Eric Fowler's Report #2 March 4th from Ukraine.

Eric Fowler’s report #2  March 4^th 2015           

 Thanks to all the Saints for praying for us.  The mood here is very sad.  Many more young men are being conscripted to the war front, even the hospital here in the city had two of the best surgeons taken. Food prices sore very high, sometimes things double over night. Fruit, very high, floor sugar and other things are hard to get, gas more than double from last March.                     
          
 Today we went to hospital and gave the Dr. more sheets that came. Then we went to the Mom's
section and met with the head nurse. She was so glad to see us. Her mood was very low as two
of the doctors who take care of mothers are called to go to war front. It was in her section that a man came in with explosive  tied on him and set it off. I talked a little about that in my last report. Another person also died from the explosion. 

 We had a very nice time with 14 visits with mothers. They were all from Ivano Frankivsk except for two. One lady talked and asked many question. One Father was present and they were from the war front area. I heard that over 100,000 have fled the area. One couple from war front came for clothing and to meeting the week before we came. We called them since coming and they will be out this coming Sunday. We then went to market and got food for an old lady who came to meetings for some time now and I believe she got saved along the way some time. She was at Lutsk last July to the conference and she really enjoyed it. One of her daughters was out to meeting on Tuesday night with two of her daughters and want to come back again as they really enjoyed the meeting.  Helena is her name and she cried when we came and brought so much food. she said she was so lonely for us both.

   We then came home to have little tea and do little extra reading. I am responsible for the four Lord's days in Lviv while I 'm here as well as the two meetings a week here in Ivano Frankivsk.  

We then went to meet the Russian lady, Tanya, who lost her husband after we left last year. I talked a little of her yesterday as she was out to meeting with her two children. We let her shop for herself, but she was shy.  She had never shopped for so much before. The two little
 girls love my wife and I.  
 We then picked up some things to have 5 people in as it was my wife's birthday. Oleg and Ola,
 they are the ones who receive the clothing when it comes here. Then Luba and her daughter Marika.  Luba is in fellowship in the meeting in Lviv. Then Louisa , came she is the mom of Svetlana  the interpreter who got saved two years ago. We had a nice time with them all.       Luba and Marika stayed a little extra and we played some games with them.

   Day over and it was full.

March 5th

 We had to leave apartment early to meet a man to get Biology charts for the school in Peters
 Village.  WE went and picked up Leanna as she wants to spend little more time with us.
Her full intentions I'm not sure about but like to think she is searching for salvation.

 Had nice time  at the school and they were very happy to receive us again. The principle was sick and in Hospital last year when were there. She cried when we came as she appreciated her flowers, food and visit while in hospital.  Her daughter is a doctor and is called to the war front
as well and this makes her very very sad. Had soup at the school and looked at the stove they had
 just week ago. It was a stove from the 1500’s I think, very very old.
We came back in the city a 50 min. drive and we picked up some food for Leanna and took her home. We then went to supper to Valantina's home. She is one of the blind ladies that come to meeting.  She was not out yet since I came as she is having some other medical issues. It was nice to see her son again, he has a car collection. Her cousin comes to help her some when she has us in and wants to do this once or twice while we are here. The dear lady has heard much Gospel but as of yet is not saved.  We then took Leanna and her daughter, Valdimear and my wife and I for a swim.

Now home for another day over. Trying to write these simple thoughts where you all can read and again do little extra study for all the meetings.

                                Eric and Margie Fowler    Ukraine Missionary journey.
                 

Eric Fowler's first Report for March 2015.

                                         WARS AND RUMOURS OF WARS

 Kingdom against kingdom, famines, pestilences and earthquakes. The beginning of sorrows.   This is for the end days and for the world. Now the nation of the Ukraine is under great difficulties.  Inflation is unbelievable. Just last March $100 Canadian  dollars  would give you 1575R now it gives you 2060R. The price of many things has risen but their wages become less.    
 The earth will be dissolved with fire but we know our hope is in Him and we will be saved from the fire because of Him, the great God of the Universe ... THIS GOD IS OUR OWN GOD.
 

We were very busy from start to finished, a very full day. We called the Dr. at the hospital to leave him the white sheets, he was very very happy to see us. He said he was wondering about us and when we would come, he thought we had forgotten him.  He said the Government gives them  no help. This is the hospital where a man came in with explosives tied on him and set it off to kill his wife really, but killed himself and the head nurse who took care of the ladies. Others were badly hurt and the hospital was damaged up to the second floor. Very sad for sure in the day of much sadness here.  We will go back to him tomorrow and get the go ahead to visit mothers with babies.   We then went to a printers to get invitations to put in Calendars to advertise the 8 meetings we will have here in the city for the month of March.
 Went and paid for the rent on the meeting room in the hotel where we will have the meetings.  Then we went to pay for the room where we will have a big day of clothing distribution in the city hall on the 20th of March. We then went to Walmart and called Lesia, one of the poorest Saints here, to come and pick up a cart of groceries. She had the joy of getting what she needed. The dear lady was one of the first saved in 2005 on our first trip. She is married with one child. She will share her food with her mom for sure who is poorer then she is, if that is possible. Her mom has never come to meetings but we have been very kind to her and some day this will surely pay off.
From there we went home and called others about the meeting tonight. Studied some more for tonight and preached on Person of God, Power of God, Presence of God, Promise of God.
There were 29 at the meeting tonight, our God is good.  One Russian lady and her two children was out, she came last year lots with her husband. He is now dead and this is what makes the work here so urgent as everywhere death can claim at any time. We explained the Gospel to this man much last year on private visits and sad to have no assurance where he is, only God knows. 
After meeting we went for a private visit with a lady and her 16 year old daughter. We have helped and spent much time with them for the past 2 years. She has come to meetings about three times but has never stayed the full meeting. Again we must have patience and work with people.   
Now we are home and very very tired. Only the Lord knows the true value of the day and Heaven will tell the true story.  Value Prayer as so much sickness sweeps the country because of a lack of good food and medicine and we need protection from this. Wisdom is need to work among the people with care.

                            Eric and Margie

Dan's Report for the first Half of February 2015.

                                                            

 Dan's Report  for First Half of February.

On my last Sunday in Ivano I had my last two meetings. One was at the charity called Solidarity. There is a group of people that want to learn English and I was asked if I would like to give a gospel message because there are people interested. Though it was interpreted I could still see an interest with eyes wide open listening very carefully. After the message I asked if there was any question and there were. One asked about election, another asked about what is love, a feeling or an action; another question was about the church, if I believed in the hierarchy structure. The Lord God gave help and no one booed me or kicked me out but asked when I can come again. We then had our evening meeting and encourage the people to heed God’s warning of justice and judgment that we will incur if we do not turn to the Saviour of our souls, they listened very well!

On my last day in Ivano I visited a few more places and then cleaned up that apartment as much as I could. In the evening Sasha met me at the bus station and there we said our goodbyes. I had planned to leave later in the week but I would have gone over my 90 days, so I left earlier and it was good that I did. When we arrive at the border control I was questioned and was told that I was over my 90 days, I said this was impossible and had to show her the dates. She was a young girl who did not know much, so what can you say? All went well and I made it back to Cahul in Romania, but this time I wasn’t as fortunate as when I last left. I came back to wet and muddy roads, that meant I had to carry not only my back pack but my luggage most of the way causing my arms to be quit fatigue by the time I got to the house.

Soon after I arrived I was asked if I could speak at the dorms of the boy’s school. These boys would be in their upper teen years, and so I did. Normally Gabriel would interpret but he could not make it so Igor interpreted for me but there was one problem, he is not use to interpreting. Well, as Igor tried to interpret and I being tired tried to speak our only hope was in God putting these two together to reach the hearts and minds of the boys!                  

The following day Gabriel and I went to the University dorms to give out calendars. We got permission to go inside and then went door to door; here I thought I could practice my Romanian as I asked if they wanted a calendar. But as I asked in Romanian some answered me in English. I asked one of the girls how she knew I spoke English, hoping my Romanian accent was good but I think she was being kind as she said, I can tell.

 One girl we met was studying to be an English interpreter, I am always glad to meet them I never know when I will need their help.  As we were all talking there seemed to be some interest in having English meetings and was asked if I would be interested, I said of course! The day that was planned falls on the same day that they go to the boy’s school. So far it has been only me with the students using this girl who is studying to be an interpreter to interpret for me. Not sure how long this will go on for but if there is an interest I hope it would continue!

I have been speaking at the meetings in the Roshu assembly when I first arrived. They do listen well and I could hope for their personal growth and as an assembly to be united and true to the word of God!  But lately I haven’t been going for more than a week because I caught at cold and did not want to pass it on to the others. I seem to get sick each time I come and wonder if it’s the climate or the house, I know it’s not my food! But since I been here other complications has arisen which has caused me to get evaluated and am still in the process!

For the Payer warriors out there, please pray for the Roshu assembly, and for the outreach with the gospel in Cahul, there is surely an open door. For the gospel meeting in Ivano-Frankivsk that the brethren from the Lviv assembly have been carrying on once a week.

 For Eric and Margie Fowler who will be leaving for Ukraine next week, that their time there would be safe and prosperous! Also for my health both physically and spiritually.

 Thank You All Sooo Much!!

In Christ our Lord!

Dan

Lviv News Letter from Edmund and Agnes Johnston. Feb 2015.

LVIV NEWSLETTER – Edmund & Agnes                                                         February 2015

And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord he is the God; the Lord, he is the God. 1 Kings 18 v 39

One year on, the conflict in the East has seen heavy loss of life and over 1 million people displaced from their homes.  We know an increasing number of men who have been called up to fight, many others go as volunteers to defend their country.  On Thursday 12-2-15 the two opposing governments signed a Peace agreement and ceasefire which came into effect on 15-2-15 – sadly nearly 100 died between the 2 dates.  Please pray earnestly that in the will of God the fighting and bloodshed will stop and the enemy will commence withdrawal of troops and heavy weapons from Ukraine territory.

We would value prayer especially for 2 men Sasha (25) and Lubymore (70) both not yet saved but show keen interest.  Recently we have had good personal conversations with them about spiritual matters.  We feel they are near the kingdom, we long to hear of them getting salvation.

The year with the help of brother Lubchic from the Lviv assembly we designed and printed our own assembly Gospel calendar.  Please pray that as the 5,000 calendars are distributed that the Word of God displayed in Ukrainian homes, will yield blessing to the reader and ultimately Gods “so great salvation”.

Early in January we had an evening for the assembly and friends in our apartment.  This proved a very profitable and enjoyable time of fellowship, singing, Bible quiz and of course some very good “Irish Cuisine”.  We had 21 packed in, with 7 unsaved friends who attend the meetings at the assembly.

We continue regular visits to the 8 different orphanages sharing the Gospel and helping materially where we can.  Recently when at Mostivska orphanage we encountered a lady and her little boy who are refugees from the Donetsk area in the East.  It was great to tell them about the Saviour and give hope in Christ for the future.

We have been encouraged with the Sunday School work in Lviv.  Although small, each Lords day the brethren in the assembly take their turn to speak to the kids about Sin, the Saviour and Salvation.  We now have a nice collection of children s choruses and every week they learn a new verse of scripture – “the entrance of thy Word giveth light and understanding to the simple “

Just last week we visited Turka in the Carpathian mountains.  Our contact there is a man Marianne and his wife Vera.  They are unbelievers and in an amazing way he gets the people of the village together for the preaching of the Gospel, and on this visit we had 35 “deeply religious Ukrainians” standing in 5” of snow and -6deg  – thankfully the sun was shining brightly and we had the minibus packed with second hand clothing, food and Christian Literature.  Prayer would be valued as we “sow the seed “that God will give the increase.

The last year proved very difficult in different ways, but the circumstances and challenges we found have brought us both closer to God and increased our faith and confidence in the one who said “I am the Lord I change not”.

We appreciate sincerely all the prayers of the Lord’s dear people.

With warm Christian love – Edmund & Agnes.

Second Half of January 2015 from Dan Perez

Second half of Jan 2015 From Dan Perez.

Ukraine is still in the holiday season and the meetings have been falling either on the day before or on the day of celebration thus causing the meetings to be lighter than usual and the streets bare of cars and people. Haven’t had much snow this winter season and has been warmer than normal, a light jacket can do on some of the days.

 I saw my first procession from the new apartment’s front balcony. I could see the camera crews and photographers trying to catch up to the marchers but I had the best view out on the balcony. There was a brass band first and a long line of people waving flags then 20 minutes later another long line of men in their military fatigues marching and repeating some slogan. One of them, I think was, “Glory to Ukraine”. They started from the government building that is called The White House which is about a half block away on our street. Not too sure what it was for but think it had something to do with Ukrainian history and unity.

I met with a man who invited me to his restaurant just outside of town. He shared with me his desire to open a rehabilitation center for alcoholics, he once was an alcoholic and found help at AA and would like to help others with this problem. He has now become a business man and is doing well. He also shared with me his testimony as to how he came to know the Lord but he still keeps some of the icons and traditions of the Orthodox religion. Before we had our lunch we met with the Mayor and while in his office he showed me a hand full of government lists of men they are calling up. That means they are being drafted into the armed forces to fight in the East. The Mayor said last week twice as many were called up, he was sad about this.

 They took me then to a place where they would like to have a rehab center. Under communism this area was used to build short rang missiles, then collective farming, then a fabric manufacturing and now vacant and deserted for more than 20 years. They are hoping that this area can still be used for something useful. We then had a good lunch and talked a small bit about the gospel.

Visited a school in a town called Petriliv, where I spoke with the students then had lunch with the principal. I was able to bring some things that we bought while Malcolm and Howard were here; she needed to finish installing a shower that they are adding to the school. The principal told me that the government will be using their school to send students from the east there for the summer. She said that the government chose their school because it was well kept and said this was only possible because of the help they been receiving from us and was very thankful!

 She told me of a family from the east that is living in the village that has medical needs and ask if we can help. I also met with the Mayor who wanted me to visit a man in his late twenties that had a swimming accident a few years ago and is now paralyzed from the neck down. We visited the family together and they asked me if I can buy some straps for the man to lift himself from time to time. I left the family new testaments and encourage them to seek for God’s salvation.

Had my second distribution in Ivano; we prepared boxes last week having two of the girls helping. We came to the place two hours early to set up and finished ½ an hour before opening the doors. I was able to find ten people to help and we were now ready but there was only one problem, too many people were pushing up against the door and we could not open it.

 I had put signs up saying to respect one another and told them there were enough for everyone. It took some time before things settled down but after that it went very smoothly. Many did ask about food, but we had none and shoes which we had a few. Some showed real appreciation for what we are doing; one lady kissed me on the cheek and thanked me. Others did not understand why we were doing this but saw that we cared for the people and were thankful for that! I also was very thankful for those who came to help; they did a great job in helping the people!

I would like to thank all of you who have helped with funding and merchandise to keep this work ongoing for the Lord and for all the prayer support that is desperately needed, Thank You!!

I am now in Moldova for the 90 days I must be out of Ukraine, please continued to pray!

In Christ our Lord!

Dan.

Dan's Report for the first half of January 2015

                                                                                           

The First Half of January 2015 

  I would like to wish everyone a Happy New year and one that will come with spiritual growth and understanding and putting into practice what the Lord God has taught us!

 I brought in the New Year in the new apartment, four of us had a late dinner as is their custom on New Year’s Eve and talked wishing each other the best of this coming year.

I decided to have the Thursday meeting even though it was the first day of the year, not thinking anyone would show up, I gave Sasha a choice to be at the meeting or not. To my surprise people came but Sasha did not, however some who came to the meetings speak some English so was able to find someone to interpret.  One wanted to continue our topic on Christian Living but I thought it would be good to discuss what we would like change in our lives in this New Year and how we should fit into God’s plans rather than making our own. Not an easy topic for a private people but the meeting seemed to accomplish its purpose and caused them to think!

I thought it important to make it to the first meeting of the year in Lviv, though it was cold and the roads were icy plus the gas man was coming to the apartment in the morning but I wanted to be at the first meeting of the year. I went and spoke on starting the New Year by putting God first in our lives!

 We made it back safely though there were some slippery moments on the road there and back but God had kept us from harm and we had our evening meeting in Ivano. I tried to encourage them to leave the past behind and trust in the finished work of Christ for a new heart, a new life and a new future that will never end!

The month of January comes to a standstill here in Ukraine with more holidays. On the 7^th they celebrate their orthodox Christmas. Christmas Eve is just as big and our meeting fell on this day so was thinking of canceling that meeting, but some said they would come if we had it so I thought it would be good to have the meeting. Some did come, which was good and I also met two teen boys from the east just before the meeting and invited them; they said they could not make it but during the meeting they came and sat in. I can only hope what they heard and the new testaments and tracts they received will speak to their hearts!

The following week the meeting fell on their old New Year (using the Julian calendar) so people did come to the meeting.

We had my first public clothing distribution in Ivano with the help of five others on a Saturday. There were two views on how many would come out; the one view was there will be people for blocks waiting to get in, but the other view was because of the holidays there will not be so many people. This was more the case, though we did have lines outside, so we took in a few people at a time but the one problem we were having was that people wanted to come in again and again after we had already told them they can only come in once, as we wanted the most people to benefit from the distribution. Though they put up a fight I told them we will have to stop doing this as it was not fair to others who were keeping the rules. This small group of women finally left and things went much smoother. Along with the clothes we had new testaments and tracts and invitations to our meetings. Most only took the clothes, which was expected but some took the tracts and one lady asked if I can give her more N/T’s to send to the troops that are fighting in the east, so I did. Overall it all worked out and some also came to our meeting later. I have planned another day of distribution on the 30^th of January; once again we will NEED THE HELP OF GOD!

Since the beginning of the New Year prices have jumped! They tell me that gas and electric will go up 5 times but the wages for the people will stay the same or even decrease, not a good situation at all! While I have been trying to get this new apartment organized I decided to change all the light bulbs and can you believe that it has more than 25 light bulbs, most are now changed. Most were from 60-75 watts I changed them to 7-15 watts. I wanted to return two of the bulbs but the price for the same bulbs has doubled for this year and my exchange will only give me last year’s price, so I kept them and will use them!

Please continue to pray for Ukraine, that peace and stability will come soon and the people will call and trust the Lord God for their salvation!

Prayer is needed for this ongoing work that those who will come to the distribution and to each of our meetings will come to know their sins forgiven through the Work of the Cross, and to give us the wisdom, the guidance and the strength to continue on until He comes.

 Thank You.

In Christ our Lord

Dan

Dan's Report for the Second Half of December 2014

Dan’s report for the Second half of December  2014

      As the weather starts to get a little colder the van was taking longer to start so had to look into getting a new battery along with an oil change. Hard to find a good battery but I think we found one and got an oil change and you can feel and hear the difference, much better now!

Sasha and I have been working on a few flyers, one for our regular meeting and another for a meeting for young people, a meeting that I have wanted to have ever since my first visit to Ukraine. We did get the flyers done and printed now need to find the young people!

 I have been trying to work out a day for a public distribution of invitations to our meetings within the town of Ivano-Frankivsk. I hope it will go well and introduce us to more of the locals in our area. The need is definitely there since the second hand stores’ prices continue to go up even matching the price of the new clothes and products here.

I was hoping to distribute clothing one day this year but the place where we will have the distribution recommended that we do it after their holidays next year so we worked out a date on the 10^th of January, I’m  praying for God’s help!

  We left early one morning to head up to the mountains to visit one school/orphanage where a man is the Director, his mother started the school many years ago. They brought in two class rooms together and I spoke to about thirty plus teen that listened very well. N/T, bible text and tracts were given out along with some sweets. Then had lunch with the Director and talked about future plans for the area, before leaving gave them a few boxes of clothes and bedding. We left in good time to make it to the next school/orphanage in Verkovena, the Director was not there because she was sick but we met with the other teachers that we know and it went well. Here we normally speak to the kids in the auditorium but since the Director was not here we went to one of the class rooms, my first time doing this here. There we spoke to 50 or more teens that listened very well and 5 or more teachers that listened even better! N/T, bible text and tracts were given out to those who did not receive one last time. As we left the class room there were a group of kids smiling and staring at me, I didn’t recognized them at first with their winter clothes on but these were the kids I spent time with during the summer at the summer camp here It was great to see them and talk with them again. They asked me if I will come back again for their summer camp, I told them I will try and hope it can be possible! Left them boxes of clothes and bedding for the poor and needy!

Visited the Men’s Home and had a good talk with the Director, he has been having some health problems but seems to be doing well now. But one sad thing is he might lose his job at the end of the year because of government cuts. There was a higher official that lost his job and now he wants to be replaced in this type of job like the director. The director has been there for about 25 years and even has put in his own money for improving the home but his said they don’t take this in consideration. We then went to speak to the staff, the nurses and doctors who were there and it looked like they were listening very well. Then came back for more coffee and tea and I started to ask him about God’s salvation, his said he is not sure but think he does not have it, so I talked on how he can now have God’s salvation. The talked went well and we left them some boxes of clothes and bedding and medical supplies and headed back to Ivano to get ready for our Thursday meeting.

One of the ladies at our meeting showed me a prescription for glasses for her young son Andrei and asked if I can help, I said I would. Sasha and I went to several places to get some quotes; there were big differences in prices. The one we decided to go to was the one where the prescription was filled out and the woman there said we needed the boy, so I came back with the mother and the boy and, as they put the glasses on him they said “show your daddy! I had to let them know that I am only a friend not his daddy. It is sad because the dad is a drunk and they live very poorly so I was happy to help them.

We will be moving to a new apartment next year and have been moving things into it throughout the week.  It is an old Austrian-Hungarian building with walls 15 to 20 inches thick with high ceilings. The reason for the thick walls they say, was once the walls were heated the rooms would stay warmer longer in the winter and I guess vice versa for the summer. I have been trying to make it comfortable and livable for us visitors who will be staying here for a time while in Ukraine. Moving, cleaning and arranging and buying new things is not as easy as it seems and take time but I think I’m getting good at it! If anyone needs advice in arranging or designing their place just let me know(only joking!)

 Pray for the ongoing work and for this coming distribution, Thank You for all your prayers!!

In Christ our Lord!

Dan

Dan's Report for the first half of Dec 2014

 Dan’s report for the first half of December. 

We visited a school/ orphanage in a town called Dolena about an hour away from Ivano, a school of about 600 students and a town of more than 20,000, one of the oldest in the region.  I had a good talked there with the Principal, she told me that 5 young men from the town that went to this school are fighting in the east. One of these young men died in the fighting and the town mourned as hundreds attended his funeral. 

Then we were taken to the auditorium where we spoke to about 200 kids, we expecting to go into the class rooms as we have done before, because it is always harder to speak to so many at once but God gave help and they listened well. All who did not get new testaments last time were able to get one this time. We then met with the Christian Ethics teacher and she ask for thing the school needed, such as silverware, tin cups, bed sheets, etc. These are things the government should provide for them but, if they did not supply them in better times, surely they will not during war times. We left some boxes of clothes for the poor and needy for them to distribute, they were very thankful for this! The teacher ask if I wanted to come again to speak to the kids in the class rooms like in the past, I said I would and was hoping to do so this year but they will be going on vacation soon and it does not look possible. 

 Sasha and I sorted boxes in the morning to take with us as we visited another school about 45 min. away. This school has two Vice Principals who we always deal with. This is the first school and town that we have visited that hasn’t had refugees from the east. Though they are prepared to received them as of yet the refugees have gone to other towns nearby but they do think they will eventually get some. After talking to the vice-principals we were taken to the class room to speak to the students. There were about fifty plus students and all listened well but I was feeling under the weather that day and I believed it affected the message but will leave it in the Lord’s hand and for his purposes. Those who did not get new testaments last time was given one this time along with a bible text and a gospel tract. We left with them boxes of clothes for the families in need.

I received a call from the mayor’s assistant of a town we visited many times, asking when will I come to have a meeting with them. I was happily surprised for the call and for the request so we made plans for the following week. So far it has just been a handful of people that have been coming to these meeting but they say more are interested. We have met several times but our last meeting I had to cancel due to repairs on the van. They have been asking a lot of questions and saying that the priests do not answer their question or explain the bible in the way they have been hearing in our meetings. Some of the questions have to do with celebrating the many religious holidays that they have, is it biblical and fasting is this biblical?  The one I like the most was when they asked me how we can know if we believe and what the right things to believe are. I tried to explain in different ways, how they can know if they believe, but they still did not understand. After a while, I read a few verses from John 3 and it looked like something clicked, not sure what exactly but could only hope and pray that the Holy Spirit is working in their hearts!

We had a good visit with the head doctor at the maternity hospital. We brought some medical supplies that came in the boxes for him to see if they can use them and what some of them were, we did meet again and he explained some of these things to me. As we talked I asked if any were here from the East, he said there were and all the treatment they receive are free. I said I thought this was a good gesture showing friendliness and unity but it still bothers some others that have to pay. We also visited the head nurse in the next building and had another good talk; she was off this day but came just to meet with us. I asked her if it were possible to speak to the nurses she thought that it was a good idea for them to hear about God’s mercies and said that a few times a year they have a conference for nurses and thought it would be good to speak there, though I would need to ask permission. This looks like a good opportunity for the future!

The Lord’s work continues but much prayer is needed for Ukraine, for each meeting and visitation, for this small village that show a lot of interest and for Sasha’s salvation! Thank You All!!

In Christ our Lord!

Dan

Lviv News letter from Edmund Johnston.

LVIV NEWSLETTER – Edmund & Agnes                                                                                 November 2014

Know  therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;  Deuteronomy 7 v 9.

Greetings to all

We want to thank all for their continued prayer for the Christians at this time of war in the East of the country. We along with the Ukrainian people feel the value of perpetual prayer and remembrance of us all here in Lviv at the throne of Grace.  Russian presence in the East is very unsettling and gives great cause for concern.

During September and October we traveled south every Tuesday to Ivano  Frankivsk for a gospel meeting.   We were encouraged with an average attendance of 16 and many who are not yet saved.  Please pray for salvation.

In mid October we welcomed to Lviv our brother Malcolm Stanley (81) and Howard Pratt (72) from Winnipeg and Kirkland Lake, Canada .  Together they had one week of Gospel meetings in the assembly in Lviv where the gospel was preached faithfully to many unbelievers over the week and has left them without excuse.  We had many “outsiders” visit the meetings, as before we gave out many invitations.  The meetings were a blessing to the assembly and we continue to pray that God will work “Salvation belongeth  unto the Lord”

Before the commencement of the meetings Mickola (deaf and dumb) who has attended the meetings for the last 2 years wrote a note telling us he had “ passed from death unto life”.  Ruslan and I had visited him in his home a few weeks prior to this, reading with him John 5 v 24.  To God be the glory.

On the 7^th/8^th November we enjoyed our 4^th Lviv assembly conference.  Our brother Paul McClarty (NI) was responsible for the gospel meeting, bible reading (1 Timothy 2) and ministry of the Word of God.  It was a real joy and encouragement to us as he stayed in our home for the week.

Brother Howard Pratt shared in the gospel meeting on the Friday night when many unsaved were present.  The messages were clear and challenging and Christ exalting.

After lunch on Saturday we had a short time of singing some choruses with the children who were at the conference-along with the “big children” who also enjoyed the songs.

On Saturday afternoon Rene Samson (Nova Scotia), Malcolm Stanley and brother Paul McClarty gave excellent ministry on Prayer, Romans 12 and Deacons  1st Timothy 3 respectively.  This year we had 70 at the conference, 7 from Slovakia, many from Lutsk, Ivano and Lviv city.  It was a wonderful time of fellowship and sharing together the Word of God.

Sincere thanks to all, for your interest and support, both in prayer and practically.

Much  love  in HIM-  Edmund & Agnes.

Malcolm's Report #7 for Nov 6-8

Malcolm’s Report #7 for Nov 6^th to 8^th.

Thursday.

Ever since coming to Ivano Frankovsk, we have had a real interest in a village about an hour from Ivano called Petriliv of Peter Village. It is in a pristine valley with a large river running through it. In 2008 the river flooded and filled the valley. Most of the homes on the river flats were put under water. The school, further up the hill had water that filled the auditorium with over 4 ft of water. We were there with Flo Kancir the year after the flood and took relief for the people.

We made good friends with the Lady Mayor who is still the mayor and have visited each year since to bring clothing for the very poor people. The mayor sees that it gets to the right people. We see her first and then go to the small school and are always welcomed by the director and staff. They do not have an auditorium so we meet the children in the large hallway to the classrooms. The school has a kindergarten and they come to the meeting and stand and listen to the simple message of God’s love along with the other 20 or so older students. It is not a large school but is getting less each year as families move away to get employment.

As is usual in most of the villages, there are little funds to do anything with the infrastructure and so there are always things that are needed to be fixes or replaced. In this school, most of the children have no running water, so the request was made for a shower to be installed. A shower and hot water tank were purchased a year ago and it was still sitting waiting to be installed because of no funds to buy the pipe and fixtures. We bought these items for them and expect it to be installed very soon.

We left them school and headed to town to buy the necessary items for the shower and then went to the apartment to prepare to leave Ivano on Friday for the Conference in Lviv.

Friday.

We had planned to leave Ivano at 1pm for Lviv but as usual, some were not there until 1:20. Then we found that some had decided not to come at all!! We were not happy, as we had rented a bus and driver that would hold 30 or 40 people and we had only 7 or 8 in the end instead of 14. If we had not have had to take our van, so that Dan could return, we could have all gone in the bus.

Well we arrived in good time and got everyone settled in their room in the Baptist church we rent, and relaxed until supper. This is a large old church with 2 floors of bedrooms attached, all very nice. The first meeting started at 7pm with Howard and the invited brother from Ireland Paul McClarty. This was a good start to the Conference.

Saturday.

Breakfast was at the church at 8am. By this time, a car full of men and women from Slovakia had arrived. They were lovely people 4 young ladies and 3 men, all in fellowship in assemblies in Slovakia. Most of them spoke fairly good English, so it was easy to communicate. A group of the Christians from Lutsk also arrived and it was good to see old friends once again.

The meetings went well with a bible reading in the morning and ministry in the afternoon; Rene’ Samson from Nova Scotia, myself from Manitoba and Paul McClarty from N. Ireland gave the ministry. From the comments received, it seems the ministry was appreciated.

Supper was served and some went home. Our people from Ivano stayed overnight and all had breakfast at the church.

Sunday. I went over to the church at 9am and brought our people back to the Gospel Hall to wait for the morning meeting. There was a nice number at the meeting, both believers and those observing the meeting. After meeting, one of the brothers from Slovakia spoke an excellent message in English. His name is Daniel Moses. Then we had a little Sunday school and I spoke to the children.

After a good lunch, we said our farewells to those leaving with Dan for Ivano and those heading to Slovakia. Rene’ left with Dan and is leaving Ivano by train tomorrow for Romania, as he flies from there to Canada.

Howard and I leave tomorrow for Poland with Paul McClarty, who is leaving from Krakow for home.

More about out trip to Poland later.

God bless and thank you for your prayers, while we have been away.

Malcolm and Howard.

Malcolm's Report #6 November 2 to 4.

Malcolm’s Report #6. From November 2 to 4^th

Sunday was the usual trip to Lviv. The road really has improved but still some terrible pieces to repair.

A good number were at the remembrance meeting with nice participation by the brothers. I spoke in teaching afterwards and then Edmund spoke to the 3 children present. They are trying to encourage more children to come as there are only 2 who have family in the meeting but 2 others come from an unsaved home.

After a good cold lunch we headed back to have a meeting at 6 pm. with about 14 out to listen.

Monday we headed to see 2 schools near the Romanian border. The road was so bad, I felt like turning back. We visited a school in Bukovets on the way to the other school in Virhovina. We were welcomed royally and spoke to two groups of children in their dining room as they do not have an auditorium. The children all listened intently as well as the teachers. We left a couple of boxes of clothes, as this is a very poor area up in the mountains.

We then went on to Virhovina, the school we have visited for years and have helped with many projects such as new washrooms and heating in their gym. We heard some of the horror stories of the visits of school inspectors. I hope these people are some of the government employees the new government talk of removing. One of the incidents concerns battery operated smoke alarms that were donated to be put in the dormitories. When the inspector saw them, the only comment was, “where did you get the permit to install them?” No comment about how good it was to have them.

By the time we got home, we had been gone 12 hours and I was completely bushed because of the driving, especially as most of the home trip was in the dark.

Tuesday we went to the orphanage in Yablunuv or Apple village. The administrator was away but the assistant greeted us and we spoke to about 100 children who listened again very well. We left several boxes here of winter clothing as this school is in the foot hills and gets cold weather too.

We returned home and had our Tuesday afternoon meeting with a much better number of 18 or so adults and 6 children. There was a little noise from the children but the Word was preached and there were some present who were new and not saved. Arrangements were given for those going to Lviv for the Conference on Friday and then home to have a good talk with a saved man who is having some problems.

Wednesday. This was our last long trip before leaving for Lviv on Friday to Sniatin to the two homes for mentally challenged boys and men. We met at the men’s home first with the director who does a wonderful job for these men. The home receives nothing for renovations or renewal of any of the buildings but he is always finding money somewhere to replace rotten windows and doors. He had just had over 100 mattresses donated but had no pillows. He knew of the same number of pillows available and so we helped him to get them.

He then gathered about 20 staff and we gave a word again to these people. This director is one of the most willing to get them together and attends as well. We believe he may have trusted Christ.

We headed to see the saved priest we had met before but he was away with the wife and family. We had boxes of clothing for the very poor people in this village so took them to the home of Hallia, a sister, who will see that he gets them. She had prepared a full meal so we ate and then left for town over horrendous roads.

Of all the days to be invited out for supper, today was NOT the day we needed two meals. Well we had to go and visit our interpreters mother for supper. What a spread, fit for a king and no appetite. We did our best but there was enough to feed 3 more people, I’m sure.

So another full day we trust was for God’s glory.

Malcolm and Howard, 

Malcolm's Report #5 for Oct. 29-31. Nov.1.

Malcolm’s Report #5 Oct 29 -31. Nov.1

Wednesday.

Thankfully, the snow that fell last weekend has gone and except for mud is some holes, things are quite nice. We still need a jacket as it is still cool.

Today we spent time in town, going to the ½ way House as we call it, where children are brought, waiting to be rehabilitated from their poor or unfit homes to, either an orphanage or other family members. This time, there was a real difference, as usually there are school age children, this time there were over 20 pre-school children. The administrator was not there but the children were all gathered and very attentive. One of the senior girls was very good at keeping the little one attentive while I spoke to them for 15 minutes. We left them 3 boxes of clothes and gave them all candies.

We then went to visit our landlady to pay up until the end of the year. She wanted to increase our rent by 20% but after I said we would have to look for somewhere else, she relented with 10% increase. We do have a very good location with good security, on the ground floor and for the vehicle, which  makes it a premium location.

Thursday,

We planned to go and visit a Christian Pentecostal family in a village about an hour away. Dan and Eric had met Uri and Oxana some time ago and we have tried to keep in touch. They have 4 children, the youngest on 3 months old. They have managed to secure a pristine little farm home for only $7,000. Uri was saved in prison and has gone on very well for the Lord. He had just gone back to Poland to work so that he can pay of his loan on the house.

We picked Oxana up in a nearby town where she had gone to buy medicine for the baby and then made our way to the “farm”, for that is really what it is, with a pig a goat and 20 or so chickens. There were 2 VERY shy neighbour girls, who had looked after the baby.                                      Oxana asked if we would like coffee, we agreed. First came borsht soup followed by pork and buckwheat (which I can’t stand), a plateful of garlic and last but not least, coffee! 

I mentioned it would be nice to have a children’s lesson with the 2 girls. Well WHIZZ they were out the door. 10 minutes later they came back and I barred the door and we gave them the lesson. 11 and 13 years old and probably never been to Sunday school.

Friday.

On the way home yesterday we heard something rubbing on a tire. We found the splash guard in the fender had dropped down so booked it into the garage for 9am this morning. It was an easy fix but then they decided to fix the read shock that has given us problems. Well there was only one man who could weld and he was busy for over an hour.                                                                                     We left and went to get a table we had bought for our apartment and brought it home and set it up. We came home had supper and read a little and for the first time since her, went to bed early.

Saturday

As we have written earlier, the Christian woman Dana recently lost her son, so we wanted to visit her and give our condolences. While there, we asked what happened with her unfinished kitchen. She informed us that she had run out of money to put in the kitchen counter and sink and had no running water in the kitchen.                                                                                                                              We will not weary you with the details, but the person given responsibility to complete the job, absconded with the remaining money leaving Dana and her husband to have to loan money to close in the outside doorway that was left without a door.                                                     As we had been given funds for such eventualities, we felt we should get her an inexpensive set of cupboards. We were able get a 6 ft set of upper and lower cupboards and stainless sink and taps on sale for under $200.00 plus $40 for a carpenter to put them in today! I will try to remember to take pictures when they are all finished.

After we left there we went to our dear lady Natalia, who is in the last stages of MS we fear. She is a dear lady who is ready to meet her Lord. Her mother gave us lunch. We prayed and left them with money for the adult pampers Natalia needs daily. They cost over $10 per bag here.

We spent some time with Ola, Sasha’s mother and had tea and homemade cheese cake and then came home to get ready for meeting in Lviv tomorrow. 5 of us will be going tomorrow.

Thank you for praying for us, our trip is over half over and there’s much still to do.

Malcolm and Howard.