Report #5, Oct 14

#5 Report for Tuesday 14 Oct. 08

Howard and I decided to stay home today as we were having a bible study
tonight and Flo was just taking some product out to Bookva, the home for
girls. As there is no opportunity to speak to staff there we felt we could
get more done at home.

On Monday evening we took the drain pipe in the kitchen sink apart and
finally got it draining properly. But now we tackled the dripping tap. We
eventually got it apart while the water was off (from 9am to 6pm) and headed
to the little plumbing store 5 minutes away. They did not have a washer for
that type of faucet ??? The man was very helpful though, and drew a map and
we set off to the store, only 1000 meters he said, I think that was after
the first kilometer!! Well we did get a complete repair kit and after
walking back, soon had it fixed. Nothing is easy in Ukraine.

Flo came home and we had a nice dinner of chicken and fries. We then had to
get ready for the bibles study at 7pm, but some arrived while we were doing
the dishes.

Others had arrived by 7:10 and we had a nice bibles study in Matt. 5 on the
beatitudes. We finished about 8.30 and Ruslan took some home. One lady,
Lily, has Parkinsons and was not feeling at all well so Ruslan took her
right home as she usually travels by train and then walks to her house. O
that those in our favored country had such interest in the meetings.

We had an early night as we were leaving early on Wednesday morning to go to
a school.


Wednesday 15th Oct. 08

We were to leave at 8:30 but Ruslan was a little late. We were going
Truskavetsk to speak to a large school of several hundred children. Flo had
met a young Christian, Ruslan, at the Bible Society who asked her to come to
his town.

The ride took over an hour through very old villages and eventually into an
area that had once been the site of mines of some kind. The buildings and
equipment were still visible but none of them working any more.

As we pulled in Truskavetsk, Ruslan met us on his motor scooter and guided
us to the school. It was a large school in very poor condition in need of
complete renovations. We met with the grades 1-3 first in the little
auditorium. Wall to wall kids!! They listened well as I spoke and loved the
picture bibles, and picture verses plus a candy. Next came in the 3-5 and
Howard spoke. The 6-9 were not at all well behaved and there were so many
that there must have been 20 standing. Lastly the grade 11 and 12 kids were
also not the best behaved we have see at other schools. Howard spoke briefly
and then Ruslan, the young man who invited us, gave his testimony. He was
save after spending 7 years in prison for drug use. They really listened to
him and also as I gave the final punch about lives ruined by alcohol and
drugs and told them that God could make a difference in their lives if they
would turn them over to God.

We then left and went with Ruslan and another young Christian man Vasil who
had accompanied us and went to a home for single pregnant women that the
government has set up to help these women. The program started 3 years ago
and they have a lovely hostel style building where these women can stay
until they are able to care for their children. Some very sad cases, but
well looked after. We met with them and gave a little word of encouragement.
Flo left some toys and other items.

We then went for a late lunch at Rulan's nice church meeting room. They were
so thankful for our visit and want us back to speak in another school
whenever we can get back.

And so we headed home quite encouraged by the day.

Tomorrow we go to Ivano Frankivsk, so are not too sure of our e-mail hookup.

Good night and God bless.