Carpathian trip

Tuesday
It was an early morning as Gilles, Flora and Stephan headed out to the Carpathian mountains to visit Misha and his wife Maria. Enough food was purchased for about twenty families, as well as clothing brought along to distribute to those who were more needy. It was a rainy two hour drive to reach Holovetsko. It was through word of mouth that people found out that they had arrived. The plan was to wait for enough people to come so that there would be an audience for a word in the gospel. Taking advantage of the fact that people draw their water from wells, Gilles spoke about the woman who came to the well to draw some water and there met the Lord Jesus who totally changed her life. People kept coming while Gilles and Flo spoke. The clothing was distributed as well as the groceries. Some people are so appreciative, while others hardly seem to even consider thanking anyone. One lady stands out in my mind. Last year we had been at this same village and this lady had received a few items of clothing and some groceries. She returned to where Flo was visiting and presented Flo with a freshly killed chicken. This lady had gone home to kill her chicken to give it to Flo because that was the only thing she had. The same lady was here this time and was totally overwhelmed with having received anything. She had only received a few pieces of clothes and a few groceries but was extremely grateful.
Life can be very difficult in the remote villages under ordinary circumstances. But when tragedy strikes the hardship is multiplied many times over. One teacher came to the house where Flo & Gilles were visiting. This 35 year old teacher has three children. A couple of months ago her husband died from some illness. She now only has her teacher salary which is barely enough for anyone to live on. She and her children have no place to call their own. They are living with different people at different times going from someone else's home to someone else's home...never their own. She came to the house to get some groceries and clothing. Flo and Gilles told her about our God who has a special interest for the widows and the fatherless and how His care comes through the care of others. She listened barely able to hold back tears and finally broke down once she had gone back outside. Maria the lady of the house went out to speak with her. Money was left with her (sorry we can't remember her name) from funds given by Christians in Canada and the States. We are very thankful for what we receive from others that we can pass on to people who are in special need of help.
Wednesday we had our bible reading. There was a nice number of people out and there was a bit of discussion about different points. It is hard to draw out the people but with time they will feel more comfortable at stating their thoughts.
Avrell has been in Lutsk this week helping with the children's work there. When she gets back we'll get her thoughts on the blog for all to enjoy.
For any who read all the way to this point, I'm having problems getting on the blog page. Please be patient.