September 29, 2012 #55
Saturday) Oleg and Olah and their friend named Sergei and I went to a small village where
they have a small three room house, about 40 min. from Ivano. When we got there the house
was broken into and they had stolen all the metal from the house even took the electrical
conduit from within the walls. They had been too busy to make a trip out to the house and this
was the first time in two years.
There is another village we go through, just before theirs, so we decided to give a New
Testament and bible text to those we would see on the roads of these two villages. We wanted
to encourage them to read their Bible for it tells Gods Salvation plan. The people we met were
very thankful and gladly received it! Then we had a picnic by a river bank nearby, it was a very
nice time together!
Sunday) I went up to Lviv with Luba and her son for the breaking of bread. It was great to
remember Him who remembered us even unto death!
Brought Vladimir and his dog Bruno back with me to Ivano, made it in time for our meeting. All
listened well even Bruno!
Monday) did some work to the Van and took it back to the place where we had the alarm put
in; the doors were not closing as we pressed the close button. We were there for a few hours
but they did find the problem, it wasn’t the alarm but the motors that operated the locks to
open and close. We had both the driver’s and passenger’s side replaced. Works great now and
very comforting to know that when you lock the van that it is actually locked!
Tuesday) Went to CTO repair shop for them to see if they can fix the stick shift. To adjust this is
very difficult and few here in Ivano know how to do this but this shop did it last time for us and
hoped they could do it this time! A young man, maybe even a boy came to look at it, we pop
open the hood and he has a can of WD-40. He moved all kinds of wires and did a lot of spraying
with the WD-40 and in just a few minutes he told me to see how it felt, I thought to myself this
little boy doesn’t know what he is doing. I was so surprise how much smoother the stick went
into each gear, he said there was some dust build up and it happens from time to time.
I paid them for the work, just 20hgr or about $ 2.50! Thanks to God for His help!
Then came back to get ready for the meeting and on the way in I started to talk to a Russian
man that once asked me for a Bible in Russian. We talked for a bit and then he said to me”
there is no God” and went on to quote some Polish philosopher. I told him there were some
errors in this philosopher’s thinking and went on to tell him some facts of Scriptures. I was quite
surprised how well he listened. I then said we should talk more about this together at another
time, he agreed. Then had our meeting and all listened well including our new roommate
Bruno, I had Vladimir interpret but was good to see Svetlana at the meeting too!
Wednesday) had a few meetings with people in the morning then headed up to Lviv for their
evening meeting. Had dinner with Edmund and Agnes at their new apartment and after went to
the meeting. Though a small group, was a good meeting and a good time spent with Edmund
and Agnes! Headed back to Ivano, was a long day and a late night!
Malcolm Stanley and Howard Pratt will be coming to Ukraine next week Wednesday, please
pray for their safety in their travels and time here and for God’s blessing with this work, His
work here in Ukraine!!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD
Dan
Friday, October 5, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Dan Update - Sept 19
September 19, 2012
#53
Wednesday) Left early morning to a town called Vinnitsa, it is a larger town than
Ivano-Frankivsk but smaller than Lviv. It took five hours to get there and I stayed for a few days.
I was invited to a conference that was being held there that deals with Emmaus Bible study
materials for adults and children in the Eastern European countries. Half of the group were
from Ukraine the other half were from Moldova, Belarus and Russia. The key speaker was from
Russia and spoke on the development and difficulties of the evangelical movement in Russia
and Ukraine. They told me there would be someone there to interpret the messages for me but
when I got there they were hard pressed to find someone who was not too embarrass to make
a few mistakes with their English grammar. In spite of this language barrier the time there went
very well!!
Sunday was the first day back from Vinnitsa and got ready for the afternoon meeting.
It was good to see the two young girls out at the meeting, Maria and Tania. There was some
talk that started before the meeting about voting. It is also voting season here and I was asked
if is it right for Christians to vote, well I just gave them the two points of view and let them
answer this question for themselves. Though some were tired at the meeting and one fell
asleep, the others listened very well I thought. One lady even thanked me on the way out and
said it was a good topic, which was nice.
After the meeting Oleg and Olah invited me to their home to help in making dinner. Oleg and I
made chicken with rice and carrots with some raisins. I thought it came out very good, though
took longer than I would like. We ate late, we talked till late in the evening and it was a late
night but a very good time!!
Monday) In the morning Meest came with some boxes that came from New Harbour
Canada. A big thank you to them for their care!! Then made some appointments to visit some
school this week; after dinner I started the sorting process with the boxes.
I then got a call back from Tarras, he said he was busy early at the time I called him and he
asked if we can go to the park and exercise, so we did. As we were walking back to our homes
we talked a little more about salvation, he is still interested and still searching, I hope this
continue to grow!!
Tuesday) sorted more of the boxes and had to get the apartment ready for meeting
tonight. Had to stick some of the boxes in the kitchen for lack of space in the bedroom where
most of the boxes are. It is a small apartment and does create a problem. This is a good
problem to have, that people from the other side of the world would care so much as to send
these boxes and help in this way; as well as in other ways. It is a great blessing to many people
here!
We had a good meeting, the people listened well and I found out that some want to start again
the Saturdays singing, where we got together to learn and practice new hymns. We’ll see what
happens when the others arrive.
Do plan on visiting some places this week and some new places, would ask for prayer with this
visits and for Tarras! Thank You!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD!
Dan
#53
Wednesday) Left early morning to a town called Vinnitsa, it is a larger town than
Ivano-Frankivsk but smaller than Lviv. It took five hours to get there and I stayed for a few days.
I was invited to a conference that was being held there that deals with Emmaus Bible study
materials for adults and children in the Eastern European countries. Half of the group were
from Ukraine the other half were from Moldova, Belarus and Russia. The key speaker was from
Russia and spoke on the development and difficulties of the evangelical movement in Russia
and Ukraine. They told me there would be someone there to interpret the messages for me but
when I got there they were hard pressed to find someone who was not too embarrass to make
a few mistakes with their English grammar. In spite of this language barrier the time there went
very well!!
Sunday was the first day back from Vinnitsa and got ready for the afternoon meeting.
It was good to see the two young girls out at the meeting, Maria and Tania. There was some
talk that started before the meeting about voting. It is also voting season here and I was asked
if is it right for Christians to vote, well I just gave them the two points of view and let them
answer this question for themselves. Though some were tired at the meeting and one fell
asleep, the others listened very well I thought. One lady even thanked me on the way out and
said it was a good topic, which was nice.
After the meeting Oleg and Olah invited me to their home to help in making dinner. Oleg and I
made chicken with rice and carrots with some raisins. I thought it came out very good, though
took longer than I would like. We ate late, we talked till late in the evening and it was a late
night but a very good time!!
Monday) In the morning Meest came with some boxes that came from New Harbour
Canada. A big thank you to them for their care!! Then made some appointments to visit some
school this week; after dinner I started the sorting process with the boxes.
I then got a call back from Tarras, he said he was busy early at the time I called him and he
asked if we can go to the park and exercise, so we did. As we were walking back to our homes
we talked a little more about salvation, he is still interested and still searching, I hope this
continue to grow!!
Tuesday) sorted more of the boxes and had to get the apartment ready for meeting
tonight. Had to stick some of the boxes in the kitchen for lack of space in the bedroom where
most of the boxes are. It is a small apartment and does create a problem. This is a good
problem to have, that people from the other side of the world would care so much as to send
these boxes and help in this way; as well as in other ways. It is a great blessing to many people
here!
We had a good meeting, the people listened well and I found out that some want to start again
the Saturdays singing, where we got together to learn and practice new hymns. We’ll see what
happens when the others arrive.
Do plan on visiting some places this week and some new places, would ask for prayer with this
visits and for Tarras! Thank You!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD!
Dan
Friday, September 21, 2012
Dan Update - Sept 14
September 14, 2012
Friday - Good to be back in Ivano, came back last night and had a good night’s rest! Started
the day with washing clothes in a old Soviet style washing machine at the apartment that has
seven cycles for cotton and as far as I know all but one washes for three hours. I am thankful for
the one which is only one hour, I did three loads which already took a long time, then did some
errands throughout the day.
Saturday) did one more wash, know the task is always finding places to hang them to dry
(no drier).
I then called some people for the meeting tomorrow; did my best in speaking to them in
Ukrainian just hope they understood me? Then Visited Oleg and had a good long talk about the
local church, many things he seems to understand but I think to myself it would be good for him
to see such a gatherings in practice, hopefully here in Ivano someday! Today was Father’s day
and everyone but Oleg’s family remembered it, so I thought it would be nice to treat him to a
Father’s day dinner.
I had to buy a new sim card for my IPhone and the young lady said it was easy to activate, it
wasn’t as easy as the young lady said! After exhausting all my patience I decided to call Tarras, a
young man that works as a guide at the government building. He was very willing to help and
came right away but he too was having the same problem as I was, but knowing the Ukrainian
language he got it activated. This phone is amazing and works great out here and excellent for
translating languages, thanks to the Corduan family! Well Tarras and I had a good long talk
about the Gospel, he was very active in the conversation and listened very well , he is definitely
searching! After a few hours he left on very good terms, Praise God!!
Sunday) Got ready for meeting this afternoon. Svetlana may not make it today so will be
using Maria for interpreting. She is an English teacher in one of the local schools in town and
has been used before by some of the others who came to Ukraine. She came early so we could
look at some of the passages of scripture, but as she came to the door others were there also.
As she and I were talking about the passages, one of the ladies said why are we not starting the
meeting, I told her the meeting starts at 3:30 she said no at 3:00. Then I realized they had not
understood my Ukrainian accent, I guess my 3:30 sounded like 3:00.
I called only about five people and more than 15 were at the meeting, I was very surprised and
felt it was a good sign!
Monday) had an appointment at the auto repair shop (they call it here CTO) to drop off
the van for them to check the valve cover and clean the engine. They said would take all day
and will call me when it was ready. I then met with Svetlana and we looked for new schools and
orphanages and did find a few to call. I then I got the call that the van was ready to pick up.
Then Oleg and I went to his garage to pick up some of the boxes that we kept there. We took
about half and came back to the apartment. Sorting them out always makes for a late night!!
Tuesday) had another meeting today and used Svetlana to interpret, this would be the first
time she interpreted in over a month and she did well. Not as many out this time but was very glad to see Tarras there!! They all seemed to listen well even Tarras. After the meeting he
stayed behind and we had another very good talk about the gospel! During our talk he asked a
question in a very somber tone “how can I be saved?”. These are words that bring great delight
to any Christian’s ears! He knows more of the Bible than most Ukrainian people and seems to
think salvation is far away but I told him that he does not have to wait any longer for God has
brought salvation near to all men and says today, now is the day of Salvation(2Cor.5:2). He
thanked me for taking the time to talk with him and said it was very helpful!
Please pray for this young man Tarras, I truly believe he is at the door and that he will fully
trust in Christ alone for his salvation! Also for the local meetings and planning for the visitations
with the schools and orphanages! Thank You!!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD!
Dan
Friday - Good to be back in Ivano, came back last night and had a good night’s rest! Started
the day with washing clothes in a old Soviet style washing machine at the apartment that has
seven cycles for cotton and as far as I know all but one washes for three hours. I am thankful for
the one which is only one hour, I did three loads which already took a long time, then did some
errands throughout the day.
Saturday) did one more wash, know the task is always finding places to hang them to dry
(no drier).
I then called some people for the meeting tomorrow; did my best in speaking to them in
Ukrainian just hope they understood me? Then Visited Oleg and had a good long talk about the
local church, many things he seems to understand but I think to myself it would be good for him
to see such a gatherings in practice, hopefully here in Ivano someday! Today was Father’s day
and everyone but Oleg’s family remembered it, so I thought it would be nice to treat him to a
Father’s day dinner.
I had to buy a new sim card for my IPhone and the young lady said it was easy to activate, it
wasn’t as easy as the young lady said! After exhausting all my patience I decided to call Tarras, a
young man that works as a guide at the government building. He was very willing to help and
came right away but he too was having the same problem as I was, but knowing the Ukrainian
language he got it activated. This phone is amazing and works great out here and excellent for
translating languages, thanks to the Corduan family! Well Tarras and I had a good long talk
about the Gospel, he was very active in the conversation and listened very well , he is definitely
searching! After a few hours he left on very good terms, Praise God!!
Sunday) Got ready for meeting this afternoon. Svetlana may not make it today so will be
using Maria for interpreting. She is an English teacher in one of the local schools in town and
has been used before by some of the others who came to Ukraine. She came early so we could
look at some of the passages of scripture, but as she came to the door others were there also.
As she and I were talking about the passages, one of the ladies said why are we not starting the
meeting, I told her the meeting starts at 3:30 she said no at 3:00. Then I realized they had not
understood my Ukrainian accent, I guess my 3:30 sounded like 3:00.
I called only about five people and more than 15 were at the meeting, I was very surprised and
felt it was a good sign!
Monday) had an appointment at the auto repair shop (they call it here CTO) to drop off
the van for them to check the valve cover and clean the engine. They said would take all day
and will call me when it was ready. I then met with Svetlana and we looked for new schools and
orphanages and did find a few to call. I then I got the call that the van was ready to pick up.
Then Oleg and I went to his garage to pick up some of the boxes that we kept there. We took
about half and came back to the apartment. Sorting them out always makes for a late night!!
Tuesday) had another meeting today and used Svetlana to interpret, this would be the first
time she interpreted in over a month and she did well. Not as many out this time but was very glad to see Tarras there!! They all seemed to listen well even Tarras. After the meeting he
stayed behind and we had another very good talk about the gospel! During our talk he asked a
question in a very somber tone “how can I be saved?”. These are words that bring great delight
to any Christian’s ears! He knows more of the Bible than most Ukrainian people and seems to
think salvation is far away but I told him that he does not have to wait any longer for God has
brought salvation near to all men and says today, now is the day of Salvation(2Cor.5:2). He
thanked me for taking the time to talk with him and said it was very helpful!
Please pray for this young man Tarras, I truly believe he is at the door and that he will fully
trust in Christ alone for his salvation! Also for the local meetings and planning for the visitations
with the schools and orphanages! Thank You!!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD!
Dan
Dan Update - Sept 9
Sunday, September 09, 2012
Sunday I headed up to Lviv in the morning but just before I got to Volodia’s apartment I made
a wrong tune and though I knew I was only blocks away. I could not find his apartment and was
in so much of a hurry so not to be late for the meeting I couldn’t focus on reading the street
names. So I stopped one lady walking by to ask her if she can tell Volodia over the phone what
street I was on. She looked at me as if I had three heads and walked away. Some other people
that I stopped took me as their own family and even came in the van to take me where Volodia
was. We then picked up another family for the meeting.
The meeting was small and sweet and in the presence of The Lord!! After the meeting Volodia
and I went back to the airport to see if there was any information about my luggage, they told
me that my luggage will be in tomorrow, this was good to hear!
I spent the night at Volodia’s. His mother has been working in Russia for the past three
months and will go back in two weeks for another three months. She was coming into Lviv on
train, after a 24 hour train ride. We met her at the station and they both were very happy to
see each other! We then went back to the airport to pick up my luggage and once again no
luggage! They told me that my luggage somehow went to Moscow but was sent back to Vienna
and that is where they lost track of it, well at least they apologized. Spent some time with
Volodia and his mother and spent another night there.
I feel like nothing will get done in Ivano, I have spent most of my time in Lviv , though the time
has been well spent I do feel a need to be in Ivano!
Tuesday) we all decided to go to Ivano where much cleaning and sorting out the boxes
needed to be done, so to Ivano we went. I had been hearing much squeaking as the brakes are
pressed with the van so I went to the place we go for the van to check the brakes while Volodia
and his mother(Olah) stayed at the apartment. At the shop they told me it will take one hour to
change the brakes so I thought I’d wait but it was almost three hours later before I left. Got
back and we all went out for something to eat and to show Olah Ivano. This was her first time in
this town. Went back to the apartment and sorted boxes for the rest of the evening.
Wednesday morning I had made another appointment at the shop to check the engine,
there was oil coming from some valve and spraying the engine. They said it would take three
hours so I dropped it off. Then they called and said it would take at the least one full day, so I
went back to pick up the van for we were going back to Lviv and will try to make it for the
prayer meeting tonight. While I was away to and from the shop Olah and Volodia did a lot of
the cleaning and dusting and wash things, this was a big help!! We left for Lviv and Volodia and
I made it just after they started the meeting,
It was good to see Edmund and Agnes back from Ireland. After the meeting Volodia and Olah
compelled me to stay another night in Lviv and so I did.
Thursday we did some things in Lviv, met and had coffee with a friend of theirs at a place
where they make all kinds of chocolate and they also wrap them there. It was four floors, each
floor had glass to see the production and a place to eat.
Before I left Lviv I thought I would go to the airport once again but once again no luggage. Had
plan to leave but Volodia and his mother asked if I would take them to the store and while
there guess what, the airport called and said my luggage was there, we hurried through the
store to see if it was true and I couldn’t believe it, it was true! Was happy that I stayed in Lviv a
little longer before leaving to Ivano!
Had a good time with Volodia and his mother Olah and some good serious talks! Pray for
them both and Oleg her husband how works in Poland for God to guide this family and for
spiritual growth and protection!!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD!!
Dan
Sunday I headed up to Lviv in the morning but just before I got to Volodia’s apartment I made
a wrong tune and though I knew I was only blocks away. I could not find his apartment and was
in so much of a hurry so not to be late for the meeting I couldn’t focus on reading the street
names. So I stopped one lady walking by to ask her if she can tell Volodia over the phone what
street I was on. She looked at me as if I had three heads and walked away. Some other people
that I stopped took me as their own family and even came in the van to take me where Volodia
was. We then picked up another family for the meeting.
The meeting was small and sweet and in the presence of The Lord!! After the meeting Volodia
and I went back to the airport to see if there was any information about my luggage, they told
me that my luggage will be in tomorrow, this was good to hear!
I spent the night at Volodia’s. His mother has been working in Russia for the past three
months and will go back in two weeks for another three months. She was coming into Lviv on
train, after a 24 hour train ride. We met her at the station and they both were very happy to
see each other! We then went back to the airport to pick up my luggage and once again no
luggage! They told me that my luggage somehow went to Moscow but was sent back to Vienna
and that is where they lost track of it, well at least they apologized. Spent some time with
Volodia and his mother and spent another night there.
I feel like nothing will get done in Ivano, I have spent most of my time in Lviv , though the time
has been well spent I do feel a need to be in Ivano!
Tuesday) we all decided to go to Ivano where much cleaning and sorting out the boxes
needed to be done, so to Ivano we went. I had been hearing much squeaking as the brakes are
pressed with the van so I went to the place we go for the van to check the brakes while Volodia
and his mother(Olah) stayed at the apartment. At the shop they told me it will take one hour to
change the brakes so I thought I’d wait but it was almost three hours later before I left. Got
back and we all went out for something to eat and to show Olah Ivano. This was her first time in
this town. Went back to the apartment and sorted boxes for the rest of the evening.
Wednesday morning I had made another appointment at the shop to check the engine,
there was oil coming from some valve and spraying the engine. They said it would take three
hours so I dropped it off. Then they called and said it would take at the least one full day, so I
went back to pick up the van for we were going back to Lviv and will try to make it for the
prayer meeting tonight. While I was away to and from the shop Olah and Volodia did a lot of
the cleaning and dusting and wash things, this was a big help!! We left for Lviv and Volodia and
I made it just after they started the meeting,
It was good to see Edmund and Agnes back from Ireland. After the meeting Volodia and Olah
compelled me to stay another night in Lviv and so I did.
Thursday we did some things in Lviv, met and had coffee with a friend of theirs at a place
where they make all kinds of chocolate and they also wrap them there. It was four floors, each
floor had glass to see the production and a place to eat.
Before I left Lviv I thought I would go to the airport once again but once again no luggage. Had
plan to leave but Volodia and his mother asked if I would take them to the store and while
there guess what, the airport called and said my luggage was there, we hurried through the
store to see if it was true and I couldn’t believe it, it was true! Was happy that I stayed in Lviv a
little longer before leaving to Ivano!
Had a good time with Volodia and his mother Olah and some good serious talks! Pray for
them both and Oleg her husband how works in Poland for God to guide this family and for
spiritual growth and protection!!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD!!
Dan
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Update from Dan - Sept 4
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Arrived safe in Lviv, also went through customs ok, thought they held me back a little
longer than the others, being one of the last one to go through but can’t say the same for my
luggage. As I waited and waited and then the only one waiting for luggage, I started to get a
little suspicious. I then asked one of the baggage handlers about my luggage; they tried to look
it up in the computer but nowhere to be found in the system, not a good sign! Well, all they
could tell me is maybe it will come in tomorrow? Then I was picked up by Ruslan and Volodia
with our Vito (van) that we use in Ivano, the scary thing about it was that Ruslan was driving. He
happens to hit every pot hole in town and sees it perfectly fine to drive on the opposite side of
the lane with oncoming traffic. Then he screams at them for driving on the right lane. It was
quite a welcoming back to the Ukraine experience! We dropped off Ruslan then headed back
with Volodia to his place for the night!
Wednesday, Volodia and I went to Meest (the company we use to ship boxes to Ukraine) in the
morning to see who we can talk to about some of the changes that have taken place with
shipping boxes to Ukraine. We were sent to one of their offices but they said they only deal
with shipping within the Ukraine. We were then sent to another office where they did ship
overseas but not many there spoke English, but one young girl that worked on the phones
knew a little to nothing about this issue but she did her best to try to help. She said she will call
us later with information. We then went back to the airport to see if they had my luggage or
found it in the system but neither came true but the young man did say that a flight from
Vienna was coning in the late afternoon and my luggage will be on this flight. So we left and did
some errands in the century of town. Then the young woman we spoke to at Meest called and
gave us a number of a man from Meest that is on the executive board, this is who I was hoping
to get from the beginning. We then went back to the airport as the man said my luggage would
be in the next flight from Vienna but once again no luggage and nothing in the system about my
luggage either, not a good sign at all!!
We then had to hurry back to Volodia’s apartment to get ready for prayer meeting. On the way
to the meeting we picked up most that will be at the meeting tonight but spent about a half an
hour or more just in trying to get the gate open to the Hall. We ended up getting a key from
somewhere else and found out that the other tenant change the lock but did not tell anyone
from the meeting. Well, was a very small meeting but always worth being there!
Thursday we met with the man from Meest and found out that there will be little changes in
sending the boxes, just need more name and addresses, it could have been something more
difficult. This was very good news to hear and definitely something to praise God for!! Then
received a call from Oleg about another shipment of boxes coming on Friday, they were going
to come today but he was too busy so he made it for Friday. Had plan to stay in Lviv until
Sunday but felt that Oleg would want some help with these boxes, so plan to leave Lviv on
Friday for Ivano.
Friday, Volodia and I did some things in the morning and I headed off to Ivano. Managed to
avoid all the major pot holes on my way to Ivano but the minor ones are just unavoidable!
I made good timing to meet Oleg just as he was closing his shop. He said he was going to call
me and ask “where is you”. He thought it would be a good idea to take these boxed to his
garage for the time being to avoid an over load at our very small apartment, this sounded good
to me!! After the delivery I had dinner with Oleg and his wife Olah and Natalie that use to work
at Solidarity and is now working for Olah.
The boxes were from New Glasgow, NS, CAN. A Big Thank You to them and other that had sent
boxes for the care of the Ukrainian people and to further the work of the Gospel Message!!
I do plan to go to Lviv on Sunday, always need prayers for safety on the roads and for giving a
message that would encourage the Christians there, also for getting things in order here in
Ivano with the local meetings and in delivering these boxes to the right people and places at the
right time(God's timing)!! THANK YOU ALL!!!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD
Arrived safe in Lviv, also went through customs ok, thought they held me back a little
longer than the others, being one of the last one to go through but can’t say the same for my
luggage. As I waited and waited and then the only one waiting for luggage, I started to get a
little suspicious. I then asked one of the baggage handlers about my luggage; they tried to look
it up in the computer but nowhere to be found in the system, not a good sign! Well, all they
could tell me is maybe it will come in tomorrow? Then I was picked up by Ruslan and Volodia
with our Vito (van) that we use in Ivano, the scary thing about it was that Ruslan was driving. He
happens to hit every pot hole in town and sees it perfectly fine to drive on the opposite side of
the lane with oncoming traffic. Then he screams at them for driving on the right lane. It was
quite a welcoming back to the Ukraine experience! We dropped off Ruslan then headed back
with Volodia to his place for the night!
Wednesday, Volodia and I went to Meest (the company we use to ship boxes to Ukraine) in the
morning to see who we can talk to about some of the changes that have taken place with
shipping boxes to Ukraine. We were sent to one of their offices but they said they only deal
with shipping within the Ukraine. We were then sent to another office where they did ship
overseas but not many there spoke English, but one young girl that worked on the phones
knew a little to nothing about this issue but she did her best to try to help. She said she will call
us later with information. We then went back to the airport to see if they had my luggage or
found it in the system but neither came true but the young man did say that a flight from
Vienna was coning in the late afternoon and my luggage will be on this flight. So we left and did
some errands in the century of town. Then the young woman we spoke to at Meest called and
gave us a number of a man from Meest that is on the executive board, this is who I was hoping
to get from the beginning. We then went back to the airport as the man said my luggage would
be in the next flight from Vienna but once again no luggage and nothing in the system about my
luggage either, not a good sign at all!!
We then had to hurry back to Volodia’s apartment to get ready for prayer meeting. On the way
to the meeting we picked up most that will be at the meeting tonight but spent about a half an
hour or more just in trying to get the gate open to the Hall. We ended up getting a key from
somewhere else and found out that the other tenant change the lock but did not tell anyone
from the meeting. Well, was a very small meeting but always worth being there!
Thursday we met with the man from Meest and found out that there will be little changes in
sending the boxes, just need more name and addresses, it could have been something more
difficult. This was very good news to hear and definitely something to praise God for!! Then
received a call from Oleg about another shipment of boxes coming on Friday, they were going
to come today but he was too busy so he made it for Friday. Had plan to stay in Lviv until
Sunday but felt that Oleg would want some help with these boxes, so plan to leave Lviv on
Friday for Ivano.
Friday, Volodia and I did some things in the morning and I headed off to Ivano. Managed to
avoid all the major pot holes on my way to Ivano but the minor ones are just unavoidable!
I made good timing to meet Oleg just as he was closing his shop. He said he was going to call
me and ask “where is you”. He thought it would be a good idea to take these boxed to his
garage for the time being to avoid an over load at our very small apartment, this sounded good
to me!! After the delivery I had dinner with Oleg and his wife Olah and Natalie that use to work
at Solidarity and is now working for Olah.
The boxes were from New Glasgow, NS, CAN. A Big Thank You to them and other that had sent
boxes for the care of the Ukrainian people and to further the work of the Gospel Message!!
I do plan to go to Lviv on Sunday, always need prayers for safety on the roads and for giving a
message that would encourage the Christians there, also for getting things in order here in
Ivano with the local meetings and in delivering these boxes to the right people and places at the
right time(God's timing)!! THANK YOU ALL!!!
IN CHRIST OUR LORD
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Direct Mail of Parcels to the Ukraine
For
many years we have just had to put a name of someone in Ukraine on a
box with our address and it has not been questioned. We are now informed
that for the past three months Customs has held boxes because the
address was not the address for the person whose name was on the box.
The director for MEEST has informed us that we must put both the names and addresses of the people on the label. He will try to persuade the authorities to allow the boxes to be shipped to the same place as before, and not delivered to each individual home. Another twist is that a person can only receive one box every three months. This means that if we send the boxes as we have been sending them we can’t be sure that they will be delivered. We will have to co-ordinate what parcels are sent to each person once we know the facts.
If we can still get boxes delivered to one address for distribution, we may have to get a longer list of names and addresses from people in Ukraine and not send boxes with the same addresses as often. We are prepared to start a database with information regarding the boxes and coordinate shipments. The only carrier we have heard from is MEEST.
We suggest you hold off sending any boxes at the moment.
This is all very new to us, so please send us any suggestions you may have. We never know when the regulations will change.
Malcolm and Jean Stanley.
Christian Assembly Work in Ukraine.
Portage la Prairie. MB
The director for MEEST has informed us that we must put both the names and addresses of the people on the label. He will try to persuade the authorities to allow the boxes to be shipped to the same place as before, and not delivered to each individual home. Another twist is that a person can only receive one box every three months. This means that if we send the boxes as we have been sending them we can’t be sure that they will be delivered. We will have to co-ordinate what parcels are sent to each person once we know the facts.
If we can still get boxes delivered to one address for distribution, we may have to get a longer list of names and addresses from people in Ukraine and not send boxes with the same addresses as often. We are prepared to start a database with information regarding the boxes and coordinate shipments. The only carrier we have heard from is MEEST.
We suggest you hold off sending any boxes at the moment.
This is all very new to us, so please send us any suggestions you may have. We never know when the regulations will change.
Malcolm and Jean Stanley.
Christian Assembly Work in Ukraine.
Portage la Prairie. MB
Update from Malcolm
Update on the work continuing in Western Ukraine.
Thankfully there has been a worker in Lviv and Ivano for most of the Spring and summer. This is very
encouraging for the Assembly in Lviv and the group in Ivano. Both need the help of brethren from
outside the country to keep up their interest and to encourage them.
In early Spring, Eric Fowler and Howard Pratt were together in Ivano Frankivsk along with Dan Perez.
Then Gilles Plourde arrived on July 26th and ministered in both Lviv and Ivano until August 9th. This was
very helpful as Edmund and Agnes Johnston had gone back to Ireland and so there was no one in Lviv or
Ivano to meet with the Christians as well as the non Christians.
Only a few weeks have elapsed with no one there and now Dan Perez will return on September3rd. for 3
months. Edmund and Agnes should be back in Lviv early September too.
Malcolm Stanley and Howard Pratt plan on returning on October the 9th for a month. Following their
visit, Louis Smith is planning to visit as well.
We are asking once more for your prayers as we seek to bring the gospel to those who are not yet sure
where they will spend eternity, and to teach those who need help to live as Christians. The family of Flo
Kancir would also desire your prayers for Flo who is still in hospital after two major surgeries and is not
making good progress.
Please pray also that we will still be able to send humanitarian aid with no problems from the
authorities, as the needs are still very great for the poor and those in institutions.
Malcolm Stanley.
Thankfully there has been a worker in Lviv and Ivano for most of the Spring and summer. This is very
encouraging for the Assembly in Lviv and the group in Ivano. Both need the help of brethren from
outside the country to keep up their interest and to encourage them.
In early Spring, Eric Fowler and Howard Pratt were together in Ivano Frankivsk along with Dan Perez.
Then Gilles Plourde arrived on July 26th and ministered in both Lviv and Ivano until August 9th. This was
very helpful as Edmund and Agnes Johnston had gone back to Ireland and so there was no one in Lviv or
Ivano to meet with the Christians as well as the non Christians.
Only a few weeks have elapsed with no one there and now Dan Perez will return on September3rd. for 3
months. Edmund and Agnes should be back in Lviv early September too.
Malcolm Stanley and Howard Pratt plan on returning on October the 9th for a month. Following their
visit, Louis Smith is planning to visit as well.
We are asking once more for your prayers as we seek to bring the gospel to those who are not yet sure
where they will spend eternity, and to teach those who need help to live as Christians. The family of Flo
Kancir would also desire your prayers for Flo who is still in hospital after two major surgeries and is not
making good progress.
Please pray also that we will still be able to send humanitarian aid with no problems from the
authorities, as the needs are still very great for the poor and those in institutions.
Malcolm Stanley.
Update from Gilles - #1
Greetings from Ukraine, from Gilles Plourde of Kapuscaping Ontario.
All is well here and the summer weather is easy to take. My time here started on a busy note. On
Wednesday June 27th I arrived and I was expected to speak that evening at meeting and so I did on the
faith spoken of in Hebrews 11.
On the Friday I opened their Bible reading on John 9 and Saturday we travelled an hour north to
Sosnivka to a rehabilitation center for physically and mentally handicapped people of all ages. We had
been to this institution before and we are always welcomed here. As usual we brought some clothes and
groceries. Edmund and I preached the gospel to the staff and the residents.
On Sunday I gave ministry in Lviv. Monday Ruslan and I were off to the city of Ternopil 1.5 hours away
to get the van repaired. The motor has stopped running several times now, leaving us stranded on the
road. We have had the van now for seven years and it has over 400,000 kms on it. They exchanged the
computer that runs the motor for another second hand unit. The van seems to run better. The next day
we went two hours south to Ivano-Frankivsk for the regular Tuesday night gospel meeting. There were
about 17 or 18 people out to hear the gospel, at which Edmund and I preached.
The next day was the regular Wednesday night meeting in lviv and I gave ministry. There were several
unsaved people at the meeting, friends of some of the believers, so they heard a little bit of gospel also.
The next day being Thursday we went 1.5 hours in another direction to preach the gospel in a women’s
shelter in the city of Drohovitch. Again we are always welcomed here and we normally bring supplies
for new mothers and newborns. This time was no exception. The next day in Lviv we finished the Bible
reading on John chapter 9.
The next ten days took on a different character because it was conference time in Lutsk, two hours
north. The conference actually takes place at a Bible camp half an hour out of the city. The actual
facilities were originally built by Stalin to be a “Pioneer camp”. That is, a summer camp where youths
were to be indoctrinated in communism, Marxism and Leninism. Stalin would roll over in his grave if he
knew the Bible was now opened and taught here. There were approximately 110 – 120 people at the
conference. About 25 or 30 from north and south Ireland and England, four believers from Slovakia and
one from Canada (me). The rest were all Ukrainian. Some were older Sunday school students from
Lutsk.
There are too many details to write down but I’ll give you an outline of the conference.
Every morning after breakfast we had a ½ hour prayer meeting and then a half hour break. This was
followed by ½ hour of singing hymns (Ukrainian, English and some Slovakian) and then one hour plus of
ministry. The ministry given by Phil Coulson from Ireland was excellent. Every afternoon we went to
nearby villages to give out tracts and invitations to an opened air gospel meeting in their village center.
Every day there was a children’s meeting in the village of Ozero in their community center. There were
about 50 or 60 kids of every age out every day and they really seemed to enjoy the meetings. The children’s meetings were taken by James College from England and he was excellent. The gospel
meeting at the camp on the first Sunday was taken by Edmund and I. In the course of the week one
young lady got saved and on the Saturday two young people from Lutsk were baptized. I was very sick
for a few days but recovered in time to take the bus to return to Lviv.
The week following the conference, on Tuesday the 17th we went again to Ivano for the Tuesday
evening gospel meeting with a good number out. Edmund and I spoke. The next day we were off to the
jail in Sambir a good hour away from Lviv. We often come here to bring supplies for them. This time we
brought 48 pairs of jeans, 20 sweat shirts, several packages of printer paper and a few ink cartridges. I
had forgotten my passport and did not expect to get inside with Edmund and Ruslan. But to our
surprise, the new warden thought nothing of it and I was allowed to go in. There were 48 inmates
listening to the gospel as well as staff and guards. Everyone got a few candies after the meeting. This
prison has 150 boys between the ages of 14 to 18 – all here for on criminal charges. We were back in
Lviv for the 7:00 pm meeting.
On Friday Edmund and Agnes were off to Ireland and Ruslan and Tania and their daughter were off to
Bulgaria for some rest and relaxation beside the Black Sea. So the following two Tuesdays, Volodia
drove me to Ivano for meeting and interpreted for me also. We stayed overnight both times and got the
oil changed in the Mercedes van and took care of other business.
On Sunday, August 9th, I started to distribute food packages which I put together: a loaf of bread, a
kilo of rice, a kilo of macaroni, a package of tea, a small package of cookies, a banana, a Gospel of John
and a John 3:16 text, all in a large zip-lock bag. I went to various areas with garbage dumpsters and gave
the food parcels to individuals picking through the dumpsters for food. The parcels were well received.
When Ruslan and Tania came back from Bulgaria we went to visit a gypsy camp near Tchervonohrad.
Most of the gypsies migrate south to the Carpathian mountains for the summer, but there was a group
of about fifteen families in this particular area. So we brought some groceries and had the opportunity
to preach the gospel. Unfortunately most of the men were not interested in us or our message and
stayed together some distance away. Only the women and children came to listen, with the exception of
two men. The women asked us to give their regards to Flo as they are concerned for her and pray for
her.
The next day, Saturday August 4th, we went to the city of Stryiy to visit a certain family which we have
been helping for many years now. They have six children. The two older girls are married now reducing
the load somewhat on this household. Their oldest is a 22 year old mentally and physically handicapped
boy. The youngest boy was hit by a bus last year and suffered a fractured skull and some internal
injuries. He has recovered well. He has a major scar on his head but it doesn’t show because of the way
his hair lies. They said they were praying for Flora and if they would not see her again on earth, they
would see her in heaven. We had brought groceries for them and also for the ninety six year old
neighbour lady who appreciated our help and attention. She likes Ruslan our driver.
Sunday August 5th was busy with breaking of bread in Lviv at eleven where I spoke and then off to
Ivano-Frankivsk for meeting at four where I spoke also. We returned to Ivano again on Tuesday for meeting at six. Attendance was good this week with seventeen or eighteen out. This being the last
meeting for now, the believers here and everyone else are anxiously awaiting Dan Perez’s return, and
anyone else who will come and help with the work in this city. Edmund and Agnes should be back in Lviv
in September also.
Your brother in Christ, Gilles Plourde.
All is well here and the summer weather is easy to take. My time here started on a busy note. On
Wednesday June 27th I arrived and I was expected to speak that evening at meeting and so I did on the
faith spoken of in Hebrews 11.
On the Friday I opened their Bible reading on John 9 and Saturday we travelled an hour north to
Sosnivka to a rehabilitation center for physically and mentally handicapped people of all ages. We had
been to this institution before and we are always welcomed here. As usual we brought some clothes and
groceries. Edmund and I preached the gospel to the staff and the residents.
On Sunday I gave ministry in Lviv. Monday Ruslan and I were off to the city of Ternopil 1.5 hours away
to get the van repaired. The motor has stopped running several times now, leaving us stranded on the
road. We have had the van now for seven years and it has over 400,000 kms on it. They exchanged the
computer that runs the motor for another second hand unit. The van seems to run better. The next day
we went two hours south to Ivano-Frankivsk for the regular Tuesday night gospel meeting. There were
about 17 or 18 people out to hear the gospel, at which Edmund and I preached.
The next day was the regular Wednesday night meeting in lviv and I gave ministry. There were several
unsaved people at the meeting, friends of some of the believers, so they heard a little bit of gospel also.
The next day being Thursday we went 1.5 hours in another direction to preach the gospel in a women’s
shelter in the city of Drohovitch. Again we are always welcomed here and we normally bring supplies
for new mothers and newborns. This time was no exception. The next day in Lviv we finished the Bible
reading on John chapter 9.
The next ten days took on a different character because it was conference time in Lutsk, two hours
north. The conference actually takes place at a Bible camp half an hour out of the city. The actual
facilities were originally built by Stalin to be a “Pioneer camp”. That is, a summer camp where youths
were to be indoctrinated in communism, Marxism and Leninism. Stalin would roll over in his grave if he
knew the Bible was now opened and taught here. There were approximately 110 – 120 people at the
conference. About 25 or 30 from north and south Ireland and England, four believers from Slovakia and
one from Canada (me). The rest were all Ukrainian. Some were older Sunday school students from
Lutsk.
There are too many details to write down but I’ll give you an outline of the conference.
Every morning after breakfast we had a ½ hour prayer meeting and then a half hour break. This was
followed by ½ hour of singing hymns (Ukrainian, English and some Slovakian) and then one hour plus of
ministry. The ministry given by Phil Coulson from Ireland was excellent. Every afternoon we went to
nearby villages to give out tracts and invitations to an opened air gospel meeting in their village center.
Every day there was a children’s meeting in the village of Ozero in their community center. There were
about 50 or 60 kids of every age out every day and they really seemed to enjoy the meetings. The children’s meetings were taken by James College from England and he was excellent. The gospel
meeting at the camp on the first Sunday was taken by Edmund and I. In the course of the week one
young lady got saved and on the Saturday two young people from Lutsk were baptized. I was very sick
for a few days but recovered in time to take the bus to return to Lviv.
The week following the conference, on Tuesday the 17th we went again to Ivano for the Tuesday
evening gospel meeting with a good number out. Edmund and I spoke. The next day we were off to the
jail in Sambir a good hour away from Lviv. We often come here to bring supplies for them. This time we
brought 48 pairs of jeans, 20 sweat shirts, several packages of printer paper and a few ink cartridges. I
had forgotten my passport and did not expect to get inside with Edmund and Ruslan. But to our
surprise, the new warden thought nothing of it and I was allowed to go in. There were 48 inmates
listening to the gospel as well as staff and guards. Everyone got a few candies after the meeting. This
prison has 150 boys between the ages of 14 to 18 – all here for on criminal charges. We were back in
Lviv for the 7:00 pm meeting.
On Friday Edmund and Agnes were off to Ireland and Ruslan and Tania and their daughter were off to
Bulgaria for some rest and relaxation beside the Black Sea. So the following two Tuesdays, Volodia
drove me to Ivano for meeting and interpreted for me also. We stayed overnight both times and got the
oil changed in the Mercedes van and took care of other business.
On Sunday, August 9th, I started to distribute food packages which I put together: a loaf of bread, a
kilo of rice, a kilo of macaroni, a package of tea, a small package of cookies, a banana, a Gospel of John
and a John 3:16 text, all in a large zip-lock bag. I went to various areas with garbage dumpsters and gave
the food parcels to individuals picking through the dumpsters for food. The parcels were well received.
When Ruslan and Tania came back from Bulgaria we went to visit a gypsy camp near Tchervonohrad.
Most of the gypsies migrate south to the Carpathian mountains for the summer, but there was a group
of about fifteen families in this particular area. So we brought some groceries and had the opportunity
to preach the gospel. Unfortunately most of the men were not interested in us or our message and
stayed together some distance away. Only the women and children came to listen, with the exception of
two men. The women asked us to give their regards to Flo as they are concerned for her and pray for
her.
The next day, Saturday August 4th, we went to the city of Stryiy to visit a certain family which we have
been helping for many years now. They have six children. The two older girls are married now reducing
the load somewhat on this household. Their oldest is a 22 year old mentally and physically handicapped
boy. The youngest boy was hit by a bus last year and suffered a fractured skull and some internal
injuries. He has recovered well. He has a major scar on his head but it doesn’t show because of the way
his hair lies. They said they were praying for Flora and if they would not see her again on earth, they
would see her in heaven. We had brought groceries for them and also for the ninety six year old
neighbour lady who appreciated our help and attention. She likes Ruslan our driver.
Sunday August 5th was busy with breaking of bread in Lviv at eleven where I spoke and then off to
Ivano-Frankivsk for meeting at four where I spoke also. We returned to Ivano again on Tuesday for meeting at six. Attendance was good this week with seventeen or eighteen out. This being the last
meeting for now, the believers here and everyone else are anxiously awaiting Dan Perez’s return, and
anyone else who will come and help with the work in this city. Edmund and Agnes should be back in Lviv
in September also.
Your brother in Christ, Gilles Plourde.
Monday, June 18, 2012
2012 Report from Eric #2
May 31
Up early man who makes arrangements to prison called we will get to visit two prisons. We must be at his office at 9am. He took us to the man’s prison first; it has 1000 prisoners in it. The prison is in Kolomia over an hour away. Took full Bible to man there who asked the last time Dan was there. We also had another full Bible as another was asking for one and he came and asked again, great to see that for sure. We spoke to 96 men with some at the back door listening. .Had nice time there, it is quite a complex run down Russian place. Most prisoners in Canada would die the first week if in a Ukraine prison. We gave them tracts and text. Then came back into town and went to the office here and then went to womens prison another hour over rough roads again. It makes the day long and tiring for sure. My wife packed lunch … boiled eggs , bread cut up apples , oranges and juice and a few sweets. We ate along the way. We spoke to 86 ladies and three workers there. The ladies truly listened very well. Heidi spoke for few minutes and it touched all the ladies. Some truly rough ladies there. Some for murder of their husbands one lady said it was a fight and either I was to be killed or him and I made sure it was him. We also took as wheelchair, crutches and clothing to that prison. Man oh man what a place to be. Came back to the city and had meeting. We had 19 out in the mid week which is good as summer is here and many away to gardens.
June 1 …
Our time is slipping quickly by. Up early, devotions and breakfast and ready to go to Lviv. Luba and daughter and daughter's friend went with us. Her name is Tanya and has come to every meeting and is very interested. This will be a holiday for them and a great treat. Also like for the girls to see the baptism and be with the Christians there. We picked up soap, and cleaning things for toilets for an old people’s home along the way. The home had 22 people in a village 30 min. off the main highway. Very sad sight for sure but amazingly, someone had helped put new windows and doors in the place. A little warmer for winter. Spoke to 11 of them and 3 workers…others were in bed and couldn’t come. I went to one lady and explained the truth of John 3:16. They could use wheelchairs there as well and some walkers. You should see some walkers they used there. Got to Lviv and took things out we brought ,a bed to sleep on and food and few things for weekend. Went to Edmond and Agnes for supper.They are the couple from Ireland who has now been in Lviv for two years. Where are our Canadian couples who will give themselves to such a work? Go YE into all the world and preach the Gospel. WHO WILL GO? We then went to meeting .. Bible Reading on John 8 : 12- 30 went well. Then back to Flo’s apartment for the night.
June 2
Up early as the Baptism is at 10 am. Little read with the girls and Prayer. Breakfast is dry cereal. Luba said girls don’t get this at home a treat for them. Then to the Baptist church in town for the Baptism . It is nice they will allow us to use the place for the Baptism. Some extra came and this was nice. Then we came back to the little hall for dinner and time of fellowship. It went well I thought. Then we went to the center and gave out the special tract for the Soccer games. Many people has already come into the city they expect 2 million to come. Four games here in Lviv next week. Had nice time for sure. There were 13 of us. I gave out everything in my case that had a text on it, even some English magnets. Then we went to MacDonald's and had some Burgers. I went to look for the others and while gone Margie and Heidi met a young man and his wife who are Christians. I gave him a magnet with my name on it 5 minutes before that. They saw Margie and came to them and said are you Christians as you look like it? Had nice time with them. Heidi came and found me and brought me back to them. They come from the city which had the explosions in it that was on news before we came to Ukraine. He had many questions on can one be sure you are saved and can you lose it. He almost cried when I show it to him he could not,from the Bible. He said God sent you to us. They now study in POLAND. They know 4 different languages. He wants to keep in touch by e-mail. Amazing how God leads. Went back to Apartment very tired but happy that God made himself known along the way.
June 3
Rested some but up for devotions with all and breakfast and ready for meeting. Got pampers and boys pants and few other things we needed from Flo while up here. Went to worship meeting and some away sick. Volodia’s mom out the first time for some weeks. This was great to see. Howard stayed with them as not enough room at Flo’s apartment for everyone. Meeting went well Howard and I spoke.
Then came back here to Ivano for the meeting here. I drove and this makes things little heavy as the roads are very poor and drivers are not careful. God is able and more than able. The crowd was as in mid week as holiday on Monday and some away. It went well and now we are relaxing after 6 rough days .Thanks for praying even though you hadn’t heard from us. The true value of prayer wild only be known and seen when we reach the Bema. Thanks so much in Lord’s name
Eric and Margie Heidi and Howard
Up early man who makes arrangements to prison called we will get to visit two prisons. We must be at his office at 9am. He took us to the man’s prison first; it has 1000 prisoners in it. The prison is in Kolomia over an hour away. Took full Bible to man there who asked the last time Dan was there. We also had another full Bible as another was asking for one and he came and asked again, great to see that for sure. We spoke to 96 men with some at the back door listening. .Had nice time there, it is quite a complex run down Russian place. Most prisoners in Canada would die the first week if in a Ukraine prison. We gave them tracts and text. Then came back into town and went to the office here and then went to womens prison another hour over rough roads again. It makes the day long and tiring for sure. My wife packed lunch … boiled eggs , bread cut up apples , oranges and juice and a few sweets. We ate along the way. We spoke to 86 ladies and three workers there. The ladies truly listened very well. Heidi spoke for few minutes and it touched all the ladies. Some truly rough ladies there. Some for murder of their husbands one lady said it was a fight and either I was to be killed or him and I made sure it was him. We also took as wheelchair, crutches and clothing to that prison. Man oh man what a place to be. Came back to the city and had meeting. We had 19 out in the mid week which is good as summer is here and many away to gardens.
June 1 …
Our time is slipping quickly by. Up early, devotions and breakfast and ready to go to Lviv. Luba and daughter and daughter's friend went with us. Her name is Tanya and has come to every meeting and is very interested. This will be a holiday for them and a great treat. Also like for the girls to see the baptism and be with the Christians there. We picked up soap, and cleaning things for toilets for an old people’s home along the way. The home had 22 people in a village 30 min. off the main highway. Very sad sight for sure but amazingly, someone had helped put new windows and doors in the place. A little warmer for winter. Spoke to 11 of them and 3 workers…others were in bed and couldn’t come. I went to one lady and explained the truth of John 3:16. They could use wheelchairs there as well and some walkers. You should see some walkers they used there. Got to Lviv and took things out we brought ,a bed to sleep on and food and few things for weekend. Went to Edmond and Agnes for supper.They are the couple from Ireland who has now been in Lviv for two years. Where are our Canadian couples who will give themselves to such a work? Go YE into all the world and preach the Gospel. WHO WILL GO? We then went to meeting .. Bible Reading on John 8 : 12- 30 went well. Then back to Flo’s apartment for the night.
June 2
Up early as the Baptism is at 10 am. Little read with the girls and Prayer. Breakfast is dry cereal. Luba said girls don’t get this at home a treat for them. Then to the Baptist church in town for the Baptism . It is nice they will allow us to use the place for the Baptism. Some extra came and this was nice. Then we came back to the little hall for dinner and time of fellowship. It went well I thought. Then we went to the center and gave out the special tract for the Soccer games. Many people has already come into the city they expect 2 million to come. Four games here in Lviv next week. Had nice time for sure. There were 13 of us. I gave out everything in my case that had a text on it, even some English magnets. Then we went to MacDonald's and had some Burgers. I went to look for the others and while gone Margie and Heidi met a young man and his wife who are Christians. I gave him a magnet with my name on it 5 minutes before that. They saw Margie and came to them and said are you Christians as you look like it? Had nice time with them. Heidi came and found me and brought me back to them. They come from the city which had the explosions in it that was on news before we came to Ukraine. He had many questions on can one be sure you are saved and can you lose it. He almost cried when I show it to him he could not,from the Bible. He said God sent you to us. They now study in POLAND. They know 4 different languages. He wants to keep in touch by e-mail. Amazing how God leads. Went back to Apartment very tired but happy that God made himself known along the way.
June 3
Rested some but up for devotions with all and breakfast and ready for meeting. Got pampers and boys pants and few other things we needed from Flo while up here. Went to worship meeting and some away sick. Volodia’s mom out the first time for some weeks. This was great to see. Howard stayed with them as not enough room at Flo’s apartment for everyone. Meeting went well Howard and I spoke.
Then came back here to Ivano for the meeting here. I drove and this makes things little heavy as the roads are very poor and drivers are not careful. God is able and more than able. The crowd was as in mid week as holiday on Monday and some away. It went well and now we are relaxing after 6 rough days .Thanks for praying even though you hadn’t heard from us. The true value of prayer wild only be known and seen when we reach the Bema. Thanks so much in Lord’s name
Eric and Margie Heidi and Howard
2012 report from Eric
June 3
Busy very busy …. The other days we just thought we were busy ….
Morning rise with breakfast and devotions … we were in Lviv all weekend since Friday .
Morning worship was great, Howard and I spoke at the end. May God help Edmond to guide the sheep here. Still some missing but summer is very busy for all.
We came back to Ivano and nice number out again. The crowd was smaller than last Sundays as it is an holiday Monday and some away to home villages. Everyone tired from weekend travel.
June 4
Monday holiday, not much traffic in town. We went and made a payment to give back water and lights to poor family. The two children needed payment made so they can pass in school, It’s sad but bribes are everywhere in this country. The girl is a good artist but poor and may not get very far.
Then went to Michael and family and gave medicine and help to get glasses …they never miss meeting he has been coming even thought not well; heart trouble and sugar. Nice to see him. We went over the Two Roads Chart with them him and son may be saved she didn’t say to much. Then went to a neighbour here, Russian and gave him Bible, he asked and yet said he doesn’t believe in God . God knows but he was happy we came and gave us honey. Leanna and Daughter came for supper had nice visit with them, she had many questions.
Then we got bags ready for Hospital tomorrow to give to mothers; we have 15. These are the bags the Ladies from Welland Ontario got ready and gave me.
June 5
For sure, God gives rest for tired minds and bodies and then energy to go and do the days visits. Went to hospital and made 15 visits to new mothers. Some were Christians, amazing as God leads; some very very poor. We met the head Doctor first and gave him some more sheets ..the need is so great. Then went to Ivan and Dana and finished the needed payments there and went over some more Bible truth. She is saved for sure but not sure about him andsons.
Vadym’s wife child and father in Law Aundri were out. We would like see him saved, he was troubled last year. 22 people out and a great rain I thought no one would come, they must have an interest surely.
We need a good leader here to help them yearly. A GOOD EXERCISE FOR SOME YOUNG COUPLE ….WHO WILL GO? One wonders when the day over what is in it for the Lord.
June 6
Early rise and away to the mountains to be away all night. This is to the school where we did washrooms last year. Now we will deliver a gift from Canada for the Gymnasium. They will close school if it is not up to standard. We found out why no money is given to the school by the government. It is a nice piece of land and the Government men want to build on it. They don’t care what will happen to the children.
Had nice visit with the Head lady of the school. She took us to her home for supper. We left clothing and school things with her in the evening. She took us to a man who sings and teaches local singing a nice visit for sure. He had a collection of harps, fiddles and many other things. We stayed in a log cabin resort. I t was a nice place. Many government people have resorts in the mountain area.
This was a long drive and the roads were very bad from rain. The country was hit by wind and rain and damage everywhere.
June 7
We had our devotions and breakfast outdoors. Amazing for sure . Gave her the money for the project; teachers will do most of the work. The money will be for material. We went to the street while waiting to meet with her and gave out New Testaments, tracts, and texts and other material. This is where I’m the happiest for sure.
We were praying for an opening in the town it has 7000 people. A lady came and we are invited to meet with a Baptist man. He showed us the building they meet in in town. He then took us out of the town to another building another group meets in and also a summer camp area. The Germans have helped them much and also with a Van. He gave us tea and fresh strawberries. He was very friendly and very humble. He has been in the mountains 15 years and has seen 4 little groups come together and another one in the making. They are independent Baptists and are clear on much truth. We asked if any need and he said 100 full Bibles would be the greatest need so we will get those in Lviv on the weekend. He was to Manitoba for visit and went to some Baptist there and went out only once but said he would not go back. We may be able to help more then we think so will pray much about this. The assembly in Lusk started from a Baptist group there.
Went to the ski resort nearby, before coming back to Ivano. Tired very tired but happy in spirit as God guides to help others. OTHERS LORD LET THIS OUR MOTTO BE OTHERS …..
June 8
Days left are short in Ukraine, home on the 16th.
Went to pick up more medicine for the folks that are coming to meeting. Also went and got boots for Luba’s mother in law and went with Luba to village to deliver them. We wanted to explain little more of the Gospel to this lady. We did just that and met her daughter from the village. Came back to Ivano and went and paid 3 month’s rent on the apartment. We rent it from a Lawyer lady and again she asked about if we want to buy. It would be nice to be able to do this. But we need a place to display clothing where anyone could comes in and get clothing free, like a open front door with a place to talk to those who came and give literature too.
God is able to move hearts to the need.
June 9
Breakfast and devotions. My body is slowing down … the trip is winding down and the mind gets tired of different sounds and need are so heavy it touches the compassion part of the heart and with such a great demand. No plans for the day but as it started it got filled. Danna called a German lady and took us to an orphanage of 26 children 50 km out of town. Had nice time there took two boxes of clothing and went picked up some more at a used clothing place but not like what we have come in the boxes. We are running out here and was expecting boxes from Newfoundland but doesn’t look like it will come before we go. Spoke to the children and workers and gave them oranges, candy, text, tracts and some games we bought. Came back into town and went to take Heidi to Jewish mass grave of 12000 Jews. Svetlana is Jewish and she said it’s not good place to be. She was there when she was 15 years old and not since.
Then went to Danna’s mom’s friend, a lady who was a doctor and her husband was a very famous artist. What a home and what history. We went into a room where they had famous people’s faces drawn on the wall, many were in the room and all had their face drawn on the wood there. Much much more but can’t say more by e mail.
Went to supper and now home to rest …for tomorrow will be the drive to Lviv over 2 hours there and back…. But nice to break bread every Lord’s day when here. It would be great to see an assembly here in Ivano…GOD CAN DO IT AND MAY WE WILL SEE IT SOME DAY. But, unless God build the house …….
Ivano has history of God’s earthly people may there also be history of his Heavenly Children.
Eric Margie Howard Heidi
Busy very busy …. The other days we just thought we were busy ….
Morning rise with breakfast and devotions … we were in Lviv all weekend since Friday .
Morning worship was great, Howard and I spoke at the end. May God help Edmond to guide the sheep here. Still some missing but summer is very busy for all.
We came back to Ivano and nice number out again. The crowd was smaller than last Sundays as it is an holiday Monday and some away to home villages. Everyone tired from weekend travel.
June 4
Monday holiday, not much traffic in town. We went and made a payment to give back water and lights to poor family. The two children needed payment made so they can pass in school, It’s sad but bribes are everywhere in this country. The girl is a good artist but poor and may not get very far.
Then went to Michael and family and gave medicine and help to get glasses …they never miss meeting he has been coming even thought not well; heart trouble and sugar. Nice to see him. We went over the Two Roads Chart with them him and son may be saved she didn’t say to much. Then went to a neighbour here, Russian and gave him Bible, he asked and yet said he doesn’t believe in God . God knows but he was happy we came and gave us honey. Leanna and Daughter came for supper had nice visit with them, she had many questions.
Then we got bags ready for Hospital tomorrow to give to mothers; we have 15. These are the bags the Ladies from Welland Ontario got ready and gave me.
June 5
For sure, God gives rest for tired minds and bodies and then energy to go and do the days visits. Went to hospital and made 15 visits to new mothers. Some were Christians, amazing as God leads; some very very poor. We met the head Doctor first and gave him some more sheets ..the need is so great. Then went to Ivan and Dana and finished the needed payments there and went over some more Bible truth. She is saved for sure but not sure about him andsons.
Vadym’s wife child and father in Law Aundri were out. We would like see him saved, he was troubled last year. 22 people out and a great rain I thought no one would come, they must have an interest surely.
We need a good leader here to help them yearly. A GOOD EXERCISE FOR SOME YOUNG COUPLE ….WHO WILL GO? One wonders when the day over what is in it for the Lord.
June 6
Early rise and away to the mountains to be away all night. This is to the school where we did washrooms last year. Now we will deliver a gift from Canada for the Gymnasium. They will close school if it is not up to standard. We found out why no money is given to the school by the government. It is a nice piece of land and the Government men want to build on it. They don’t care what will happen to the children.
Had nice visit with the Head lady of the school. She took us to her home for supper. We left clothing and school things with her in the evening. She took us to a man who sings and teaches local singing a nice visit for sure. He had a collection of harps, fiddles and many other things. We stayed in a log cabin resort. I t was a nice place. Many government people have resorts in the mountain area.
This was a long drive and the roads were very bad from rain. The country was hit by wind and rain and damage everywhere.
June 7
We had our devotions and breakfast outdoors. Amazing for sure . Gave her the money for the project; teachers will do most of the work. The money will be for material. We went to the street while waiting to meet with her and gave out New Testaments, tracts, and texts and other material. This is where I’m the happiest for sure.
We were praying for an opening in the town it has 7000 people. A lady came and we are invited to meet with a Baptist man. He showed us the building they meet in in town. He then took us out of the town to another building another group meets in and also a summer camp area. The Germans have helped them much and also with a Van. He gave us tea and fresh strawberries. He was very friendly and very humble. He has been in the mountains 15 years and has seen 4 little groups come together and another one in the making. They are independent Baptists and are clear on much truth. We asked if any need and he said 100 full Bibles would be the greatest need so we will get those in Lviv on the weekend. He was to Manitoba for visit and went to some Baptist there and went out only once but said he would not go back. We may be able to help more then we think so will pray much about this. The assembly in Lusk started from a Baptist group there.
Went to the ski resort nearby, before coming back to Ivano. Tired very tired but happy in spirit as God guides to help others. OTHERS LORD LET THIS OUR MOTTO BE OTHERS …..
June 8
Days left are short in Ukraine, home on the 16th.
Went to pick up more medicine for the folks that are coming to meeting. Also went and got boots for Luba’s mother in law and went with Luba to village to deliver them. We wanted to explain little more of the Gospel to this lady. We did just that and met her daughter from the village. Came back to Ivano and went and paid 3 month’s rent on the apartment. We rent it from a Lawyer lady and again she asked about if we want to buy. It would be nice to be able to do this. But we need a place to display clothing where anyone could comes in and get clothing free, like a open front door with a place to talk to those who came and give literature too.
God is able to move hearts to the need.
June 9
Breakfast and devotions. My body is slowing down … the trip is winding down and the mind gets tired of different sounds and need are so heavy it touches the compassion part of the heart and with such a great demand. No plans for the day but as it started it got filled. Danna called a German lady and took us to an orphanage of 26 children 50 km out of town. Had nice time there took two boxes of clothing and went picked up some more at a used clothing place but not like what we have come in the boxes. We are running out here and was expecting boxes from Newfoundland but doesn’t look like it will come before we go. Spoke to the children and workers and gave them oranges, candy, text, tracts and some games we bought. Came back into town and went to take Heidi to Jewish mass grave of 12000 Jews. Svetlana is Jewish and she said it’s not good place to be. She was there when she was 15 years old and not since.
Then went to Danna’s mom’s friend, a lady who was a doctor and her husband was a very famous artist. What a home and what history. We went into a room where they had famous people’s faces drawn on the wall, many were in the room and all had their face drawn on the wood there. Much much more but can’t say more by e mail.
Went to supper and now home to rest …for tomorrow will be the drive to Lviv over 2 hours there and back…. But nice to break bread every Lord’s day when here. It would be great to see an assembly here in Ivano…GOD CAN DO IT AND MAY WE WILL SEE IT SOME DAY. But, unless God build the house …….
Ivano has history of God’s earthly people may there also be history of his Heavenly Children.
Eric Margie Howard Heidi
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Ukraine Update
An up to date report on the work and workers in Western Ukraine at this time. May 27th 2012.
Thankfully the work goes on with a number of brethren in both Lviv and Ivano Frankivsk.
However Flo Kancir is not there at present, having had to return home suddenly because of sickness.
She had surgery on the 24th to remove a cancerous growth from a major organ, but has come through and is now recovering at home. Please pray for a complete recovery in the will of the Lord.
Edmund and Agnes Johnson are back in Lviv and no doubt starting to plan for the second Conference to be held in early Fall.
Eric Fowler and Howard Pratt are in their third week of six, in Ivano Frankivsk. They have a young brother Volodia, from Lviv as their very efficient interpreter and van driver. He will have to leave them on June the first as he has been hired to drive officials attending the World Soccer matches to be played in Lviv. He feels very privileged to get this job out of hundreds of applicants.
They have been visiting schools and villages as well as having the 2 weekly meetings in the apartment.
When I was there in April, Dan Perez and I had started Bible studies with some invited people, who we felt would appreciate this different format of meeting. One of the men who had come was one of the officials from the Department of Prisons, Igor and had shown good interest. The Brethren had not got around to having the meetings and so Igor phoned and asked when they were starting, as he had some friends who wanted to come. We have not heard the result of the meeting held last night but trust it was profitable.
Please pray for Dan and his desire to return to Ukraine. He has had some problems with a one year visa he was rightly issued in Chicago, but was not recognized when he left the Ukraine. The official said he had overstayed his 90 day limit. Anyway, please pray that this will not hinder him from returning in June if possible. Dan had not done anything wrong but they had stopped issuing visas while he was over there but he could use his for the allotted time. A lack of communication with the Customs officers!!
One last note for those who have shown interest in the school in Verhovina with up to 450 children, where we built the washrooms. I had mentioned in one or more of my postings that the authorities were going to close off the gymnasium in the school, if the director didn’t get a separate system to heat the gym. I asked her to get a price to install an electric boiler and repair any burst pipes or radiators and she got a quote of $5,000.00US which sounds quite reasonable as they have to install a new electricity cable and switches as well. The government offers no funding but sets a date of September to have it done.
We have not replied yet but the brethren are going to visit the school and ask to get a copy of the estimate etc. We will see what God has in mind as to our meeting the cost.
The brethren are waiting for their permission to go to the prisons. The man who signs the papers went on holiday. Pray that he is back before they leave for home.
Thank you for praying, the fields are still white to harvest, but where are the reapers?
Yours in Christ.
Thankfully the work goes on with a number of brethren in both Lviv and Ivano Frankivsk.
However Flo Kancir is not there at present, having had to return home suddenly because of sickness.
She had surgery on the 24th to remove a cancerous growth from a major organ, but has come through and is now recovering at home. Please pray for a complete recovery in the will of the Lord.
Edmund and Agnes Johnson are back in Lviv and no doubt starting to plan for the second Conference to be held in early Fall.
Eric Fowler and Howard Pratt are in their third week of six, in Ivano Frankivsk. They have a young brother Volodia, from Lviv as their very efficient interpreter and van driver. He will have to leave them on June the first as he has been hired to drive officials attending the World Soccer matches to be played in Lviv. He feels very privileged to get this job out of hundreds of applicants.
They have been visiting schools and villages as well as having the 2 weekly meetings in the apartment.
When I was there in April, Dan Perez and I had started Bible studies with some invited people, who we felt would appreciate this different format of meeting. One of the men who had come was one of the officials from the Department of Prisons, Igor and had shown good interest. The Brethren had not got around to having the meetings and so Igor phoned and asked when they were starting, as he had some friends who wanted to come. We have not heard the result of the meeting held last night but trust it was profitable.
Please pray for Dan and his desire to return to Ukraine. He has had some problems with a one year visa he was rightly issued in Chicago, but was not recognized when he left the Ukraine. The official said he had overstayed his 90 day limit. Anyway, please pray that this will not hinder him from returning in June if possible. Dan had not done anything wrong but they had stopped issuing visas while he was over there but he could use his for the allotted time. A lack of communication with the Customs officers!!
One last note for those who have shown interest in the school in Verhovina with up to 450 children, where we built the washrooms. I had mentioned in one or more of my postings that the authorities were going to close off the gymnasium in the school, if the director didn’t get a separate system to heat the gym. I asked her to get a price to install an electric boiler and repair any burst pipes or radiators and she got a quote of $5,000.00US which sounds quite reasonable as they have to install a new electricity cable and switches as well. The government offers no funding but sets a date of September to have it done.
We have not replied yet but the brethren are going to visit the school and ask to get a copy of the estimate etc. We will see what God has in mind as to our meeting the cost.
The brethren are waiting for their permission to go to the prisons. The man who signs the papers went on holiday. Pray that he is back before they leave for home.
Thank you for praying, the fields are still white to harvest, but where are the reapers?
Yours in Christ.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Malcolm Report #12
Final Report 12. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday April 23rd, 24th, 25th 20012
Well I start my last part- week before going home on Thursday.
We
have a visit to a school that I had not been to before, but Dan had. We
missed our turn to the village and arrive half an hour late. This
doesn’t seem to worry people here in Ukraine. After a little visit with
the two assistant directors, a man and lady, we spoke to about thirty 10
to 12 year olds, who gave good attention. We gave out candies and
balloons as they had n/t’s from a previous visit. We then spoke to and
older class of teen- agers who gave good attention except for 3 boys who
got the giggles over something, but managed to cool them down!!
We
got back in good time and picked up Lubchek, a brother from Lviv, form
the bus station who wanted to spend a few day with us in Ivano.
Tuesday.
Dan
had dentist’s appointment at 9am so I stayed and ironed my shirts,
where’s my wife? I cleaned up the apartment ready for the meeting
tonight.
Dan
came home and we took the van to get a new security alarm put on. It
was to take 3 hours so we left the van and walked up town. Can you
imagine a state of the art security alarm, installed for $131? They also
fixed two door locks.
I
needed to get money exchanged and we must have gone to 4 or 5 banks
before I could get anyone to exchange the new plastic $100 Canadian
bill. They said their banks were not set up to accept them yet??? By the
time we had walked the town, I was worn out, (Dan can walk all day) but
we met a young man who dan is hoping will interpret later on. We sat in
the sun in the centre of town and had a great talk as he works for the
city tourism people and gave us a good history of Ivano Frankivsk.
We
got the van back and headed home for the meeting at 6pm. About 20 came
out for a ‘goodbye to Malcolm” party after the meeting. They can really
make you feel bad for leaving.
Wednesday
I
got my things ready to leave in the afternoon and then we went to buy a
blood sugar machine for a lady with diabetes who comes to the meeting.
We then delivered it to her, she was very grateful for it as she has a
bad case of diabetes.
After lunch we headed for Lviv as I wanted to buy some things from the Vernasaj? Bazaar.
We
arrived in the middle of a violent thunder storm that went on for much
of the day. People were soaked to the skin as it had been nice and sunny
until the rain hit. I managed to get what I needed as we dodged under
the plastic awnings, loaded with water.
We went to the prayer meeting at 7pm but several of the people are away because of sickness.
I
was then deposited at Flo’s “empty” apartment to sleep and get my
flight home on Thursday afternoon. Thank you for praying for us. I trust
God has been able to use us to His glory. We trust that eternity will
reveal it.
Please continue to pray for Dan who goes home on May 8th and for Eric Fowler and Howard Pratt who arrive on May the 9th.
You’re Brother in Christ.
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