Malcolm Report #3

Report #3   April 5^th and  6^th.

Today we went out to a big maximum security prison with 800 men.
We picked up Oleg, the contact man from Prison Services, (or whatever it is called). He is head of Parole Services and has to meet with every prisoner in the 4 prisons in this Oblast or province.
Along the way we also picked up the Catholic Chaplain of the prison we were going to plus about 10 boxes of clothing that had been donated to the prisoners. This was good as we had run out of men’s clothing. The Chaplain was a very nice old man who seems to have a heart for the prisoners.
It took us quite a while to get into the prison, while they waited for the prisoners to collect in the large auditorium. About 150 or so gathered and listened very well. Both I and Dan spoke. We gave out N/T and John 3:16 to those who wanted them, most took them. The Chaplain sat and listened well.
We headed away and had lunch in a nice little cafe on the side of the highway.
We will be going back to the prisons again next week.

We were pretty tired when we got home. The travelling plus the unknown in going to the prisons I think, take a toll on you. We had to get ready for meeting though and were happy to see about 18 out again.
We had some good talks with some individual ladies. The one, Maria I had not seen for 4 years, so she said, I was so glad to see her back.

We went to the hospital afterwards to visit Svetlana, Vadym’s wife, who had had a sinus cleared that had blocked. She was very glad to see us and hoped to be home on Friday. We then went to see Yaroslav, a Christian man, who took what he thought was a heart attack, but thankfully was a blood clot that they were able to clear. No damage to his heart. We were pleasantly surprised at the cleanliness and efficiency of this local hospital.

Got to bed at about midnight but didn’t need to get up early on Friday.

Friday  6^th.
Today was a spare day with no visits planned. We needed to pick up medications for one man who cannot get out very much now. We had to go to 3 pharmacies before we filled the 4 items. We had to pay the utilities for the apartment at either a bank or another funny place. You pay for the gas and electricity at the same place.
We then had to run around for parts for the van, we need two front struts, they are leaking fluid. They did a bit of welding under the van while we were at the garage. We then visited the man who needed the medications. His wife and son come to all the meetings and were there when Dan gave Michaelo the gospel. He can’t see what he needs since he “has always believed in Jesus!” Sound familiar, doesn’t it?

We went to see Natalia who has MS but could not get into her house. No answer, so we don’t know if she was home or in hospital. Will keep trying to make contact.

Came home to spaghetti supper. (not like home!)

All for now, please keep praying.
Malcolm  Dan and Volodia.

Dan's Reports: #20

Friday the 23 of March.  #47

Went swimming once again in the morning, Louie is looking younger and younger with each visit! Then took the van in for some repairs, had to leave the van but the owner’s son drove us back. We then went to visit Oleg at work, always good to talk with him.

Then we had been invited to speak to some students by the director at the language school where I was taking my lesson. There were 4 students in their early to mid twenties plus the English teacher; they wanted just to practice their English by talking with us and hearing us. We talked about politics, history, traditions and so on; Louie was able to squeeze in the value of the bible and its message to us which was good, an hour and a half later we ended our dialogue and gave them bible texts!

Saturday we had our practice sing, only two out but did very good, in the larger group last week they could not get ‘Rock of Ages” at all but with only two they picked it up with just a few tries and sang it very well, but I must say I am less critical than Louie is but even he thought it wasn’t too bad, and again no one called the police, which is good! We then picked up the van; though not finished but we needed it for Sunday.

Sunday we picked up the family from Hgrushka and had lunch in Ivano then brought them back for our meeting, 26 in total were out. They all listened well. After the meeting had a little talk with this couple and Uri ask the question about praying to the Holy Spirit, we told him that the Holy Spirit does have a role and it is not for Him to speak of Himself but to Glorify Jesus(John 16:13,14). On our way to take their home we picked up another couple that are friends of theirs and the husband is also struggling with drinking as is Uri. We had dinner at their home and talked about salvation, they think you can lose it. Louie and I tried to explain that if you have it you cannot lose it, but the teaching that they receive in a charismatic church is deep within them and will take many more future talks.

Monday made plans to visit a gypsy camp with a man named Bogdan who is a journalist and has been following up on the gipsies near Ivano and seeks help for them. There were 7 to 9 tents and 30+ people there; the living conditions were absolutely disgusting and that is being kind. They settle near dumps so that no one will disturb them. They are not liked by most of the people in whatever area or country they may be in; most have a reputation of being thieves though some may be but not all are!

Most were away when we arrived at the camp but were able to speak to a few adults and some kids and gave a N/T with a bible text and a some boxes of clothes to each family even though not all of them can read. Bogdan then invited us to his house that is still being built, what a contrast! Big and very nice, all the custom furniture he and his son did, very good work! We hope he can come with us when we visit the gipsy camp again!

Picked up tracts and a couple of booklets that we had had printed, the two booklets are about the church, we took them to Oleg to proof read, we hope it will speak to him.

Then headed to the shop where we had some work done to the van to finish an electrical problem but we were supposed to be there at 9am, so we will come again tomorrow.

Then had our evening meeting, was good to see Andre out (Vadym’s father in-law), 23 in total and once again listened very well! This was Louie’s last meeting with us and will be taking him to Lviv tomorrow, many good byes, though Louie does not leave for the States until Friday. Had a great time together, many new places and news people we met!

Pray for a safe trip back home for Louie!  Then Malcolm Stanley will be arriving in Lviv on Saturday, pray for safety and blessings while here! We plan to visit the prisons starting on the 2 of April. Thank you so much!!!

In Christ our Lord

Louie, Dan

Malcolm Report #1

Report #1 April 2 2012

After an excellent flight to Lviv, I was picked up from the airport by Edmund and Agnes Johnson and taken to their apartment for the night. This is the first time I haven’t Gone to Flo Kancir’s  apartment where everyone has stays on arrival. The reason for the change is that Flo is not at all well and was booked to return home unexpectedly to get immediate medical help. Please pray for her.

I spent the morning with the Assembly in their new meeting room which is very accommodating and was well packed for the meetings. After the ministry, lunch was served and then we left for Ivano Frankivsk with several who had come up to the meeting as well as Volodia, who is going to be our interpreter for a couple of weeks.

We made it in good time for the meeting at 3:30 and a good number were out and had good attention.

We have a full week planned with a visit to a prison each of the first four days. We made our first visit today in the main prison in this area located in Ivano. We spoke to 20 men with 2 guards watching on. We found out that this is a 100 year old maximum security prison with 500 prisoners, some in for life.

We then came home for a sandwich before heading to one of our favourite spots, Petriliv or Peter Village. We met with Olya the mayor at the village office. She was out working with a bunch of ladies cleaning up the garden and grass. She is an amazing grandmother who is mayor of 5 villages. Some of the things she has to put up with would make you cry. The government is so cruel, it is hard to believe.

After she had given us tea and coffee we went to the school in the village. We went straight to see the Administrator who sent for something to warm us up as there was no heat in the school and there was a cold wind. We thought it would be a cup of something but it was a bowl of soup and a plate of a bean type of mashed somehow, buttered bread with lemon and red kaviar on it. All followed by a cup of sweet tea that was made from two plant, grown and dried in the village. It was very nice and washed everything down nicely.

We then visited a school we passed on the way to the village, that I had visited when my grand son Kevin was with me. The Director recognized me and asked about Kevin. Quite a memory. We are booked to visit the school on Wednesday and speak to probably about 6 classes of children,

We came home and shopped for some things we needed, Went to a pizza type restaurant and then home. Altogether a profitable day. Another one planned for tomorrow DV.

Malcolm Dan and Volodia.

Dan's Reports: #19

Monday the 19 of March 2012 #46

 Left in the morning to a village over the mountains called Verhovina; a 2 and a half hour drive one way. We visited a school with more than 400 kids; many are orphans and live there. At the school the Director showed us the washrooms that were built in the main part of the school, all expenses paid for by fellow Christians with a care for the children in Ukraine.  Thank you to them for their help! The ground is still frozen, so they are unable to connect to the main sewage pipe in town but hope to have the washrooms working by the begging of the school year. The director said that they have received the most help from us and not from the government or businesses and was very thankful! We then spoke to about 150-200 kids; then gave them a few boxes of clothing.

Tuesday visited a man in the hospital name Ivan; he came to a number of meetings always asked good questions but we haven’t seen him in months. As we talked with him in the hospital once again he had questions, one was about baptism another was about if he will go to heaven. He said he will come to the meeting once he gets better; it would be nice to see him coming again.

Had our meeting and 18 were out and listened well. After the meeting had a late dinner with a woman named Arisa who we often call the “rabbit lady”, though she also has chicken and goats. But when the visiting brethren come it is the rabbit that is prepared for dinner, hence her nick name and yes there was rabbit for dinner (I did not eat the poor thing).

Wednesday we visited and Orphanage for mentally ill girls in a town called Colamia.  We met with the Director then spoke to the kids with the best understanding and a number of teachers. The Director told us that much of their help comes from businesses and wealthy families, little help from the government. Though these kids are mentally ill they listened very well and there is no doubt that the Word of God can speak to them in ways we are not about to, it was good to have this opportunity to speak to them! While in Colamia we picked up a part that we needed for the van. The roads in town were terrible and could only hope the van continues to hold up! Then came back to Ivano and tried to visit with a few families from a list of names that the hospital gave, Tania who works there came with us and was our interpreter. Most were not at home and will try again on another day.

Thursday met with Edmond, Agnes and Ruslan for dinner before our meeting, both Ruslan and Edmond spoke. It was very good that Ruslan shared his testimony, was the first time we heard it.  It is also important for Ukrainians to hear a Ukrainian testimony and to know it can even happen to them! 25 total out and listened well!

  We plan to speak at a gipsy camp on Monday would ask for your prayers once again, Thank you for all your prayers!!

In Christ our Lord!

Louie, Dan

Dan's Reports: #18

Thursday the 15 of March  #45

Headed out early morning to a town called Dolenna, we should have been there at 8:30 as the plan was to speak to 5 classes but as we were leaving I noticed the van was tipping to one side so I got out to take a look, it was a flat tire. It must of happened on our way back from Lviv last night, was very thankful to the Lord that kept if from going flat till the morning where there was light which made it much easier to change!

We missed our first class but had three others, the last class wanted to stay so we had them twice. The Christian Ethic’s teacher said all the students we spoke to would like us to come again, this was very good to hear! All the students received an N/T, bible text and a gospel tract and before leaving we gave a few boxes of clothes for the poor. Dolenna has over 10,000 people, it’s about an hour away from Ivano and we hope to continue good relations with this school and speak in other areas of the town.

We then had our evening meeting, about 17 out and listened well!

Friday  we went to a village called Olesha, where we were planning to speak to three classes but they forgot we were coming. They still gathered up about 50 teens plus 2 teachers and the principal all in one class room. After our messages and after the bell rang they continued to sit and wanted us to continue speaking, so we spoke for more than an hour and they all listened well. Having been there recently they have already received N/T and text, we gave a few boxes of clothes and were asked to come again, this is good!

Saturday we had another day of practicing new hymns, 5 came out and are slowly picking them up. Then we met with Oleg and Ola for dinner. Louie and I invited Tania to come with us (she works at the hospital and the bible is all new to her). We had a good time together and had a brief but good talk about salvation.

Sunday we met with a family from Hgrushka for lunch at their house. Uri (the husband) talked about some of his struggles. Louie and I were showing scriptures on knowing God’s salvation is sure and certain once you receive it you have it forever, you can never lose it!

We then brought him and his wife to our meeting, 18 were out. Louie spoke on the miracles of Christ and I on “Never man spoke like this man.” On the way back to his house one of the things Uri said was that the meeting was about Jesus, not about our lives. Not sure what he meant by it but am glad that what he could see was that Jesus was the focus of our meeting!

Pray for this family and for Tania and for all our visits! Continue to pray for Svetlana our interpreter and her husband for their Salvation, Thank You!

In Christ our Lord

Louie and Dan

Dan's Reports: #17

Monday the 12 of March  #44

Headed out to a village called Hgrushka were we spoke at the village hall on Sunday but will be speaking at the school today. As we arrived we spoke to the vice principal that got things ready for us but had to wait, they were having a play and reading poems in honor of their famous poet name Shevchenko. When they were finished we spoke to about 100 students and the teachers. For a large group of kids they listened very well and were very well behaved! They all received a N/T, bible text and a gospel tract. As we went to say goodbye to the Mayor, she asked if we could talk to a family in the village that was having some problems, we said of course!

As we got near the house the wife was waiting on the road to meet us and lead us to their house. There was the husband (Yuri) and wife (Oksana) and her little sister and their mother, with an 8 month old boy and a 3 year old girl. We talked for about an hour and a half, Yuri shared with us how he received Christ while in prison. They were very willing to talk and we hope to talk to them again and bring them to the meeting.

Tuesday went to a village called Sari Lissets where Luba’s mother in law lives, (we call it Luba’s village, it’s easier to remember.) As we came into the village we met with Luba’s mother in-law, she is an 83 year old lady who still walks her cows to the pasture every day. Louie and I talked with her a little about knowing Christ as her Savior, not sure if she understood much but she did smile.

At the school we spoke to about 60 to 70 kids. We received a very warm welcome and were asked to come back, we were also asked if we can speak at their summer camp for two weeks in June, a huge open door!! 

We came back and had lunch with Yaroslav and his wife (Halia). Made it back for our meeting, 20 in total and one younger woman for the first time name Tania (she works at one of the hospitals we visited). We were then invited by one of the ladies (Maria) for dinner with her son, Paul at their home. By the time we came back to the apartment we were filled with food to over flowing, made it difficult for sleeping, good food but a little late to eat.

We went to Lviv on Wednesday afternoon, where we met with Vladimir and then had dinner before the Lviv meeting. At the meeting Josh and Steven, the two American young men, spoke; they will be going back to the States on Friday, it was good to see them again before they left. After the meeting we picked up the New Testaments we had ordered from Ruslan. We then headed back to Ivano. With the Lord’s protection we made it back safely in one piece, though late!

Pray for Tania; as much or all of what she heard was new to her. and for the Lord’s continual help with each and every meeting!!

In Christ our Lord

Louie, Dan

Dan's Reports: #16

Thursday the 8 of March

Met with a woman name Maria, she has some disease that keeps her from walking. She has been visited for years by the Christians who come to Ukraine. She said she would like to come to the meetings and ask if I could pick her up one day, I said no problem! (When she was able to walk she came to the meetings but not since I have been here) We also had a good talk as she asked about Marry having other children. Louie gave her a few verse showing Jesus step brothers being mention, this was helpful to her and new to Svetlana our interpreter. Then had plans to meet with one woman that lives in the apartment building where we have the meetings but no one was home. We then had our meeting, 17 in total.

Friday took Louie to a pool in the morning where he went swimming, down one of the slides, whirl pool and sauna. I think it did him good, he came out looking 10 years younger! Then invited those at the meeting to come and practice singing some new hymns, about 5 came (no one called the police on us for public disturbance which was good!).

Saturday got ready to distribute clothing to those that come to the meetings, about 16 came, though it got a little crowded and stuffy it went well! Then met with Oleg and had a good talk over dinner at a pizza place about understanding Bible verse on marriage. He then invited us over his house for dessert and then continue talking about the Bible. There is a real thirst that can be seen in Oleg in wanting to understand the Bible and grow in his relationship with the Lord, we pray it continues!

Sunday, we were invited to speak at a town called Hgrushka. We spoke to the people after their special event. It was in a village hall with no heat, during their event some were coming and others started to leave because of the cold. We waited longer than expected; they were singing songs about one of their famous poet’s and reading their own poems. By the time we spoke there were about 50 in the hall. We then gave to all N/T bible text and a gospel tract; some had questions about what we teach and said they would like to hear more. The mayor asked if we can have coffee but we had to get back to Ivano for our meeting. We rushed back barely made it on time but there were still some waiting, about 23 in total and after the meeting had a nice talk with Yaroslav.

Thank You all for your prayers!! Continue to pray for all the meetings here in Ivano that we would see fruits in salvation and spiritual growth, and in all our visitations! We are also waiting permission to visit the prisons while Louie and Malcolm are here in Ukraine.

In Christ our Lord

Louie, Dan

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