this it was an all-women prison of about 140 women. We didn’t mind the nun being with us this with their eyes time!

They all listened very well to the message but I think they tried to cast a spell on Vladimir with their eyes. It almost worked but by the time was got back to Ivano he was back to himself. We gave them all N/T and most received a bible text and a tract but we ran out, we also left four boxes of clothes for the women. Afterwards the two Igor’s, Vladimir and I went to a restaurant and there had a great conversation about God and His salvation plan!

God truly blessed each visit, Thank You so much for all your prayers, He really answers prayers!!

In Christ our Lord

Dan

Dan's Reports: #5

2011-12-15T22:29:00.002-06:00

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Sunday had our meeting here in Ivano, 16 were out including Vadym and his Wife and daughter. Nice to see some out who haven’t been out for a while. After the meeting had dinner with Vadym and his family, it was good to see them all together as a family!

Monday called to confirm our appointment with the Mayor and Priest but they could not make it being out of the village so we reschedule for Tuesday. We then called a few of those who come to the meetings and signed up to receive clothes and then headed out to a village called Hgrushka. We were told that we would be in the Village Hall to speak to the people but instead we were taken to a small cold office room and spoke to about ten people, I do not know if this is what they meant by a village hall? Though small the meeting went quite well, they listened very carefully and afterwards were very thankful for what they heard! The Mayor said they will be having a special event and would like for us to come and speak then, she well call us, we’ll see?

Tuesday left in the morning to a village called Nigzniv to meet with the Mayor and Priest. As we arrived to the Mayor’s office no one was there so we called him and of course he was out of the village again but said the Priest will meet with us but where is he, we couldn’t find him, so we waited and when he arrived we were finally able to talk. Though we did talk it was clear by his body language and facial expression and the tone of his voice that we were not welcome by him in this village!! After a little while in talking to the man it was disturbing to see how he was using the Word of God for his own agenda and for controlling the people, truthfully it was quite disgusting to see and even to shake this man’s hand! But God is true and just and he will have to answer to Him one day soon, hope this man turn’s from his ways and turn to the one who is The Way!

Had our evening meeting, about 11 out and listened well!

Wednesday had an appointment with the principal in school 22. We talked about having regular meetings with the Christian ethic class. He said he would like to continue to have us come but got some negative feedback from their Board of Education, he had us come without their consent. It had nothing to do with what was said but with not knowing who we our. The principal suggested that we should write a letter explaining who we are and our purpose here in Ukraine, he believes the Board will accept us into their school system and then he would like for us to come back, plan to give them a letter soon. Then later this evening I received a call from Tarrus, he came with me to talk to the Director of the prison. He was calling me to say he hasn’t heard from them yet and after some talk we hung up, less than five minutes later Tarrus called me back and said the person from the prison called him and approve our request to visit the prisoners, we will go next week to plan the dates.

Thank you for all your prayers! Please continue, need prayers in all these meetings and the Lord’s protection and guidance !!

In Christ our Lord!

Dan

Dan's Reports: #4

2011-12-15T22:28:00.001-06:00

Thursday, 27 of November

Made plans to go to the Bible Society in Lviv to pick up New Testaments, only one problem, I didn’t know how to get there. With Ruslan (who normally picks the Bibles up) away working in Vohkovena adding two washrooms to a large school building, I had no one to guide me there. Left later than planned but with the help of Google maps and Svetlana, was able to print out directions but then had another problem, it’s in Ukrainian! Did not let that stop me and so I left alone for Lviv. As I got near I then had another problem, they have no street names anywhere, why? Ukraine! Well, after tipping a taxi driver he led me to the Bible Society. A round trip that took about five plus hours, felt like a long day!

Friday had scheduled a meeting at a village called Nizheniv to speak at the village hall. Called to verify and they said it was ok. Once we got there though the lady who we thought was the Mayor was second in command and said the Mayor did not like this idea and would like to talk before we have the meeting, it had to be a phone conversation for he was away at the time. He was very hostile over the phone and was not welcoming at all. He is a new Mayor and wants to play it right by the priest. We ended up making another appointment with the Mayor and the Greek Catholic Priest, whatever the priest says goes. We will meet with them on Monday, when we also have plans to speak at another village hall nearby that same afternoon. I pray God’s protection and guidance!

Saturday left early to the children’s meeting to invite any kids I see around the school. Still not many out but more are hearing about these meetings, I sometimes think God is giving me what I can handle, still in the learning process! Thanks to Ruth Perkins for sending me direction to some games to play with the kids! If anyone has ideas or knows a game to play with the kids, let me know! Did some sweeping and mopping in the van, well over due and then tried to find a carwash but seems like everyone in town had the same idea but got her done and she looks squeaky clean!

Pray for these meetings on Monday and for our meetings here in Ivano- Frankivsk!! Thank You!!

In Christ our Lord!

Dan

Dan's Reports: #3

2011-12-15T22:27:00.004-06:00

Saturday, 26 of November

Had our children’s meeting, five were out for the first time. We started with a game that was all inclusive and worked out quite well, they really enjoyed it. After the message the two girls stayed talking with Svetlana while I played with the three rowdy boys. After the meeting I drove two of the kids’ home, these two were also coming out to the summer meetings but did not know about the gym meetings. Svetlana also seemed to enjoy talking to the girls, she just may grow a heart for children (I don’t think she likes them).

Sunday had our meeting here in Ivano, went well about 12 were out. This was the first Sunday with the new time and as can be expected two more came at the old time after the meeting. I announced at the meeting we will be distributing the clothes a little different, instead of having them call one person for the clothes we will be calling them. Not sure how this will all work out with the language barrier but it is in God’s hands and will be praying for his help!

Monday we visited three villages and talked with two of the Mayors and one with the Mayor's assistant. We were able to make two appointments, one on Wednesday with the school and the other on Friday; we will speak at the Village hall. We will visit the other village next week to speak at their hall.

Tuesday went to pick up the hymn books that we had printed but found out that there was a miss print in the title and will have to wait till they call me. I also had the six tracts proof read, found errors and retuned them for printing, I hope to have both by the end of the week? Had our meeting, about ten out and was good to see Andre out again, if it works out I’m hoping to have dinner with him some time this week.

Wednesday we left Ivano early morning to the school in a village called Olesha. Two classes were planned one for younger kids and one for the teens but after the first class they asked us if they can add a third class to the schedule, we of course said yes! Each class had about 40 students and was 45 minutes long. All of the classes went very well and the staff were very polite and welcomed us to come again soon. Each of the kids received a Bible text, a New Testament and some treats, 2 boxes of clothes were also given to the coordinator. This extra class cause Svetlana to miss her own class at school and she said she stayed up late to finish her homework, but said it was worth missing. She is going for her masters in economics.

Please pray for the meeting on Friday at the village hall and for our local meetings and clothes distribution. And for Svetlana, that she may also receive the message she’s interpreting!!

In Christ our Lord!

Dan

Dan's Reports: #2

2011-12-15T22:27:00.002-06:00

Now that Louie and Malcolm and Howard had come and gone the feel and mood here has change, it’s no longer quite the same! God has truly used these men here in this little town! They along with Eric and others who have come have had a big impact on the lives of the people here. Many do not read their own Bible or understand the Word of God or the Love of God or how to love God and live a Christian life. This is where these men had the greatest impact in teaching them both by word and by deeds! May God bless these men and may others step forward so to be used by God as these men have! A big Thank You for their example!

Thursday the 18 was students’ day. There was a dj in the center square and in many of the fast food places and students walking all through the town at the same time, it did seem a little odd until I found out what was going on.

We are no longer having a Thursday meeting since the men have left. If the time comes when a Thursday meeting is desired then we will start again when visitors come.

On Friday we had our meeting with the Director of the prison. The meeting went well but very strict and went by the book (it always helps if you have connections, we didn’t). They will send our documents along with a copy of my passport to Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. If they approve, it will only give us a two week period in December and we will have a chance to visit four prisons, all this work just for two weeks, pray God will bless this time!!

Saturday not many were out for the children’s meeting. We had a big whopping three and this is including us, but still took advantage of an open and empty gym! Earlier this week I had posted invitations on nearby apartment buildings for the meetings, then after the meeting I went back and most of the invites were already taken down, most likely the day after they were put up.

On Sunday we stayed in Ivano and had our meeting, the time will change since lviv changed their time from 12 to 10, ours will change from 4:30 to 3:00. Lighter than usual since some are sick but was still a good meeting and nice to see Michalo out again. He will be going into the hospital for two weeks to check for problems he has been having since his eye surgery.

Had a good meeting on Wednesday about 10 and was very glad to see Andre out (Vadym’s Father In-law). His daughter got married this past weekend and said he will like to make it to the meetings more often and will try to come next week, do hope to see him again!

Pray that the Lord will protect this little gathering here in Ivano and the outreach to the schools and orphanages and prisons and for the people to people relationships that are still developing. All are in great need of prayer and God’s intervention!!

In Christ our Lord

dan

Update on school in Verhovina

2011-11-15T22:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends

Many of you will remember the project we talked about in former letters, at the school in Verhovina near the border of Romania. I am happy to say that the Installing of flush toilets in the school is about to begin on November the 22nd. God willing.

For those who might have forgotten the details of this project, I will recap for you.

A number of years ago, may be 3 now. We were told of this school and that we would be welcome to visit it with Bibles and the gospel.

We travelled the two and a half hours through the mountains to this forgotten part of Ukraine. We found a very run down community with a large school that also boarded students weekly, who travelled from the mountains surrounding the town. The administrator Oxana received us warmly and arranged for us to speak to large numbers of students.

The school has 430-450 students, 250 who board there all week.

There are basically 5 buildings on the property, a 2 story school building, two dormitories, a kitchen/ dining room and a heating building. This town does not have gas, everything must be heated by wood. There are washroom in the dormitories but NO washrooms or even water, in the school building. The students AND STAFF must use the disgusting outside toilets shown in three of the pictures above. The smell is so bad that neighbours in an apartment have complained.

The original plan was to build onto the school some washrooms. A contractor gave a plan and estimate of $10,000US. When we went to see Oxana about the plan, she told us that they had remembered they had two store rooms in the same area as the plan and we could we see if they would do? Those are the other pictures in the above list. The rooms are full of junk and school records which they will remove. We measured the rooms and we can get 3 toilets in each room and one closed toilet for staff, plus wash basins.

Approximately $5.000CDN has been made available and may pay for all the materials. Pipes, toilets, basins and ceramic tile for the floors and partway up the walls.

Our driver who is also an elder in the Lviv assembly. is going to oversee the project. He has done this with other projects and is very trustworthy and a good worker. He thinks it will take two weeks to complete with the plumber and tile man and a labourer. Oxana has offered to house and feed the men while they are there at no cost. We are looking to the lord to supply the funds for the worker’s salaries while there as well as transportation costs.

Please pray that everything will go well. The engineer at the school has volunteered to dig the trench to bring water in and the town will put in the sewer.

I will not be there to oversee the work but will be kept in touch daily.

Thank you for your interest in this poverty stricken part of Ukraine with an open ear for the Gospel, both in students AND staff.

Malcolm Stanley

Galatians 6v10

Dan's Reports: #1

2011-11-15T21:56:00.001-06:00

Sunday, 6 of November

A full van load Left for Lviv early morning for the remembrance of our Lord and there Malcolm stayed behind for he will be going back home to his wife and family this week. While he was here we covered good ground, the Lord opened the doors for two more schools here in Ivano-Frankivsk and both of the principals of these schools are interested in us coming on a regular basis combining “Christian Ethics” with English as a class, not sure where this will go yet.

We also got a long overdue song book for our gathering to the printer, it will be completed this month. We can hardly wait to have them!

We got back in time for our meeting here with about 20 out.

On Monday we got a legal document made that explains our purpose here in Ukraine. This is needed in order for us to visit the prisons here, our first request was denied due to lack of this document.

We visited a school/orphanage today and had a talk with the principal about having a meeting with the kids. The school is in town and has close to 500 students and about 150 live there. The principal was very easy to talk to and with just a few questions granted our request and set up two classes to speak to on Wednesday.

Tuesday had a brief visit with Andre (Vadym’s father in-law). One of his daughters will be getting married this month plus he is still going to the village on the weekends and gathering up the vegetables. Earlier this year he was showing some interest in wanting to get a better understanding of the Bible and his own standing before God but got busy and hasn’t been out to the meetings but still shows some interest. One of the tactics of the enemy is to keep those who show interested so busy that they lose all interest. I hope he does not succeed with Andre! We had our evening meeting, lighter than usual but thought they listened well.

Thank You for all your interest, please continue to pray!!

In Christ our Lord

Dan

Fall 2011 Visit : Report #11

2011-11-15T21:55:00.000-06:00

Report #11 from Malcolm

Monday Oct. 8th.

Went to the airport 50 minutes before the flight to Munich, only to find it had left one hour earlier due to the daylight time change being changed here in Ukraine and no one had notified us of the change. I was the second in line to be told the same thing.

Oh well, God must need me here for another couple of days as the next flights out are on Thursday. I phoned Jean and she was able to book me again with Aeroplan except that I must overnight in Frankfurt.

I guess I learned a good lesson to check flights a day or so before flying.

At least I will be here for the Wednesday night meeting and we are going to the Carpathian mountains tomorrow.

Tuesday.

After loading up 8 boxes plus the 3 or so of Edmund and Agnes’s, we headed off to stock up on food items from the local department store, before hitting the road for the Carpathian Mountain town of Holovesco. On the way we stopped at the town of Strei to drop off some clothing for the doctor who carves wooden figures, and whose son was recently hit by a bus and received head injuries. We met his mother on the road and she said he was doing well now and was back at school. PTL.

We then headed to the mountains on a nice bright day. Everything looks nice in its fall colours, but we did not see any signs of snow, which was a blessing as they do get very much snow. We met our “guide” Natalia, who has been our guide to the poorest families in the region. She is an English teacher in the 2 small schools in the two villages close by. We went to one of these villages and waited as the people gathered. Some walked down the mountain side as the houses are mostly up the mountains. When we had a crowd, I spoke a word in the gospel. They listened very respectfully. We then gave each family produce and clothing.

We then went back to one of Natalia’s sister’s home, who has 14 children. She gave us lunch and when we had finished about 15 or so women and children had gathered outside. Edmund spoke to them and then we gave out the rest of the produce and clothes. It had turned rather cold as the sun set behind the mountains and we were glad to get in van and head home after a very good day. Natalia was one of the “first fruits of Holovesko”. When we went there many years ago, she got the people together in the community hall and interpreted the 2-roads chart for us. She told us later that she trusted in Christ as she interpreted the chart. She is now married with 2 little girls.

Wednesday was a “get ready for meeting and going home” sort of day, but we had a nice prayer and gospel meeting in the evening.

Thursday we made sure we were at the airport in time and everything went well. I had to stay overnight in Frankfurt so it meant I got home on Friday afternoon, weary but not as tired as other times.

Thank all of you for praying for me and Dan and Howard at Ivano Frankivsk and Flo and Heather in Lviv. All except Dan will be heading home this month, Dan is staying until January. Please pray for him.

I will send an update on the work going to begin in Verkovna school, following this report.

God bless and keep you all in His love.

Malcolm

Fall 2011 Visit : Report #9

2011-11-12T14:19:00.000-06:00

Note: Since Malcolm wrote this report, he missed his plane in Lviv, it left one hour earlier. I have made reservations for him to fly out from Lviv on Thursday Nov 10th arriving in Winnipeg Friday 11^th. The lord must have more work for him to do in Ukraine. Jean

Report #9 for Saturday and Sunday Oct 5&6^th.

Saturday morning we went to a service centre to get them to see what the klunk was under the vehicle.

They put it on a hoist and found it needs two rubbers on the torsion bar. Thankfully it was not more serious and they can do it on Monday at nine am.

We then did some shopping for a folding bed and found one for just under $100. We intend to stand the King size bed up to the wall and use a folding bed instead. This should give us a lot more room to sort clothes in the bedroom. (don’t worry, we got permission to stand the bed up from the landlady. It should be quite safe. But pray for Howard!).

We then had lunch and headed to the school for the children’s meeting and were glad to have about 15 kids out. They played very well together and were well behaved when Howard spoke to them. They learned a verse and sang a chorus in both English and Ukrainian. Dan was very excited and hopes there will be more next Saturday.

We went home and got ready to take Svetlana our interpreter and her husband Andre and her mother out for supper. We had a good meal of Shish Kabob or Shishleek in Ukrainian. We left the restaurant in a pea soup fog and wondered if it would be clear in the morning.

Sunday came and we headed to Lviv in beautiful sunny weather. This was to be my last meeting and I spoke after the B/B. With many hugs and kisses, we parted with the Ivano folk, Dan and Howard and 6 others.

We went out with Flo and Heather to Nesnevachy, the first village we had meeting in when we came to Ukraine. Stefka, a relative welcomed us heartily as usual. It was in her homes that Ross Vanstone and I had good Gospel meetings when the Seed Sower group came over. The family were there and we had a good country meal together. Stefka is not at all well after having 6 surgeries on her abdomen and she had a large hernia now. She is 82 and won’t go in for any more surgery.

Came back and got ready to leave tomorrow at 1:50pm for Munich and home. Thank you for showing interest in our activities that we trust will bring glory to God in time to come.

God bless and thank you for your prayers. Dan will send reports periodically.

Malcolm

Fall 2011 Visit : Report #8

2011-11-12T14:17:00.002-06:00

Report #8 for Thursday Oct.3^rd. - Friday Oct. 4^th
We had an early start with a class at 8am in school 21, a new school to us. This was an English speaking class and so we didn’t need an interpreter. They teach English very well in Ukraine. We gave out N/T’s and John 3:16’s. The teacher stayed and talked for a long time.
We went to see the Principal afterwards and had a good talk with him. He is a Bible reading Catholic and seems to lean towards Charismatic Catholicism, but seems very happy with our presentation and wants us to come regularly.
He then gave us an address of an orphanage in another town for us to visit.

We then went to another school and spoke to about 80 students in their auditorium. There was a wonderful reception here and the old tradition, the first for this trip, of signing their N/T’s. Wow! Talk about wrist cramp. Even the teachers wanted theirs signed. Then they wanted group pictures with us in. It was very good reception for a new school.

We were invited out for supper with Oleg and Ola, good Christian friends. They wanted to take us to a new motel restaurant about 20k out of town. Well it was not where they thought it was and we got really off track. We eventually saw it on a hill, surrounded by a fence all lit up with round lights on posts. To say is was great is the understatement of the year. It had only been open for 3 months.
The menu was magnificent, the service the best.
Out of interest, we got a tour of the rooms. They were the best we had ever seen in our lives and only 300R ($40) per night, including breakfast. Enough about it, but I will include a picture of the 300 seat banquet room.

Today we headed to the Sanatorium we had told you about, where children go for respite after some illness. The room was packed with 100 children plus staff. They were from about 6 years to teenagers. They listened and participated very well and we were invited back whenever we can come. If it wasn’t for the road, we would go back more often. It also takes 2 hours to get there. We did manage to find a less disasterous road for our return.

We came back to Ivano and did some business with our land lady, who is also Notary Public regarding our vehicle.

We came home and made supper with the remaining pot of goat meat stew, given to us from one of our ladies from meeting. It was very good.

Thank you for praying for us.
Dan, Howard and Malcolm

Note. Malcolm leaves for home on Monday

Fall 2011 Visit : Report #7

2011-11-02T23:01:00.000-05:00

Monday was a day we planned to go to my favourite orphanage in this area, in the
village of Yablunuv, which I understand means "Apple village" . We planned to
make a good day of it and visit the village school first. We spoke to about 30
teens and had a good time with them.
Then we went to the orphanage and took some clothing and 2 boxes of thread for
their sewing room.
Howard took 3 balls he had bought in Lviv with money his 3 grand-daughters had
given him for that purpose. There was one soccer ball and 2 volley balls. That is
so sweet when children in Canada think of children in Ukraine.
Dan then spoke to the children about the lost sheep, using some of the kids.
It went very well.
We then visited the maternity hospital to take some baby blankets for new-borns.
We went in a different door this time and went right up to the ward. We had never
been allowed up before so could not get a picture; this time we did. There was
only one young woman in at that time and so we gave her the blanket and a warm
scarf. She was from a mountain village and so came in a month before she was due.
She was very sweet and very appreciative. I will try to post her picture.
We went back to Ivano and were invited to Svetlana, our interpreter's home for
supper. Her mother prepared a scrumptious supper. As we were finishing, Howard
got up and went to the washroom. When he came back he was shaking uncontrollably.
He had no pain but could not stop shaking and was finding it hard to breath. The
family called the ambulance and it came very quickly with two paramedics. They
checked his B/P and found it very high. They gave him a couple on injections and
said they wanted to take him to the hospital.
He walked down the ambulance and Dan and I followed at break-neck speed. A doctor
checked him out and took a blood sample. He had stopped shaking but felt very
weak. She said there was nothing wrong with his blood and she suggested he go
home, as the hospital was full of people with the flu; so off home we went with
no charges for ambulance or doctor.
Howard laid low yesterday and is almost back to normal today, Wednesday PTL.
Yesterday, Ruslan (our driver in Lviv) came from Lviv with a man who can do most
of the work on the washrooms in Verhovina. He was supposed be here at 9:30 but
didn't arrive until 11:30 because of thick fog all the way here. We headed off to
Verhovia, hoping the fog had lifted, and it had and we had lovely sunshine
through the mountains. We did an assessment of the job and availability of
materials. Ruslan will head up the job for us, once Flo Kancir returns to Canada.
He hopes to start on November 19th. When we have a job like this, it is very
important to have a trustworthy man who will control the expenses. Ruslan will do
that and will come up for a week or two with the man and can stay at the school
dormitory and also get their meals.
It was a very long day and I got back at 6pm, just as the meeting started.
Dan took the meeting as Howard was not up to preaching.
Today we had to speak to two classes of students in the largest school in this
Oblast. Over 1200 from 1 to 12 grades. This was a new school and we have a large
group to speak to again tomorrow. It is also the school where we will be having
the Saturday afternoon Children's Meetings in the Gym.
Our good friends Oleg and Ola wanted to take us out for supper tonight at a new
hotel in the country. We headed in the right direction but turned on what Oleg
thought was the right road but found out 20 or so Kms on, that we were on the
wrong road. We eventually found it, perched on a hill and visible for miles. What
a gorgeous place. Only 3 months old and I would say 6 star rating. We went on a
tour of the rooms. Unbelievable! And only R300 per night or $40.00, including
breakfast. It had a banquet room for 300 guests and they have been doing 2
wedding a week. The Honeymoon suite is included free with a banquet. A great meal
for the 5 of us.
And so to bed, tired but well fed today.
God bless and please don't forget to pray for us.
Malcolm, Dan and Howard.

Fall 2011 Visit : Report #6

2011-11-02T22:58:00.000-05:00

Report#6 for Thursday Oct.27th to Sunday Oct.30th Thursday was a fix things kind
of day. Not necessarily broken but jobs to be done. We went to order a round
stamp to make some of letters more official looking. We needed to pick it up on
Friday. We can't get things done this quickly at home. We took in the words we
wanted on the stamp and they said it would be ready by 2:30pm on Thursday. All
for 150 R or $20.00.
We then went to the principal/Administrator of School 22 where we are having the
Saturday meetings for Children in their gym. He had his teacher who was the
Christian Ethics teacher and they asked us what we intended to say and do. When
we told them they booked us for 2 days this week. Two classes one day and a large
group in the auditorium the other day. He then phoned another school and made us
an appointment with that Principal. What a God send to find this man.
We had our meeting in the evening with a good number out once again. I had
forgotten to mention that we went to see Natalia, the lady with Ms, the other
day. She is not getting any better, in fact she had problems holding her head up
now, and keeps looking at the ceiling. She is so sweet and doesn't want us to
feel sorry for her. We took some adult pampers once again, as they find them very
expensive to buy.
On Friday we picked up the stamp and got some money changed. The Canadian has
really gained from 7:50 to 7:90r to the Dollar. US was 7:95Rr.
As we were expecting more people to go to the Conference in Lviv than we could
get in our van, we went to the bus depot to find a 15 passenger van to take us
all to Lviv. This was to no avail as firstly there were no 15 passenger vans and
all the others we booked to go to places. Well lastly we found a man with a van
taxi who was willing to take us, but it was only a 9 passenger. So that meant we
had to take our van too. We had no other option but to hire him for 600r for the
one trip , or about $78.00. We said we would make arrangements from Lviv to get
home. We planned to leave at 4pm and the people were ready, but about 4 people
dropped out at the last minute which left us with 7 of them and the 3 of us. We
couldn't help it and so all the others went with the taxi and us three in our
vehicle. A bit disappointing but as they say, this is Ukraine!
We got to the big Baptist church half an hour before the evening meeting and they
were insistent that we ate some soup and sandwiches before meeting started.
About 70 people were there for the first meeting from Lutsk, Ivano and Lviv of
course. This conference was to celebrate the first anniversary of the Lviv
Assembly.
The first meeting was for prayer and gospel. A visiting brother from Ireland
Lawrence Mc Hugh and our own Howard Pratt. Most of the people stay at the church
as it had a boarding facility up stairs.

Saturday started with Breakfast at 8am in the church and a Bible reading started
at 10:30 to 12:45. (The longest one I've been at!) . We did all of Mark Ch.1,
with Lawrence leading it.
Then we had lunch and ministry with 3 brethren taking it. Timothy Sloan, myself
and Lawrence in that order. After supper the Lutsk people went home and our group
stayed in Lviv for the Morning meeting at Flo's. Dan stayed with our group at the
church, Howard and I at Flo's.
When Dan was ready to leave the church, their service had begun and someone had
blocked the van in. At first they didn't want to disturb the service to find out
whose car it was. (They say there are 400 who attend here). Any way someone
eventually let them out in time for meeting.
We had a full meeting with about 22 breaking bread and about 9 looking on.
After lunch we managed to pack everyone, uncomfortably, into our van and got home
in good time for our meeting at 4:30.
Altogether a busy but very profitable weekend and now one week left for me and
two and a half for Howard. Dan is staying on till after Christmas, at least.

Sorry for the Epistle but no time to write while away.

Dan, Howard and Malcolm

Fall 2011 Visit : Report #5

2011-10-27T20:49:00.001-05:00

Report #5 For Sunday Oct.23 to Wednesday 26th

We were up in good time to head for Lviv for the morning meetings and got away with 6 others in the van. The weather was dry and the views of the trees in the fall are spectacular. The rolling countryside is very beautiful in Ukraine, if only the roads were as beautiful!

There were a nice number to Break Bread and Edmund gave ministry afterwards. I told you a week ago about a young man who Volodia and I spoke to after meeting. The good news is that he got saved last Thursday and seems very happy and satisfied.

After a good lunch we headed back to Ivano with Howard on board. We were in good time for meeting when Both Howard and I spoke. Dan said he needs a rest now that we are here. There were a good number out and we were encouraged.

On Monday we had to make an early start to get to Verhovina on the Romanian border. It is an almost 3 hour trip through the mountains. Thankfully the road is quite good, mainly because it is the main road to the ski area. Verhovina is the other side of the mountains in the valley. The main reason for going was to look into a project we would like to accomplish for the 200 plus students, by putting in some washrooms.
We met with Oxana the Director and discussed what had been done so far with the washrooms. We found out that the first quote was by a contractor to build an addition to the school and install the washrooms. Now things had changed, as they found two store rooms that can be converted to washrooms without the expense of building.
We looked at and measured the rooms and will now seek out our own contractor to give us a price for the new arrangement.
We were very weary when we arrived home from the 3 hour trip there and 3 hours back.

Tuesday was mainly a day of shopping for medications, sorting out other stuff, preparing for the conference in Lviv on the week-end.
We had the meeting at 5pm with a good crowd of about 22 or so. We had several of our people come in early to fit shoes from a box that Flo gave us. They seemed very happy.

Wednesday, today we spent visiting 3 families in town as school is out all this week in this area and so there is no point visiting schools. We visited one family who are very poor but come to our meetings. The grandfather is very deaf due to being bombed in the war and the noise permanently damaging his hearing. They insisted in feeding us, even though we asked them not to bother. We were able to explain the 2-roads chart more clearly to them but they are all a little hard of hearing.

We then visited Oxana, a single woman who is really saved but has to look after her ailing mother and father. We had a good talk and she wants to come to the conference on the week-end.

Then we visited a lady for the first time named Antonina. She started coming to the meetings quite recently. This is her story. Her husband recently took 3 heart attacks and died. They had 2 sons born to them. The one was married and had one little girl. His wife went to Italy to work and then decided to stay and leave him to look after their daughter.
He was then attacked and killed in this city. In the mean time, the mother came back and hired a nanny to look after the girl, who was about 10 then.
Antonina’s other younger son tried to get the girl back while she was here in Ivano but was arrested and charged with something and is now in jail and has been for 2 years. They think the police were paid off to lay false charges by the mother.
The girl has now vanished and is thought to be in Italy.
How much can some people bear. We had a wonderful opportunity to present the love of God to her and she seemed most receptive. Please pray for her conversion.

All for now.
Please pray for us and the upcoming conference on Friday evening and Saturday.

Fall 2011 Visit : Report #4

2011-10-24T22:31:00.001-05:00

Report #4 Friday Oct 20 to Oct 22.

The day was wet and miserable all day and quite cool. We had a number of things to do and the first was to track down a missing weigh bill from MEEST. There was no real need for it but we just wanted to make sure we had paperwork. We went to the MEEST office, just around the corner and after about 20 minutes were told that the bills were at the garage. A man was in the office and offered to guide us to the garage. I couldn’t believe it! It must have been 5 miles away. All that way to pick up one piece of paper.

We then went to get some things from Walmart, (not spelt the same in Ukrainian). Dan was in an isle when a bag in a ladies cart jumped and scared the life out of him. It was a live fish, they sell them out of the tank. Anyway, she spoke beautiful English and is an English teacher. She invited us to please come to her school and speak to the children. We will certainly look forward to that.

We had to work on the invitations for the children’s meeting we are going to have in the school gym.
I made two different sized posters, one large in colour and one small in black. Dan then went out in the rain and stapled signs to the apartment doors in the vicinity of the school.

Saturday came dry but cloudy and so we headed off to get some sports equipment for the gym. It is an amazing sports store with just about anything a person would want in that line.
We got to school just before 2pm and were let into the gym. After about 15 minutes the first boy came and then 2 more. Dan played some games and as no more were coming we had a little Bible lesson and they went home with invitations to bring others in two weeks, as we will be in Lviv next week for Conference.
We had two invitations to visit people who come to meeting. Michaelo is an old man that came out to meeting regularly but then had to have eye surgery. He then started to have serious vertigo and could not walk on his own. His wife and son come out to all the meetings. They need winter boots badly and we will try to get her some on Tuesday.
We then went to Maria’s, just one of the several Maria’s we have contacted. She is a baptized believer who just lost her husband who had been sick for years. She lives in one room with her son. She has to share the cooking area and wash rooms, but can she ever prepare a meal fit for a king. We were very over full when we headed home to get ready for Sunday.
All for now.
God bless and please keep praying.
Malcolm and Dan.

Report from Louis Smith

2011-10-22T21:28:00.002-05:00

UKRAINE REPORT FALL 2011
Louis Smith
On September 16 a flight was taken to Lviv Ukraine. The plane was met by
Flo Kancer, Heather Anderson, Gill Plourde and Rusland Teman. On
September 18 the assembly In Lviv met for the Breaking of Bread and
afterward Edmond Johnson gave ministry. On Monday a visit was made to
Roman's family with a food package. His wife left him to raise five nice
children.
We bought school supplies for the Samber Youth Prison where we had a
meeting with about 60 young men. Gill and Louis spoke and afterwards a
teacher gave approval to what we had said. The son of Mycilo, a young boy
was hit by a bus. We visited the father at the hospital and helped with
medical expenses. This boy has since recovered. At the Wednesday assembly
prayer and ministry meeting Louis gave ministry and gospel.
On Thursday five people made a trip to Ivano-Frankvisk for the meeting
there. Gill and Louis spoke to about 20 people. Sevetlana is our
interpreter. Afterward we spoke to Jana's daughter Roxana about baptism
as she wants to be baptized. We visited Oleg who has an electrical
business in the market. His son was getting married the next week end, so
Oleg was busy until that was over.
The gear shift lever did not work so Vadym took the car for repair. On
Saturday we had a children's meeting in the park for about 20 children.
On September 25 we had a meeting in the apartment that we rent for
meetings and where we live. Dan Perez and Louis spoke. Dan has been there
for 3 months and plans to be here for at least another 4 months. We
visited Yaraslav's neighbor who was pressing grapes to make wine. We also
visited Lesa who lives in a tiny apartment with her husband and small son
who is not well. .
We got the car on Tuesday. We took Vadym's mother to the hospital as she
is diabetic. School supplies were purchased and taken to the orphan
halfway house. We had a meeting with the children and staff. It is a
place where children are kept until they go back to their parents, to
adoption or to a permanent orphan home. There was a meeting on Tuesday at
6;00.
Fourteen boxes of clothing came from Cedar Falls, Iowa and they were
checked and stored for distribution. On Thursday there was a meeting and
afterwards we went to Orisas' for a dinner of rabbit. Friday we were to
go to Peters village for a meeting and to distribute clothing but the car
would only go in 3rd and 4th gear so we had to cancel. On Saturday we had
the children's meeting in the park and in the evening we were invited to
Maria's for a very nice dinner. She and her son live in a small room and
have to share cooking and bathroom with other apartments. Her husband had
recently passed away.
On Sunday October 2 we could not go to Lviv for the Breaking of Break as
the car was not working. We had a meeting at 4:30. There were 22
attending with interest. The great doctrines of Romans were being taken
up. On Monday we had the car repaired so the gear shift would work. Cards
with John 3:16, the address and times of the meetings were ordered from
the printer. We were invited to Yaraslav's for a very nice supper. On
Tuesday we visited Oleg in the market. Both are coming to the meetings.
There was a meeting in the evening. After the meeting we visited Mycilo
who has an eye problem and other difficulties.

Fall 2011 Visit : Report #3

2011-10-22T21:27:00.002-05:00

Report#3 For Tuesday 18^th to Thursday 20^th.
The weather is definitely fall like, with frost on the cars in the morning but warm as the days go on.
There is a type of tree that seemed to shed all its leaves in one night of the first frost. Piles of them on the van and cars; never seen anything like it.
Tuesday we didn’t have our interpreter until meeting at 5pm, so we did a lot of little things during the day. First we had to do something about the van not going into two gears without a struggle. We went to a Mercedes repair depot and the boss and mechanic tried it out and it worked fine for them. (so what is new?) We took it back from them and found that the “serious problem” was the leather boot around the stick shift was being pinched when we changed gears. Took it off and Bingo! No more problems. A very cheap fix!
I had to change money 7.50R to the Canadian Dollar, 8R to the US. We really need a copier and scanner so shopped around for a good model and a good price. Best price at the shop where we get our computers serviced or whatever.
The traffic was terrible, so it takes a long time to get through the city to do anything. By the time we had shopped it was time to head home and get ready for the meeting at 5pm.
We had a good number out again. It is amazing how these people will keep coming out when many have quite a long way to come, either walking or on a bus.
We had good talks after meeting, Dan to Luba, who had a number of interesting questions that he was able to help her with. She is a lovely sister with multiple problems, like epilepsy, which she controls and a son with autism or something similar, yet she has a permanent smile.
I had a talk with Oleg and convinced him to be responsible to receive the boxes that arrive. He is a good brother and can be trusted. Pray that he will want to be in fellowship with the Christians in Lviv one day, with his wife. They both were in fellowship in Solidarity before leaving.

Wednesday was a most profitable day as we visited two homes for men in Sniatin. We had visited before but this time I really wanted to speak to the staff. Both administrators were more than willing to have me do that and I spoke to about 15-20 at the first home and about 30 at the second. It is such a privilege to speak to so many unsaved men and women and to see their interest and how willing they are to get a New Testament and John 3:16.
The financial situation gets worse for the running of these institutions. There is money for salaries (if you can call them “salaries”) heat and light and nothing to feed or clothe the men. They must either produce their own food or beg for help.
We ate at Taco Bell for supper. My first experience there and a very good taco wrap. The only problem is that half the restaurant is for smoking. However we survived with only minor lung damage.

Thursday was to be a most memorable day in two ways. First we went to visit a school Director where Dan wants to rent or have Children’s meetings. We met the man and was delighted with our reception. He is willing to let us have the gym for one and a half hours each Saturday for free. Also we will be welcome to speak to the kids in the school. PTL.
We then left for an orphanage in a town we had never been to before named Pereginske. The GPS did an admirable job of finding, without a doubt, the worst road we had ever been on. For about 20 miles it was either a rock strewn lane or a chopped up black top road. Twice the GPS tried to send us into the bush on a logging road. I took us 2 hours to get to the home and one hour on a good road home that was 14 Kms longer. We now will plot on good roads only and not the shortest route!
We had a lovely reception from the lady Director, who brought lunch and coffee right away and put on a very well done cd of the school while we ate.
Half the children were away on a field trip, which was a disappointment, but I spoke to about a dozen plus staff and had a great time. We gave out children’s bibles and New Testaments to the staff plus John 3:16’s. The road home was wonderful on an excellent highway.
We picked up the new copier and headed home to get ready for meeting. We had a full room again and a good opportunity to preach the word.
Just as the meeting ended 16 boxes arrived from Canada.
We then went to visit Marika and her eldest son who is suffering from a very bad skin condition. He is not saved and doesn’t like to go out in public but we had a good opportunity to pour in the need for spiritual healing, which is more important than any medical condition.
And so to bed as I finish this at 1:10 am
Good night and please pray for us.
Malcolm and Dan.

Fall 2011 Visit : Report #2

2011-10-17T21:39:00.001-05:00

Report #2 From Thursday 12^th to Monday 17^th October.

Well I thought we had got over my Jetlag rather quickly but found it took longer than I had anticipated. I was not so much tired as not feeling “with it”, so to speak. (And no smart remarks from any of you).
I don’t remember much of the days until Thursday. I know we went to Vileky Lubin and took some shoes and boots as well as to Lopartin, where we fitted 125 children with either shoes or boots.
Flo got some amazing deals on boxes of shoes and boots from Canada.
On Thursday we went somewhere local and then picked Howard Pratt up from the airport. He will be here for about 5 weeks. We had the first Bible Study for the fall, in the evening. The van came up from Ivano and brought Louis Smith up to Lviv, as he was to leave for home on Sunday.
The Bibles reading went well with good participation from most of the brethren.
I had planned to go back that night with Dan, but Edmund constrained us to abide with them as fast fell the eventide. I didn’t need any convincing and so we packed my bags in the van and with the help of a GPS, got hopelessly lost in down town Lviv. We eventually found a spot near to Edmund’s apartment and phoned him to come and rescue the perishing. We had a great lunch and a great night’s sleep. We headed off at 9:30am with the same GPS and couldn’t find our way out of town this time. We passed Edmund’s apartment about 3 times, then he phoned us and asked if we were doing ok. We were out of town by then.

Saturday it poured with rain and sleet and I felt of all men most miserable. Dan was determined to go and see if there were any children at the place he had the meetings. The rain had stopped but no kids except for one who came by just as we were leaving. Dan talked to him and told him to come next Saturday if the weather was better.
We then went for lunch and then came home to prepare for meeting: Dan in ministry in Lviv and me in gospel in Ivano Sunday afternoon.
Sunday morning, sharp at 9am we loaded up with 6 plus ourselves and headed to Lviv for the Remembrance Meeting and Ministry to follow. I was great to see everyone again, that I had not seen on Thursday. 22 people broke bread and 6 looked on. It was very encouraging to see.
That reminds me that we had a tour of the newly acquired meeting room that is well on in the renovation. It will be a real blessing, as Flo’s apartment is now far too small.
The meeting room will need flooring and chairs, plus the fixtures for the bathroom and kitchen. This will be done as the Lord supplies.

Today we went to a town Kosiv to visit a young lady Marianna, who is the daughter of Danna and Ivan, the folks from Chernobil, who is a student at college in Kosov, who was hit by a car while crossing a cross walk. She has a fractured, either hip or pelvis and two breaks on the leg, poor girl. Her mother was with her and is sleeping in a 4^th bed in the room. The driver couldn’t stop on wet pavement but is paying all their expenses.
We then visited a large School/orphanage and had an interview with the Director who had many questions about us and will make enquiries of some of the school etc we have visited. We hope to get back there.
Back home very tired and now getting ready for meeting tomorrow.
Please keep praying for us and some difficulties we have to address.

Malcolm and Dan.

Fall 2011 Visit : Report #1

2011-10-13T20:24:00.000-05:00

Report #1 October

I have been in Lviv Ukraine for 2 days so thought I should let you know about the good trip I had here and God’s goodness to me all the way.

I left Winnipeg at 8;55am on Sunday and made good time to Chicago. I was surprised to find out that I could take 2- 50lb bags for free, booked right through to Lviv.
We boarded our United 777 in good time but then found there was a problem with 4 toilets not working. Well after over an hour, they were fixed, having to get a part from another plane. I was booked to go from Frankfurt to Munich but would now miss the connection. Just before we left, a lady came on board and called my name. She had a new booking with Austrian Airlines into Vienna and then on to Lviv. We were then off on the 7 and a half hour trip to Frankfurt.
Everything went very well except I could not get a message to Flo in Lviv to say why I would not be on the plane she was expecting. I could not do it until I was in the Lviv airport and borrowed a ladies phone and called her. Ruslan and Flo picked me up within 10 minutes of my arrival. God is so Good.
               Yesterday we visited Lopaten, an orphanage of 125 children from 6-18 years old. We took enough shoes and boots to fit them all with what was needed. Flo had got most of these for $3.00 per pair. I then spoke to all the children and staff, they were very attentive and how wonderful to hear the whole crowd recite John 3:16 together.
               Today we visited a sister in the hospital who was very unwell and is worrying about her mentally challenged son at home alone. Her name is Lydia. I had met her in her village years ago but she remembered me, I could not remember her though. She had run out of medications and needed at least another 5 day of meds. She gave us the list and we went to the pharmacy in the hospital. The total came to 1332 Rhyvny or $175 Cdn. She would never be able to have bought these meds and we suppose she would just be turned out of the hospital and told to go home. A terrible situation to be sure.
               We shopped for some needed items and then came home to get ready for meeting tonight.
               Thank you for praying for my safe trip, I had great peace about it. Just a little stress about my credit card not working the phone at the airport to phone Flo, but it all worked out.

All for now.
Malcolm

Eric Fowler update #22

2011-06-27T20:34:00.001-05:00

Day 22 Wednesday June 8

Last days are hard, like the Last day the lord spent with his own and then home to heaven.
Daniel said good-by to the ones here last night, very hard.
Early rise, read, prayer and little breakfast, no water, little cream wheat so right little breakfast. Little is much when God is behind it.
Daniel put his things in van and away to the market first to make pictures from his camera.
Then the long rough ride to Lviv. I instructed we leave little early but Daniel thought lots of time. Well he knew what we should have done by the time we got to the airport. His flight was to leave 1:40 we got there 1:10 or more like 1:12. The traffic at airport was heavy but we saw him through security so he is over the Atlantic now .
We went to MacDonald for a treat to our Driver as no Mac Donald’s in Ivano. Then you know,
I enjoyed it as well.
Then we went to the Prayer and Ministry meeting in Lviv. It made it a late night to get back here in Ivano but just had to give the little assembly a little food for the race.
13 were out with two unsaved ... one was a man who lost his son his only son last year in car crash. He has heard much Gospel but not yet saved. Amazing to see him there. He watched the
first breaking of bread Last year when the assembly started.
Day over and very tired. Three visits tomorrow and we will have to eat at both places.
Thanks for your prayers.
ERIC

Eric Fowler update #21

2011-06-27T20:33:00.002-05:00

DAY 21 June 7th.

This is the Day the Lord has made we will rejoice and be Glad in it. It was just that day today in Ukraine. Read little , pray some and then breakfast as normal. Daniel made Cream of wheat but you know what, when he makes it's with extra lumps. Well ok, it lasts longer maybe. He needs a wife to teach him.
The day was very busy. We loaded the van for Peter's village an hour away. We had clothing for the Mayor' office where she will call the people and have them come for it. This lady has heard much Gospel but the messages haven't reached her heart yet. Olia is her name. Then to the school with magnets, some books for children, and clothing for the children. We were to take ladies clothing for the teachers and forgot. We will go back on Friday. We spoke to 30 children of all ages and 15 teachers and workers. They have land for the school and the parents and teachers do the work to have food at the school all year around. They sell some of what they grow to buy things they can't grow. We had a very nice time. Dinner with the Principle she is very kind. They need a few extra things for the school so we will get for them when we return on Friday.
We came home and bought medicine for a lady for her 16 yr old daughter. She came to meeting
and I noticed she took notes so I don't know what she knows will visit her again on Friday as she like to have help with Pampers for her girl. We had 29 out to meeting tonight, the most since we came; a great number considering planting time.

The people are so poor, no medicine and many have very little food. No limits for the need.

It was little hard on the message with Vadym not here and his knowledge of Bible language is good whereas, the lady we have has nothing, and I mean nothing.
Daniel will leave tomorrow. 10 day left so value prayer.
A full day for sure but much done for the master.
Eric yet with Daniel

Eric Fowler update #20

2011-06-27T20:32:00.001-05:00

Day 20 June 6th
Hello from the sunny Ukraine.
Prayer, Read and breakfast. This AM just tea as our driver came early.
We removed all the back seats out of the van as we will take a load of goods to a men’s home 2 hours away. We were there before and last year bought a hot water tank for them.
We took 2 wheelchairs and 8 walkers, 3 boxes of pampers, one box of clothing for men plus some clothing in bags. Then some needles someone gave me for the nurse there. We also took text and tracts, blankets and some sheets for beds.

Just before going had visit from lady and then knew why we didn't have rest about taking the 3 wheelchairs; will tell you later of this.
We had good visit at the men’s home for sure. The director took us all through the place again.
They need a big wheelchair, and multi Vitamins and also some other medicine.
They also need pots with handles on them. They have to carry the food to the men. The food
is made in one building and men are in the other building with little space to eat. A lot of work.
Then the director took us out for dinner. He is very nice. He took us into town to a canteen. The food was very nice; I wanted to pay but he paid for all five of us.
Then I went on the street and gave out 100 NT and 60 or more children books and magnets, and he looked on and enjoyed it much as I worked the street. Daniel talked to him and our driver and interpreter while I worked. He asked for children books for all his workers, as some of them have children. He wanted NT for all workers.
Then we came back to Ivano and had a visit with one un-married lady who lives alone. She comes to meeting all the time. Her name in Ola. We had a time explaining the Gospel to her and answered her many questions, but many questions were very nice ones. Like will our body rise
from the Grave again? How will is rise? Then w came back home.
O yes the lady we met before going away this morning told us she needed a wheelchair for a friend and she wanted some help for her 16 year old daughter who was bed-ridden . So we visit her tomorrow with some help.
Lots and lots to do.
Thanks for your prayers, Heaven will tell the good done down here for others.

Remember the way to spell JOY is, the “O’ for others must be between the J and the Y.
You must be last. There is no joy in spelling it YOJ or OJY. Remember JOY Jesus must be first.

Eric with Daniel for one more full day.

Eric Fowler update #19

2011-06-27T20:31:00.000-05:00

Day 19 June 5th
Today we drove to Lviv for the worship meeting. Peter our new driver, went with us and this is what I was praying for so that he may see it first hand. As you may have learned from other reports he is not saved yet. He came up and watched, he said nothing about it after, just that Valodia was wonderful in his interpretation.
They received a girl into the meeting today for the first time. She lives in a village out- side of Lviv. It was great to be there and see it. The largest number, I would say ever broke bread in Lviv today There were 25 and 5 in back seat.
Edmond had relatives visiting from Northern Ireland.

Then we drove back to Ivano and had the meeting here. It was great to see 20 in here. This is great, as some regulars were away as it is planting time here. 90% of the people’s food comes from the garden they grow. So they must be there.
Four men were in and this is good to see an interest the men are taking. I was praying for a few other ladies to come so I must visit them again.
The day is over so took Peter to Pizza after meeting and now I'm tired again. O yes Vadym is still sick so Svetlana helped interpret and did all right, with help from Peter they we helping each other. God himself knows the reasons why it's this way with two new people helping.
Eric with Daniel for just 3 more Days.

Eric Fowler update #18

2011-06-12T21:05:00.000-05:00

June 4th

18TH DAY OF LABOUR IN A WORN OUT COUNTRY.
Day normal start Prayer and read breakfast of cream of wheat for me, Daniel is about to like it.
15 boxes came 8 from Welland and 6 from Malcolm.
Great to see the wheelchairs come that were shipped while I was in the meetings in Welland. I
have them for a home for men that has now no wheelchairs and no walkers. We did bring one
wheelchair there last year that was here in the apartment.
We also bought a hot water tank for them last year which was needed to wash their dishes.
We also want to take pampers there and clothing. This will be on Monday if possible before
Daniel goes home on Wednesday and I will need his help to do this.
We then went to Maria's for dinner. She is a Christian with a son and husband not saved but they
have changed a lot. Her husband would not let her have a Bible in her home 5 years ago when
we first came. Now he wants her to read the Bible to him every day and some days she says she
doesn't have time and he says you must make time. He has had a number of strokes. She is one
of the poorest Saints and the happiest so far. One room for the three of them and their son is in
his 20's. She always had lots to eat and more for she will spend almost a month’s wages to do it.
We then went a bought her a fridge a small one to fit in her already over loaded space. This was
a shock to her, tears in her eyes she said I could never think of saving that much money to get it.
Her son came with her too, and we trust it will speak to him.
We then met the youngest Daughter of Danna the big family here and bought her things for her
art work. She is very skilful but may not get anywhere here because she is very poor. You must
buy your way through life here or get nowhere. A TERRIBLE SYSTEM.
We tried to visit Tanya's family but her mom was at work until 7 so missed here again.
I came home here tired and ready for a good rest as tomorrow we will go to Lviv to meeting and
have to back for 4 meeting here.
Eric with Daniel, then alone. Daniel will go home for some days and return for 3 more months.

Eric Fowler update #17

2011-06-08T21:08:00.002-05:00

DAY 17 June 3

The Day started well and in the normal way Prayer and time to refuel and then Breakfast.
Our drive Peter came at 10 and also Svtlana our interpreter; she has been working out great. Her
mom has been helping in some of the visit arrangements. She is a social worker and has many
contacts.
Daniel went and helped Vadym move some extra heavy things from his house he is moving out
of for the owner to do repairs for two months.
We went and bought 9 food packages in the morning and got fan for a lady who lives in a very
poor apartment that smells terrible. We are to install fly screens for her as well. One of her
daughters sang for us, what a voice.
We did five new visits today. The first was with two ladies that were nurses by trade and spent
over 30 years working and only get 1200 rhivny or about $150 our money a month.
A great contact they are for sure. One of the ladies is dying with cancer. We want to go back and
she wants us to come back.
Then another visit was with a sister and a brother, the brother is dying with cancer and we
had nice talk to him and he wants us to come back. His unmarried sister takes care of him,
yet in tears he told us he has a son in America but he never hears from him. A SOUL NEAR
ETERNITY WHAT A RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE. We will value your prayers as we seek
to go back.
Then another visit was with a teacher, she wants to come to meeting on Sunday so great contacts
for sure.
We got fly screens for the apartment where we have the meeting. The flies were coming in and
this meets a great need. We also got two fans for the meeting place to move the air a little when
the people come. Svetlana wanted me to explain the two road chart to her today and Peter wanted
to listen as well. They were both very attentive. I'm praying that Peter will go to Lviv to see
breaking of bread on Sunday.
Thanks to all who pray for
us and for those who take the time to send wee notes of encouragement it means a lot.
Eric with Daniel still....
Daniel will leave on the 7th and I will be alone until the 17.

Eric Fowler update #16

2011-06-08T21:07:00.002-05:00

Day 16 June 1.
                To See the Hand of God along the way and know you are in his shadow brings Joy and confidence.
               The day started no less the same way as the other 15. Then Peter came again as Vadym is still not well. We thought it wise to
   go visit Natalia, the Lady with the 3 girls and needs house repairs very badly. We were there two days ago and gave her

a food package and her neighbor as well.
We meet 3 other neighbors while there then and wanted to take food to them. We also wanted to take clothing to them.

            We took a box of clothing for ladies and three food packages. She was very excited to have us come again. It was a joy for her to
   take us to her poor neighbors.    A lady 84 years old a dancer in her day, very poor for sure.
            Her home was dirty and she wanted to give us tea, so I said yes even thought Daniel didn't want to . It gave us extra time to talk

which I felt was necessary. While there a lady came in from social services. We talked some and she said I have a daughter, Svetlana,

who talks English and would like to have work can you use her. It was what we were praying for. Then she said she had one lady

she goes to who is very very poor, with a special care child would, we like to bring food to her. So we made the time and went

             and got food and met her at this lady's house.
            It was great to see Svetlana come and help us in the meeting and her mom came as well.
            We had the biggest crowd tonight that we had since we came.   Svetlana will come and help us tomorrow as well.
           Her mom has 5 new people we will visit tomorrow with food.
          Vadym came to meeting tonight but is not feeling well.   He helped me in the meeting and Svetlana helped Daniel. It went very well.

Nice to see God at work.
A very busy day plus I got a hair cut, got the van washed and all the other things that needed doing along the way.

Like washing clothing and washing dishes.

Eric and still with Daniel from the USA.

Eric Fowler update #14

2011-06-05T20:39:00.001-05:00

DAY 14 Tuesday May 31
Greeting again from the wonderful Ukraine .......
Vadym is still sick with a very high temperature but he got a driver for us today.
Our driver is Peter a young man not married and knows some English; he was a great help today.
We did some nice visits today, some very necessary ones.   We went to Donna’s first, the lady with many children and very, very, poor. We paid some on her light bill. She often has no lights for they owe so much the town cuts it off. The amount we paid her husband said was 4 months work here. They were so grateful. She was out tonight even though all day in the garden.
Then we went to a home I want to do some repairs to. This lady has three girls, often very sick from smell in the house. We gave her food and some money for medicine for her girls.
Her neighbor was there, a very old lady and we gave her some food and she cried; they we both out to meeting tonight We also tried to visit Jania who comes to meeting but she wasn't home.
We came home and got ready for meeting did some practice with Peter and 15 were out to meeting, 4 men and rest ladies. Peter did well with help from the lady's. It’s nice to see how they learn what you want to say.
Then we went after meeting to Natalia, the lady in the wheelchair with MS. Her mom was nice, she wasn't on our first visit to her. We left food and Pampers for the girl.
Peter was tired he had a long day with us and did well.
We went to the telephone office to call my wife but it was closed, but it was of the Lord.
When we came away from the place I heard English been spoken from someone and I said “English?“ they said yes, I said “American?” They said “No Canadian”. It was a man from British Columbia doing work with Orphanages. We talked to him and gave them a Canadian Flag with JOHN 3:16 on it.
His driver was Vadyms neighbor, amazing. The man preached to him on the verse and said he wanted to do this all day to him but never got the chance until I gave him the text.
It was so amazing a man from Nfld and a man from BC brought together in Ukraine to preach a message to our driver’s neighbor.
Daniel met this man at Vadym’s last year and wanted to give him the Gospel and tonight was the night for it. God is such a great and wonderful God.
Remember the other day when one girl gave me the verse NOTHING IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD.
We are tired too as we come home but happy that God is at work with no barriers.
                                                Eric and still with Daniel
PS     value you prayer, for WISDOM is needed every day and every step of the way .....

Eric Fowler update #12

2011-06-05T20:38:00.001-05:00

Day 12 Sunday May 29

The day was busy busy, 2 hours to Lviv for Morning meeting and 2 hours back.
There were 16 at the breaking of bread with 10 sitting back. It went well. Then I spoke on the 6 times “thanks” was mentioned in the book of Colossians and how important it is to be thankful. In the Psalms the Lord said it is good to give thanks unto the Lord.
If our hearts is full of the word of God we will be a joyful, thankful and submissive people. Then Flo had Chinese food made. It was special as she is leaving for Canada this week.
We saw 6 accidents on our way home, the roads are very dangerous. Our driver tried to pass a car and a big truck raced ahead of him, we were going to crash into a car coming and the car just ran off the road and missed us, then came back on again. Close for sure. Safety is of the Lord, no absence of danger here.
Then the meeting here at 4 o'clock with 14 out, it went well even though some were away that we had expected. Andrei,Vadym's father in law was out.
Then we had little supper, my wife is not here to cook!
Tired for sure. Tomorrow we go to the “far away school” we call it the one we would like to see if we could help put in washrooms as all the have now is out door ones. The school has over 400 students. God is able.
Eric with Daniel

Eric Fowler update #11

2011-06-05T20:37:00.002-05:00

Day 11

Saturday ......May 28th.
Today was very different but we had an appearance of His loving hand along the way.
Vadym was to come at 6:30 to take us for a swim, but must have still been sick but called at 12 noon.

After breakfast we did some street work, it went well as we met 5 university students that could
speak some English and had nice talk with them. We gave them text and tracts. They want to come to meeting so pray they will as we need contact with youth here. One girl gave us a key tag
with “ NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD” so they must have some connection with God let’s see what God has in Mind.

Tried taking food to LESSIA but missed her again. She is a very poor saint here, a young girl who came to meetings every since we came here, is saved and baptized. She Got married 3 years ago and has a boy 2 1/2 years old. She called later as I left a number for her to all.
We got a taxi back with food and some clothing, she is the poor of the poorest, the dear child.
She is sick and so we left money for medicine . It was kind of the Lord to get us back there.
There is a language barrier and other barriers but no barriers with God when he wants to do something.
Great to see him so we did accomplish a few things without Vadym today. Just the LORD, praise His name.
Now very tired and will rest and read for tomorrow for meeting in Lviv as Edmond and others are away.
Thanks for your prayer and care of us Missing CANADA and Labrador !
Eric with Dan

Eric Fowler update #10

2011-06-05T20:36:00.001-05:00

Day 10 Friday May 27th

We are going to Lviv to the Bible reading and Vadym is going to visa office.
I'm to open the chapter John 2 verse 12 to end, the cleaning of the temple.
We did some street work while waiting for Vadym, we had nice a time we meet some Mormons, it is amazing what they teach. They have 100 young men and women in the region. So sad they have so many and we have so few in the field. We must pray for more to be sent into this field. .
Where are our youth. !!!!!!!!?????
The Bible reading went well. There was good help with 15 there. Flo’s neighbor was there,
he lost his son last year in an accident and has heard much Gospel but is still not saved, it was a good Bible reading for him. He is an RC, There is much corruption there in this country.
On the way home police stopped us, and amazing, they wanted us to give a lady a ride home, she lived along our   road. She was a bank worker and so we shared the Gospel with her, gave her NT , Children's Bible and text and tracts.
Safely home and tired. We value prayer for the days ahead if the Lord doesn't come.
                                              Eric with Daniel

Eric Fowler update #9

2011-06-05T20:35:00.002-05:00

#9 Thursday May 26th
We went to the market and got good for food to give to 10 people in town, we tried some visits but no one home so went to the home where Yaroslav used to live, to visit his neighbor we had come to know. She wants us to come for another visit and meet her grandson for the first time.
We then checked on screens for window because the flies are trying to come in.
....
It was nice to have Edmund with us. We went for supper with the ones down from Lviv and had nice time of fellowship. Edmund spoke to the people at meeting. They brought some more
children’s bibles to us and children’s blankets and pampers for children and adults.
Meeting went well 15 in from Ivano and 7 of them from Lviv and us three, 25 in all. Some missing, but it is summer and planting time. The Lord is good 2 new ladies in for the very first time. Met some Mennonites and had a talk with them in the street, tried to persuade them to come to meeting but will have to wait and see.
Had nice time and supper at Oleg and Ola’s, their son was there.
Still value your prayers

Eric with Daniel

Eric Fowler update #8

2011-06-05T20:35:00.000-05:00

Vadym would like to take his mom to his dads home village 6 hours away. His dad dies last year and his uncle had a head stone made for him and would like to get it.
So with his mom in mind we went. His mom is very bitter against the Gospel and has been over the years, so we thought this deed of kindness would help the dear lady.

The trip was long but went ok. There were little stops that gave us time to give out some literature. In one place a line of children were crossing the street and we were able to give out children’s Bible story books to many of them. The JW'S have done much damage to street work here.

The the visit there was slightly different as it was a normal for them to drink some, but a relative couple of about 30 years old go to a Pentecostal group, and we had some time with them. They want us to come and speak to 800 children she deals with in the town. We will have to pray about that.
A 10 year old grand-child lives with vadym’s uncle and we gave him his first bible and child bible book and he was reading it much, it was the bright spot in the visit.
On way back we had an amazing incident. At a stop light 4 young people on motorbikes were by our side and one was looking in, so I put down the window and gave him a new testament and the young man answered in English “God bless you”. We had to move on, only to see they had plates that said Russia. So the Lord was giving an extra Bible to Russia, the place that is on my heart at all times.

Then home late and tired.
May God bless Vadym’s Mom.

Eric and Dan

Spring 2011 - Report #24

2011-05-23T21:25:00.002-05:00

4^th day in the Rough and Rugged UKRAINE

Last night was a long night, felt like a touch of a flue, possibly the change of air and a little tired all caught up with me. I had to take some extra medicine for it but not bad now at the end of the day. Rested until 10 this am and then took a cold shower again before going for a 2 hour visit to a nurse and family on a farm. We had dinner with them at 2pm.
There were five of them man and wife. Urie and Maria and their daughter Bojenia and a cousin and a grandmother visiting.
Had nice meeting with them they are searching very very much but it is the same as in our own country, hearts that are hard with sin and religion that makes it dark for them. But our God is very much able to save them. They lost a son when he was very young They have had visits from many of our brethren. Maria has been to meeting before as she works in Lviv as a nurse.
They truly put on a meal for us. They have pigs, cows, chickens, turkeys, and ducks. Quite a place for sure. Edmond was happy about the meeting with them.

Tomorrow I will go to Ivano. I’m looking forward in seeing the new van Malcolm got for Ivano. It will be a great asset
for the work there I’m sure. I’m looking forward to seeing the ladies who, since last year has been received in the meeting here
in Lviv. I'm praying others will soon want to do the same thing. Will appreciate prayer for some who need to be baptized and some that need Salvation there.
Today there were 5 of us visiting, Flo, Edmond and his wife and John Winkles from Canada plus myself. In Christ Eric

Day 5 Hello to all

I'm now safe in Ivano, the drive was the same fast and bumpy road. It is nice to have a Van, Malcolm made a good choice when he bought it, I'm sure it will serve us very well.

The day started normally with Flo giving us a breakfast of eggs and toast this time, first eggs since leaving Canada so very nice.

Then we got the room ready for meeting and our soul ready for speaking to the group.

It was sure good to see all the people and some up from Ivano. Not all are in the meeting but some. It was nice to see the one lady and I will talk to her about being baptized.
The worship went well 21 of us there 15 Ukrainians with a few missing. Then a wee lunch and back on the road for the bumpy ride back to Ivano.
It was sure great to see the ones in Ivano. Some were sick and missing but we had 18 Ukrainians out which was great for sure. 8 men which is a great cheer.
Vadym has work now and his daughter still sick, so we hope he can work around these blockages. Satan will always try to stall the work.
It is great to have Daniel here to help for some time.
We had our Bible reading tonight and it went very well. John 1 has lots in the Gospel for any not saved as it was, one man and 2 ladies were there I had not seen before.
Now tired and it is nice to get regular shower and sleep will be ok.
Six of us went for Pizza and that tasted good since we had a little dinner and no supper.
Thanks for your prayer again, we value them very highly. Also pray for the movements among the city here and any trips outside the city. Eric With Daniel ( not in the den of lions but in Ivano)

Spring 2011 - Report #23

2011-05-23T21:24:00.002-05:00

Eric Fowler report #1 May 17th

It was a long journey from Toronto to Flo Kancir’s home in Lviv Ukraine.
The flight was great except that, over Newfoundland the plane dropped and hit with a bang bringing everyone to attention, what a shock, nice to know we were still in one piece.
I had a long wait in Vienna, but am here now.
Flo picked me up at the airport and gave me my orders. A 45 min. sleep, a cold water shower and then a meeting. We had 20 out with two unsaved, which was great. They had special prayer meeting for Howard Pratt who didn't come as he got news the morning we were to leave, that his dad had passed away. I will miss him very much.
Then special prayer for Nichola, Marcus's wife who isn't well after the delivery of their baby.
Tomorrow we will be going to the Carpathians mountains as Turka, a man from jail ask us to visit there. This will be a long trip after the flight over the Atlantic, but AS MUCH AS IN ME I AM READY TO PREACH THE GOSPEL IN THE URAINE.
God bless all

Eric Fowler

Greetings from the Sunny side of Ukraine.
Flo made breakfast the way I like it ..oatmeal and toast ...

Then 8 boxes of clothing were loaded into the van with glasses and medicine.
We then went and bought $400 worth flour, sugar and other necessary things.
It was a 3 hour drive to the mountains. We arrived at the end of the road into a very poor village named Ellnick.

Gave away the food and clothing to the 20 poorest families.... and then spoke Gospel to 55 people;

it was a grand out- door day and they listened very well.

Then we went for dinner with a couple who invited us. They had killed a pig for our coming

and had some fresh pork cooked...it was killed in the morning!
Had nice talk in the home yet the man seemed very nervous ...and this made Agnes and Edmond from Ireland,

very nervous, they wondered if he had taken us to the mountains to kill us all,funny how you think at times.
They want us back and seemed to be searching for the truth.
Now back in Lviv safe but very very tired for sure, after 21 hours travelling yesterday.
One soul is worth it all. God is able. Tomorrow we go to the all girls home and Bible reading
on John ch.2 in the evening. I have to open as Edmond wants a wee break.

Value highly your prayer that I will not over pressure my Heart.
Thanks in the Lord's name In Christ Eric

Spring 2011 - Report #22

2011-05-17T21:51:00.002-05:00

Monday May 16 2011

On Thursday the 12 we had our weekday meeting with about 15 people present. We had some folks from the assembly in Lviv that came down. Edmund and Ruslan spoke in the meeting, It was the first Thursday with the change of time from 5 to 6pm. The reason for the change is that those who work until 5 will not have to rush or miss the meeting. Not everyone got the message though, one lady name Oxana came at 5pm and I told her the meeting time has change to 6, but accidently said 7 in Ukrainian, once I realize my mistake I had no way to contact her. As the meeting was coming to the end she came in (talk about feeling like a donkey). Well, I did apologize and she easily accepted it. I’m still learning my numbers in Ukrainian, as you can tell!

After the meeting we went out for dinner with the people from Lviv before they headed back.

On Sunday we went up to Lviv for the remembrance of our Lord and afterwards, Vadym gave his testimony, which was very good to hear and then Edmund gave a good message on singing praises unto our God. We rushed back to Ivano for our 4:00 Bible reading. They fixed some of the pot holes on the road that leads to Lviv which saved us about 20minutes on the trip, this is great for us!

When we got back to the meeting place there were some waiting as always, this is a good sign! Knowing that these meetings are going on longer then they are use to and for them to still be coming out is very encouraging to see. This tells me if there are consistent meetings they will come!

The Bible reading went well, not too much participation but they listened very intently and the things that were said by others was very good. Once again all the men were out, it was a good meeting!

Last week Vadym had called a few schools to make appointments for our visitation and speaking to the kids but for some of these places there were no answer and others said they will call him back and haven’t as of yet. Vadym has been putting a lot of time at work not only because it is busy but to prepare for his time away from work while Howard Pratt and Eric Fowler are here, they will be arriving in Lviv mid week, pray that all goes well in their travels and their time here will be blessed.

Thanks!

In Christ our Lord

Dan

Spring 2011 - Report #21

2011-05-09T21:00:00.002-05:00

Report # 4 from Dan.

Monday the 8^th, is another cloudy, raining and very cool day, has been for the last few days. For more than a month now every Monday has been considered a holiday and yes, this Monday is another holiday. Not sure what the day is for but I think they find any reason to make a Monday a holiday.

Last Thursday the 5^th we had our weekday meeting, about 11 were out and once again they listened very well in spite of some distractions. Vadym had to rush back to work so after I spoke he read in Proverbs and closed in prayer and returned to work. The Thursday before just after I spoke one of the ladies wanted to ask me a question, she asked, what we can do to protect ourselves from the world. I said memorizing scriptures helps very much, she then said which ones and we looked at a few. Louse Smith and I visited her place last year, a one small room apartment. Her husband had a stroke a few years ago he is still alive but not able to work and her son goes to a university. She had similar thoughts last year; I think she is a believer and a very nice lady. Her name is Maria, I’ve been praying for her!

Yesterday, Sunday was mothers’ day; most of the ladies were away for our bible reading. They were slow in coming and I thought someone had canceled the meeting without telling me but thankfully that was not the case. It was a small meeting but the exciting part was every man that we hope to be at the meetings was at the bible reading at the same time; this was very, very good to see!! There were 7 total and 5 of us were men all but one are believes and it looks like that one is searching for salvation, his name is Andre, I’ve been praying for him as well. The meeting went very well; I hope these men continue to come to the meetings!

The Ukrainian classes continue, the teacher is showing me how to use the genders in their grammar and using adjectives and adverbs. She is a good teacher but Oh, how I wish I paid more attention is my English class, it just may have made learning Ukrainian a little easier, maybe?

In Christ our Lord

Dan

PS. Amelia, Vadym's 4 year old daughter has been sick for more than a week; keep this family in your prayers.

Spring 2011 - Report #20

2011-05-03T22:03:00.002-05:00

Monday, 2 of April

This pass Thursday the 28, we had our preaching meeting, Vadym and I spoke. Vadym read in Proverbs and also read a description of the crucifixion of Christ. I spoke on Jesus entry into Jerusalem and how he revealed himself as King to the people. About 14 out total all seem to listen very carefully!

On Sunday we went up to Lviv for the breaking of bread, 8 of us from Ivano-Frankivsk. The remembrance and the Fellowship are heartfelt and it is always great to make it up there! Though each time we go to Lviv I always feel like the axel will break off the van, as you may already know these roads are not in the best or should I say fair conditions! As we got back to Ivano for our Bible reading there were a few waiting as we arrived and a few more came in as we were about to start, 15 total . This was a good sign, for not having meetings for two Sundays due to their Easter traditions and even now it is still being celebrated yet they came for the Bible reading. We had a good reading in John chap. 1; it was a slow start at first but picked up just a little. The meeting went very well and it is really good to see that they are showing an interest, I hope this continues!!

Last Friday was my first Ukrainian lesson. It was about 2hr. but after the lesson I felt brain fatigue (does anyone knows what I’m talking about?). Well, it was just the first class it may take a few more until I adjust, I hope!

Continue to pray for these meetings that the interest will continue and that these meetings will bear much fruit for the honor and glory of our Lord and our God!!

Thanks much for all your prayers!!!

In Christ our Lord

Dan

Spring 2011 - Report #19

2011-05-03T22:02:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends

I’m now home in Portage la Prairie and not particularly enjoying the snow that arrived in a storm last Saturday. As some may know, my flight from Warsaw Poland was cancelled for the Monday and I had to stay in a hotel, courtesy of LOT Polish Air for the night. I did suffer some jet lag for most of last week but seem to be settled down now.

Thank you for those who prayed for the pinched nerve in my neck that I went with to Ukraine. I’m glad to say that it seemed to suddenly be no longer a problem. I don’t know how it happened. Thank you Lord.

I left Brother Dan Perez in Ivano. He is taking Ukrainian lessons and plans on staying for 3 months. Please pray for him, that he will be able to learn the language.

I am particularly writing to tell you that we do have a Blog and Dan is writing on it. If you have time to read it will keep you in touch with what is on-going. The Blog name is “God’s work in Western Ukraine.” Just Google it and you will see the Blog. www.ukrainechristianmission.blogspot.com

As a matter for prayer, I ask you to pray for the need of the school in VERHOVAN on the Romanian border; that we can help in some way to get toilets inside the school of 425 students, instead of them having to trek outside to wooded outhouses. God is able to do what the government refuses to do, or even be concerned about, for the blessing of these dear children and the staff.

Yours on behalf of the people of Ukrainian.

Malcolm Stanley.

Spring 2011 - Report #18

2011-04-27T22:59:00.002-05:00

Monday 25 of April
     Today Monday is considered a holiday for most Ukrainians being the day after Easter. One of the things that some do is pour water on the girls. I heard it started with those who were to get married but know that any girl can be a target.
    Vadym spent the Easter weekend with his family while I took the bus up to Liviv on Friday, to try to make it for the Bible reading. The ride went well but I arrived at the end of the meeting. They did go an extra 15 min. over to end at John 1:18, much discussion on v16 understanding the thought of "grace for grace". After the meeting I went with Edmund and Agnes and spent the weekend with them.
    Sunday we had a good time in the remembrance of our Lord!! We then were invited by one of the families for supper at their home. The food was good but the discussions were even better. Topics like the meaning of the fig tree in Matt.21 and was Jesus really a carpenter and will there be a third world war at the end and can we know when the end time will come , so on. All were eagerly asked from them, Edmund and I did the best we could to answer such questions. Needless to say after 4 hours we were quite tired when we got back to their place and soon went to bed.
     Ruslan, our driver’s neighbor's mother died so Edmund and Agnes went with them to the funeral on Monday while I got the bus back to Ivano.
  Please pray for the meeting this Thursday!!
In Christ our Lord
Dan

Spring 2011 - Report #17

2011-04-27T22:58:00.000-05:00

On Monday the 18 Malcolm left Lviv on his way home to his Wife and family and on the same day Vadym was offered a fulltime position at the VW Dealership. It is the only one in town and they are busy, this is good news! Though he will be on trial at first I do pray this will work out for him.
     As for the Ukrainian lessons my tutor was unable to make it due to severe back pains and will be getting treatments for a few months, hope she gets better. So I am back to finding a place or person that teaches Ukrainian. Vadym and I will go to a school today not far from the meeting place, he said they have Ukrainian lessons there but the problem may be if they can speak any English, we'll see?
    We had the first of what I hope to be steady meetings yesterday(Thursday). There were about 26 total out, knowing this was a Thursday that fell on this Easter week it was more than I expected, this was a good sign! There were 6 that came down from Liviv. Edmund, working in Liviv from Ireland and Misha also from Liviv spoke. We will try to have at least two consistent meetings during the week on Sunday and Thursday (though this Sunday we will not be meeting due to Easter, many will be away). The hope is that they may continue with meetings when no one from Canada or America are here, much prayers is needed for this to be a reality!
    Continue to pray for God's will with this little gathering here in IvanoFankivsk, there is much potential here as well as much help needed!
In Christ our Lord
Dan
PS. Malcolm had to stay over-night in Warsaw as his flight was cancelled to Toronto.

Sping 2011 - Report 17

2011-04-18T17:19:00.002-05:00

Friday 15^th and Saturday 16^th

A lovely day for my last day in Ivano; sunny and warm and NO rain. We are going to Lviv to for the meeting and to leave me there, ready for home on Monday. I want to say thank you to those who prayed for my arm and shoulder problem, and say that it is 99.9% better. No more tingling in the fingers or pain while travelling.

Before heading for Lviv, we wanted to visit Peter Village, as we had not gone earlier owing to the rain and snow. We called Olga, the mayor and she was thrilled that we could come. We took two boxes of clothing with us and met in her office. As I usually do, I asked how things were doing, was anything improving? I don’t know what sort of people are now in government positions but something is desperately wrong. Her big issue at the moment is what to do with the garbage. She has been told to get rid of the trash from the village but will not give her permission to bury or burn it! She spent all day Thursday in meetings as they denied her permission for this and that mode of disposal. The really criminal thing is, that one day an inspector will come to the village, see some uncollected garbage and fine her, from her own salary of $200.00 per month! She is the mayor of 5 villages. Who would want her job, but she was voted in by all the villages for a 6 year term.

We left her and went to the school and again get to hear some of the nonsense they are told. This principal was told she didn’t have enough students, get some more! She has the only school in 2 villages and has all the students, where can she get more? There are 76 or so students and they sang for us; the little ones in kindergarten and grade 1 did some dance routine and then Dan spoke to all the students. The threat to the Principal is that they will close the school if she doesn’t get more kids. The parents have already petitioned to authorities not to do that, we certainly hope not.

We headed for Lviv and got settled before the meeting at 7 pm for the first Bible Study of this new Assembly. I was asked to open the book of John. There good attention and input and all thought it was going to profitable in the future.

We were very weary, for some reason and were not late to bed.

Thank you again for your prayers for the seed that has been planted, the growth we have seen and continuing of the work in Ukraine. Many of the people in Ukraine feel that the country is ripe for uprisings similar to the happenings in other parts of the world. Let us hope and pray that if this does happen it will be peaceful and not riotous.

Malcolm

Saturday was spent shopping for gifts to bring home and a good supper at Edmund and Agnes Johnson’s apartment. (The Irish couple who now reside in Lviv.) Good fellowship indeed.

Spring 2011 - Report #16

2011-04-15T19:59:00.001-05:00

Report 16 April 14th

My last full day in Ivano Frankivsk. Not too much to report as to visits. I got up at 7am and baked t2 batches of Carrot cake muffins that Jean sent with me. They are for our “last supper” tonight.

We were supposed to go to Petriliv or Peter village in English, but the mayor who loves to take us around was away and so we will go tomorrow before going to Lviv.

We did visit one lady who used to come to meetings but has had a hip surgery that is taking a long time to heal. She invited a neighbour in who has 5 children and a husband who just “comes over” every now and again and gives nothing to his wife to keep house but drinks his pension. She seemed very clear on the gospel and said her only hope was in God. She lives in 2 rooms with her 2 teen boys and the youngest at 2 years old. She has to share a cooking area and bathrooms. I wanted to give her some financial help from me and Dan but she completely refused it and pushed it into my pocket. That is a first for Ukraine!

We also visited one of Dana’s sons, the lady I wrote about yesterday. He wanted to show us the apartment he was “remodelling”, for want of a better word! I have never seen such a hopeless project in my life. It was a ground floor 1 room apartment. The bathroom had been gutted and water was running from a leaking pipe from the apartment above. The owner, a police man and his wife will not allow anyone in to repair the leak as it isn’t leaking into their apartment. The young man has been to the authorities but they can’t do anything about it. Can you believe that? I took pictures but my camera does not record smell, it was awful.

Well I think just about all the people came to meeting at 5pm. We changed the format to a bible study and sat around in a square. We started in John’s gospel and the interest was very encouraging. We then had a lunch of muffins, cookies and pop. Everyone seemed to enjoy the time and there were tears as we said our good bye. Dan is planning to continue with studies with the help of Edmund when he can come from Lviv.

I am hoping Daniel will write at least weekly and let us know how things are progressing. He has booked lessons in Ukrainian, beginning 2 days next week. Pray for him.

Malcolm and Dan.

Spring 2011 - Report #15

2011-04-15T19:58:00.000-05:00

Tuesday April 12^th

We were expecting to go to a sanatorium for recovering children today but could not make the right contact, so spent the day visiting some shut in people who needed a visit.

The first one was Maria. She has been visited for several years and may be saved but still looks to the church to be her help, I think. She is a very sick lady but always wants to have us for a meal. She has had multiple surgeries on her back and uses crutches now. She is Diabetic and is waiting to go in for another surgery after Easter. We tried to give her some comfort in her dilemma. She has no one except a sister who lives in a village. We ate a good lunch and left some help for her medication and future hospital visit.

We then went to visit Lesia and her little boy, living in the most depressing room anyone can imagine. It is located in a building that used to be a student hostel. The room were intended for one student and there are communal bathrooms and cooking areas. The room was as large as a walk in closet about 4 ½ ft wide and about 10ft long. It had a fridge a bed/couch and the baby’s bed at the end. Unbelievable!

It was clean and smelt nice. Her husband was raised in an orphanage and has no skills and so was out sweeping the streets. Lesia has and still does come to our meetings since we first came to Ivano and I’m sure she is saved. She has a speech impediment but is a sweet lady in her early 20’s. Pray for Lesia.

Well pm came and another meeting. There were a good number of people out and we were encouraged once again. Our girl Natalia, who we picked up at the bus stop, was there again and sat in the front row for the first time and seemed to take in every word. We would really like to see her saved.

We were told that Andre, the man we told you that was not coming out because of dizzy spells, had a birthday on Tuesday. We thought it would be nice to visit him and take some goodies and have a little party. We did that and I don’t think he could believe it. He said that he should be inviting us to his birthday, not the other way round. We left him some help for medication and wished him a return to health and the meetings.

So another day done and only two left in Ivano for me. Dan is staying on and so will continue to let us know how things go on.

Malcolm and Dan.

Wednesday April 13^th

We were still having a problem getting in touch with the Administrator of the Sanatorium and so decided to get another visit in while we waited for a phone call. We went to visit Dana, the wife of the man who suffers from radiation sickness from Chernobyl. We found her home with one of her 6 sons, her only daughter Marianka and a grand-daughter Maria. I don’t know of anyone who has more problems than Dana. Marianka has just got out of hospital and is waiting to go back in with some blood problem that they can’t solve. Dana’s husband has moved out and he can’t handle the stress of all the problems. They are being threatened with eviction because they can’t pay the utilities. We think they owe about 10,000r or $1,250.00 dollars. The father of the grand-daughter is in hospital for some reason. And so it went on and on. We could only tell them to be sure that they were saved and then God will hear and answer their prayers. Dana and the one son who was with us (who lost all his toes with frostbite) said they were believers. I don’t understand how one family can have so many problems. I want to correct a past idea that we had, that the Chernobyl accident had something to do we their health problems. I don’t think it did as many of the problems happened before Chernobyl.

Well we got the go ahead to visit the Sanatorium in an “end of the road” town of Yasen about 80 km’s away. The roads were so bad for the last 30 km’s that I videoed it on the way home. Anyway it was well worth the trip. We got to speak to all the 130 kids from Grade 1 to 12. Plus at least 10 staff.

The attention was amazing and so encouraging. We gave them all a new testament or a junior picture bible, a laminated text, a scripture book mark and 2 candies each. The Staff wanted the bibles and texts too. When had finished about 50 of them wanted us to sign their N/T’s. Writer’s cramp or what?

The staff then ushered us to a private dining room and gave us a nice hot lunch. On the way home the Administrator phone Vadym and thanked us very much and said we could come back any time. That was nice.

We were all zonked when we got back, because of the 2 hour ride and the jostling about in the vehicle. So we shopped for some things for my “farewell party” tomorrow after meeting and came home.

All for now.

Malcolm and Dan.

Spring 2011 - Report #14

2011-04-12T21:13:00.002-05:00

Report 14

Sunday April 10^th

We headed for Lviv at 9.30am with three ladies. One lady was going to visit her son in prison. He got 3 years for USING drugs, not even selling them. He has one more year to do. She only gets to go twice a year so was loaded with stuff for him, clothes and food. She will come home on the bus later today.

We had a very nice Remembrance Meeting with a few less than last week as Flo and Max and Ingrid went to Lutsk to the Assembly there. I spoke on the Church at Ephesus in Revelation 2, after meeting, and the seriousness God sees in leaving our first love to Christ and the believers.

Hurried back home to Ivano for the meeting at 4 pm. We were very glad to see a good number out and especially the girl we picked up from the bus stop a week ago, Natalia. We spoke to her afterwards and she says she can’t believe she was picked up by such nice people. (I think she was speaking about Dan, but who knows!). She is very interested in what we are preaching but is just a “believer in God” so far.

We finished up with a good talk to Oleg and Ola about what they were doing and where they were going. We told them how much we appreciated them coming to the meetings.

Well out for pizza again then headed back home.

We have plans for each day this week, as I am leaving for Lviv on Friday, and staying there until I go home on Monday.

All for now.

Keep praying that we will get done all we want to do this week.

Malcolm and Dan.

Monday April 11^th

Today we wanted to go to the school in Vicovna, on the border of Romania. We had bought a sound system for this school of 400 students and wanted to deliver it. Oxana, the Director of the school told us that when we came she would get all the staff together for us to speak to. We got the equipment and left town at 10 am for the 2 hour trip. We have to cross the mountains to reach the town, but didn’t expect what we found. About 6 inches of snow had fallen in 2 storms, one on Saturday and one on Sunday night. The road is very similar to driving through the Rockies, except that there is no one to clear the roads. Fortunately, it was not cold and so the snow was mainly slush. We still made it in 2 hours but it was not fun driving.

We set up the p/a system in the auditorium and the teachers came in, 26 of them. We only had 20 minutes and so I spoke and we asked if anyone wanted a New Testament. They all did except those that had got one when we spoke to their class. We also offered them some books for children to read about the bible. They were snapped up right away. They all wanted a group picture taken and were very happy with the message. I gave my testimony to them.

We then went for lunch with Oxana. To say the least, it was not too appetizing. Lent is being celebrated here and most of the children and staff as well, I think, are not eating any meat. Some are even fasting all day. The soup we had was great but the main meal was rice and sauerkraut. I could not finish my plate full, but the home made buns were great.

We spent a long time talking with Oxana about the difficulties she is experiencing from the Authorities. I don’t know where they get these people from, but their actions and decisions are inexcusable and ridiculous. There is no space to record all the nonsense but I do want to mention one great need that I see and hope we can help with some day.

As I mentioned, there are 400 students in the large school building, but there are no washrooms in the building. They have to use an outside toilet that is absolutely disgusting. The doors don’t even close and they are just filthy holes in the ground. The building is about 500 meters from the school but right next to a new apartment building. They have received complaints from the residents to move the building because of the smell. I Asked Oxana if there were any plans to put toilets in the school. She said that they had been talking about it, but there would be no help from the government. She showed us where it could be located attached to the school building. I told her we would pray that this project could get under way as the present situation is unhealthy and disgusting. Please pray with us. A photo is available to anyone who would ask.

Thankfully, the snow had melted on the way home and the ride was far less stressful. PTL . We plan on going to a sanatorium tomorrow, if the children are all there. We have to phone in the morning.

I should add that Dan has an appointment tomorrow with a teacher who may be able to teach him Ukrainian. He really wants to start lessons. Malcolm and Dan

Spring 2011 - Report #13

2011-04-12T21:12:00.001-05:00

Report # 13

Friday April 8^th

Still not spring yet, except for the flowers and trees out in bloom and leaf. Cold winds and rain and sleet off and on.

We had bought 53 pairs of running shoes for the school in Yablunov and so decided to deliver them today. We wanted to get a picture of the kids with the shoes for the record, so got about a dozen of them holding them and standing with the bags of shoes in front of them. Like most kids, they love something new and don’t get much new in orphanages, usually peoples old cast offs.

On our way back we looked at a house that a man told us was for sale for $40.000. We took pictures and thought, what a buy for someone who wanted to live in this small town. It’s a 2 story house sitting on about an acre of land, with the forest as a back drop. Gas, water and electricity as well, this is rare in some of these small towns.

We headed back home and went straight to Marika and her mother Anya’s apartment for a lunch/supper. They had a most interesting old lady with them named Paulina, a cousin of Anya. She was 89 years old and as sharp as a whip. She could still read without glasses, but only large print. She had never married and had worked all her work life on a communist collective farm in Odessa Ukraine. She worked 20 years in the fields and 30 years milking cows by hand. She had 12 cows that were her responsibility. I asked her whether the time under communism was better than now ? She said they were both good! That was a surprising answer, but she said that she now gets a pension for working so long and it is ok.

The most exciting thing was that she was, as far as we could hear, a believer in the Lord Jesus, though still a Catholic. She knew so much of the bible it was refreshing to meet this happy old lady. I took a picture of her alone because I think I could sell it as an advertisement for “Happy Ukrainians”.

So ended another day. Not too many days left so plan a busy week next week.

Dan and Malcolm.

Saturday April 9^th

Saturday was not nice day weather wise at all. Rain and some slush snow, and a very cold wind.

Fortunately, we had no plans to travel today so cleaned house, did laundry and got ready for Sunday. Dan was supposed to go swimming at 7am with Vadym but Vadym’s phone ran out of battery and he didn’t wake until 8am. They only swim until 9a.m so it wasn’t worth going.

We went to Andre from Solidarity (some of you will remember that he was our first contact in Ivano) for supper at 5pm. We had a great time with the family, his wife and 2 lovely girls. They have moved to a lovely new duplex home. 3,000sq meters. Massive and lovely. His wife has 100 plants and trees in the house.

Malcolm & Dan

Spring 2011 - Report #12

2011-04-10T21:54:00.001-05:00

Wed April 6^th

We had a lovely warm sunny day at last with daffodils in bloom as well as many wild flowers. We loaded up 3 boxes of children’s clothes and headed for a large school that we have helped for several years now. It is a long way, through the Carpathian Mountains and is a lovely trip. The Town is right on the Romanian border. It has no gas line to the town; everything is heated by either wood or electricity. The school has 402 students, 250 of them board there from Monday to Friday because they live up in the mountains and cannot get there every day. Oxana, the director has a teaching staff of 70 and support staff of 60. She got 102 of the younger children into the auditorium and I spoke. They were very well behaved. The 6 or so teachers were there too. We gave them all a laminated picture text and left the teachers with colourful bible story books.

We then headed to the market and bus depot and gave out over 100 new testaments. We then went on to another town on the way home and gave the rest of the new testaments out. This cleaned us out so we will get more testaments from Lviv, when Flo comes tomorrow with Max Mc Mclean and his wife.

A good profitable day, we trust. Only eternity will reveal the results.

Thursday April 7^th

Another lovely day although it had drizzled a little first thing. As I write this, it is thundering and raining steadily.

We were expecting Flo and the folks from Lviv to spend part of the day with us and so wanted to get some things done and so went to our friendly wholesale shoe warehouse to see what they had.

We had a list of shoe sizes that we had agreed to supply for the orphanage in Yablunov. They sorted them out for us but were a few sizes short; however they were getting a truckload in this afternoon. They said they would phone us when they had them and did so at about 6 pm.

Our original contact in Ivano was Andre Miketin and we knew max McLean wanted to visit him, as it was Max who Andre first met. The traffic was inexcusably terrible today and we knew we would have some problems keeping schedules. Flo and the people from Lviv were late arriving in time to visit Andre and so I with Dan and Vadym went to visit him. We had a very cordial meeting with coffee and cookies and an invitation to have supper with him on Saturday evening.

We had to rush away to speak to the children at a “half-way home” for children who have either been taken off the streets or away from their parents. We have visited this home every time we have visited Ivano and have a standing order to provide help with their foot ware. We were able to take several bags of good shoes from our boxes as well as two boxes of clothing. We spoke to about 15 teens and younger who listened very well. They have one child who is 18 months old.

We left there and went to the apartment to get ready for meeting and wait for Flo and Max and his wife and Edmond Johnson and his wife as they were still with Andre.

A good number of people arrived for meeting, several who had not been, either for a long time or not at all. There were over 30 of us once everyone got there. Max started by giving his testimony and Edmond followed. It was a very good meeting and we trust will meet the need of several unsaved ones present.

Flo and crew headed back to Lviv right away. We went to pick up the 53 pairs of running shoes, ready to take them out tomorrow and then went for supper.

A good day, thank You Lord.

Thank you for praying for the work here.

Malcolm and Dan.

Spring 2011 - Report #11

2011-04-10T21:53:00.002-05:00

Monday April 4^th

A bright sunny cool day for a trip to Sniatin, one of the men’s mental homes that had asked if we could get a b/p machine and a nebulizer as they had many men with chest problems and nothing to help them breathe. We also took a blood sugar tester. All this for $235.00 from a medical supply store.

The administrator was so happy; I guess they get a lot of promises but not much delivery. We left them two more boxes of clothes as they have a lot of men to clothe.

We then went to the other home, where the administrator had acid thrown in his face. He had a long acjd burn that had come up from one ear to his chin. They have still not found out who did it. We brought them a b/p machine and an electric vacuum cleaner. This home has lovely carpet through most of the building and their vacuum had given up the ghost. They now have a very nice Hitachi vacuum. We tested it in the administrator’s office, you should have seen the dust it got out of about three meters long of carpet. I think it is going to be busy.

We left there and went to the next town, Churnitsky, to a massive Mercedes repair facility to get the turbo on our van checked. A valve had stuck and it was fixed in a hurry. On our way back we stopped to look at 2 used seats for the front of our van. It is meant to have seating for 3 but only had seating for 2.

We bought 2seats that are the same pattern and material as all the others. Now we have seating for 9 including the driver. On the way home, we picked up a mother and 18 year old daughter at a lonely bus stop. They were coming to Ivano and were very glad of the one hour ride instead of 2 or more. The girl, Svetlana and her mother Oxana were invited to meeting on Tuesday.

A long day but a good one.

Tuesday April 5^th.

We were supposed to get going early to another home, this one for girls; to take cleaning supplies and clothing but had a little hold up. The last time we were in Kolumia, the Administrator was busy when we spoke to the staff, so this time I spoke to her and one of her supervisors, in her office. They listened very well. These places are off the beaten track of large cities and really are neglected when it comes to the supply of such things as laundry soap, hand soap, shampoo, toilet cleaner and floor cleaner plus much more. We were able to get all this plus toilet paper and deodorant for $58.00. Why is there not any money from the government for these items?

We had meeting at 5pm and a good number were out including the daughter Svetlana, who we picked up from the bus stop yesterday.

After meeting we went to Vadym’s Grand Mother- i-n law’s 83^rd birthday party. We didn’t need a meal like that at 7pm. Bang goes my diet for another day.

Malcolm and Dan.

Spring 2011 - Report #10

2011-04-04T22:10:00.001-05:00

Saturday April 2

Well Saturday is laundry and clean up day. Dan went swimming with Vadym and family at 7am.

By the time he got home I had done a load of washing and cleaned up. With no dryer, we put our wash on a drying rack and behold, it’s dry in the morning.

Vadym came at 11:30 and we went shopping for some material to get mattress covers mad of “waterproof!” material. After 4 shops we found none but a lady in the last shop will phone her wholesaler on Monday to see if it is available. One of the orphanages and the old folk’s home we visited, have mattresses that need covers. The one orphanage will sew them for themselves and us.

We then went to Vadym’s home to help clean up the back yard. We had a great afternoon with a good fire to burn the branches a dry stuff. Then Vadym did shishlyk chicken or shish kabob to us westerners.

We had a good supper and then some serious talks about relationships etc. While we were with them, a neighbour lady came over and told them that the owner of their house that they rent, is coming to visit from America, where he now lives, and will be living in Vadym’s house! Vadym is going to find out on Monday what is going on.

We arrived home late and got ready for Sunday.

Sunday April 3^rd

Headed for Lviv at 10 am with a full van of ladies that wanted to go to the Breaking of Bread. One lady and one girl were not in fellowship, the others were.

It was good to see Max Mclean and His wife Ingrid at the meeting. Max had not been to Ukraine for 7 years. He gave a nice word after the meeting. We headed back again over the terribly potholed roads and got back right on 4pm for our meeting in Ivano. About 15 out today but good attention once again.

We took a gentleman who has attended every meeting we have had so far, Vadym’s father in law, with us for supper and had a very good talk with him about salvation. We feel he is very near the door.

Pray for Andre, he would be such an asset to the group of believers here and a joy to The Lord as well.

We have a busy week planned. Please pray for us.

Malcolm and Dan

Spring 2011 - Report #9

2011-04-04T22:09:00.002-05:00

Thursday March 31

Another spring day with daffodils out and green grass already. We headed out to a city of Kolomia, where Vadym found a woman’s home for mentally handicapped. Last year Eric Fowler and Howard went and were impressed by the dedication of the Staff and the needs of the girls.

We too were impressed at how clean the 100 year old facility was kept and the grounds were lovely.

Heard again of the corrupt dealings of the government inspectors of these facilities, how they come unexpected and without even an inspection, levy a fine. The administrator was busy with a group of 3 other helpers, trying to answer to long lists of questions that had been sent to them prior to a visit in a weeks time. Even though the officials may tell them to change things, there are no funds given to make the changes. She says that it turns her into a beggar and she hates it.

Agreed to help with some items and will go back next week. Dan spoke to a group of the higher grade girls and I to a small group of staff.

Headed home to get some things needed and had our meeting at 5pm. A good number out and we gave out packet of seeds to each family.

Friday April 1

Headed out again in a lovely sunny morning for a very special place in our hearts, an orphanage in the same village where we went for the funeral as well as the old people’s home and a maternity hospital. We met the orphanage administrator and gave her seeds for their large garden. She splits them up and gives them to each school teacher and the class plants a section of garden. The produce is all used for the orphanage. We left 2 boxes of clothes and then went to speak to a packed auditorium of 110 kids and about 10 or more staff. We always love speaking here as the kids are so receptive. We finished by giving out balloons that almost caused a riot as they all scrambled to get one.

We then went to the old people’s home to leave some clothes and finished up at the maternity ward to give some baby blankets for poor mothers to take home. This town is in the foot hills of the Carpathian Mountains and when a woman, who lives up in the hills gets pregnant, she comes and stays in the hospital until she has the baby as it would be very difficult to get to the hospital in a hurry. They will never let us see the women but the head nurse said that they will take pictures when they give a blanket away.

So, back to the city and market to buy product and look at prices of items we need to buy for the various homes. I should add that we always make sure that each place we visit has bibles for each person.

All for now.

Malcolm and Dan

Spring 2011 - Report #8

2011-04-04T22:08:00.002-05:00

Tuesday March 29^th

It looks like spring has arrived at last, sunny and dry but still a cool wind at times.

We were heading to a baby orphanage in the town of Nadvirna that I have been to several times before.

It is in the foothills of the mountains about an hour from Ivano. We usually only meet with the administrator, but today she was away and I got Vadym to as if we could speak to the staff. They agreed and 20 of them gathered with others coming in while I was speaking. We had a very receptive time with them and it made the trip worthwhile. We then gave out glasses that had been sent to us, to as many as we could. There never seem to be enough of some certain strength glasses to meet the need, even though we have plenty of glasses, thanks to David Brandt of Seattle.

We went for pizza lunch and then went to visit our dear friend Natalia, who is bedridden with MS. We go to cheer her up but she is so radiant that we come away blessed. She has had surgery since we last saw her but has recovered quite well. We keep her supplied with adult diapers. Thank you for those that send us some to send in the boxes.

Wednesday

I went for my second massage at 9:30 this morning at the hospital. I’m still having pain in my left arm. The masseuse was recommended to me by Vadym’s wife who is a doctor. He is a young man who really works for the hospital but is able to take private patients “on the side”. He does a good job but it is not curing the problem. But enough about my problem, we took off right away for a town named Sniatin, where there are two homes for mentally challenged males. I had been to the younger men’s one, but not to the other. We went to the older men’s one first.

We met the Administrator, a very pleasant man, who welcomed us and then took us on a tour of the facility. They have 240 men. 100 more than the place was designed for. As usual, the building was in need of major renovations far greater that we are able to help with. About 5 years ago, they got help to start renovating but the funds dried up and nothing has been provided for since. The Administrator spent one month’s salary to put soffit on his office building to stop the cold and snow blowing into the roof area. We were able to meet with the doctor, who is also the doctor at the hospital, also a very nice man. He told us some very basic needs that they had that we will try to meet. We plan to visit next week and they will have the staff together for us to meet and speak to. We left 3 boxes of clothes and adult pampers.

We then went across town to the other home of 110 boys, to meet the Administrator. We had been told that he would not be there as someone had thrown acid in his face last week. He was there and fortunately was none the worse from his experience. He told us he was walking out of the gate and an individual through acid in his face and ran. He thinks someone wants his job. The police are investigating. I wrote last year about this man and the projects he has the boys working on. They raise budgerigars to sell to pet stores, guinea pigs for the University for Research (poor little things). The sew work gloves for a factory and make straw brooms for supermarkets. They have a carpenter’s shop that makes picture frames and solid wood doors for the buildings. Their newest project is candle making; in several colors and sizes that they sell somewhere.

The disgusting thing is that the Government gives them enough money for heat, light and salaries but nothing for food or clothing. They have to make the money for food out of what the kids make and sell, and what they can produce in their garden. I left them with seeds. I wish I had more. We found out some of their needs and will try to meet them.

We will also go their next week and they will have us speak to both staff and the boys. Some of the boys are well able to understand the simple plan of salvation.

It was a profitable but tiring day on winding roads through lovely countryside, ploughed and ready for seeding.

Thanks for your interest in reading these reports. Please pray for the staff of these home who get next to nothing for salary and yet seem to love these kids.

Malcolm and Dan

Spring 2011 - Report #7

2011-03-28T21:28:00.002-05:00

Sunday March 27^th

We put our clocks on one hour last night so lost an hour sleep, but did not have to get up early, as we were going to Lviv for the Breaking of Bread which is at 12noon. We left at 10:30 and picked up 3 ladies who wanted to come to the meeting. They had all been in fellowship at Solidarity and looked for the day they could remember the Lord again.

It had snowed in the night but was all wet and yucky. Fortunately, the snow ran out as we neared Lviv and became much warmer. About 18 of us sat down to Break Bread; it was such a joy to hear each brother worship the Lord. I gave a message at the end of the meeting on the 3 “ifs” in Luke 23 and the absence of an “if” in verse 42.

Of course, dear Flo had made a quick meal for us as we might faint on the way home without something to eat. We then packed a box of baby clothes and some blankets and were on our way home. The only problem was that we didn’t leave enough time to get home at 4pm for the meeting here in Ivano. We were 15 minutes late but everyone was waiting outside for us.

We had a good meeting with several people out we had wanted to see, which was an encouragement.

Dan and I were not too hungry so went for a walk and found a “hole in the wall” cafe, where we had a small salad and juice and then headed home to bed.

Monday March 28^th

We found out last night that Luba, one of the sisters that came with us to Lviv, has a daughter who has had a kidney problem and was in a children’s sanatorium in the hills. She was ready to come home today and Luba and her autistic son where going on the bus to get her. As it was going to take 2 hours to get there and 2 hours to come home, we thought we should go and get her. We left at about 10am for the 1 hour trip, so we thought! I can say that I have never ridden on such pot holed roads for so long a distance, in my life. The road was good until we turned off the highway. There were holes that bottomed out the van, full of water. The problem is that the Sanatorium is in a logging area and the logging trucks have destroyed the communist built roads.

Enough about the drive. We met the Administrator of the sanatorium, a very pleasant lady, and told her what we do and wondered if we could speak to the children. She says they will be very happy to have us after the first of April, as they expect to have a full house of children in that week. It seems children come in batches and they were clearing out today. We are looking forward to the visit but NOT the drive. We headed home with another lady and daughter on board who was a neighbour of Luba’s. We invited her to the meetings and hope she comes.

We were completely worn out after the trip but managed to do so things around town and in the apartment. We have plans to visit a baby orphanage with supplies and hopefully a word to staff.

All for now Malcolm and Dan.

Spring 2011 - Report #6

2011-03-27T19:06:00.002-05:00

Friday March 25^th

Decided we should look for summer tires for the van and get them before going to Lviv on Sunday. One thing Vadym knows it all the best places for “things”. We got prices but did not buy yet as we were not satisfied. We had some visiting we wanted to do and so natually decided to get the tires put on the 4 extra wheels we got with the van. We went to visit a lady, while they were doing that. She comes out to meeting but is badly crippled with a stroke. She was outside burning off the garden but invited us in the house, it was in a mess as her brother was doing some remodelling or “remont” as they call it. She lives with her daughter of 20 some years who is paid to look after her mother. The daughter was very pleasant but does not come out to meeting. I had a nice chat about being saved and she did agree to come out on Tuesday.

We then went back to get the wheels on and they were busy and by the time we were done, we were almost late for the 5 oclock meeting. We had a good number out again and there seemed to be good attention.

Saturday March 26^th

Not a nice day, rather cool and cloudy. Vadym and his family go swimming on Saturday morning at 7am. I elected not to go but Dan was away when I woke up at 8am. I had a leisurely shower and breakfast. When they came back, Dan was limping as he had come down the slide too fast and banged his heel on the bottom of the pool. He is still limping but we think he will live without having to amputate his foot. We later went to visit a man who comes regularly and brings an adult son who is a little slow but listens well. We found his father in bed but he got up and told us he is suffering from a balance problem when he stands up and starts to move. The doctor has not found out what it is yet. It sounds like vertigo or some inner ear problem. We prayed for him and hope he will soon be out again.

We went to Vadym’s for a good supper. Then home to get ready for Sunday in Lviv, it had started to snow, we hope it doesn’t stick.

All for now

Malcolm and Dan

Spring 2011 - Report #5

2011-03-24T21:30:00.001-05:00

Wednesday March 23

Spring seems to have sprung as there a flowers popping and sun shining. The wind is still a little cool but really quite nice.

Vadym phoned to say that Amelia, his daughter had woken with a tooth ache, so he was on his way to pick us up in a taxi and take her to the dentist. We had a little personal shopping to do so we shopped while the dentist fixed Amelia. We then met the man who had the vehicle we wanted to buy and went to the Mercedes dealer and had the van diagnosed again, just to be sure everything was good. It checked out 100% and no charge as the man who did it is a friend of Vadym’s. The same old story, it’s not WHAT you know but WHO you know that counts, in Ukraine any way.

Once this was done we paid for the vehicle and went to a notary public, called an “Advocat” here, to prepare a legal bill of sale. It took her about an hour to write up the 5 pages of the contract. The cost was 400Rhivney or $50.00. So now the van is ours and we are very happy with it. I don’t think this vehicle is in North America, it is called a Mercedes Vito.

It is a 9 passenger with removable seats. A 2000 with a Diesel engine.

By the time all this was done it was time to get ready for meeting at 5pm.

We were glad to see the room fill up with old friends and some new people that I had not met but Dan had met last year. Tania and he mother were out. Her mother looked wonderful since the surgery to replace her nose that had to be removed. I found out the problem that had attacked her was Lupus. Some of you will have heard of it.

Tania is leaving tomorrow for Montreal, Canada. She has got her visa and is going to seek and work to better the situation for her mother and brothers. She needs our prayers.

We went to Tania’s home for a nice lunch and then home to bed.

Thursday.

Vadym arrived in the van at 8:30 am to pick us up as well as some supplies for an old folk’s home. We were going to the town this home is in because Vadym’s father-in-law was to be buried today. We arrived to find the upstairs of an apartment house, full of people singing in response to the priest’s prayers over the open coffin. We stayed until they moved outside and brought the coffin outside, with the coffin open and “Grandpa” lying in state for the entire crowd to see. Now there was another session, with everyone who wanted to, kissing the corpse. There must have been 50 people attending. While we were standing outside, some ladies moved through the crowd giving everyone a fresh round loaf of bread in a plastic bag.

After a while (about a good hour so far) they loaded the casket, now with its top on, onto an old WW 2 truck, draped in black and began the “march” to the cemetery.

We left in the van to go another route to the cemetery. It was way up in the hills on terrible roads. It took the procession a good hour to walk all the way to the cemetery. It really was a beautiful spot overlooking a beautiful valley. The wind was fierce but not too cold. Once there, they then crowded into the church at the cemetery for another service and then to the grave side for another service before lowering the casket in to a VERY deep grave.

We had gone to the old people’s home before going to the cemetery and gave out some clothes. I spoke briefly to two staff and a few of the residents.

We were going to head home after the party returned to the house from the funeral, but one of the daughters of the man who died would not hear of it, we HAD to go in and eat. What a spread of food, and our waists I’m sure.

We packed the van with 10 of us and headed home, quite weary after so long in the wind and fresh air but looking to do some visiting in town tomorrow.

All for now and thank you for those who donated and prayed for us to get a good vehicle. God answered prayer.

Malcolm and Dan.

Spring 2011 - Report #4

2011-03-24T21:23:00.001-05:00

Monday and Tuesday March 21 & 22^nd.

We were all ready for Ruslan to pick us up at 10 am, and leave our “foster mother Flo” for 3 weeks, and move to Ivano Frankivsk. As we would not be having a meeting on Monday night, Flo elected to stay home and sort out her last shipment of boxes.

We picked some Bibles from the Canadian Bible House before getting on our way. What a trip. The roads are breaking up now the frost has lifted. Pot holes almost the entire hour and a half trip; very hard on drivers and cars.

Vadym was at the apartment to meet us. The apartment was spotless and we proceeded to unpack and then head over to have a visit and supper with Vadym, Sveta and their daughter Amelia, who now spends all day at day care/ kindergarden. Sveta has a new job selling items to pharmacies and had to leave on the 7pm train to go for training in Kiev, 11 hours on this train through the night. Seminar all day Tuesday, back on the train and arrive at 7am Wednesday.

We came home and got our beds ready and crawled in at 11:45 pm. My room was cold, as a case had been put on top of the only radiator and no heat “radiated”. My nose and arms froze, and I had a miserable night.

Tuesday.

O well, the morning came and we were up and ready by 7am. Our plan was to shop for a vehicle to be left for the work in Ivano. Most of the morning was spent going through the Ukrainian “Truck Trader” on the web. We found one in Ivano and several others in a town near-by. However it turned out that the first one we saw in Ivano is most likely the most suited so we will see what tomorrow brings.

We have to do some quick visiting as the schools are on mid-term break next week and we would like to visit some this week.

Not too much of interest to report but a big decision for us to make. Please pray that the vehicle will be trustworthy and serve us well and long.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Malcolm and Dan.

Spring 2011 - Report #3

2011-03-20T19:36:00.002-05:00

Saturday turned out to be cloudy and cold and wet, still not spring. We were going to visit in town once again. First we went to see Maria. She is an abandoned wife and mother of five children. The oldest is in university and still lives at home with his mother and a younger brother and two younger sisters. These 5 sleep in one room off the kitchen on two flip flop sofa’s that were ripped apart when the husband left. The sponge is all exposed. The eldest son has just gone into the army but also sleeps in the same room when he is home. They have to go outside to use a toilet shared with other tenants. There is no bathroom. It’s hard to believe in this day that people have to live in such circumstances. We would like to buy at least one new sofa bed if the funds permit.

Next we went into a village a few miles out of the city to see another sad case and give a little encouragement. Natalia is a teacher of Ukrainian language and culture and lives with her two young sons in a hovel of an apartment. Her husband left her while she was having the youngest boy in hospital. She came home to see he had left, taking the furniture and anything of value. He then denied that the new baby was his and refused to support her charging her with infidelity. Now one of his relatives is trying to get her evicted from her apartment as she wants to sell it. The boys are lovely boys the one could speak good English and is also learning Polish, he is only 9 years old. His brother is 12.

Natalia is not saved but is very interested and we had a good conversation with her about the need of salvation and blessing of having God as our Father and Friend. We left her with some supplies and some funds as she has had to hire a lawyer to help with the apartment problem.

We were close to the place we first had meetings in the home of Stefka in the village of Nesnevachi. When we first came with Ross Vanstone and Seed Sowers, we had meetings each Sunday for several weeks. It’s sad to see the people getting so old and needing serious surgery both Stefka and her son Orst have had serious surgery but seemed to have benefitted so far. Flo also visited another friend across the road. We brought garden seeds to all these people, so greatly appreciated by them all. We thank Brother Jim Solomon for donating so many seeds for us to distribute.

Sunday March 20^th

We had a good breakfast of Flo’s special crepes. (There goes the diet!) We got things ready for the Breaking of Bread meeting held at 12 noon. About 15 in fellowship and 3 unsaved watching on. It was so exciting to hear each brother pray so intelligently and thank God for giving His Son to die for them. All except one are from non Christian backgrounds. I gave a word at the end on Acts 2 and what was expected of each one who was formed the first new-testament church.

We all had a nice cold lunch and fellowshipped for a while before going out to visit one of the families and having supper and a nice time round the scriptures. Then home in a taxi and started to get ready to leave for Ivano Frankivsk tomorrow at 10am.

A great week in Lviv. I omitted to say that Dan got his lost bag on Tuesday ok.

Thanks for praying for the work

Malcolm & Dan

Spring 2011 - Report #2

2011-03-20T19:35:00.000-05:00

Report Thursday March 17^th We woke to a miserable cold and rainy day. There is no snow but lots of mud.

We got under way at 10am to spend the day visiting in Lviv. Of course we have to take some food supplies to these people, so visit our famous super market first. The super markets certainly have plenty of selection but the prices have really gone up.

The first lady we visited is named Oxana and she was very sad and cried most of the time. The last time we visited with her, she had her 18 year old cerebral palsy daughter with her in her home. The girl died about 9 months ago and she is having a real problem getting over the loss. We are sure the girl was saved as she would show amazing joy when we talked to her about the Saviour, the last time we visited with her. Oxana’s mother was their too and we are quite sure both ladies are trusting in Christ as their Saviour. Oxana said she will come to meeting now that she is free of the 24 hour care of her daughter.

We then went to visit a lovely sister in Christ Lesia who is house-bound in a wheel-chair with MS. She has 5 grown children and a good husband who is not saved but listens to what Flo says to him when we visit. I have mentioned for prayer, the need for a new or good wheel-chair for Lesia as the seat is broken and cannot be repaired. It is a toilet wheel-chair and is most uncomfortable for this lovely lady. We spoke with her and prayed and left some house hold and medical supplies.

Friday March 18^th

Still foggy and raining this morning but not so cold today.

We were going out of town today to visit the children’s home at Yosopowich, our favourite little orphanage in a small village. We were going to visit with the ex-doctor who carves for a living now in the town of Stri. Before we leave we have to pick up supplies for both places as both are in desperate need of help.

The orphanage was having some plumbing problems with the water pressure, so the plumber who installed the system two years ago, and a helper came along with us to find the problem. We arrived at noon and they got to work right away. It seemed that the pressure pump could not maintain enough water pressure. While they traced the problem we visited with the staff but the children, all pre-schoolers, were having their afternoon nap, except they were all awake! After the problem was found and solved with the system, we headed back down the road, full of pot holes, to visit with Michael the doctor in the 2 room apartment he shares with his wife and 5 children. His sixth daughter has just married and moved out. Since the last time we were there a year ago, he was able to renovate the apartment with funds we left. He painted, got rid of the cockroaches that infested the place, even though it was not dirty, and put down some new flooring. Now the ceiling has developed large patches of mould because of the lack of any air movement. Dan was almost sick with the smell of the dampness that these people have to live in. It can’t be healthy.

We headed home and had supper and got ready for meeting at 7pm. This was not a regular meeting, but one we arranged to just have a home Bible study in the book of James. About 8 people came and we had a profitable time that all said they appreciated. There was good participation.

After every one had gone home we relaxed and watched a very good video Dan had brought called “the forbidden book” about the history of the Bible.

And so to bed.

Malcolm

Spring 2011 - Report #1

2011-03-16T20:55:00.000-05:00

Report #1 dated Tuesday March 15^th 2011.

Everything went well on Sunday morning as David, my middle son, drove me to Winnipeg at 4:15am for my 6:20am flight to Toronto. God graciously gave us clear roads after the roads had been closed until Saturday noon with ice and blowing snow.

The wait in Toronto was long and boring except for a very nice talk with a young lady from Newfoundland, on her way home from teaching in Soul Korea. I was able to give her my testimony and God’s plan of salvation. She was very interested and it passed a good 1 ½ hours.

Dan arrived and we got the LOT Air plane in good time. It was not full and we both got an outside seat with an empty one in the middle. Good for stretching long legs in. We arrived on time in Warsaw and made a good connection to Lviv. Only one snag, Dan’s one and only bag did not arrive and was not in Warsaw either. A tracer has been put on it and he should get it on Thursday when the next LOT flight comes in.

We were met by Flo and Ruslan and were glad that the Customs didn’t ask anything about my bags. We were worried about the seeds we had brought to give away, but no problems.

We were able to have a nap before supper but thankfully were still able to get 7 hours sleep.

Tuesday we had to change our Canadian or US money. The exchange rate is good for us but not for the Ukrainian economy. Canadian was 8.2Rhivney and US was 7.94Rhivney per dollar.

We then picked up some sewing material for one of the orphanages then headed out to deliver some goods to Vileky Luben (Great Love), one of our favourite orphanages since we first came here. It has about 120 children, some of which are mentally challenged. We had a very nice time talking over the Scriptures with the Director and then we spoke to most of the kids and staff in their auditorium. After a light lunch with the director we headed home.

To say the least, our jet-lag caught up in the evening and Dan didn’t get to sleep until about 3am. I slept like a log.

Wednesday we woke to a heavy foggy morning but what turned out to be a lovely sunny warm day.

We left at about 10am to travel to the orphanage in Lopartin. That is also one the orphanages we have visited and helped for years. It is the one that we helped build a bathhouse for, many years ago. We were to take the material we got yesterday but we forgot it, as we were taking a box of clothes as well as toilet paper and other necessities as well. We had our usual great reception. After lunch with the director, a lady, we met all the children in the auditorium and Dan spoke very well on the Lost Sheep. There are 125 kids there and most of them were in the meeting and many staff.

We headed home for supper made by Flo, cabbage rolls with chopped beef. Time for a quick nap before meeting at 7pm. Just 12 of us out as quite a number either working or sick. We both spoke and there seemed to be good interest. After a time of fellowship and a small lunch, they went home, but want a meeting on Friday as well as the meetings on Sunday.

Malcolm.

Assembly work in Western Ukraine

2011-01-15T16:48:00.002-06:00

To our friends who are interested and praying for the work and workers in Ukraine. I thought you would like to know what is happening, God willing, in 2011. The door is still wide open for the gospel to be preached and the distribution of the scriptures in Ukraine. We have no way of knowing, of course, how long this will remain, with a more Socialist government now in power.

As far as we know, the only Assembly work being carried on is in Western Ukraine, with 2 Assemblies now functioning in both Lutsk and Lviv. There is a growing interest in Ivano Frankivsk but there is a need for a full time worker in this city. Things seem to fade once the short term missionaries head home.

Last fall, Eric Fowler and Howard Pratt saw a good number of people coming out to meetings, some who had never been out before. We hope the numbers will revive again when brethren return in spring.

Several of us are planning to go then. Myself in March for a month along with another brother, not yet decided. Louis Smith and Doug Yade will be going for a short period, before or after going to Russia. Eric Fowler would like to go back in May.

Most of us will arrive in Lviv, where Flo Kancir will be, beginning in March. This is always our ”arrival city”, and so we spend time with the saints there before some of us go on to Ivano Frankivsk. 2010 saw the commencement of an Assembly in Flo’s apartment. Pray that they will find a meeting room to rent, as the apartment is getting too crowded now.

Many of you have asked what is the greatest need in Ukraine? We always appreciate the boxes of clothing, the finances to purchase Bibles and literature, and your prayers. But the greatest need is for men and women who see Ukraine as a full time mission field. Each of the Assemblies has started where a full time couple have moved to. At the present time, both couples are from Ireland. One couple are in Lutsk and one in Lviv.

I want to mention one other particular need at the present time. The need was met some years ago in Lviv and the van is still running and bringing people to the meetings and taking Flo and others to outlying towns. e do not have any such vehicle in Ivano Frankivsk which means that we have to rent vehicles that are often not at all reliable or suitable and a lot of time is wasted. Please pray that a suitable vehicle, at the right price will become available for this year. There is a small fund already started to purchase this much needed vehicle. The reason we feel lead to mention this need is the fact that many ask us to be more specific, not as a pleading letter. We plead at the Throne of Grace. I hope you understand.

I hope this update will help you to pray more intelligently, as you become aware of current needs as well as blessings. Yours, in our Soon Coming Lord Jesus Christ.

Malcolm Stanley. (for Christian Assembly Work in Ukraine.)

Update from Flo

2010-12-20T14:16:00.000-06:00

I would like to give a little update about the work in Ukraine.

As usual, I went to Ukraine in Sept. and returned home in November. There was a real problem there for the people because of an excessive amount of rain. Crops rotted in the ground.For these dear souls, this is a catastrophe as they depend on their gardens for survival.

Despite the hardships I found the Christians in good spirit.

In October Howard Pratt joined Julie Mackenzie and me in Lviv. He stayed in Lviv until the arrival of Eric Fowler , his wife Marg and their daughter Mary. It gave us great joy to be able to break bread in Lviv for the first time, October 31,2010. God has indeed blessed the work.

Edmond and Agnes Johnson are now working in Lviv and are a tremendous boost to the work. They cannot totally live there as yet but will be there as much as possible.They must leave for a while every 3 months. Presently they are taking Ukrainian language lessons and I find that they are doing very well.This couple are a real answer to our prayers.
Work continues in the children's homes, with the gypsies and in Bible distribution.

Meetings continue in the apartment that I rent in Lviv. Another young couple were baptised this fall. The Lord continues to bless. It is great to see unsaved out at every meeting.

There is one problem we face; the apartment is getting pretty crowded and so we need to find larger accomadations to meet this need. Please make this a matter for prayer.

Work also continues in Ivano Frankivsk where Howard, Malcolm, Louis Smith, Eric Fowler and others also work in the gospel outreach. Prayer is needed for this work also.

Fall 2010 visit - post #4

2010-11-23T20:26:00.000-06:00

Nov 20 and 21
               20th.
       Early rise breakfast as normal as you can get with all the same ingredients for a Ukraine breakfast ..read and prayed for the day.

Vadem came late he had a flat on way to pick us up to go to Lviv. On the way in the rain ..his little girl will travel with us we are going to Lviv to help give out calendars.
We got there just as they were on the street in front of Edmonds house . All ready to go, 12 of us to give out 1000 calendars. The rain held up, cloudy and cool but nice, had nice time on the street. Some of the Ukraine Christians were worried what to say to people if they asked questions but all went well and enjoyed it. Some nice talks, good for out- reach and good for all as we meet people as answer questions. We need to do this in our own country, not enough contact made with people, doing it together.
       We all then went to   MacDonalds and had a treat together.
A nice time of fellowship. Then Margie me and Vadem and little girl went to Flos apartment for all night. Mary stayed with Edmond and his wife, that is the couple commended from Ireland to LVIV.
Had a good rest, tired from the drive and on the street.

      21st.

           Normal rise Vadem made breakfast, Cream of wheat manna they call it here. He made lunch last night, potatoes, when we came back.

        A time reading to get ready for min. after worship. 13 out from Ukraine; Vadem was received into Fellowship this morning ..he was quite happy .. H e gave thanks for the Cup and was nice about it. Edmond had a word in the Gospel two unsaved out ..Lady and M an.  The man was there last week as well and came to Edmonds house during the week with Questions .
     I spoke in Min. on Eph. 6, the Armour . We need to put it on and not leave a time when we dont wear it all. It is the armor of God .
      Then left and came back to Ivano .for the Gospel at 4 oclock 25 out one new lady.   A lady asked after the meeting, you talked of peace how do I get that peace? Spoke to her a little and then made arrangements to go to her home during the week. Then the 23 year old lady who is dying with cancer was out and her Husband, she listened very well and her husband listened better. Some of out regulars weren’t out to night.
    Vadems sister in Law who was out almost every night, was taken to hospital with very high blood pressure. Pray for her, she seemed troubled the last night. Her dad was out tonight, would be so great to see this man troubled .
       Tired for sure. Value your prayer for even my health.   Thanks for praying.
             Tomorrow we will go the Mens home of 204 men value prayer for this .
4 more days in Ivano and to much to do so   pray for help to do as much as we can before we go and also that Lviv and Lusk will have a little exercise to help down in Ivano during Dec. to Feb when someone else will come to help. 45 different ones have come in the three weeks here.
                      IN Christ    Eric Margie and Mary   Fowler

Fall 2010 visit - post #3

2010-11-20T10:56:00.000-06:00

(from Eric Fowler)

Nov 19th

     A early day as some people are coming for clothing . Breakfast as normal for Ukraine.
Great to labour for the best of masters and great to be where he wants you, doing what HE wants you to do . All labour demands an effort.
     People came early, ones we didn’t really expect, so phoned Tanya to help She talked to the ladies, there were three of them a lady her daughter and daughters husband. The one lady came to meetings but not the other two. Tanya came here, as we just couldn’t do it by telephone. We will visit the lady later. They all got clothing some for the man, even though there was little left for men. The need is for much more men’s clothing. We should keep this in mind, a paper with what is in the boxes is also very helpful. Thanks for those who do just that it saves a lot of work and effort here when it is all different ladies and children etc. it is so confusing as some are still sending boxes and no list.
      Then six other ladies came it was nice to have Tanya here to help. It went well very well, they were all happy to get things, they are all very poor, got taxi for three to go home.
One lady lives with no gas, just wood, so will arrange to get enough wood for her winter. She has 3 children and in a very poor poor place, she comes to meeting regularly with children at times. We did give children school material and left some money for medicine as one boy is diabetic and a very bad case at that, his sugar was 29 the day we were there, frightening for sure. Some had tea and some had cookies we gave them apples we got from the village. They all were happy to get the clothing, we sent some home by taxi.
Then Vadym came and we went to market to get a hot water tank for the mens home and will take it to them on Monday with pampers and more clothing. We have very little for men so any exercise for men supplies as we have very little here at this time. We took the heater to our apartment until Monday, then went and visited Vadym’s father in law.
He is coming nicely to meetings, he tried to get one of his other daughters to come to meeting, will see on Sunday. Then went to the Market to see Oleg, would like him to come to Lviv for Sunday morning but never got the go ahead maybe next time.
Then went to visit the lady who wants wood and made the final arrangement for it.
Came back to our home and Vadym’s mom called and she and her daughter who I didnt meet yet came for some supper of what we had here. We are living as near the edge as possible had nice time and now the day is at its end. Talked to Ann Marie Kember on skype, great surprise she was still at work.
   Will go to Lviv tomorrow morning to help give out Calendars and be there for Lords Day ..
                   Value your Prayers.
                    IN Christ     Eric Margie Mary Fowler

Fall 2010 visit - post #2

2010-11-20T10:54:00.002-06:00

(from Eric Fowler)

Nov 17

THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE LET US BE GLAD AND REJOICE IN IT .. Mr. Bob Harvey quoted this all the time .
A new day and started the same breakfast and it was the normal ..then a read and prayer together .
A day of New visions, values and trust victories ..
We went to the market to by suds, toilet paper, toilet cleaning liquid, soap for two all mens homes .. we took clothing as well from here also pampers that we had here. One home the age started at 35 and until they die, they are all mentally challenged. 204 in the home 20 are in bed all the time . Quite a place the need was horrific . The other home was from 5 until 35 .. Both places are kept clean with a lot of work.
The first place had 5 different buildings, two for the sleeping quarters and one for cooking which meant that all the food have to be carried to the men to eat. That is a lot of work in its self for 204..they make their own bread there and they gave us 4 small loves, very nice. One building for the office and activity places and then they have pigs and cows, and a piece of land for growing potatoes etc. They get very little from government so have to do something to operate. We will go back with a wheel chair that is here in the building and buy a hot water tank as they only have one for all the washing of the dishes. They use what they have and try to make do . It would just move you to see all the men, they have almost no relatives and a grave yard is on the sight and when they die they bury them there. New testament was given to them the first of the year so we left calendars and texts.
We spoke to some of the men in a few rest rooms where they were sitting. We will bring back more clothing for the men and their beds.
Then went to the other home they have children and get a little more government help and more sponsor help but still could use help. We left school things there and cleaning soap etc. There they raise birds to sell. Budgie birds and make brooms from straw and paint brushes also make mitts from scrap material all this is sold to get help to ;operate. Its not Canada for sure. Again left calendars and text ..quite a sight to see there ..how good have we got it . Amazing to leave there and go to Heaven what a change for sure.
On the way I was looking at the people waiting for a bus or a ride ..and there was Halya, so we stopped and she was going to her mom. I didnt realize that her village was they way we were going for we wanted to get potatoes for some here in the City . So the Lord was in this We gave her a ride to her mom and made plans to stop there on way back.. We did just that and got Apples , potatoes some cabbage and pickles. It was nice to see her she got baptized in 2005 when I was here for the first time.
Then came back delivered potatoes and apples to Luba and her family, then went and got price on hot water tank also for Kitchen Cabinets for the family of seven I talked about the other day .
Now home very tired maybe just too tired .
IN CHRIST Eric , Margie and Mary Fowler

Fall 2010 visit - post #1

2010-11-20T10:53:00.000-06:00

(from Eric Fowler)

Nov 13

Normal ..day breakfast with a humble breakfast .. black Russian bread cream of wheat tea . At home we often stay alive to eat .. but here we have to eat to stay alive .. and not just to .. If we just eat what we needed to live how much we would be able to share with others ..so they just could eat. Read together and Prayer to open the day to the right avenues .
Vadem her on time at 10 and he took us to a mass grave sight of 120 000 Jews. Mary and I had seen it before but I wanted to take Margie there . Bible history with world history. It is always a unique experience to walk around the grounds and just think German tractors bull-dozed the graves down and left an open pit where they tortured and murdered 120 000 souls which lie underneath the sod there. The piles of stones are still as they bull-dozed them .. names and dates on some.. "Let his blood be on us and on our children" words they said but paid a great price for.
Then went to market and got food for 10 more food packages . Then went to Luba and her mom she wasn't out yet, she is a music teacher ..very poor; she had fell from the bus and hurt her let. Her mom is 84 and not well, left her a food package.
Then in the same area where Yaroslav used to live and we got to know their neighbours and dropped in to say hello. Dropped in before and she wasnt at home but got her home and will go back for perogies. Mary loves them, I don't know why!
Went to vadyms home to pick up some things. Took pictures to be developed for some people,went to drug store for some pills. Went and eat some soup at place that Louie likes to go to.
Came home for short rest ..then went to Marie's for a lunch, a large one she probably she spent her month wages to make the supper. Her son and husband, not saved were there, my first visit ever to that place. Her husband wasn't very friendly .. but that has changed ..but doesn't come to meeting much, he is cripple but could come if he truly wanted to. had nice visit, but this meal is close to Olex and Olas meal so will be full by the evening is over .
From there we went to Olexs place they were waiting for us for an hour, too close in the appointments but what can one do we had a nice surprise there for us Andris mother in Law was there Nadia, she is a sweet lady. I thought of her during the day and wondered if we would see her. Andre want us to come to supper on Monday again, this will not go down good with Vadym but may the Lord help. Naudie said she will come to meeting on Sunday, it will be the first as far as I know for her to come to meeting since the disagreement with Andrei All things work together for good to them that Love the Lord . Olexs son there as well had a great visit.
Home after the two meals IN Christ Eric, Margie and Mary Fowler

Nov 14
Early rise breakfast .. Mary and my wife not eat much as they ate too much yesterday. Well, read and a time of prayer and Vadem was here at 9:40 to leave to go to Lviv, 2 hours away, for worship meeting The ride was much more relaxing then last Lords day with the break down of the car and all other happenings .
There safe ..took things to car that Flo had for us down here, and then the meeting. 17 of us some away today, but it went well ..all worshiped except one brother and he didn't any Lords Day since the Assembly started this is the 3rd Sunday. So nice to be here for their starting days Edmond spoke a short message in the Gospel and I spoke some in Ministry on 1 John Love, in your Heart Love for God and Love for each other Love is the Oil that lets things move smoothly. No Love No Liberty.
Vadem wanted to sit in and break bread, but I explained to him he must sit back and ask to be received He was baptised 2008 and saved in 2006 He asked after the meeting and brethren spoke to him and he will set to break bread next Lords day. H e said his wife will come next week and he wants to ask Olex and Ola to come up to. Will see. God is moving for sure.
Came back to Ivano to see 29 come to meeting, such a nice crowd for sure .The Lady 23, dying with cancer was out and her Husband with her ..Pleas pray hard for this lady I dont think she had long to live.
Now tired and Vadem went home early and we just collapsed. Full day and full week.
In Christ Eric, Margie, Mary Fowler

Fall 2010 update, and vehicle setback

2010-09-27T21:21:00.001-05:00

Summer is almost over, the harvest is well on the way and we have not written for some time. I suppose once we have all come home from Ukraine, there is not the usual news to pass on. Well, things are opening up with Flo already for 3 months, and then Howard and another brother are going in October followed by Eric Fowler and his wife in November. This should give good coverage until winter when it is not advisable to go as travel is not good.

I am not planning to go back until spring, God willing. As far as I know, meetings continued in Flo’s apartment with Brother and Sister Edmund and Agnes Johnson from Ireland now living in Lviv.

The meetings continued with a little interest after we left in the spring. Vadym did some Bible teaching from outlines I sent to him until the apartment got too hot for meetings when the temperature got to 40C outside at one time.

I want to share how difficult it can be for a Christian to get going in business when he or she will not work dishonestly. When we were there in the spring in Ivano Frankivsk, we realized we needed a vehicle, big enough to carry us and boxes to deliver to those in need. After we left, Vadym, our man there, located a van and sent us pictures. It looked good and was not a high price. Vadym had a Toyota car that he owned and had fixed up which the owner of the van said he would take plus $1,500 US.

In the meantime Vadym sold the Toyota and headed to Lviv to pick up the van with the $3,000 he got for the car and $1,500 we had supplied him with. When he got there he was not happy with something about the vehicle or the owner and decided not to buy it. While he was at the bus stop waiting to return home, he was attacked by 3 men who robbed him of the money for the van plus all his personal items, driver’s license, passport etc. They broke his arm and messed up his face. He spent 3 weeks in hospital but is now out and able to work again.

Your guess is as good as mine who tipped them off that he had money.

So goes Ukraine for many people. No recourse or help from police even though they come to the scene and take reports. They even called him in to identify 3 men but they were not his attackers.

Thankfully, he did not have the $1,000 that was to go to Tania’s mother who was having the surgery on her nose. Tania, with her mother, are returning to Kiev as soon as they know the date for the last surgery on her nose. The surgeon has done an amazing job already and I know she will be a lovely looking woman again. Vadym was able to deliver the money in time for their trip to Kiev for an appointment.

We don’t know what to do about a vehicle now; we are back to rock bottom and so will see what God has in mind. Vadym is trying to borrow or rent one for Howard Pratt's and Eric Fowler's visits in October and November.

Thank you for your prayerful interest in the work in the Lviv and Ivano Frankivsk region of Western Ukraine.

Your Brother in Christ.

Malcolm Stanley.

Report from Flo

2010-06-21T22:25:00.001-05:00

Dear Brothers and sisters in Christ;

I would like to thank all who have been so supportive in the work in Ukraine. Your continued support has enabled us to continue there.
This spring we were happy to see definite growth amongst the christians in Lviv. There were two brothers who obeyed the Lord in baptism and are now in fellowship. There has been a very noticable drawing together with the believers. I am happy to complain
that the apartment that we rent is beginning to get too small for the meetings, but for now we continue there. Please pray for us in this regard.
Bible distribution went very well this spring. We were able to visit quite a few schools where Bibles were given and the gospel message was preached. Only the Lord knows where this will go, but we do know of a couple of young people that have received Christ in this way, in past work.
We continue to work amongst the needy in supplying food, clothing and medicine. I thank all who are of so great assistance in supplying for these needs.
For me. a work that is very close to my heart, is the work in the childrens homes (orphanages) There are never ending needs there, and these homes are a great outreach for the gospel. It was very gratifying for me to encounter a young man in the bible society last fall, who told me that he had been saved through the work at Viliky Luben ( a childrens home) through our efforts there. He went on to tell me how it changed his life and now he is trying to reach out to other young people.
Another avenue that has opened up to us is the boys colony( jail) in Sambir. they call it a colony but it is very much a jail . We have visited there 4 times this year and the door is open to us to continue to work there. One boy came out to meeting upon his release and told me, he wished to continue to come out. Time will tell.
It was very nice to meet and work with Agnes and Edmond Jonston from N. Ireland, who have been commended to the work in Ukraine. Their exercise is to work in Lviv and area. I believe that this is an answer to prayer and am looking forward to working with them in the will of the Lord. They are not yet living in Ukraine as it takes time to get everything settlrd, but they will be spending as much time as possible there right now.
Again I thank our good Lord and you for all the blessing that have been received. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

Your sister because of Calvary
Flo Kancir

Ukraine Spring Report #19 (Final)

2010-05-24T13:47:00.000-05:00

Final report for May 5-7^th 2010.

Sorry about the long wait but things got so hectic as we tried to tie up our last days visits. Then when I got home my computer would not connect to the internet until yesterday morning.

Well on Wednesday I decided to help Vadym clean up his garden and hope to have further conversation with Sveta, his wife. She told me several days ago that she had prayed while alone in her car, after the last conversation we had about her need of salvation. She told the Lord that she knew she was a sinner and that Christ had dies for her on the cross. The problem was that she didn’t feel anything or any better. I told her that it was not feelings she needed but faith and that we would talk again.

The opportunity came after supper on Wednesday. She got her bible and sat down and wanted to read the verses I had for her. I can only hope she got her assurance from the Word of God.

Thursday, we had planned to have a little meeting with the people at 4:30 and then have a little snack before saying our good-byes. I had brought 2 boxes of carrot cake muffin mix so started to prepare everything. My biggest concern was the gas oven and whether the temp guage was accurate or not.

The first batch proved it was not accurate and the bottoms of the muffins were a little burnt. I lowered the heat and the other 3 batches were fine. They cooled and I iced them. I must say they were very good. (I ate the burnt ones !)

About 20 people came at 4:30 and we had a little word and then the muffins, cookies and tea, coffee and cold drinks. It is always tough saying goodbye as one never knows who we will see again.

As I had mentioned in previous reports, Vadym had real problems getting his much needed distributor for his car. It was eventually sent on the bus on Thursday, but not in time for us to leave for Lviv. But, as usual, God knew about the problem and solved it for us. The lady who had rented us her car had some business to do in Lviv and said she would gladly take me there. So Vadym drove and we arrived at Flo Kancir’s just after supper. God is so good. On the way to Lviv we passed the bus bringing the part for Vadym’s car. He told me later by phone, it was the right part this time!

The work will continue for another month with Flo, Gilles Plourde, John Wenkells and Howard Pratt working in both Lviv and Ivano.

Friday was the day of my departure and everything went according to plan until our arrival in Chicago.

Our departure from Munich was delayed about half an hour, while they made sure we could get through the ash cloud that had spread again into Europe. We had a change of direction, going more North than West, to go around Iceland rather than past it from the South. This made us a little late getting to Chicago and we missed our landing spot. We circled the airport for one hour and this meant that many of us missed our connections. So, we spent Friday night in the Four Points Hotel, courtesy of Lufthansa.

And so ended my 12^th trip to Ukraine. I can only pray that the many souls who now own Christ as their Lord, will go on for God and that Assemblies will one day be formed in both Lviv and Ivano Frankivsk.

Please continue to pray for the Christians that they will obey God in Baptism and in Godly living.

Thank you, each one and each assembly, for your remembrance of us in your prayers. Even though we are now home, we are packing and sending boxes of humanitarian aid to both places, to aid the dear people left in such poverty.

Your Brother in Christ.

Malcolm Stanley.

Ukraine Spring Report #18

2010-05-04T20:14:00.000-05:00

Report #18 for Tuesday May 4^th.

Another lovely day with sunshine and no rain. We planned to go to a new town and institution today and so got ready early planning to leave by 8:30.

As the home we were going to in Sniatin was a mental home for boys, we got some boxes of clothing and some junior Pampers loaded as well as children’s picture stories of the life of Jesus.

We got there in good time through the most gorgeous countryside. Rolling hill and large fields already green with winter wheat. We saw a large farm in a valley with brand new John Deere tractors and new machinery and a fleet of grain trucks. Some Foreign Farming Companies have leased land , this must be one of them.

We greeted by some of the higher grade boys, waving us into the facility. It looked in fairly good condition though not new by any means. The director came to meet us and welcomed us into his office.

His name in Leonard in English and he gave us his history. He was born in Sniatin and after his military service, came home and was voted Mayor for a term. After his term he was asked to be the Director of this home. He had been there 25 years now.

He asked me to speak to the boys, they are from 4, I think to 18. They came together outside in an area with a long seat and I spoke to them. I didn’t preach this time as it was such a mixed multitude, I didn’t know what to say. (That’s a first for me!) I just told them why we came and then gave them all one of the picture bible books. I gave all the staff a New Testament, a Seed Sowers John 3:16 and a Calendar.

We then were taken on a tour of the facility and the different projects the boys work on.

Firstly we saw where they raise lovely guinea pigs that are sold to the hospital and University for research. So sad, why didn’t they raise rats, there not so cute. The area was spotlessly clean.

We then went to the shop where they make brooms. The ones here are like a witche’s broom, without the handle. Not only do they make the brooms, they plant the seed to grow the stalks to make the brooms. They have a contract to supply some large stores.

Then we went inside and down the hall from the Administrators office was a room full of cages of cockatiel “parrots” as they call them. Again, spotlessly clean with no smell. Nesting boxes with bald babies in them and a large cage with babies learning to fly and others growing. Simply amazing. Even all the wooded cages were made by the boys.

The walls were lined with artwork that the boys had made in every different material you could think of. The boys in the carpenters shop make all the frames and a lot of the furniture.

We didn’t get to see the pasta making room or the sewing room, but we did see pictures.

We had to say that we have never seen an institution that is training its inmates so well. I asked if they had any needs and his answers were shocking when he told us how much he gets per day to feed a hungry boy. Much of the profit from the sale of birds and animals goes to subsidize the food bill.

There is nothing left over for cleaning supplies, laundry powder, clothing or maintenance. He told us that they do all their own painting, he even paints.

We will help them with some cleaning supplies when we hope some of the other men go to visit.

We had a nice meeting at 5pm with about 12 or 13 present. One man rushed in from his Dachau and slept most of the meeting.

Altogether a profitable day as we try to fit in some visits before heading home from Lviv on Friday.

Thanks for your prayers.

Malcolm.

Ukraine Spring Report #17

2010-05-03T22:18:00.002-05:00

Report #17 for Monday May 3 2010

I woke early to a cloudy day but still a pleasant temperature. I boiled two eggs but didn’t have a timer and they ran out onto my plate. I put the second one back into the pan and scrambled it.

I knew we were not going anywhere first thing this morning, so set out to listen to some messages on cd and read some. I was really challenged by the two preachers I listened to, and felt the time spent very profitable.

I called Vadym about noon and found he had worked on the car until about 4am, so was just getting going. I ate lunch and he arrived. While he was here, Max Mclean called me on Skype and we all talked and could see each other. It was the first time Max and Vadym had met since 2004.

We then headed out to change some Canadian money and load our phones again. This is very convenient. We just stopped at a machine fastened to a light pole, selected a provider, punched in our phone # and put 50 R in the slot. Voila! The money goes into your phone, faster than it took me to type this.

We went to see a car parts shop behind the Priest’s home we stayed in for 3 different times. I said I would like to renew the acquaintance again so we rattled the gate and both Roman, the priest and his wife were home. Well you would have thought we were family. Hugs and kisses and coffee and cake.

Sad to say the conversation was mainly about a “sister” who we will refrain from naming, who was once a great help to us in finding needy families and orphanages, but has gone absolutely “rabid” Charismatic.

She comes and visits the priest and tries to convert him (which is not a bad idea!) but dances before them and even brought their pastor who tried to anoint him with the Holy Spirit.

These antics, along with pleas for funds because they are so poor, has really hindered any appreciation of so called evangelicals.

Well we were able to convince him that we would have none of that nonsense and I was able to witness to him the SIMPLE gospel without all the other “add-ons”.

We were pleaded with to come and stay with them again sometime, but that will not be necessary now.

We did some shopping and went home to a late supper at Vadym’s and then went to visit a sister, Marie, who comes to every meeting. She has a husband who had a stroke 18 years ago and cannot leave the one room apartment on the 9^th floor of a former student dormitory. They share cooking and toilets with several other families. It’s worse than our prisons!

On previous occasions, we have not had opportunity to share the gospel, but this time I was determined to do so. He couldn’t have been nicer, he listened intently. Marie said that she was able to read the bible to him last night. I really pray this man will get saved.

I forgot to mention that having rushed over there from our full chicken supper, Marie had a table full of food too! We were not able to do much with it but tried to sample a little of each item.

All for now, heading out to a new town and home for mentally handicapped.

God bless and keep praying.

Malcolm

Ukraine Spring Report #16

2010-05-02T16:23:00.001-05:00

Report #16 for Sunday May 2^nd.

It was a lovely Spring morning with the pigeons cooing outside and the trees in full leaf, I forgot to say that when I came home the other night, there was a hedgehog right under my kitchen window, walking towards the apartment door. He looked so cute but I didn’t disturb him.

Only 13 out to meeting but was very happy to have Sveta, Vadym’s wife and Amelia come for the first time.

I spoke on the Passover lamb and how it spoke so clearly of Christ the Lamb of God and what it meant when Christ said “finished” (only one word in the Ukrainian Bible), and what the rending of the veil meant.

Then Vadym spoke about Lazarus and the rich man and seemed to be well received.

We gave out seeds to the people, who were there, they seemed very happy to get them.

We then went to Vadym’s for a shishleke (Shish kebob) supper. Vadym was working on the car with another mechanic trying to fit it with shocks all round. It doesn’t look as if it will be done, everything is so rusted.

Sveta brought me home in her car and told me that she sat in her car the other night and told God she knew she was a sinner and believed in God, but she doesn’t know if anything happened. I told her the only way she will know that anything happened is to believe what the bible says. I had to leave it there but will talk later.

All for now, don’t know what tomorrow will hold for 2 reasons, one it is a holiday and everywhere will be closed and 2, will we have a car? Please pray for us.

Love in Christ.

Malcolm

Ukraine Spring Report #15

2010-05-02T15:19:00.001-05:00

Report 15 for Friday and Saturday.

Vadym and I headed out to Yabluniv and were there 15 minutes before 10 am, that’s a first!!

We found we were speaking to 2 or 3 classes of grade 4 and 5’s packed into a classroom.

They were very interested and took great part in answering questions. There were 5 or 6 teachers in as well who also seemed to enjoy what we had to say.

We then went to the senior’s home and delivered a big box of pampers. It seems by all the bags and boxes of vegetables in the office that they depend very much on charity to keep going.

We went over to the orphanage to see some of the performance the students are performing in Kiev this month but there were not enough of them and they would have to change etc. So we watched a DVD of a performance they had done for a minister from the Education Dept. It was quite good and they gave me a DVD of it. (The performance was good the taping was not)

Saturday.

A day to clean up the apartment, put another set of metal shelves together, sort out a lot of empty and half empty boxes of clothing. It looks like we have lots of winter clothing but hardly any summer clothing. I washed a pair of white sheets and it took 4 hours? These washing machines are so slow but I think we had it on a wrong setting as I did a load in an hour tonight after Vadym came and read the instructions. (If at first………… alright I know the rest!).

Felt very fit and brave, so walked down town to the market and bought some things and walked back and CRASHED for an hour. The reason I was so tired was that it was very hot today and had nothing to do with my fitness.

Spent the rest of the afternoon preparing for Sunday.

Poor Vadym was beside himself. A week ago he ordered a part for his Toyota car. It was only available from another city and was sent by bus. It was the wrong part, so Vadym phoned and told the man specifically what he wanted. The part arrived today the same as the first one!! The problem is now that every where is closed until Tuesday. We are going to be using his father’s old Lada for a few days.

So goes Ukraine, carelessness about so many things.

Went out for pizza for supper and then helped get the Lada to Vadym’s home, it was at their datcha and had not been run for 6 months as his father passed away a month ago.

Not very productive but you need a day like this sometimes, to clean up and catch up.

God bless you all and please pray that we will be lead to the right places for my last 4 days.

Malcolm

Ukraine Spring Report #14

2010-05-01T13:35:00.001-05:00

Report #14 Wednesday and Thursday

Wednesday was another lovely sunny day, up in the 20’s C. So many tulips everywhere; every garden seems to be loaded with them as well as public parks. There are people, either parents or grandparents walking everywhere wheeling babies and walking pre-schooler.

We set off for Labulin where the orphanage, and the peoples home are. There is also a large school that we have visited a number of times before. We went to the school to see when we could talk to the kids.

Administrator was away but the assistant told to come back on Friday at 10 am, as the young children leave school early and we need to be there early if we want to speak to them.

We said we would come on Friday and went on to the orphanage to deliver the material we had bought for the costumes the students needed for the competition they were entering in May.

The administrator was also away, it seems to be the time of year for staff in-services, as either the administrators or teachers seem to be away.

We then went to the senior’s home and gave them a walker we had sent from Canada and 3 bundles of adult pampers.

Not a very profitable day as far a speaking to children but that is how it goes. We tried to find the phone number of the school before going but no one seemed to know it. (Strange because Vadym seems to have everyone’s phone number in the whole area in his phone!).

I can’t remember what we did when we came home, I must have been tired, I know we went to bed early.

All for Wednesday.

Thursday was another bright sunny day. As it was Nick’s last day here, we spent most of the day around town. We went to visit Natalia, the 36 year old who is bedridden with MS. We got to cheer her up and she cheers us up with her ready smile and happy attitude. Her mother and boy friend were also there, so there was plenty to talk about. She was telling us about a TV program that told about the discovery in the US of a cure for MS. We had not heard about it, but she and her mother were quite excited about it.

Her biggest concern now is the awful rash she has on her face from a reaction to one of her drugs. She looks as if she has got a 3^rd degree sunburn, but it is healing.

We left there and headed to the Epi-Centre to buy a folding bed, as most people visiting in our apartment would not want to sleep on cushions on the floor like Nick did, by choice I might add!

We cleaned up the apartment for the meeting at 5pm and got Nick packed ready to leave for Lviv right after meeting.

There were a nice number of people at meeting and we had Vadym speak to the people first. He seemed to do very well as the people listened attentively. Then Nick gave his final message and I closed.

Funny enough, we all spoke from Romans.

After meeting we gave prizes to the 4 people who said the books of the Old Testament. We gave the 3 ladies a bunch of flowers and some money and the young man an insulated mug and some money.

They all seemed very happy.

We then rushed off to Lviv for the 2 hour drive, dropped of Nick at Flo’s, spoke to Howard who arrive at 4 pm and was still in a zombie state. Then back home arriving at 11pm. very tired.

All for now, keep praying. Malcolm