Update from the Sloan's at Lutsk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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