Ukraine report #5.
April 6th 2013
Saturday.
Nothing
much planned for today as Sveta cannot be with us until evening, so I
hope you don’t mind that we cleaned up and took it easy. Do we lose our
reward??
I am
very happy to share high speed internet with a photo studio next door.
They have a router and they will not take anything from us for using it.
Well the other day it went off completely at 5pm, but came on again at
19 a.m. I thought I would go and see the owner, a very nice young man,
and offer him some money towards the cost. We he refused vehemently and
apologised that he forgot to tell his secretary not to turn it off. He
said if we wanted to we could buy his girls some chocolates, which we
did.
Howard
and I sorted some boxes and then went up town for a walk in the drizzle.
We were invited out at 6:30 to Yaroslav and Halia’s son and very
expectant wife’s apartment.
What
a spread. How do these people think we can eat this much food? We were
ready to go home at 10:30 but then dessert arrived. By the time we were
done, we were quite uncomfortable.
We headed home at 11pm and tried to get to sleep, Howard with Rolaids, me sitting up reading.
So much for Saturday.
Sunday.
We
had decided that it was too hard on us and the vehicle to go the
morning meeting in Lviv, so invited some of the save people to a prayer
and bible study at 11am. We had a nice time and spoke a little on what
we do each Lord’s Day and then spent the time showing some of the O/T
prophesies concerning Christ and his death. They seemed to really enjoy
the time.
At
5PM we had our regular meeting and the room was full with about 28
people. It was good to see a new man out as well as many old friends.
We
took our new friends Ruslan and his wife (I need to get her name) out
for Pizza. We had a good talk about the assembly and have great hopes
that they will see themselves part of the assembly one day. They are
both baptized believers with no church affiliation right now. Please
pray for them.
Monday.
Well
we went for our longest trip today into the mountains to Virhovina, on
the Romanian border. We were not sure what the roads would be like but
they were some of the best roads we have travelled so far. One of the
reasons was that they have had very little snow in the mountains this
winter, which is very strange.
We
were happy to meet with Oxana and hear about here challenges in running
a school of 420 students, over half who board at school all week and
some all the time as orphans. What a challenge for one woman.
We got to speak with about 40 of the children in a class room and they listened with rapt attention.
It
is so good when you know they are interested in what you are saying and
interact. I have used my passport several times this visit and tell how
important to have a “passport” to Heaven.
We
left some boxes of clothes, had lunch and headed back. On the way, we
stopped at an orphanage and left some more clothes. It was too late to
speak to the children. We stopped one more time and made contact at a
home for mentally challenged females, not sure what ages, and left a box
of ladies clothes off and will get back later.
As
we got closer to home, the road was very bad and I was pushed way over
to my left, when a speeding Honda clipped my mirror and broke it. He or
she didn’t stop, nor did I but we will have to get it fixed.
Home safely but very weary, it is a 3 hour trip either way.
Tuesday.
I
went early in the morning to our repair shop and they found a new
mirror after numerous phone calls. I picked it up and they installed it
and washed the filthy van while it was at the garage. Of course it
started to drizzle on the way home!!
This
took all of the morning. In the afternoon Howard needed to change money
while Sveta and I went to the railway station to buy a train ticket to
Sevastopol. I plan to go there during my last week here.
More about that later.
All for now.
Your prayers a valued highly.
Malcolm and Howard.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Spring 2013 - Report No 4
Wednesday April 3rd.
Still raining and the holes in the roads get deeper. Some are so deep that you can’t miss them and the van bottoms out when you go into them. You are constantly swerving from side to side trying to find a track through the mass of holes. It is unbelievable unless experienced. They say this problem is all over Ukraine.
Well we tried to keep busy in town, hoping the rain would let up before we went out of town, so we went to visit Natalia, the lady with MS. She was sitting propped up this visit and looked much better than the last visit, when she could not sit up. The MS is beginning to affect her vocal cords and she is having difficulty speaking. She says she sings in the morning to stretch her vocal cords. Her mother was at home owing to there being no heat in the school she teaches in; a common occurrence here.
We then went to the “Half Way House” for children who are waiting to be placed in either new homes or institutions; a rather sad place that often has some very troubled and angry children in it. The youngest children, from 2-6 were sleeping so we got to speak to the dozen or so teen agers. One lovely girl of 15 was very bright and really knew the bible. We both spoke and she was the first to answer the questions. After the meeting we met with the vice principal, who happens to be the son of the Administrator. His mother was sick with a stress related sickness; there is so much stress in these institutions. We left a number of things they continually run out of and have no funds to buy more of. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap shampoo and laundry and dish soap. We have a box of clothes to deliver later.
Thursday April 4th
Still raining and dreary. We loaded 4 boxes of clothes and headed out to Petriliv. The teacher told us the road was not too bad out there??? It was not the worst, except for a long steel bridge across a river that had the worst of the worst breakup of the surface. You had to literally creep across, swaying from side to side. The bridge is also very narrow. On our return trip, we were held up for 25 minutes, as something happened on the bridge and nothing was moving. Anyway, as usual we were well received in both the mayor’s office and the later the school. We leave the boxes with the mayor and she organizes the distribution to the poorest families. We got to the school and found that the Principal and another teacher were stranded at the main road and there was no bus to Petriliv. I went to get them while Howard and Svetlana got to know the kids. I brought the ladies back but the Principal was not well and the school nurse sent her home. She has high blood pressure, again, stress related.
We spoke to the senior class and had good attention. We were then taken for a hot (warm) lunch. The dining room had no heat. We were then showed the main corridor that the “authorities” say must have a wall across to separate the kindergarten from the school? They have been told to build it but not given any funds to do the work. We gave them some help to buy material. Wherever we go, the “inspectors” continually add to the stress of administrators with often useless unnecessary projects.
Friday April 5th
Believe it or not, it’s not raining, but may be snow tonight!
Luba came today to help sort boxes. We did several and then loaded them up and headed for the village of Stari Licets, not far from home. This is where Luba’s mother in law lives and the school we have been made so welcome in. We had called the Christian Ethics teacher and she asked us to come once again. You will remember that this is where we had to meet with the priest last year, because some parents had said they didn’t know what we were teaching, and wanted him to find out. We met with him and told him but he didn’t tell us not to come but didn’t think the children needed us to teach them as he was teaching them all they need to hear!! Well a funny thing happened. His wife “won” a green card to America and moved with her children. He went for a visit and has not come back, yet that is.
We had a good time with about 60 teens and had good attention. We left 4 boxes of clothes for the poor families in the village.
We went to pick up Luba at her 77 year old mother in law’s and had a lovely time with this dear lady. There was not much doubt in our minds that she is saved, although this word never came up. The big thing was that she knows that Jesus died for her sins and that is why she will be in Heaven. She prays every morning and every evening. She lives alone and has a cow and a garden to tend. How simply many of God’s own live.
We headed home with 2 sacks of potatoes for Luba and delivered her and her son Vasil to their apartment. Luba is a dear Sister in the Assembly in Lviv whose husband died of cancer many years ago. She has a daughter Maria who is very bright. Vasil has had a mental problem from birth.
We finished the day with supper with Oleg and Olah in a lovely, fairly new hotel in town. Oleg receives our boxes for us, when no one is here.
I would like to add a note to those of you sending boxes. Since our sister Flora passed away, the work in Lviv is being done by Edmund and Agnes Johnston and Ruslan. Please continue to send boxes to Lviv as they are doing a lot of distribution and the stock of clothes has run out.
Also, please check every item before packing it, we are unwilling to give out stained or torn items. Also, footwear must be in almost, if not entirely new, with laces and clean. No gravel in the soles of runners.
Thank you for reading this epistle, I trust you find it informative.
Your brothers in Christ.
Malcolm and Howard.
Still raining and the holes in the roads get deeper. Some are so deep that you can’t miss them and the van bottoms out when you go into them. You are constantly swerving from side to side trying to find a track through the mass of holes. It is unbelievable unless experienced. They say this problem is all over Ukraine.
Well we tried to keep busy in town, hoping the rain would let up before we went out of town, so we went to visit Natalia, the lady with MS. She was sitting propped up this visit and looked much better than the last visit, when she could not sit up. The MS is beginning to affect her vocal cords and she is having difficulty speaking. She says she sings in the morning to stretch her vocal cords. Her mother was at home owing to there being no heat in the school she teaches in; a common occurrence here.
We then went to the “Half Way House” for children who are waiting to be placed in either new homes or institutions; a rather sad place that often has some very troubled and angry children in it. The youngest children, from 2-6 were sleeping so we got to speak to the dozen or so teen agers. One lovely girl of 15 was very bright and really knew the bible. We both spoke and she was the first to answer the questions. After the meeting we met with the vice principal, who happens to be the son of the Administrator. His mother was sick with a stress related sickness; there is so much stress in these institutions. We left a number of things they continually run out of and have no funds to buy more of. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap shampoo and laundry and dish soap. We have a box of clothes to deliver later.
Thursday April 4th
Still raining and dreary. We loaded 4 boxes of clothes and headed out to Petriliv. The teacher told us the road was not too bad out there??? It was not the worst, except for a long steel bridge across a river that had the worst of the worst breakup of the surface. You had to literally creep across, swaying from side to side. The bridge is also very narrow. On our return trip, we were held up for 25 minutes, as something happened on the bridge and nothing was moving. Anyway, as usual we were well received in both the mayor’s office and the later the school. We leave the boxes with the mayor and she organizes the distribution to the poorest families. We got to the school and found that the Principal and another teacher were stranded at the main road and there was no bus to Petriliv. I went to get them while Howard and Svetlana got to know the kids. I brought the ladies back but the Principal was not well and the school nurse sent her home. She has high blood pressure, again, stress related.
We spoke to the senior class and had good attention. We were then taken for a hot (warm) lunch. The dining room had no heat. We were then showed the main corridor that the “authorities” say must have a wall across to separate the kindergarten from the school? They have been told to build it but not given any funds to do the work. We gave them some help to buy material. Wherever we go, the “inspectors” continually add to the stress of administrators with often useless unnecessary projects.
Friday April 5th
Believe it or not, it’s not raining, but may be snow tonight!
Luba came today to help sort boxes. We did several and then loaded them up and headed for the village of Stari Licets, not far from home. This is where Luba’s mother in law lives and the school we have been made so welcome in. We had called the Christian Ethics teacher and she asked us to come once again. You will remember that this is where we had to meet with the priest last year, because some parents had said they didn’t know what we were teaching, and wanted him to find out. We met with him and told him but he didn’t tell us not to come but didn’t think the children needed us to teach them as he was teaching them all they need to hear!! Well a funny thing happened. His wife “won” a green card to America and moved with her children. He went for a visit and has not come back, yet that is.
We had a good time with about 60 teens and had good attention. We left 4 boxes of clothes for the poor families in the village.
We went to pick up Luba at her 77 year old mother in law’s and had a lovely time with this dear lady. There was not much doubt in our minds that she is saved, although this word never came up. The big thing was that she knows that Jesus died for her sins and that is why she will be in Heaven. She prays every morning and every evening. She lives alone and has a cow and a garden to tend. How simply many of God’s own live.
We headed home with 2 sacks of potatoes for Luba and delivered her and her son Vasil to their apartment. Luba is a dear Sister in the Assembly in Lviv whose husband died of cancer many years ago. She has a daughter Maria who is very bright. Vasil has had a mental problem from birth.
We finished the day with supper with Oleg and Olah in a lovely, fairly new hotel in town. Oleg receives our boxes for us, when no one is here.
I would like to add a note to those of you sending boxes. Since our sister Flora passed away, the work in Lviv is being done by Edmund and Agnes Johnston and Ruslan. Please continue to send boxes to Lviv as they are doing a lot of distribution and the stock of clothes has run out.
Also, please check every item before packing it, we are unwilling to give out stained or torn items. Also, footwear must be in almost, if not entirely new, with laces and clean. No gravel in the soles of runners.
Thank you for reading this epistle, I trust you find it informative.
Your brothers in Christ.
Malcolm and Howard.
Spring 2013 - Report No 3
Ukraine report #3
Monday April 1.
The weather is typical spring weather, wet and dull to start out with but sunny and melting very quickly. Kiev is having flooded streets and fear many more towns and cities will be affected.
We decided to sort some boxes this morning and so Luba came to give a woman’s help with this and was very good at it. We have to get these many boxes sorted and distributed before more arrive. We probably have 30 here now. We got 6 boxes sorted for children, babies and adults.
At 2pm Svetlana arrived, she will be our interpreter for a week or two, and we took the van to get the heater fan fixed and then took a taxi to visit the men in the rehab. They live in a fairly nice house with a garden. We met in their living room and had a very good time telling our testimonies and then answering their many questions. They want us back as soon as we can go back.
They treated us to tea and cookies and then wanted pictures of us all outside. We feel this will be a good opportunity to help these men find permanent deliverance from their addictions.
We were then happy to pick up the van and find it all fixed up for a very modest price.
Tuesday. We went to see Antonina and her grown son Victor this morning. Antonina is a lady that we met some years ago and has come out faithfully to meetings. Some may remember that her other married son had a wife that ran away with their daughter to Italy and has not been heard of for at least 3 years. When this happened, Victor set out to find the child but was charged with attempted kidnapping or something like that and sent to prison for 3 years. He is now released and living with his mother.
We found out that they had both gone to camp in Lutsk last summer and by all accounts, it sounds as if they are now both saved. We had a good talk about “the next step”, baptism, but did not press anything. This was a most profitable meeting. Victor spends much of his time reading the Bible.
We had a box of men’s clothes and took it to the rehab centre. Then went and paid the rent on the apartment. The lady who rents to us is a barrister but unique in her honesty. The first thing she did when we went in was give us a refund from the last 3 month payment, because it was paid in Canadian dollars and the interest had changed in our favour. Can you imagine a lawyer doing this?
We then went to the half-way house for children who have been sent there to await placement in either a foster home or an orphanage: there were about 10 older children, the young ones were sleeping. Both Howard and I spoke, gave out tracts and candies and then went for coffee with the assistant director. Several staff listened to the messages too.
We then came home and got ready for the meeting at 6PM. Not many out at all; a little disappointing but good attention.
Howard and I went for supper and then home write and try to plan our week.
Malcolm and Howard.
Monday April 1.
The weather is typical spring weather, wet and dull to start out with but sunny and melting very quickly. Kiev is having flooded streets and fear many more towns and cities will be affected.
We decided to sort some boxes this morning and so Luba came to give a woman’s help with this and was very good at it. We have to get these many boxes sorted and distributed before more arrive. We probably have 30 here now. We got 6 boxes sorted for children, babies and adults.
At 2pm Svetlana arrived, she will be our interpreter for a week or two, and we took the van to get the heater fan fixed and then took a taxi to visit the men in the rehab. They live in a fairly nice house with a garden. We met in their living room and had a very good time telling our testimonies and then answering their many questions. They want us back as soon as we can go back.
They treated us to tea and cookies and then wanted pictures of us all outside. We feel this will be a good opportunity to help these men find permanent deliverance from their addictions.
We were then happy to pick up the van and find it all fixed up for a very modest price.
Tuesday. We went to see Antonina and her grown son Victor this morning. Antonina is a lady that we met some years ago and has come out faithfully to meetings. Some may remember that her other married son had a wife that ran away with their daughter to Italy and has not been heard of for at least 3 years. When this happened, Victor set out to find the child but was charged with attempted kidnapping or something like that and sent to prison for 3 years. He is now released and living with his mother.
We found out that they had both gone to camp in Lutsk last summer and by all accounts, it sounds as if they are now both saved. We had a good talk about “the next step”, baptism, but did not press anything. This was a most profitable meeting. Victor spends much of his time reading the Bible.
We had a box of men’s clothes and took it to the rehab centre. Then went and paid the rent on the apartment. The lady who rents to us is a barrister but unique in her honesty. The first thing she did when we went in was give us a refund from the last 3 month payment, because it was paid in Canadian dollars and the interest had changed in our favour. Can you imagine a lawyer doing this?
We then went to the half-way house for children who have been sent there to await placement in either a foster home or an orphanage: there were about 10 older children, the young ones were sleeping. Both Howard and I spoke, gave out tracts and candies and then went for coffee with the assistant director. Several staff listened to the messages too.
We then came home and got ready for the meeting at 6PM. Not many out at all; a little disappointing but good attention.
Howard and I went for supper and then home write and try to plan our week.
Malcolm and Howard.
Spring 2013 - Report No 2
Report #2 for Thursday to Sunday. March 2013
On Thursday we struggled over bad roads and slush to Yosopowichi orphanage and took supplies of diapers, food items and baby blankets. Not all the children were there as they had a measles epidemic and so the others had been sent to relatives to try and stop the spread. The ones left looked as if they were covered with war paint, as each of the spots were covered with a purple antiseptic. We got all the staff together and gave our testimonies. One new supervisor was in tears later as she had lost one of twin babies and found it hard to accept that the baby was with Jesus.
We measured up to get a new back door for the building, as you could see out of the cracks in the old one and it kept the kitchen cold.
On the way home we visited with Michael, the doctor who now carves wooden objects. His wife Maria has some heart problems and is not well but seemed better than the last time we visited.
As Edmund and Agnes were leaving for Ireland on Friday; Nadia and her mother made a great supper in our (Flo’s) apartment. There were 8 of us and we had a nice time together.
On Friday, we heard that Misha, the sick man we had visited a few days ago, had passed away. It was a blessing indeed because he was very ill and in a lot of pain. He leaves behind a wife and one son.
We shopped and did some chores, then parked Edmunds car in an indoor parkade as they will be away for the month. We then went home and prepared for the Bible study at 7pm. The weather was terrible with wet sleet and a wind as we walked to meeting, about a 10minute walk. I can’t remember walking in that kind of weather for years! It was worth it because we had a good prayer meeting and Bible study.
Ruslan took Edmund and Agnes to the railway station to catch the train at midnight. They travel to Krakow in Poland and then fly to Ireland. This seems the easiest way home for them.
I had not told you that our Vito van had a problem and would not start and so on Saturday we had to get a technician to work on it. I have worked on vehicles all my life but have never seen such a complicated problem as this one. He worked from about 10 am till 7pm. What a wiz! And he only wanted less than $200US for his time but I gave him the $200. Most of the work was done outside in the snow, except for soldering in the apartment! Well now we had a vehicle to go to Ivano on Sunday.
Sunday arrived, very foggy and wet slush everywhere. We had a nice Morning Meeting with about 12 of us breaking bread. We both spoke after the breaking of bread and then had a lunch. Yaroslav and Luba had both come from Lviv to be at the meeting. They got up at 5am and got the bus at 6am. It took 3 1/2 hours to get there. THAT is dedication!
When we got the van back we noticed the heater fan was not working but could do nothing about it so left, hoping that the wind would blow through to give us heat. Well it did, that was whenever we could go fast enough! We have never seen or driven on such a destroyed highway before. There were deep 4-5 inch holes everywhere for the whole 3 hours. Because of the frost and wet this winter, all the roads in Ukraine have been destroyed. No one knows how they can afford to fix them. I have never driven so many miles on the other side of the road, as we had to do every mile or so. We arrived in one piece but very weary.
We had our meeting at 5pm, with about 12 out. We think that many did not know we were having a meeting. There were 2 new visitors, both Christians. They were not related but the man works with ex alcoholics and drug addicts and was very interested in us going to speak to the 10 men he looks after.
We plan to do so right away as they live in Ivano. The rehabilitation centre is one of many across Ukraine.
And so to bed, still a little jet-lagged but happy.
In much need of your prayers, as always.
Malcolm and Howard.
On Thursday we struggled over bad roads and slush to Yosopowichi orphanage and took supplies of diapers, food items and baby blankets. Not all the children were there as they had a measles epidemic and so the others had been sent to relatives to try and stop the spread. The ones left looked as if they were covered with war paint, as each of the spots were covered with a purple antiseptic. We got all the staff together and gave our testimonies. One new supervisor was in tears later as she had lost one of twin babies and found it hard to accept that the baby was with Jesus.
We measured up to get a new back door for the building, as you could see out of the cracks in the old one and it kept the kitchen cold.
On the way home we visited with Michael, the doctor who now carves wooden objects. His wife Maria has some heart problems and is not well but seemed better than the last time we visited.
As Edmund and Agnes were leaving for Ireland on Friday; Nadia and her mother made a great supper in our (Flo’s) apartment. There were 8 of us and we had a nice time together.
On Friday, we heard that Misha, the sick man we had visited a few days ago, had passed away. It was a blessing indeed because he was very ill and in a lot of pain. He leaves behind a wife and one son.
We shopped and did some chores, then parked Edmunds car in an indoor parkade as they will be away for the month. We then went home and prepared for the Bible study at 7pm. The weather was terrible with wet sleet and a wind as we walked to meeting, about a 10minute walk. I can’t remember walking in that kind of weather for years! It was worth it because we had a good prayer meeting and Bible study.
Ruslan took Edmund and Agnes to the railway station to catch the train at midnight. They travel to Krakow in Poland and then fly to Ireland. This seems the easiest way home for them.
I had not told you that our Vito van had a problem and would not start and so on Saturday we had to get a technician to work on it. I have worked on vehicles all my life but have never seen such a complicated problem as this one. He worked from about 10 am till 7pm. What a wiz! And he only wanted less than $200US for his time but I gave him the $200. Most of the work was done outside in the snow, except for soldering in the apartment! Well now we had a vehicle to go to Ivano on Sunday.
Sunday arrived, very foggy and wet slush everywhere. We had a nice Morning Meeting with about 12 of us breaking bread. We both spoke after the breaking of bread and then had a lunch. Yaroslav and Luba had both come from Lviv to be at the meeting. They got up at 5am and got the bus at 6am. It took 3 1/2 hours to get there. THAT is dedication!
When we got the van back we noticed the heater fan was not working but could do nothing about it so left, hoping that the wind would blow through to give us heat. Well it did, that was whenever we could go fast enough! We have never seen or driven on such a destroyed highway before. There were deep 4-5 inch holes everywhere for the whole 3 hours. Because of the frost and wet this winter, all the roads in Ukraine have been destroyed. No one knows how they can afford to fix them. I have never driven so many miles on the other side of the road, as we had to do every mile or so. We arrived in one piece but very weary.
We had our meeting at 5pm, with about 12 out. We think that many did not know we were having a meeting. There were 2 new visitors, both Christians. They were not related but the man works with ex alcoholics and drug addicts and was very interested in us going to speak to the 10 men he looks after.
We plan to do so right away as they live in Ivano. The rehabilitation centre is one of many across Ukraine.
And so to bed, still a little jet-lagged but happy.
In much need of your prayers, as always.
Malcolm and Howard.
Spring 2013 - Report No 1
Report #1.
Well, here we are
again. Howard Pratt from Kirkland Lake Assembly in NW Ontario and myself
from Portage la Prairie Manitoba. Back in Lviv. (This is for those who
may be new to our reports.)Howard arrived last Monday, March 25 and I left Canada on that date. We both had good flights except that the old LOT Air planes seem to get less and less room in their seats! No leg room but otherwise they were good flights.
We both left deep snow in Canada, only to find deep packed, un-cleared snow in Ukraine. not at all seasonal for this country. They expect flooding in parts if there is a sudden thaw.
We were met by Edmund and Agnes Johnston, commended workers here in Lviv and taken to the late Flora Kancir’s apartment, which is now rented and kept for visiting brethren and sisters. A young couple form the assembly in Lviv are living as caretakers in the apartment and are keeping it in lovely condition and are thrilled to have us as visitors.
On Tuesday afternoon, Howard and Ruslan our driver and his wife, went to Ivano Frankivsk for the meeting. It took them 3 hours travelling over the worst road they have ever had to travel on to Ivano before. Nothing but pot holes, slush and wet, often down to 30k pr hour. The usual time is 2 hours.
They had a nice meeting and we hope to go back on Sunday and stay for a while.
On Tuesday we went to see a very sick and dying brother, named Misha. He is not part of our assembly but comes to our Conference and is a help in the Bible readings. He has Liver cancer and will no doubt pass away within days or hours. For some years he has operated a rehabilitation home in a little village about an hour away. After visiting Misha and praying with him we went to the rehab. It has six men there, looking after themselves now but doing a good job, as far as we could see.
We all sat down with them all except one and they all took out their bibles and we talked for an hour over the scriptures. One man said he got saved a week ago, but was not sure if he could lose his salvation if he began drinking again, so we spent quite a time on showing him and them that he could never lose what he had in Christ. After a snack of sardines on bread and tea, we headed home.
We had a prayer and teaching meeting at 7 pm and so met at the hall after a good supper at Edmund and Agnes. I spoke on John 14V 1-6.
Today, Wednesday we went to our favorite little orphanage in Yosopwichi. The roads were atrocious. Unplowed, multitudes of chuck holes and water as it is starting to melt.
The children had measles, so there were only a few there as some had been sent to different homes if they hadn’t caught the measles. We had a good opportunity to speak to all the staff who listened very well to our testimonies.
We then left to see the doctor Michael who lives in Stri and carves for a living to support his sick wife Maria and 4 children. We took food supplies and gave a word of encouragement and then headed home for a sumptuous supper put on by two sisters in our apartment. What a spread, far too much to list but good to describe.
After supper we had a good time answering and discussing different bible subjects. These young Christians have really good questions.
We feel it was a good day and are now ready for a good night’s sleep. Edmund and Agnes go home to Ireland tomorrow evening for a month.
Thank you for praying.
Malcolm and Howard.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Winter Update
Western Ukraine report for winter 2013.
It is well past time for an update on what is going on in Ukraine, since
brethren returned home to Canada from Ivano Frankivsk in last
September.
We are very thankful that brothers from the Lviv assembly, have gone
to hold a meeting each Tuesday in Ivano. Two Ukrainian brothers,
Ruslan and Vladimir went up while Edmund Johnston was in Ireland and
then all three have gone up since his return to Lviv.
This is very encouraging, as numbers drop off when no meetings are
held for several months at a time.
Dan Perez had tried unsuccessfully to acquire a visa to stay longer in
Ukraine, but it seems that the Authorities do not encourage giving
visa’s anymore. He plans, at this point, are to go back as soon as God
gives him the opportunity and stay for the 90 days, which is the time
allowed as a vistor.
The work in Lviv continues and the outreach into the surrounding areas,
once “serviced” by our late sister Flora Kancir. We are glad to say that
we have arranged for a young couple in the assembly in Lviv, to move
into Flo’s apartment as caretakers. They are very happy and are very
willing to have brethren and sisters stay with them when they arrive
from abroad. They are also receiving the boxes sent from abroad and
helping the Johnston’s sort the clothes.
We were very happy to hear that a brother, Yaroslav from Ivano, has
been brought into the assembly in Lviv and is being a help in preaching
the word. He lives in Ivano but comes up to Lviv by bus every Sunday, a
2 hour drive. Another sister Luba comes with him as well, with her
daughter.
Since starting this report, we had news that the van used in Ivano was
in a nasty accident. Volodia, who lives in Lviv, has been looking after the
van in our absence, had taken 3 people to the bus station and another
lady to her home, when he made an error in judgement and was hit by
a car in the driver’s door. Fortunately, neither driver was injured at all.
The insurance is paying for the other vehicle but there is no insurance
on our vehicle. The van is presently being fixed and will cost about
$12to $1500.00. Volodia has pledged to pay for the repairs, but we will
be helping with as much as we can. He is very humbled and repentant.
We are praying that someone will be exercised to go to Ivano in March,
as there are many boxes waiting to be distributed to the poor and
needy and many people need to hear the Word of God. We would love
to have some younger brothers and sisters go with us and get a taste
for the work.
Just a note to say that anyone having boxes to send should consider
sending them to Lviv, as well as Ivano, as there is a great need in both
areas. Anyone needing information about what is needed can write to
our new e-mail site godsworkukraine@gmail.com. This site will make
sure we don’t lose any correspondence you may send to us.
Thank you for reading this report and praying for God to continue to
bless His work and workers in Ukraine.
Malcolm and Jean Stanley
godsworkukraine@gmail.com
It is well past time for an update on what is going on in Ukraine, since
brethren returned home to Canada from Ivano Frankivsk in last
September.
We are very thankful that brothers from the Lviv assembly, have gone
to hold a meeting each Tuesday in Ivano. Two Ukrainian brothers,
Ruslan and Vladimir went up while Edmund Johnston was in Ireland and
then all three have gone up since his return to Lviv.
This is very encouraging, as numbers drop off when no meetings are
held for several months at a time.
Dan Perez had tried unsuccessfully to acquire a visa to stay longer in
Ukraine, but it seems that the Authorities do not encourage giving
visa’s anymore. He plans, at this point, are to go back as soon as God
gives him the opportunity and stay for the 90 days, which is the time
allowed as a vistor.
The work in Lviv continues and the outreach into the surrounding areas,
once “serviced” by our late sister Flora Kancir. We are glad to say that
we have arranged for a young couple in the assembly in Lviv, to move
into Flo’s apartment as caretakers. They are very happy and are very
willing to have brethren and sisters stay with them when they arrive
from abroad. They are also receiving the boxes sent from abroad and
helping the Johnston’s sort the clothes.
We were very happy to hear that a brother, Yaroslav from Ivano, has
been brought into the assembly in Lviv and is being a help in preaching
the word. He lives in Ivano but comes up to Lviv by bus every Sunday, a
2 hour drive. Another sister Luba comes with him as well, with her
daughter.
Since starting this report, we had news that the van used in Ivano was
in a nasty accident. Volodia, who lives in Lviv, has been looking after the
van in our absence, had taken 3 people to the bus station and another
lady to her home, when he made an error in judgement and was hit by
a car in the driver’s door. Fortunately, neither driver was injured at all.
The insurance is paying for the other vehicle but there is no insurance
on our vehicle. The van is presently being fixed and will cost about
$12to $1500.00. Volodia has pledged to pay for the repairs, but we will
be helping with as much as we can. He is very humbled and repentant.
We are praying that someone will be exercised to go to Ivano in March,
as there are many boxes waiting to be distributed to the poor and
needy and many people need to hear the Word of God. We would love
to have some younger brothers and sisters go with us and get a taste
for the work.
Just a note to say that anyone having boxes to send should consider
sending them to Lviv, as well as Ivano, as there is a great need in both
areas. Anyone needing information about what is needed can write to
our new e-mail site godsworkukraine@gmail.com. This site will make
sure we don’t lose any correspondence you may send to us.
Thank you for reading this report and praying for God to continue to
bless His work and workers in Ukraine.
Malcolm and Jean Stanley
godsworkukraine@gmail.com
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Malcolm's Report
Report of the happenings in Ukraine since I left on November 6th.
Several things had taken our time while in both Lviv and Ivano Frankivsk during the month of October.
One of most important decisions that had to be made was concerning the apartment that was rented by
our late Sister, Flo Kancir. It had been rented by Flo until March 2013 but we were concerned with what
should be done after that date.
The concern was in two areas, the first being where would people stay as the arrived or left Ukraine, as
we had always stayed in Flo’s apartment? The second was where would the boxes of clothing go to be
stored and sorted before distribution?
Contact was made first of all with the owner of the apartment as to whether he was willing to still rent
the apartment and would the rent stay the same? He is willing to rent to us and the rent would stay the
same at $450.00US per month.
All the brethren and sisters who have been in the habit of visiting in this area, were contacted and asked
their opinion about re-renting, and if they agreed, would they be prepared to contribute to the annual
rent of $5400.00US. They all agreed to contribute as God would supply and so are trusting the full
amount will be available by next March.
Our next concern was the possibility of having a caretaker family live in the apartment to keep it in good
order and be willing to host the visiting missionaries. Prior to making any decision about this, there was
a concern about a family in the fellowship in Lviv assembly, who were living in anything but congenial
circumstances. 7 people of 4 generations in one small apartment. One young couple Lubchic and Nadia,
with a 4 year old child Vitali, were contacted as to their willingness to take on this responsibility. We are
glad to say they have accepted the opportunity and will move in on December 1st. Because of adverse
circumstances, they will not be able to contribute to the rent or utilities. The assembly in Lviv will look
after the utilities.
The second need was to acquire a newer van for use in Lviv. The present one, purchased several years
ago, having over 400,000kms on it, was becoming unreliable on long trips. A newer, high headroom van
was purchased in Belgium and has now been fitted with seats and windows and is ready to use. This
vehicle will also be used to pick up elderly people to bring to meetings and to take humanitarian aid
when visiting orphanages.
The funds for this vehicle were sent from the USA and Canada. The old vehicle was also sold for $3,000.
Thank you to those who gave to this need.
The second Conference was held in Lviv and people from 3 areas came for the ministry. The time of
fellowship was excellent and the gospel and Ministry very suitable to the company gathered. Dennis
Williamson of N Ireland, Howard Pratt of Canada, Dan Perez of USA and Malcolm Stanley of Canada all
took part in the Ministry and Gospel.
Since Howard and Malcolm returned home, Louis Smith and Eric Fowler spent time in Ivano and all have
now returned home. Two Brethren have agreed to come to Ivano from Lviv and continue a mid-week
meeting. This will help until someone returns, hopefully in the New Year. We are praying for others to
be exercised about the work in both Lviv and Ivano Frankivsk. We need younger men, as at present, all
are pensioners with the exception of Dan Perez and Eric Fowler. The door is still open for the preaching
of the Word in schools, orphanages senior’s homes and in our apartment.
As most of you will know, reports from the workers are posted on this blog and can also be forwarded to
individuals by e-mail. Thank you for your interest and support in prayer and in supplying for the needs of
the work in that most needy country.
Yours by Grace.
Malcolm Stanley.
Christian Assembly Work in Ukraine.
210 Alfred Ave.
Portage la Prairie MB. R1N0H3
Several things had taken our time while in both Lviv and Ivano Frankivsk during the month of October.
One of most important decisions that had to be made was concerning the apartment that was rented by
our late Sister, Flo Kancir. It had been rented by Flo until March 2013 but we were concerned with what
should be done after that date.
The concern was in two areas, the first being where would people stay as the arrived or left Ukraine, as
we had always stayed in Flo’s apartment? The second was where would the boxes of clothing go to be
stored and sorted before distribution?
Contact was made first of all with the owner of the apartment as to whether he was willing to still rent
the apartment and would the rent stay the same? He is willing to rent to us and the rent would stay the
same at $450.00US per month.
All the brethren and sisters who have been in the habit of visiting in this area, were contacted and asked
their opinion about re-renting, and if they agreed, would they be prepared to contribute to the annual
rent of $5400.00US. They all agreed to contribute as God would supply and so are trusting the full
amount will be available by next March.
Our next concern was the possibility of having a caretaker family live in the apartment to keep it in good
order and be willing to host the visiting missionaries. Prior to making any decision about this, there was
a concern about a family in the fellowship in Lviv assembly, who were living in anything but congenial
circumstances. 7 people of 4 generations in one small apartment. One young couple Lubchic and Nadia,
with a 4 year old child Vitali, were contacted as to their willingness to take on this responsibility. We are
glad to say they have accepted the opportunity and will move in on December 1st. Because of adverse
circumstances, they will not be able to contribute to the rent or utilities. The assembly in Lviv will look
after the utilities.
The second need was to acquire a newer van for use in Lviv. The present one, purchased several years
ago, having over 400,000kms on it, was becoming unreliable on long trips. A newer, high headroom van
was purchased in Belgium and has now been fitted with seats and windows and is ready to use. This
vehicle will also be used to pick up elderly people to bring to meetings and to take humanitarian aid
when visiting orphanages.
The funds for this vehicle were sent from the USA and Canada. The old vehicle was also sold for $3,000.
Thank you to those who gave to this need.
The second Conference was held in Lviv and people from 3 areas came for the ministry. The time of
fellowship was excellent and the gospel and Ministry very suitable to the company gathered. Dennis
Williamson of N Ireland, Howard Pratt of Canada, Dan Perez of USA and Malcolm Stanley of Canada all
took part in the Ministry and Gospel.
Since Howard and Malcolm returned home, Louis Smith and Eric Fowler spent time in Ivano and all have
now returned home. Two Brethren have agreed to come to Ivano from Lviv and continue a mid-week
meeting. This will help until someone returns, hopefully in the New Year. We are praying for others to
be exercised about the work in both Lviv and Ivano Frankivsk. We need younger men, as at present, all
are pensioners with the exception of Dan Perez and Eric Fowler. The door is still open for the preaching
of the Word in schools, orphanages senior’s homes and in our apartment.
As most of you will know, reports from the workers are posted on this blog and can also be forwarded to
individuals by e-mail. Thank you for your interest and support in prayer and in supplying for the needs of
the work in that most needy country.
Yours by Grace.
Malcolm Stanley.
Christian Assembly Work in Ukraine.
210 Alfred Ave.
Portage la Prairie MB. R1N0H3
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Dan Report
November 05, 2012,
Monday) Monday we woke up to a quiet morning! Yesterday we took Malcolm and Howard to
Lviv, both spoke at the morning meeting and had very good messages! Do pray that God will
Bless all that they have done while here! Then we picked up Louis and make it on time for our
meeting, a good number out and listened very well! After the meeting one Lady (Oksana)
stayed behind and talked with Louis and me about her daughter who flipped out and now in a
psych ward, much prayer is needed!
Today had my first Ukrainian class, though overdue, better late than never! This class was a
two hour lesson and afterward I felt as if I made a trip to Lviv and back, it took a lot out of me
but think I need as much as I can handle to learn this difficult language!
Tuesday) Left in the morning to visit an orphanage for mentally ill girls, ages about 8-35, in a
town called Kolamaya. We talked with a small group of kids that have some kind of
comprehension, then had small talk with the director and a few staff. We brought clothes and
cleaning supplies to give to this orphanage.
Before leaving the town we stopped at the main school to talk to the principal to ask
permission to speak to the kids. It was a very nice school and the office was very nice and big,
the principal looked very serious. I was having flash backs to when I was in school and had to
see the principal. I thought he might throw us out of his office but he seemed to have warmed
up to Louie and was willing to have us speak, so we made an appointment with the Christian
Ethics teacher for next week. This school is the largest in this town 1200 students possibly the
largest we have spoken in, Louie did very well in talking to the principal!!
Wednesday) had my second two hour Ukrainian lesson, while I was there Louis and Vladimir
had a talk at the apartment with Luba, one of the ladies from our meeting and who is in
fellowship at the Lviv assembly. She had some questions about the Bible that they discussed
and family and relational problems that ended up being the main topic.
After this we went out for dinner with Ruslan and his wife Anna, (they were part of that church
group that came up with us to the Lviv conference), at the restaurant Ruslan had many
questions about Christian living and about eternal security. We later went to his house for some
coffee and tea. Vladimir was trying to get his computer to run faster while more questions
came up about eternal security. After a few hours there and our talk at the restaurant it looked
like a few light bulbs turned on as we went through parts of the Scriptures. Ruslan professes to
be saved but thinks the church group he was with has confused him and his wife. It was a very
profitable time we had together!
Thursday) Boxes came in the morning from Portage La Prairie CA. A big thank you to them!
We sorted out the boxes and prepare some to take with us to a town we will be visiting tomorrow. Then Louis went out to make a phone call at a place where international calls are
not too expensive. While he was in the booth the worker, who didn't know he was there closed
the place and left for lunch. Louis tried to leave but he was locked in and had to wait a half hour
or more for the worker to come back, it was good he made it back home.
We then had our new Thursday meeting. There were 7 of us all together and had a very good
talk about Geneses 5, 6. One man, who has lived in England, brought a pamphlet with him from
England that talked about the gospel and was from a gospel hall in the area. After the meeting
Taras, another young man, stayed behind with some questions about salvation, he did this
before and do believe he is still searching!
We will be picking up Eric on Sunday, Please continue to pray for these meeting and for our
visitations!
In Christ our Lord
Louis, Dan
Monday) Monday we woke up to a quiet morning! Yesterday we took Malcolm and Howard to
Lviv, both spoke at the morning meeting and had very good messages! Do pray that God will
Bless all that they have done while here! Then we picked up Louis and make it on time for our
meeting, a good number out and listened very well! After the meeting one Lady (Oksana)
stayed behind and talked with Louis and me about her daughter who flipped out and now in a
psych ward, much prayer is needed!
Today had my first Ukrainian class, though overdue, better late than never! This class was a
two hour lesson and afterward I felt as if I made a trip to Lviv and back, it took a lot out of me
but think I need as much as I can handle to learn this difficult language!
Tuesday) Left in the morning to visit an orphanage for mentally ill girls, ages about 8-35, in a
town called Kolamaya. We talked with a small group of kids that have some kind of
comprehension, then had small talk with the director and a few staff. We brought clothes and
cleaning supplies to give to this orphanage.
Before leaving the town we stopped at the main school to talk to the principal to ask
permission to speak to the kids. It was a very nice school and the office was very nice and big,
the principal looked very serious. I was having flash backs to when I was in school and had to
see the principal. I thought he might throw us out of his office but he seemed to have warmed
up to Louie and was willing to have us speak, so we made an appointment with the Christian
Ethics teacher for next week. This school is the largest in this town 1200 students possibly the
largest we have spoken in, Louie did very well in talking to the principal!!
Wednesday) had my second two hour Ukrainian lesson, while I was there Louis and Vladimir
had a talk at the apartment with Luba, one of the ladies from our meeting and who is in
fellowship at the Lviv assembly. She had some questions about the Bible that they discussed
and family and relational problems that ended up being the main topic.
After this we went out for dinner with Ruslan and his wife Anna, (they were part of that church
group that came up with us to the Lviv conference), at the restaurant Ruslan had many
questions about Christian living and about eternal security. We later went to his house for some
coffee and tea. Vladimir was trying to get his computer to run faster while more questions
came up about eternal security. After a few hours there and our talk at the restaurant it looked
like a few light bulbs turned on as we went through parts of the Scriptures. Ruslan professes to
be saved but thinks the church group he was with has confused him and his wife. It was a very
profitable time we had together!
Thursday) Boxes came in the morning from Portage La Prairie CA. A big thank you to them!
We sorted out the boxes and prepare some to take with us to a town we will be visiting tomorrow. Then Louis went out to make a phone call at a place where international calls are
not too expensive. While he was in the booth the worker, who didn't know he was there closed
the place and left for lunch. Louis tried to leave but he was locked in and had to wait a half hour
or more for the worker to come back, it was good he made it back home.
We then had our new Thursday meeting. There were 7 of us all together and had a very good
talk about Geneses 5, 6. One man, who has lived in England, brought a pamphlet with him from
England that talked about the gospel and was from a gospel hall in the area. After the meeting
Taras, another young man, stayed behind with some questions about salvation, he did this
before and do believe he is still searching!
We will be picking up Eric on Sunday, Please continue to pray for these meeting and for our
visitations!
In Christ our Lord
Louis, Dan
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Malcolm Report #8
Ukraine report #8 Nov 1-3rd.
Thursday,
we visited a lady who professed to be saved some time ago but has many
doubts and home problems. She has a very sparse apartment and a 20 year
old son who is a concern to her, they both sleep in the one room. We had a good talk about eternal security and told her she did not need to confess to a priest, once Christ had forgiven her. People are so tied to the church here and find it hard to just trust Christ and His finished work.
At 4 pm a lady Lena and her 13 year old daughter came to the apartment to talk. She was a delightful Christian lady who wanted to let her daughter hear what we said about the gospel. Anyway they finished up staying for supper. I made them soup and then they stayed for our next meeting at 7pm.
A new man turned up who Dan and Volodia met at the Sports Complex and was really interested as we talked about the Bible and its history. He promised to come out again next week.
Friday. We went to the Half-Way House Internat or orphanage and spoke to about 15 children and gave out candy and balloons texts and calendars.
We had picked up 6 chalkboards for Peter Village School and plan to take them out on Saturday.
We were invited for lunch to a man named Ruslan and his wife Anya, who had come to Lviv with the other group of people we had met and who then asked to meet with us. We were so impressed with this couple (especially her cooking!) that we stopped and talked for 2 hours. He was saved as a teen but went to the USA and became a citizen and started a very profitable business that took him away from The Lord. He has since repented and come back to the Lord but has suffered a real setback. It seems he has been either wrongly convicted of a felony in the States so had his passport taken as he headed home to Ukraine. He is now stuck with no passport to do any business in Ukraine or the States. He cannot get any help from the US Consulate as to what he is supposed to have done. Very strange but Dan knows some Christian lawyers in the US and is taking all his paperwork to them when he returns.
Out for coffee in the evening and home to bed.
Saturday. We took the chalk-boards out to the school in Petriliv and the staff was delighted with them. The old Communist boards were warped, scratched and had holes in them and were shiny and could not be written on any longer.
While we ate lunch
we talked about the future of the school and what would happen if they
closed it down. The Administrator said that it would probably be made
into a rehabilitation home for troubled children and it would be a
wonderful opportunity for us to work with them in this project. She said
they may not close the school but rather shut of the second floor and
have the school all on the lower level and the rehab upstairs. It sounds
interesting and needs much prayer. Nothing may happen soon but the
child population in Petriliv is dropping each year.
Spent
the rest of the day getting ready to leave for Lviv tomorrow. Went out
to a swanky restaurant for supper and could not believe it only cost
100R each.
God bless and thank you for your prayers. Malcolm, Howard, Dan and Volodia.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Malcolm Report #7
Ukraine Report #7 October 29-31
Monday morning we went to buy some school supplies for Yablunuv or apple village and also ordered some green boards to be made for Peter Village. We then headed off to Yablunuv. This must be a very popular name as we found 3 on the map. The administrator Natalia met us as we arrived and we had our usual chat about the situation in Ukraine with the lack of Government funding for institutions. They only get enough money for food and light and heat but nothing for maintenance of housekeeping. They are always robbing Peter to pay Paul and gong further into debt.
She called all the children into the auditorium and Howard and I spoke to them. There were quite a number of quite young children who were new to me. We gave the teachers some school supplies we had brought and the children some candy. They all listened very well but the older ones are quite unruly when it comes to receiving a gift such as candy. They push and grab and come back again and say they didn’t get any yet. Quite greedy and selfish but I suppose it’s to be expected when raised in an orphanage.
We then went over to the Maternity ward at the hospital and left baby clothes for the 3 mothers there. Not a very busy place at all. The nurse said that not many people are having children in that village.
We then went to the old people’s home in the same building and took a box of clothes for the women and a box of bedding but did not see the old folk’s as most were sleeping, however 5 nurses came to see the boxes and I had the opportunity to speak to them. I think this was the first time this had ever happened; they listened very well.
Tuesday We sorted some boxes to see what was in them as we needed some children’s clothing to take to Stari Lacets. What a name! It means Old People but had many young people and big new houses being built. This is the village we call Luba’s village as her mother-in-law lives there and this is the village we were made so welcome in the school. However, some parents have complained about us coming to the school, as we are not teaching what the priest teaches. So we had to go and have a talk with the priest. We went to the church and he was having a morning meeting, not Mass as they did not eat the wafer or anything. After he finished speaking to about 20 old people he came to us. He was very nice, about 45 or so and had been to the USA and the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. He was very impressed.
His problem was that he felt he was teaching the people in the village all they needed to know and wondered how we could teach them anything he had not. He was having a building built next to the church that was going to be a youth centre. We parted friends and he was going to show the bishop our new testament and another book we put into the libraries.
We had been invited to Yaroslav and Halia’s for breakfast so called to see if we came at 10am that would be ok? It was, so Volodia, Howard and I, Dan had stayed home; went for breakfast. I have never had a 6 course breakfast before, It was far too much, as we had eaten breakfast before going out.
We could only stay long enough to eat, but really wanted to talk to Halia, who has been sick and needs help. We rushed back to pick up Dan and 7 boxes to take to Luba’s Village and meet with the troubled kids. We arrived right on time and they were all waiting for us, about 13 boys and one girl. I spoke first, Howard followed and Dan finished. They all listened very well and we can only hope something stuck and will help them not be a disturbance in class and get their work done.
The 3 staff then opened the boxes and sorted clothing for the families of 3 little girls who came in. They have big and very poor families.
We left and rushed back to the garage and got the turn signal problem solved, then went to Yaroslav and Halia’s again to talk, but not before we had another 6 course meal for supper. We had a good talk with Halia but only time will tell if she will be willing to forsake her hold on the Charismatic teachings she has imbibed. Pray for Halia, she is a lovely woman.
And so to home and rest after a mixed up busy day, but a good and Godly one.
Pray for us and those who are coming next week, Louis Smith and Eric Fowler.
Malcolm, Howard Dan and Volodia.
Monday morning we went to buy some school supplies for Yablunuv or apple village and also ordered some green boards to be made for Peter Village. We then headed off to Yablunuv. This must be a very popular name as we found 3 on the map. The administrator Natalia met us as we arrived and we had our usual chat about the situation in Ukraine with the lack of Government funding for institutions. They only get enough money for food and light and heat but nothing for maintenance of housekeeping. They are always robbing Peter to pay Paul and gong further into debt.
She called all the children into the auditorium and Howard and I spoke to them. There were quite a number of quite young children who were new to me. We gave the teachers some school supplies we had brought and the children some candy. They all listened very well but the older ones are quite unruly when it comes to receiving a gift such as candy. They push and grab and come back again and say they didn’t get any yet. Quite greedy and selfish but I suppose it’s to be expected when raised in an orphanage.
We then went over to the Maternity ward at the hospital and left baby clothes for the 3 mothers there. Not a very busy place at all. The nurse said that not many people are having children in that village.
We then went to the old people’s home in the same building and took a box of clothes for the women and a box of bedding but did not see the old folk’s as most were sleeping, however 5 nurses came to see the boxes and I had the opportunity to speak to them. I think this was the first time this had ever happened; they listened very well.
Tuesday We sorted some boxes to see what was in them as we needed some children’s clothing to take to Stari Lacets. What a name! It means Old People but had many young people and big new houses being built. This is the village we call Luba’s village as her mother-in-law lives there and this is the village we were made so welcome in the school. However, some parents have complained about us coming to the school, as we are not teaching what the priest teaches. So we had to go and have a talk with the priest. We went to the church and he was having a morning meeting, not Mass as they did not eat the wafer or anything. After he finished speaking to about 20 old people he came to us. He was very nice, about 45 or so and had been to the USA and the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. He was very impressed.
His problem was that he felt he was teaching the people in the village all they needed to know and wondered how we could teach them anything he had not. He was having a building built next to the church that was going to be a youth centre. We parted friends and he was going to show the bishop our new testament and another book we put into the libraries.
We
left him and went back to the school with Halia the Christian ethics
teacher and had lunch and then made plans as to how we could still speak
to groups of children. Halia is very brave and said that the priest did
not say we could not come into the school so we made plans to go back
tomorrow and speak to a group of difficult children and take clothing
for some poor families. Then we had lunch and left for home and meeting
at 5:30pm. About 15 were out again and we had our last meeting before
going home next Tuesday.
Wednesday,
we had an appointment at the garage to get the turn signals adjusted so
that they cancel. The garage was having a problem with getting us in as
planned so we cancelled and re-booked for the afternoon. We had been invited to Yaroslav and Halia’s for breakfast so called to see if we came at 10am that would be ok? It was, so Volodia, Howard and I, Dan had stayed home; went for breakfast. I have never had a 6 course breakfast before, It was far too much, as we had eaten breakfast before going out.
We could only stay long enough to eat, but really wanted to talk to Halia, who has been sick and needs help. We rushed back to pick up Dan and 7 boxes to take to Luba’s Village and meet with the troubled kids. We arrived right on time and they were all waiting for us, about 13 boys and one girl. I spoke first, Howard followed and Dan finished. They all listened very well and we can only hope something stuck and will help them not be a disturbance in class and get their work done.
The 3 staff then opened the boxes and sorted clothing for the families of 3 little girls who came in. They have big and very poor families.
We left and rushed back to the garage and got the turn signal problem solved, then went to Yaroslav and Halia’s again to talk, but not before we had another 6 course meal for supper. We had a good talk with Halia but only time will tell if she will be willing to forsake her hold on the Charismatic teachings she has imbibed. Pray for Halia, she is a lovely woman.
And so to home and rest after a mixed up busy day, but a good and Godly one.
Pray for us and those who are coming next week, Louis Smith and Eric Fowler.
Malcolm, Howard Dan and Volodia.
Malcolm Report #6
Ukraine Report #6 for October 25-28
Thursday was a run-around get ready for the Conference in Lviv sort of day. We picked up the van from the shop and really appreciate the new stick shift. We also got some bulbs put in the instrument panel. Now we are ready to go to Lviv tomorrow.
We did some more shopping and then headed home to get ready for meeting at 7pm. Oleg and Ola and Igor, from the prison authority met with us and we had a good study of Isaiah 53. There was some lively discussion, mainly by Oleg, who does not think the Ukrainian bible is not as true or accurate as the Russian or English one. We concluded that he was probably right.
Friday we were making final arrangements as to those who are going to the Conference. Things are different in Ukraine to Conferences in N America. There are no homes of Christians that are able to host visitors, so they must all be housed elsewhere. A large Baptist church is rented, or at least a portion of it. We use a side hall that has a kitchen and then upstairs they have 3 floors of dormitories. This is not enough for all the visitors, so they also have to rent rooms in a local hostel that is quite nice, so they say.
We were to leave at 4pm sharp with a bus plus our own van. The group we met a week ago were coming with 16 people and they were in a bus we rented. Well some were late arriving and so our van left at 4:15 and they got away a 4:30. We went as quickly as possible as they had supper waiting for us in Lviv. We arrived at 6:30 and they had our soup and sandwiches waiting for us. The meeting started at 7pm and the other van arrived at about 7:10.
The meeting was for the gospel and a brother from Ireland, Dennis Williamson and Howard preached. After meeting we had lunch and then began the job of getting everyone into the right rooms. Not an easy job, I can tell you. Eventually we left, Howard and I and Yaroslav to stay at Flo’s apartment and Dan with Volodia at his home.
Saturday morning we all had breakfast at the Church and also had good fellowship with the invited guest. We know little about them but they were all the most gracious guests.
The first meeting was for Prayer and it went very well. It was followed right away with a bible reading in 1 Corinthians Ch 1, lead by Brother Williamson. There was good participation by several brethren.
After a good lunch, the meeting was for ministry of the word of God. Dan Perez spoke first, I was next and lastly Brother Williamson. The ministry was well received by all who listened. After this meeting we had a good supper again prepared by the sisters in the Lviv meeting.
The day was over and the Lutsk Christians went home to Lusk but we and the visitors stayed over for the Sunday morning meeting. We turned our clocks back one Hour before going to bed.
Sunday.
Meeting was at 11am in the Gospel Hall but we were ready by 9am because of the time change.
The brothers had setup enough chairs for our visitors. None were in the fellowship but there were seats for all. We were surprised to see a new man with a shaved head sitting with our guests. We found out they had found him on the street and he was willing to be brought to the meeting. They had shaved his head as he had lice and got him clean clothes. They are bringing him back to Ivano as they have a drug and alcohol rehab here.
We all headed home after a lunch at the hall and arrived in time for meeting at 5 pm. Had a nice number into the meeting.
Altogether, a most enjoyable weekend, trusting there will much Glory to God been seen.
Malcolm and Howard and Daniel.
Thursday was a run-around get ready for the Conference in Lviv sort of day. We picked up the van from the shop and really appreciate the new stick shift. We also got some bulbs put in the instrument panel. Now we are ready to go to Lviv tomorrow.
We did some more shopping and then headed home to get ready for meeting at 7pm. Oleg and Ola and Igor, from the prison authority met with us and we had a good study of Isaiah 53. There was some lively discussion, mainly by Oleg, who does not think the Ukrainian bible is not as true or accurate as the Russian or English one. We concluded that he was probably right.
Friday we were making final arrangements as to those who are going to the Conference. Things are different in Ukraine to Conferences in N America. There are no homes of Christians that are able to host visitors, so they must all be housed elsewhere. A large Baptist church is rented, or at least a portion of it. We use a side hall that has a kitchen and then upstairs they have 3 floors of dormitories. This is not enough for all the visitors, so they also have to rent rooms in a local hostel that is quite nice, so they say.
We were to leave at 4pm sharp with a bus plus our own van. The group we met a week ago were coming with 16 people and they were in a bus we rented. Well some were late arriving and so our van left at 4:15 and they got away a 4:30. We went as quickly as possible as they had supper waiting for us in Lviv. We arrived at 6:30 and they had our soup and sandwiches waiting for us. The meeting started at 7pm and the other van arrived at about 7:10.
The meeting was for the gospel and a brother from Ireland, Dennis Williamson and Howard preached. After meeting we had lunch and then began the job of getting everyone into the right rooms. Not an easy job, I can tell you. Eventually we left, Howard and I and Yaroslav to stay at Flo’s apartment and Dan with Volodia at his home.
Saturday morning we all had breakfast at the Church and also had good fellowship with the invited guest. We know little about them but they were all the most gracious guests.
The first meeting was for Prayer and it went very well. It was followed right away with a bible reading in 1 Corinthians Ch 1, lead by Brother Williamson. There was good participation by several brethren.
After a good lunch, the meeting was for ministry of the word of God. Dan Perez spoke first, I was next and lastly Brother Williamson. The ministry was well received by all who listened. After this meeting we had a good supper again prepared by the sisters in the Lviv meeting.
The day was over and the Lutsk Christians went home to Lusk but we and the visitors stayed over for the Sunday morning meeting. We turned our clocks back one Hour before going to bed.
Sunday.
Meeting was at 11am in the Gospel Hall but we were ready by 9am because of the time change.
The brothers had setup enough chairs for our visitors. None were in the fellowship but there were seats for all. We were surprised to see a new man with a shaved head sitting with our guests. We found out they had found him on the street and he was willing to be brought to the meeting. They had shaved his head as he had lice and got him clean clothes. They are bringing him back to Ivano as they have a drug and alcohol rehab here.
We all headed home after a lunch at the hall and arrived in time for meeting at 5 pm. Had a nice number into the meeting.
Altogether, a most enjoyable weekend, trusting there will much Glory to God been seen.
Malcolm and Howard and Daniel.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Maclolm Report #5
Ukraine Report #5 Oct 22-24th.
Monday We had an early start to go to a children’s rehab that is called a sanatorium over here. It is located in the foothills of the mountains and is the place I have mentioned before as having the worst roads I have ever had to drive on. However, we found a route that is a little longer but is a good road except for the last 20 or so Kms.
We arrived almost an hour early , due to the better roads, so went for coffee in a little “hole in the wall” cafe. A man who had a few too many vodka’s, noticed we were foreigners and wanted to talk and know all about us. He was still talking as we started to move away. Well at least we left him with a N/T and John 3:16.
We went to the sanatorium and were treated to hot chocolate and cookies before speaking to about 70 children and 10 staff. We really had a great time with good participation. I forgot to mention that Howard stayed back in the apartment to try and fight his sinus cold. He was feeling much better when we got home.
After the meeting we were treated to lunch before heading home.
Tuesday. We went to one of our favorite schools at Petriliv or Peter village and went straight to the school as the Mayor, who we usually visit, was away at a meeting. We were very happy to know we had arrived on the lady Administrator Hannah’s birthday, hence the 4 or 5 beautiful vases of flowers on her table. Before we went to speak to the children, we had to have lunch with her. Avery nice meal topped off with ice cream. We sang “Happy Birthday” to her and then explained that we who were visiting all had 2 birthdays. She listened very well.
We then went upstairs and spoke to all the children. As they do not have an auditorium, they all stand in a wide hallway which does not serve too well to keep their attention as they are rather crowded.
We hurried home to take the van in to get the gear shift mechanism replaced. We had no reverse for two days so had to be pushed out of parking spots at times. Glad to say they got it replaced and no more problems.
We walked over to the Solidarity building at 7pm and had a meeting with 6 people there. The subject being “How do you behave towards difficult or angry people?” One lady is newly saved and has an abusive drunk husband. We hope our remarks were helpful.
We are spending tomorrow getting ready for the Conference in Lviv on Friday - Sunday.
Thank you for caring and praying for us.
Malcolm Howard and Dan.
Monday We had an early start to go to a children’s rehab that is called a sanatorium over here. It is located in the foothills of the mountains and is the place I have mentioned before as having the worst roads I have ever had to drive on. However, we found a route that is a little longer but is a good road except for the last 20 or so Kms.
We arrived almost an hour early , due to the better roads, so went for coffee in a little “hole in the wall” cafe. A man who had a few too many vodka’s, noticed we were foreigners and wanted to talk and know all about us. He was still talking as we started to move away. Well at least we left him with a N/T and John 3:16.
We went to the sanatorium and were treated to hot chocolate and cookies before speaking to about 70 children and 10 staff. We really had a great time with good participation. I forgot to mention that Howard stayed back in the apartment to try and fight his sinus cold. He was feeling much better when we got home.
After the meeting we were treated to lunch before heading home.
Tuesday. We went to one of our favorite schools at Petriliv or Peter village and went straight to the school as the Mayor, who we usually visit, was away at a meeting. We were very happy to know we had arrived on the lady Administrator Hannah’s birthday, hence the 4 or 5 beautiful vases of flowers on her table. Before we went to speak to the children, we had to have lunch with her. Avery nice meal topped off with ice cream. We sang “Happy Birthday” to her and then explained that we who were visiting all had 2 birthdays. She listened very well.
We then went upstairs and spoke to all the children. As they do not have an auditorium, they all stand in a wide hallway which does not serve too well to keep their attention as they are rather crowded.
We came on home and prepared for our evening meeting. Good to see about 15 out once again.
Wednesday.
We went to the town of Pasishna, in the hills that we had visited last
week, when all the children were off. We were welcomed by the Vice
Principal who ran ahead of us, getting two classes into one at each
meeting. We eventually spoke 5 times so that would be to 10 classes.
These children were VERY well behaved and participated well when we
spoke. We hurried home to take the van in to get the gear shift mechanism replaced. We had no reverse for two days so had to be pushed out of parking spots at times. Glad to say they got it replaced and no more problems.
We walked over to the Solidarity building at 7pm and had a meeting with 6 people there. The subject being “How do you behave towards difficult or angry people?” One lady is newly saved and has an abusive drunk husband. We hope our remarks were helpful.
We are spending tomorrow getting ready for the Conference in Lviv on Friday - Sunday.
Thank you for caring and praying for us.
Malcolm Howard and Dan.
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