Dan's Reports: #15

Sunday, the 4 of March #42

We headed up to Lviv early this morning with 3 from Ivano, one of them was coming
for the first time.
We had a good time with the Lords people. Two young men are visiting from the
States, Steven and Josh. Would be nice to see even more interest from a younger
group of people with a heart to reach the people of Ukraine!
With the roads as bad as they are, we cannot stay too long so left soon after the
breaking of bread. We made it back to Ivano in time for our meeting with a total of
21 people out. After the meeting we had cake and ice cream to welcome Louis back
to Ivano!
Monday made a few calls to some schools but because of the holiday later in the
week they recommended to call the following Monday to plan our visits. The holiday
is called, Women’s Day, all government buildings are closed on this day (anything for
a day off!).
Tuesday we met with the man to get permission to have meetings at the prisons
while Louie and Malcolm are here; then came back to the apartment and revised the
document needed.
We then met for dinner with those coming from Lviv to help in the meeting. It’s
always great for the people here to hear a new voice; Josh and Steven and then
Edmond spoke at the meeting. Afterwards had cake and ice cream to welcome these
visitors to Ivano and was great to see Flo from Canada out too, she just arrived on
Monday. There were 23 in total at the meeting.
Wednesday we had our first visit of the day with a woman name Oksana. She has
been in the hospital for the last 2 months, I think for some kind of mental problems
she has had for years. Later her father came and had a good talk with us both. He
share a little with us how he got his first Bible during communism; it was nice to hear
them both and it seems that they both know the Lord.
Then visited a woman name Antilina at the hospital who was coming to the
meetings. The Bible is very new to her and it was good that Louis gave a breakdown
of how to read and understand the Bible. As Louis prayed before we were leaving
there was a young girl in the room and I notice she bowed her head also, later I ask
her if she speaks English, she said she did and that she was a Christian and knows
Jesus Christ as her Savior. This was great to hear and a rare find here in Ukraine.
Then visited with a women name Natalie who has M.S., though she is severely
handicapped, she is a very pleasant person. Her mother is a music teacher and
played for us a Ukrainian song on the accordion.

We would value prayers for meetings we plan to have at a village on Sunday and
Monday and for our meetings here in Ivano. Also for the home visits, that in all there
would be blessings of salvation for these dear people! Thank You!

In Christ our Lord!
Louie, dan

Dan's Reports: #14

Monday the 27 of February

We got up early morning, Vladimir, Tarras and I, and went to the mountains for a day
of skiing. Have been trying to plan trips like this to build relationships but with
the life being so busy it does not always work and though we started off with 7
possibly going it ended up with the 3 of us. Very good condition for skiing and a great
time spent together! And no broken bones, God did bless!!

Tuesday Vladimir and I woke up quite sore, he more than I. Then got ready for the
meeting, it was great that Vladimir was willing to speak after me. For some in our
meeting this would have been the first time hearing a gospel message in Ukrainian
and by a Ukrainian with no interruptions (interpreting). This was Vladimir’s First time
speaking here in Ivano and they were all very attentive. It was good that the people
here heard a gospel message by a Ukrainian and for them to know this is not a
message by foreigners. The best way to reach the Ukrainian people is by using
Ukrainian people! Then after the meeting we went ice skating and once again God
blessed it, no broken bones!!

Thursday took Vladimir to the bus station as he headed back to Lviv, a sad day!

While he was here we met a number of people and had nice talks; most of them
were in the twenty something generation and both of us can see great opportunities
in reaching this group of people. But yet he is leaving to go back to Lviv and my time
is coming to an end shortly, here in Ukraine but all is in God’s hands and He holds the
future!

Then I called Svetlana and bought some prescriptions and visited with a lady name
Antelina. She was coming to the meetings but is now sick, she said she would like to
be there. I told her we can meet at her home and read the Bible together if she likes?
The Bible is very new to her; most of her life was lived under communism. It would
be good to spend some time sharing and showing God’s Plan of Salvation to her!!

On Friday, Louis Smith arrived safe in Lviv and I will be bringing him to Ivano on
Sunday.

Continue to pray for God’s protection and blessings while Louis is here and for
guidance and wisdom in where to go and with whom to meet! Thank You!!

In Christ our Lord.

Dan.

Monday the 20 of February,

Met with the people at Board of Education, apparently they sent me a letter that I
never received, well; my request was denied but was thankful for the time they
spent and for taking the time to talk with me.

Tuesday went early morning to a sanatorium in a town called Yassen. Luba and her
son and one of the mothers came with as we were picking up 4 girls and bringing
them back home to Ivano. In the sanatorium we had a meeting with about 50 kids,
all listened well and seem to enjoy the time. All the kids received a N/T, bible text
and a gospel tract and this time no clothes were ask for but table games so bought
some for them. The Director sat in for the entire message then invited us for some
lunch before we left.

Just as we were leaving a girl about 7 or 8 ran out in a panic because she did not
receive a N/T, as I move the van in the direction to leave, she looked will horror
thinking she would not have a N/T but I stopped and gave her one and a text.

She cried as I think she really thought she wouldn’t receive one.

We left with a full van load for a 2 hour trip though the “minefields” of potholes,
back to Ivano. We then had our evening meeting with about 8 out, several now are
sick. Afterwards had a nice talk with Yaroslav, he too is not feeling well but said he
felt good enough to come to the meeting.

Thursday spent the afternoon looking for parts for the van; was thankful to have
Tarras with me to help with the communication plus it helps having a native with you
to keep the prices fair!

Sunday got ready for the meeting here in Ivano, for the second time Sasha
interpreted for me. Svetlana had plans but they were canceled and so it was good to
see her too at the meeting and she was also able to help some.

Then had dinner with Oleg and Ola and once again had a good talk about the church
and its function. Ola is now asking about and commenting on what is said in these
last few discussions, this is very good! Later that evening Vladimir came from Lviv
and will stay for a few days here in Ivano.

Thank you all for your prayers and support!

In Christ our Lord, Dan.

Dan's Reports: #13

Monday the 13 of February #39

I had a Ukrainian lesson today then had dinner with Tarras in the evening. Had a good talk mostly about making God the center of our lives and in the decisions  we make in life. He listened well and then said I should have my own radio station, not sure if that’s good?

Tuesday had our evening meeting about 10 out and listened well! It looks like most enjoy the snacks and the time to talk after the meeting, this is good!

Wednesday had another Ukrainian lesson then met with a women name Tania, she has shown some interest in wanting to speak English and with the work we do here in Ukraine. I have invited her and her friend to the meetings, they would like to come they say but haven’t yet, hope they will soon!

Thursday had a visit with the Mayor in a Village called Petrilliv. Had a good talk with her; as she shared a story of a friend that was ill and took the advice of her priest and started to pray, the illness somehow went away. I told her that God does heal but God wants to do more than heal our bodies from disease God wants to cleanse our soul from sins! She is a very nice woman and listens well. Before leaving to visit the school I gave a few boxes of clothing and bedding. I then spoke to the kids at the school. Afterwards the principal told me of a little girl about 6yr. with Down syndrome  who needs help to get tests and paper work done in order for her to get small ( but better than nothing) support from the government, I do plan on helping.

Friday went to Lviv for the weekend and stayed with Edmond and Agnes from Ireland, looked for needed parts for the van with Vladimir. Saturday Edmond, Vladimir and I spent most of the day working on making a tract for the Euro 2012 in Lviv this summer(soccer games). Thousands  are expected to come mostly from Western Europe.

Then we headed out to get something to eat and Vladimir’s mother joined us. After dropping them off I hit a pothole and flattened a front tire, got the spare on and made it back safe to Edmund’s, what a way to end a long day!

Sunday morning had the tire fixed before the meeting. Was good to be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s Day remembering the Lord! (It’s all about Him isn’t it?). My first time speaking at the new hall, it looks good!

I then left right after the meeting to make it in time for the meeting in Ivano.  With the snow now melting there are new potholes everywhere, it looks like a minefield. This took a lot of time along with the two stops from the police, (thankful for Vladimir’s help over the phone!).

Sorry to say I did not make it on time but there were still some waiting, about 12 out including three men, after the meeting spent some time with Sasha Oleg’s son.

Louie Smith and Flo Kancir are planning to arrive in March, pray for their safety and blessings while they are here in Ukraine!

Please continue to pray for this small little gathering and for the relationships that are developing that all may be to the honor and glory of our great God! Thank You Much for all your prayers!!!

Dan.

Dan's Reports: #12

Tuesday, 31 of January #37

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Christ our Lord

Dan

Update from the Sloan's at Lutsk

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.