Sunday the 30th of June, from Dan.
Left Ivano in the morning to make our three hour trip to Lviv for the breaking of bread. While Eric and Margret were here we made this difficult trip for the van and for our bodies each Sunday. Always blessed in remembering our great King with his people! Then bid our farewells to both Eric and Margret for they will stay in Lviv a few more days before going back to Canada. It was good to see the desire that they had to reach out to the people. They were able to show care for the people’s physical needs and share the care that God has for their spiritual needs, may God by his grace bless these efforts!!
Made the 3 hour trip back to Ivano in time for our meeting, many were out to the meeting and was good to see Ruslan and his wife Anna out; they haven’t been out much due to work. Yaroslav and I spoke and all listened very well!
Monday) Visited one old lady named Halla. We visited here once the week before and Eric and Margret tried two other times but were unable to meet with her, we all were concerned if she was all right? She showed up at the meeting yesterday and we made plans to visit her today. She said she was in the hospital and just got out and apologised for missing the visits with Eric and Margret and thanked us for remembering her. She wanted to share her family story and so I listened. After some time I asked her about salvation and how would she make it into heaven? She said she will be in heaven by Jesus Christ! Having heard answers like I hope I’m good enough or I all most there, Halle’s answer was good to hear! Eric and Margret left some things to give her so we brought them and left them with her. I could only hope she understands her answer,” by Jesus Christ.”
Tuesday) Visited Oleg at his shop and had a good long talk with him about business, social topics and spiritual thoughts always good to try to be an encouragement and to be encouraged by Christian fellowship!
There was one young man at the meeting tonight that came in with one of the ladies and listened very carefully with his eyes wide open! Yaroslav and I spoke with a heavy focus on our sin condition before God.
The young lady in the mental institution was released from there today and was at the meeting also. After the meeting we talked with her. It’s good that she is out of that place and good to see her at the meeting; I hope she does well and continues to come to the meetings!
Wednesday) Paid a visit to Natalie the woman with MS. It was her birthday and Svetlana wanted to visit her on her birthday. Natalie turned 39 I think and had MS for 20 year now. Svetlana likes to visit her because with all that Natalie has gone through she still has a smile on her face and has a good attitude. She does claim to be a Christian and enjoys our time together when she has the strength for company. Then took Svetlana to the train station, she will be going to Kiev for an interview and will not be back until Friday.
Thursday) Took the van to get an alarm installed, left it at the shop and they said would take about three hours. I then called a young man that I met on Monday and had lunch with him. His name in Bogdan, he is 18 years old and has a desire to speak English. He asked many questions and started to talk about the Middle East situation and Bible topics about the end times. For such a young man, this was a surprise in his interest. We then went together to pick up the van and he helped try to explain some of the function of the new alarm, I then took him home and told him we will talk more when I get back from Lutsk. I came back to get ready for our Thursday meeting when I heard a knock at the door. A lady was pointing at the apartment across the hall but was not too sure what she wanted so I called Taras and ask if he could interpret what she was saying. Well it looks like the old man that lives in that apartment was found drunk lying in that street and this lady was a passerby and wanted to help. I went with her to the old man who recognized me, so I told him to sit on his walker and he did. He had that walker that was given to him from the shipments that come to us here. I was thankful for the walker having wheels, as he sat and I pushed him to the apartment and carried him inside. The poor man will die soon, I’m sure and hope he seeks for God before that day!
Meeting went well, just a few but the talk was good. Taras helped in the interpreting and then I took him home.
Friday) Met with Andrei at Solidarity and with his Peace Core volunteer. She is from America and will be in Ivano for two years working with Andrei. I then met with Tania who works at the children’s hospital and gave her some baby clothes to give to those in need.
Oleg called and said we have some boxes from Meest. A big thank you to those from Portage La Prairie and from Lance-au-Loup, Canada!!
I will be leaving tomorrow with a van load of people from Ivano to the Lutsk Conference for the week. Please pray for safety on the roads and for blessing at the conference, and continue to pray for God’s working in Ivano-Fankivsk,
Thank You!!
In Christ our Lord
Dan
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Updates from Erin and Dan
June 18
Day started normal for the regular day ....... even the same for breakfast ....Manna We had Halia, a very poor lady who is coming to the meeting since last May come and pick out clothing. She had her granddaughter come with her.
We then went and bought flowers for Maria who had birthday Monday. She had us in for dinner as she always do once while we are in the country. Had nice Ukraine meal and left her some funds to buy medicine. Then we went and tried to buy some glasses. We went and got pictures taken off my Phone.
We waited for a lady to come for clothing but she didn't come. A man came named Roman and we talked to some time to him about Salvation. He has been coming to meeting for some years. He is sure about being in the door, very clear about it. We had 23 out tonight up a little but not to where it was in November. Anna the older lady in the meetings for some time now had her neighbor out for the second time. She was out Sunday for the very first time ever. We then took some of them swimming.
Then day was over, it is so hard to get around the roads like, it’s like the horse and buggy days. .
July 19
Hello to all. Early morning visit, so went without breakfast. We had to meet the head Doctor of the Hospital who gave us permission to visit mothers with babies. We had 18 bags to deliver so we added little more to the 8 bags we had and we made up 10 more to make 18. We also took 18 blankets. Last year, most mothers were from out of the city. Amazed that most of the mothers this year was from in the city. We did have one from Russia and she knew all the cities we had gone to in Siberia. One lady, who was little older than most; was an English teacher from the city here. Then came home from there and had breakfast. I almost have the same thing every morning Manna! Mary knows best! Then we went to the market and bought food for the family of the man lost his leg at the knee. Picked up Luba and her son and Leanna's daughter and went to Luba's village Stari Lycets. Luba and son went to her Mother in Law's and we went to the teacher who teaches religion in school there and she took us to the forest to pick mushrooms and wild strawberries. We had nice few hours. The sun was very hot. We then came back to teachers home and had little supper of salad and fried potatoes. We saw her rabbits they raise to eat and then left her two boxes of assorted clothing to give to the poor families of the village. We then delivered all who were with us and back to apartment and another day over. Tired now for sure. Eric, Margie and Dan.
June 20.
Another full day ... The weather is warmer every day.... hot in the city and in the Buildings. We took out boxes and had two ladies come, Valentina and Maria, they both have vision problems, but they have come to meeting since 2005 when I came first; they are very poor but work when they can. They both come to meetings often but have family sick and can't come in winter, too hard to travel in dark. They often go to places and just wash dishes to get little extra to have food. We took them home when they were finished.
O of them lives near the half way house orphanage, so we spent an hour speaking to staff and children there. This is a place where children stay for no more than 3 months before going to an orphanage for good. The Police or other people bring them there and sometimes the children run away from home and come there. One ran from her mom in Switzerland and came there.
Then we came home and Yaroslav’s wife Halia and her daughter in law came and got clothing. We packed two boxes of clothing for an orphanage and packed 4 boxes for Olia’s village tomorrow. Now a meeting with those that Dan invites to come to discuss questions of Bible subjects. Four came and the exciting thing is Andri who we would like to see get saved. Then Tanya a young nurse came and Sasha and young man who had studied to be a priest and then Dana, a young German lady who professes salvation and comes to other meetings who we met in 2006. Day over and tired. Eric and Margie With Dan
June 21
Hello to all. We labour on here as the Lord gives help and resources to do so. We just got back to the house here, spending all day in a village. We had a meeting with 22 people in the community hall. The Mayor came and let us in then left. It went very well. We gave out 4 boxes of clothing and gave them texts, tracts and other literature. This is Halia's mom's village. Yaroslav was with us but his wife Halia was sick and couldn't go. We had dinner with her mom and left some funds with her. The village was 2 hours drive and again over bad roads. We took Halia’s son Vitali and his wife and child for a visit for a week. We may go get them next Saturday. When we came back we went and picked up Leanna and took her to the River to swim and had a nice talk with her. We are trying to build a relationship with her but hard work. She has come to meetings some but not like we like to see. Then we went and got her daughter, Marina and went to Best Burger. Afterwards, we picked up some food for her. We took them home and then finally got back to our place at 11:15pm after a long day.
June 22
Greetings to all. A slow day today with no Interpreter. Two people came to get clothing as we have been trying to get all that come to meeting to get some clothing. This is important for sure. Roman and his daughter were in, she is one of the hardest ladies to handle but we did ok. Then Janna came for clothing, nice to get this behind us. While she was here 12 boxes came in from Gander Newfoundland, it was GREAT to get soap, tooth paste, towels and so many other things we have been praying for. Some boxes had things for men which we get few of. Then we went to see if we could see Tanya's mom but she wasn't at home and her son wasn't home either, but we met a lady who came to all the children meetings that our brother from Iowa had last summer with Dan. Then 8 children who had come as well. It was nice to see them again and we made arrangements to come back Wed. at 1pm for a meeting. Guidance of the Lord is so important.
Leanna and her daughter Marina came and had lunch it was Marina's 14th birthday. They are so poor so we gave them some soap, toothpaste and money to buy Marina a birthday gift. She wanted a special dress.
Then we went for walk in center and met two girls at an ice cream place. One could speak English and the other liked the picture on the text I was giving out as she was studying Art. Gave out some invitations to meetings in a new place we rented for two nights. Street work is important but is spoiled by the cults, they are on the street all the time.
Home and another day over. Another week to go and tired for sure. Keep praying for my heart blockage as heat is as bad as the cold but God is able.
June 23
Lord's day again. We have to travel 3 hours to Lviv to meeting and 3 hours back on bad road. It makes a rough day, but always great to remember the Lord. I 'm sure many have it rougher to get to meeting. The meeting went very well, all worshiped except one and he was having a rough day as his father went to hospital, is not well and not saved. I spoke little after the meeting on the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts . All the Saints seemed to enjoy. Only a few sitting back today as it’s a holiday and many have gone to the graveyard. “Green holiday” they call it and they clean and put new flowers on graves. Then summer is here and many work in gardens on weekends.
We got back home in record time and I showered to be at the other meeting. Had a weak drink of tea and off we went. The rented room is great and gave us more space. All seem to like it and most of the regulars were there but some missing. One lady was out for her 4th time, Anna's friend, one of the first ladies saved in 2005, this was very encouraging. Then a lady saved 2 years ago was out for her first time since we came, so maybe the new room brought her out. We had 23 out which was good for holiday weekend and a special one at that. Then we went with Orysa for supper, she usually serves you rabbit, but tonight another surprise, goat meat. We left her funds for medicine. Her husband hasn't been drinking for over
a year, that’s great news. She is so much happier, even though he isn't saved, not having him drinking is great. His mom and dad are now dead and they live in the home place, which is not good but far better then what they had. Home at last and very tired.
Eric Margie with Dan
Day started normal for the regular day ....... even the same for breakfast ....Manna We had Halia, a very poor lady who is coming to the meeting since last May come and pick out clothing. She had her granddaughter come with her.
We then went and bought flowers for Maria who had birthday Monday. She had us in for dinner as she always do once while we are in the country. Had nice Ukraine meal and left her some funds to buy medicine. Then we went and tried to buy some glasses. We went and got pictures taken off my Phone.
We waited for a lady to come for clothing but she didn't come. A man came named Roman and we talked to some time to him about Salvation. He has been coming to meeting for some years. He is sure about being in the door, very clear about it. We had 23 out tonight up a little but not to where it was in November. Anna the older lady in the meetings for some time now had her neighbor out for the second time. She was out Sunday for the very first time ever. We then took some of them swimming.
Then day was over, it is so hard to get around the roads like, it’s like the horse and buggy days. .
July 19
Hello to all. Early morning visit, so went without breakfast. We had to meet the head Doctor of the Hospital who gave us permission to visit mothers with babies. We had 18 bags to deliver so we added little more to the 8 bags we had and we made up 10 more to make 18. We also took 18 blankets. Last year, most mothers were from out of the city. Amazed that most of the mothers this year was from in the city. We did have one from Russia and she knew all the cities we had gone to in Siberia. One lady, who was little older than most; was an English teacher from the city here. Then came home from there and had breakfast. I almost have the same thing every morning Manna! Mary knows best! Then we went to the market and bought food for the family of the man lost his leg at the knee. Picked up Luba and her son and Leanna's daughter and went to Luba's village Stari Lycets. Luba and son went to her Mother in Law's and we went to the teacher who teaches religion in school there and she took us to the forest to pick mushrooms and wild strawberries. We had nice few hours. The sun was very hot. We then came back to teachers home and had little supper of salad and fried potatoes. We saw her rabbits they raise to eat and then left her two boxes of assorted clothing to give to the poor families of the village. We then delivered all who were with us and back to apartment and another day over. Tired now for sure. Eric, Margie and Dan.
June 20.
Another full day ... The weather is warmer every day.... hot in the city and in the Buildings. We took out boxes and had two ladies come, Valentina and Maria, they both have vision problems, but they have come to meeting since 2005 when I came first; they are very poor but work when they can. They both come to meetings often but have family sick and can't come in winter, too hard to travel in dark. They often go to places and just wash dishes to get little extra to have food. We took them home when they were finished.
O of them lives near the half way house orphanage, so we spent an hour speaking to staff and children there. This is a place where children stay for no more than 3 months before going to an orphanage for good. The Police or other people bring them there and sometimes the children run away from home and come there. One ran from her mom in Switzerland and came there.
Then we came home and Yaroslav’s wife Halia and her daughter in law came and got clothing. We packed two boxes of clothing for an orphanage and packed 4 boxes for Olia’s village tomorrow. Now a meeting with those that Dan invites to come to discuss questions of Bible subjects. Four came and the exciting thing is Andri who we would like to see get saved. Then Tanya a young nurse came and Sasha and young man who had studied to be a priest and then Dana, a young German lady who professes salvation and comes to other meetings who we met in 2006. Day over and tired. Eric and Margie With Dan
June 21
Hello to all. We labour on here as the Lord gives help and resources to do so. We just got back to the house here, spending all day in a village. We had a meeting with 22 people in the community hall. The Mayor came and let us in then left. It went very well. We gave out 4 boxes of clothing and gave them texts, tracts and other literature. This is Halia's mom's village. Yaroslav was with us but his wife Halia was sick and couldn't go. We had dinner with her mom and left some funds with her. The village was 2 hours drive and again over bad roads. We took Halia’s son Vitali and his wife and child for a visit for a week. We may go get them next Saturday. When we came back we went and picked up Leanna and took her to the River to swim and had a nice talk with her. We are trying to build a relationship with her but hard work. She has come to meetings some but not like we like to see. Then we went and got her daughter, Marina and went to Best Burger. Afterwards, we picked up some food for her. We took them home and then finally got back to our place at 11:15pm after a long day.
June 22
Greetings to all. A slow day today with no Interpreter. Two people came to get clothing as we have been trying to get all that come to meeting to get some clothing. This is important for sure. Roman and his daughter were in, she is one of the hardest ladies to handle but we did ok. Then Janna came for clothing, nice to get this behind us. While she was here 12 boxes came in from Gander Newfoundland, it was GREAT to get soap, tooth paste, towels and so many other things we have been praying for. Some boxes had things for men which we get few of. Then we went to see if we could see Tanya's mom but she wasn't at home and her son wasn't home either, but we met a lady who came to all the children meetings that our brother from Iowa had last summer with Dan. Then 8 children who had come as well. It was nice to see them again and we made arrangements to come back Wed. at 1pm for a meeting. Guidance of the Lord is so important.
Leanna and her daughter Marina came and had lunch it was Marina's 14th birthday. They are so poor so we gave them some soap, toothpaste and money to buy Marina a birthday gift. She wanted a special dress.
Then we went for walk in center and met two girls at an ice cream place. One could speak English and the other liked the picture on the text I was giving out as she was studying Art. Gave out some invitations to meetings in a new place we rented for two nights. Street work is important but is spoiled by the cults, they are on the street all the time.
Home and another day over. Another week to go and tired for sure. Keep praying for my heart blockage as heat is as bad as the cold but God is able.
June 23
Lord's day again. We have to travel 3 hours to Lviv to meeting and 3 hours back on bad road. It makes a rough day, but always great to remember the Lord. I 'm sure many have it rougher to get to meeting. The meeting went very well, all worshiped except one and he was having a rough day as his father went to hospital, is not well and not saved. I spoke little after the meeting on the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts . All the Saints seemed to enjoy. Only a few sitting back today as it’s a holiday and many have gone to the graveyard. “Green holiday” they call it and they clean and put new flowers on graves. Then summer is here and many work in gardens on weekends.
We got back home in record time and I showered to be at the other meeting. Had a weak drink of tea and off we went. The rented room is great and gave us more space. All seem to like it and most of the regulars were there but some missing. One lady was out for her 4th time, Anna's friend, one of the first ladies saved in 2005, this was very encouraging. Then a lady saved 2 years ago was out for her first time since we came, so maybe the new room brought her out. We had 23 out which was good for holiday weekend and a special one at that. Then we went with Orysa for supper, she usually serves you rabbit, but tonight another surprise, goat meat. We left her funds for medicine. Her husband hasn't been drinking for over
a year, that’s great news. She is so much happier, even though he isn't saved, not having him drinking is great. His mom and dad are now dead and they live in the home place, which is not good but far better then what they had. Home at last and very tired.
Eric Margie with Dan
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Dan's report No 8
Dan’s report #8
Monday the 27th of May
Made a visit today to a Village called Olesha. While Howard and Malcolm
were here there were attempts made to try to contact this school but
they were unable to so I thought I would go and visit them and see what
happened. When we got there the school was over and most of the students
along with the principal were all eating. Their lunch room was in
another building and we were asked if we had time to wait as they were
coming back soon. They heard that a foreigner was there and they said
they thought it might be me. Met briefly with the principal but he had
to leave, but two of the vice principals who we had spoken to were
there. The first thing they said to me was that they were wondering what
happened to me; that maybe my mission was over and they would not see
me again. The problem was that the vice principal that we had contacted
had changed his phone number and his was the only number we had.
This
is a school of about 230 kids and school year is now over, but now they
have a couple of weeks of summer camp. I then asked them if they would
like us to speak to the kids during summer came, they said sure come
anytime!
On
our way back we stopped by another school in a village called Harushka.
Last month Malcolm and Howard spoke here but now that school was out
and so I thought I would ask the same question to the principal here.
The principal was not in but the assistant told us to please come
anytime, they will be happy to have us! I counted thi as a good day!
Tuesday)
Taras ( the man that works in the government building) stopped by in
the afternoon, not planned. We had a good long talk about salvation once
again. He listend very well and shared some thoughts and asked
questions. We talked about reincarnation for a while, I assured him that
our soul will live on but only in one of two places. As he left he
thanked me for the talk.
We
then had our evening meeting, Yaroslav and I spoke, my thoughts were,
not by our works but according to his mercy (Titus 3:5), Yaroslav
thoughts were, our works should be to the Lord and not unto men (Col. 5:23).
After the meeting we went to the store with Yaroslav and I bought food
for the family and pampers for his granddaughter. Yaroslav is the only
one working now, Vitalic, Yaroslav’s son has turned down one job because
it would take him too far from his family and another job opportunity
fell through. He is still hoping to find something soon but needs some
help meanwhile! This is a good family and was happy to be of some help!
Wednesday)
Did some errands in the morning then with Luba, visited the young lady
in the hospital. We are trying to be of help and an encouragement to her
while she is in this place and hoping we can help her in finding a
better place for her to be. This is not an easy situation and needs much
wisdom and prayers! We left the hospital and saw a man that comes to
the meeting from time to time at the bus stop and gave him a lift. He
was going to see his brother at another hospital who I have been wanting
to visit also, he is the one who had his leg amputated. Tania the
brother’s wife came to the meeting a few times but hasn’t lately because
of the two little girls. It was already late so we just had planned to
say hello and come back at another time.
Today
was Svetlana’s day off day from interpreting, she has final exams for
school this week, but she was willing to help me out!
Thursday the 30th of May
Had a large delivery from Meest this morning, came quite unexpectedly
but very thankful that they came! It came one hour before leaving for a
nursing home. I helped bring in the boxes and rushed to get ready to
pick up Svetlana at school, from there we will go to the nursing home.
This place was on the way to Lviv but was not so easy to find, Howard
visited it last month but this was my first time there. The place is in a
small village that is surrounded by beautiful landscape! We went into
one building, and there were some medical equipment in each of the rooms
but no one to talk to. We then heard some voices at the end of the hall
and found out we were at the wrong building, this was the clinic for
the village, so we called the Director of the nursing home and she
brought us to the place. There she gave us a tour of the building, very
small about 25 to 30 patients. Only those who have no children to care
for them can come to this place. We had a small meeting with them and
they listened well and ask some questions. Brought some boxes and a
wheelchair and walker for them, they were thankful!
Came
back to the apartment to arrange these boxes, I had to just leave them
in the middle of the room before I left this morning, my time was still
short because we have meeting tonight. Once I got this in some order I
got ready for our new Thursday meeting. All went well; only six were out
but had very good discussions I though. We were going to talk about God
‘s Justice but some came that were not in last meeting so I did a
review and just start this topic so will continue it next week Lord
willing!
Friday)
Went to Steri Lisets(Lube’s village) this morning to speak to the kids
in summer camp. The lady in charge was very glad to have us to talk to
them and play some games together. About30 kids were there of all
different ages, made it a little harder to organize but we were outside
and the sun was out the weather was good and it looked like the kids had
fun! I gave a little message at the end and though some was restless
they all listened well!
Then
met with Lube and her neighbor to talk about how we can help this young
lady in the mental institution. Then took them to see her and I went to
another place where they care for kids to see if for a few weeks they
can keep her until we find a permanent place for her but this did not
work out.
Saturday) This day was a cleaning day, I still had to arrange the boxes and prepare the apartment for Eric and Margie’s arrival.
I
took a break from all the sneezing I had been doing from the dust that
are on the boxes and went to visit Oleg. . While there we took some
boxes to his garage to keep there for about a week, to make more room at
the apartment.
While
at his garage we welded the bracket of the exhaust pipe that was broken
off on the van. Thank the Lord it seemed successful!
Sunday)
We left Ivano with a van load to go to Lviv for the remembrance of our
Lord. We will be bringing Eric and Margie back with us. The roads are
still in bad condition and though we left in plenty of time we were 40
minutes late for the meeting due to having to change a flat tire.
We
had a good time with the Christians there and Eric had a good word
about Holiness. On our way back we tried a different road to Ivano. The
first part of it was as smooth as butter, I did not know that there
were roads this good here but the second part was not as smooth as I
hoped. We made it to Ivano safe and in good time and had a good meeting.
Eric
and I spoke, and then went for dinner with Oleg and Ola.. I’m sure Eric
and Margie were tired however they looked well and many were happy to
see them!
Please
continue to pray for our time here together, your prayers are much
needed and much appreciated! Eric will be sending reports from time to
time while he is here. Thanks to you all.
In Christ our Lord
Eric, Margie, Dan
Friday, May 31, 2013
Dan's Report No 6
Dan’s Report #6
Thursday the 23rd the of May
Sorted some of the boxes before our meeting. Then got ready for the new Thursday
meet, did not think anyone would show since it has been raining all day
but seven in total were at the meeting. It was good to see Igor out; he
works at the prison and was one of the men that came with us as we
visited each of the prisons. He has been coming since we started these
new Thursday
meetings and seem to still show some interest. This time God’s Holiness
was our topic. Thought it a little harder to discuss than last week’s
topic of Love but all listened well and had a good time.
Saturday)
Cloudy and raining for five days now, each time the rain stops and the
sun comes out for ten or twenty minutes then it starts all over again,
and in the evening the weather drops about 20 of 30 degrees.
This
morning I talked to Taras who works at the government building. He
invited me to the opening of a new bike path in Ivano. There were a
couple of camera crews and reporters interviewing Taras, as he was in
charge of this event. About a hundred or so bikers came out to the
opening. Taras said that if I wanted to ride with them he would find a
bike for me to ride, though very tempted I decided not to go and said
maybe when I get my own bike. After the interview all the bikers went
for their first ride on the path as Taras lead the group. This reminded
me of some of the biking events back in Chicago.
I
then went to visit Oleg at his shop and had a good long take about the
language, business and the churches in Ukraine. I look at these times
spent with Oleg as part of my Ukrainian lesson and a big part of
Christian fellowship! As I was heading home from Oleg’s shop Taras
called and ask if I wanted to see his new apartment that he is
remodeling. We met in the center of town and he had an extra bike with
him so we rode to his apartment. We rode over two bridges and when we
got to his place we had to carry our bikes up to the eighth floor, the
building is still new and the elevators and not working yet.
In
Ukraine the owners fix their own condos. All they start with are
concrete walls, floors and ceilings; everything else the owner does
either by hiring someone or doing it themselves and Taras is doing it on
his own. He said it will take about a year before him, his wife and
little boy can move in.
Sunday)
Another cloudy and raining day. I still went out for a walk and
practiced some of my Ukrainian by using memory cards. There was an area
where about 25 or 30 police officers were patrolling. Every block had
about 5 of 6 officers on each corner. Today was some kind of national
holiday and along came the Red Party, which is the communist party. West
Ukraine has always been anti-communist but that does not stop them from
trying to gain supporter even in Ivano.
On
my way back to the apartment I saw one of the neighbors; he is a
Russian man and asked me once for a bible in Russian. I could not
remember if I ever gave him one so I asked, he said he did get one and I
think he said he gave it to his son. During our talk the IPhone
dictionary was a big help in communicating with him.
We
then had our meeting and one lady who I haven’t seen in a long time
came one hour earlier thinking it started at 4 as in times past but she
came back at the start of the meeting. Another lady came just before the
meeting was over at 6 thinking it was a weekday. At the meeting
Yaroslav and I spoke, I thought that Yaroslav had a good message as he
talked about the Word of God.
Eric
and Margaret Fowler will be arriving in Ukraine later this week, please
pray for their safety and blessings while in Ukraine! Thank You!
In Christ our Lord
Dan
Dan's Report No 6
Dan’s report #6
Saturday the 18th of May
I
will be staying in Lviv for the weekend with Edmund and Agnes in hopes
that all the paper work that needs to be done for the new van will be
ready by the time I leave Sunday afternoon. Had a good day spent with
Edmund and Agnes then we all went out for dinner with Misha, one of the
elders in Lviv.
Sunday.
Met with the Christian for the remembrance of our Lord and as always I
can say it was a blessing! The van was not ready so will try later this
week to make the trade. Headed back to Ivano with Yaroslav and Luba,
they took the three hour bus ride to be at the meeting. This is not the
first time, they have been coming to the meetings on a regular basis
when we are not here. On the way to Ivano the exhaust pipe started to
drag so I pulled over and had to re- attach the pipe to the brackets,
this is the second time this happen and last time Svetlana helped in her
white dress, I thought she was quite the mechanic. Made it in time for
our meeting, Yaroslav and I spoke and all listened well. After the
meeting went with Oleg and Ola for dinner again, this is their usual
tradition on Sundays, we had a good time.
Monday.
Visited Antonina, her son Victor was not there. I went to drop off the
prescriptions to her. As we started to talk she said to me I have the
answer, I said what answer? She said the one you told me to think about,
what will you do with God ( not quite what I said). She said to glorify
God and keep the commandments. I told her that was good. She asked if
it was wrong. I said not completely and shared God’s plan of salvation
with her. She listened well and hope it can speak to her heart!.
Then
met with a family that comes to the meetings and had a long talk about
salvation. Mikilo (the husband) asked questions, like how do you know
if the bible’s origins are true, I would try to explain then he would
ask, how do you know the writers were true, then he would ask how do you
know if the translation was true. I did what I could to make it
understandable, maybe it helped? They then asked for help to buy a
tester that measures your blood sugar level.
Tuesday.
Had our meeting today and it went well. After the meeting boxes came
in with two wheel chairs and two walkers from Lance-Au-Loup, a thank you
to them for their care!
Wednesday. Made
a visit with Luba to see that young lady in the institution for the
mentally ill here in Ivano. While there the head doctor seem interested
in us so I ask to talked to her and she welcome us into her office. We
talked about the young lady and had a mutual interest in wanting to
help her. There is a lot of red tape that makes it difficult for her to
get help but her mother might just be the biggest problem. After talking
to the doctor we had a good talk with the young lady and gave her a few
more bible materials and a hymn book. She use to come regularly when we
had the time when we practiced singing hymns and enjoyed very much. I
hope this will help her while she is in there to look to God and trust
in his salvation plan! Please continue to pray, much help is needed
in our visitations and in each of our local meetings,
Thank You!!! In Christ our Lord,
Dan
Dan's Report No 5
Dan #5 Report
Monday 13th of May 2013)
I
did some errands in the morning then made a visit with one of the
ladies and her son that come to the meetings. I had a good visit as we
talked about our health; many here are on some kind of medication and
there is always a need for prescription drugs though I am not in support
of all these prescriptions that they take. I do know some are very
important for maintaining some measure of health. We also talked about
spiritual things and I left them as I did with some others with this
question, what will you do with Jesus?
I
then sorted some boxes with Svetlana in the evening. On Sunday Yaroslav
told us that his son’s wife had a baby girl last night, we all
congratulated him!
Tuesday
we had our evening meeting, Yaroslav and I spoke. It went well and all
listened well. It was also good to see Andrei out, this was the first
time I had seen him since I got back; he was the father in-law of Vadym
our old interpreter.
Wednesday)
I went to visit Andrei at his work, he left right after the meeting and
I didn’t get time to talk with him last night. He told me he was in
the hospital for ten days and found out two things, he needs an
operation and he has diabetes. He needs to take some pills for his
diabetes and is not very happy about it. He thought this was the worst
thing that can happen to him but then he told me that in the bed next to
him was a man that was in worst condition and he thought to himself
that what he had was not that bad after all.
Today
I meet with Andrei at the charity, for the first day of his English
class after their Easter celebration. We waited ten minute after the
time and no one came so he went to plan B and I had a Ukrainian lesson,
my first one since I got back.
Thursday)
Visited a lady named Maria. She has serious diabetes and cannot walk
too well or for long but this never stops her from cooking something
when we visit her. I always tell her not to cook for me but she just
says “ sit and eat”. Then we went to visit Vitalic (Yaroslav’s son) and
his wife Mariana at the hospital and saw their new baby girl. I talked
with them about the importance of having a child and that it was their
greatest investment with eternal consequences. Then we talked about
God’s plan of salvation. They listened very carefully and can see
somehow that the Lord was speaking to their hearts!
Then
we had our new Thursday meeting. It was small again, just five of us
and this time the whole meeting was spoken in English with no
interpretation. At this meeting we talked about God’s love that all the
peoples of the world experience while here on earth and the love of God
that fewer people will experience that comes through the way of the
Cross, one is temporal and the other eternal. They once again listened
very carefully and the meeting went very well, with all thanks to our
great God!
Friday)
I did some errands in the morning then got the van read to go to Lviv.
The van will be traded in for another van that is a couple of years
newer. Had plans to meet with Edmond and Agnes before meeting but left
Ivano later than expected so will go straight to the hall. There were
some improvements on the road but still took over two and a half hour
drive. A good number out to the bible reading, they are in John 17, The
High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. Many good things were brought out. One
of the things in the prayer is the Unity that Jesus prayed for in his
church(people). I would hope that unity would be as important to each
one of us that are part of his church as it was to our Lord!
Please continue to pray, Than You All!
In Christ our Lord
Dan
Dan's Report No 3
Dan #3 Report.
Sunday the 5th of May 2013
Had our meeting but a small number were out some told me ahead of time
that they will be away, I understood that others would be away for the
Paska Holliday( Easter). This time is also a time where many go out to
the fields to plant their crops so never sure how many will be out.
After
the meeting we went to visit Natalie who has MS. She was able to talk
but cannot move and it looks like the MS is progressing. Her mother was
there and an orphan girl in her teens that the mother is trying to
adopt. They reminded me that I have been visiting them now for three
years and started to talk about our differences and said, Malcolm like
to laugh, Howard is calm, Louie shows much kindness and me they said,
I’m like one of them; not sure what this means but one of my purposes is
to blend in with the people in order to reach out to the people, I’m
hoping their comment was on the positive side?
Monday. Met with Oleg and Olah and their Son Taras and his wife Ivana( they are still in their first year of marriage). Being a holiday both Oleg and Olah were not working so they invited me to go with them outside of town to a new restaurant and hotel. The food was good and not too expensive this is always a plus .The place was very modern and had private booths on the lake where we ate, they also had a cage with many parrots and a large cage with dear, peacocks and other animals it was a nice place.
When
we got back to town in the evening I tried to visit this lady who
cannot hear so well to drop off the prescription but once again she was
either not at home or could not hear the doorbell?
Tuesday. I was invited to Andrei’s house for some coffee and tea. He runs a charity in the center of Ivano. I meet his wife and two girls; they seem like a very nice family. His oldest girl is part of an exchange program and spends part of autumn in Germany and in the spring a German student spends part of the spring with them. Andrei can speak German fluently.
At
the charity he is having English lessons and asked if I can help with
his intermediate class which deals with conversational English and in
return he will start a Ukrainian class for me, I just may be the only
one there. It sounded like a good idea so we plan to start next week. He
is also a Christian and would like me to preach the gospel as part of
an English class to foreigners that can speak English but have no church
to go to. We will see how this develops! Had our evening meeting and
all listened well!
Wednesday. Made an appointment to visit one family in a town called Harushka, Howard and Malcolm visited them last month. I made the appointment later than I would like because Svetlana will be tutoring until late. Her last student cancelled but instead of visiting this family in Harushka I wanted to go to the lady who can’t hear well to give her this prescription. I do not know what it is for or how urgent she needs them, so we knocked and rang the doorbell (that no longer works anymore because we drained the battery). But as we were about to leave she opened the door, hurray! She was pleasantly surprised that we put the effort to meet with her and even bought the prescription for her. We then began to talk about salvation and the “prescription” for our soul. I ended with telling her the most important question that she will have to answer is “What will you do with Jesus?”. I told her just to think about this question. We then went to visit the family in Harushka and as we got there they had dinner prepared only for us, they ate earlier. Yuri the husband said to me, so what did you have for breakfast? As I tried to think what I had and said a few things to answer his question he then said , brothers in Christ ask this question to each other meaning our spiritual food. I felt like I was wearing donkey ears for not understanding what he meant. We talked about the Bible and the teaching of eternal security and having a sound mind. He then shared with me the situation he and his family are in, living with the unsaved mother in-law. Yuri and his wife Oksana are Christians but not the in-laws. He showed us the property that was bought on credit and he is slowly fixing it so that his family could move in as soon as possible; we were able to help with some funds for materials.
Thursday. I had an appointment for the Van today, the speedometer and odometer was not working. After waiting more than an hour they did a diagnostic and the only problem was one fuse, this was good news!
We
then made a visit to a place for the mentally ill here in Ivano. One
young lady that we know was put in there by her mother who, many think
that she should be in there, not her daughter. We went together with
Luba and Maria her daughter. Tania, Maria’s friend went with us, they
were all friends and neighbors to the young lady in the home. They all
came to the meetings many times. It was good to see her but not in that
condition, they put them all on some kind of drug to keep them calm and
they keep a watch on her so she does not escape. We brought a few things
for her and before leaving I told to her to read her bible to keep her
mind from flipping out! We plan on bringing her more bible materials.
We
then had our new Thursday meeting, it was small just four of us but all
spoke English and very little interpreting was done. I wanted to
interact with them but I did most of the talking and they were very
willing to listen! We talked about three of God’s attributes Love,
Holiness and Justice and how Jesus was the fulfillment of all of them
and that Jesus was the fulfillment of Truth and how Jesus fulfilled
God’s salvation plan, it was a good meeting I thought.
Friday.
Made plans with Vitalec,Yarolav’s son, to visit some orphanages and
give them onions that Yaroslav had grown and if he keeps them any
longer the onions will go bad. He wanted me to help deliver them to
these orphanages. We went to the village in the morning to pick up the
onions and met Hallya (Yaroslav’s wife) who knew where the orphanages
were. Hallya stayed behind as Vitalec and I loaded the van with ten
crates of onions and headed towards a town called Sniaten where four
orphanages were. Then we came back to the village and had a little
something to eat that Hallya prepared, Svetlana could not make it so my
only interpreter was my iPhone which was a great help! We loaded up the
van again with eight more crates of onions, now we headed back towards
Ivano. One orphanage was supposed to be on the way but after spending
much time to try to find it we found out that it was much further than
we thought and it was too late to go so we went on to Ivano and dropped
off half of the onions at a large school/orphanage in Ivano that I don’t
think we had ever been to. Then we took the rest to another orphanage
in Ivano that is run by nuns. They knew Vitalec and were happy to see
him and were very friendly. They were having dinner and invited us to
join them so we did. There are seven nuns and about thirty kids and some
adults that live there. There is no age limit to how long the kids
could stay, they can stay until they find a job or finish their
schooling or decide to leave. It is not a school, just a place where
they are being cared for. I think the Catholic Church bought the
building and may pay for some bills but for the food and clothing and
other supplies the nuns have to find donors. The two nuns that I talked
to were very nice and can speak five languages though English was the
least that they knew. After dinner they gave me a tour of the place and I
asked if it was possible to speak to the children some day? They told
me anytime I like just let them know.
Sunday.
Met with Andrei in the afternoon at the charity and was able to preach
the gospel to those that were there, they all listened well. Afterwards
they had a small English lessen that I sat through and saw a little of
the method that Andrei it trying to teach the people with, he said he
can teach me Ukrainian in six days? What an advertisement!
We
then had our meeting in the apartment and both Yaroslav and I spoke. I
mentioned how people come to meetings all their lives and everything
they hear comes in one ear and out the other, but those here that cannot
hear well don’t even get that far.
After the meeting went out with Oleg and Olah for dinner and had a good time together!
Pray for these local meetings, to strengthen what we do have and for wisdom to reach out to those who have not! Thank You All!
In Christ our Lord!
Dan
A
note from Dan and Malcolm. If anyone is talking to or communicating
with any of the people in Ukraine who we know, please do not mention
anything you read on these reports. Some of them are very private and
don’t seem to like the fact that letters or reports are sent around the
world. We try to hide things that are private matters that they may have
shared with us. Sometimes we share things that really need urgent
prayer.
Please accept this in the spirit it sent.
Thank you in Christ’s Name.
Spring 2013 - Report No 12
Report #12
Monday April 30th
The weather is still lovely but in need of rain now. A little shower today but not enough to wash the streets. We are glad to say that the roads are getting fixed in town and on some roads out of town, but not much progress on the road to Ivano, according to Dan.
Ruslan and I headed out to Yosopowichi to deliver two doors we had donated to the orphanage. One a metal one for the back door and a vinyl one for a store room. A local man will install them.
While we were there someone told us that a barn was burning on one of the properties in the village. A little boy had been playing with matches. Thankfully, only the building was lost, not any lives.
I came home and we had pilmene for supper. These are little pouches of pasta with meat inside. We eat them with smitana, a mild sour cream. Really very good.
Tuesday, my last full day, bright sunny and warm. Ruslan picked me up and we went to a large new Mall to get some school supplies for another internat named Veliky Lubin. This was the first orphanage I visited with Flo many years ago. It is now a beautiful place for mentally challenged children, both girls and boys. Some are not really orphans but have been placed here as their parents either didn’t want them or simply were unable to care for them.
They are well cared for now. I spoke briefly to them in the dining room after lunch. Some are able to read so can understand a simple message. We then went for tea with the director who has done a marvelous job with this place.
Then home for my last supper with Nadia, her mother and Misha a brother in the meeting who is single and lives in the same block.
I will not write again until I arrive home next Thursday. Thank you for your comments and prayers while we have been here. Don’t stop praying for Dan Perez who will be here for 2 months or more.
Monday April 30th
The weather is still lovely but in need of rain now. A little shower today but not enough to wash the streets. We are glad to say that the roads are getting fixed in town and on some roads out of town, but not much progress on the road to Ivano, according to Dan.
Ruslan and I headed out to Yosopowichi to deliver two doors we had donated to the orphanage. One a metal one for the back door and a vinyl one for a store room. A local man will install them.
While we were there someone told us that a barn was burning on one of the properties in the village. A little boy had been playing with matches. Thankfully, only the building was lost, not any lives.
I came home and we had pilmene for supper. These are little pouches of pasta with meat inside. We eat them with smitana, a mild sour cream. Really very good.
Tuesday, my last full day, bright sunny and warm. Ruslan picked me up and we went to a large new Mall to get some school supplies for another internat named Veliky Lubin. This was the first orphanage I visited with Flo many years ago. It is now a beautiful place for mentally challenged children, both girls and boys. Some are not really orphans but have been placed here as their parents either didn’t want them or simply were unable to care for them.
They are well cared for now. I spoke briefly to them in the dining room after lunch. Some are able to read so can understand a simple message. We then went for tea with the director who has done a marvelous job with this place.
Then home for my last supper with Nadia, her mother and Misha a brother in the meeting who is single and lives in the same block.
I will not write again until I arrive home next Thursday. Thank you for your comments and prayers while we have been here. Don’t stop praying for Dan Perez who will be here for 2 months or more.
Dan's Report No 2
Dan, Report #2
Wednesday the first of May. I had a visit with one of the ladies that have recently started to come to the meetings, her name is Tania. Howard and I visited her husband in the hospital last year. He had some disease in his foot and the doctor suggested amputation but he did not go through with it. He said to Howard and I, how will I work or find a job with one leg. He went on to tell us that he was in his early thirties and wanted to change his life. Well, this year he had to have the amputation. He and his wife Tania have two little girls a two and a half and a five year old. Had a good talk with her about salvation and she said she has learned a lot of thing about the bible since coming to the meetings.
Then I was invited to Ruslan and Anna’s house for coffee and tea, they both can speak English well and as soon as I sat at their table Ruslan said I have some questions and that began a long talk about salvation, the gathering together in an assembly and the accuracy of the scriptures. I believe Ruslan is a believer but is confused by many teachings he has learned thought his years as a Christian.
Thursday) We had our new Thursday meeting a few showed up and others that we called were out of town for the holidays. We had a good talk; one of the ladies said we need to do good because we are like God, I said but our good works cannot bring us to God. She then said if our good works will not bring us to God how can we come to God, thus the door was open to share of God’s wonderful plan of salvation and only hope this would speak to their hearts!
Friday) Friday was a sunny morning and I cleaned the van inside and out then did some errands and you guessed it, it started to rain and was on and off all night with lightning and thunder. During the evening there was a knock at the door and it was one of the men that come to the meetings. His name is Roman a 71 year old man that cannot hear well at all. His home life is not good and he often goes for long walks just to get away. The apartment here is one of his destinations. Though he cannot hear well or knows any English he seems to have the skills to communicate simple and difficult thoughts and after a half hour or more he left reluctantly.
Saturday) Luba and her daughter Maria came from her mother in-laws village (Sterra Lisets) to the apartment to drop off what is called Paska Bread or Easter Bread that her mother in-law made and wished me a happy Easter. Then I drove them home and the road to her house was one of the worst that I have driven on. Some of these pot holes were so deep that when one of the wheels is in the hole you can hear the bottom of the van touching the road, definitely one to avoid at all costs!
We then went to another lady’s house that comes to the meeting name Olah, she also can’t hear too well but I wanted to drop off some prescription that she needed. We rang the doorbell till I think the battery died out. Since she can’t hear very well we were not sure if she could not hear the doorbell or if she was not at home. No one came to the door so we will try again another day.
Please continue to pray for these meetings that the Lord will use it to bring forth fruits of salvation and for these visitations and for the few Christians that are here, that they may grow spiritually! Thank You!!
In Christ Our Lord!
Dan
Wednesday the first of May. I had a visit with one of the ladies that have recently started to come to the meetings, her name is Tania. Howard and I visited her husband in the hospital last year. He had some disease in his foot and the doctor suggested amputation but he did not go through with it. He said to Howard and I, how will I work or find a job with one leg. He went on to tell us that he was in his early thirties and wanted to change his life. Well, this year he had to have the amputation. He and his wife Tania have two little girls a two and a half and a five year old. Had a good talk with her about salvation and she said she has learned a lot of thing about the bible since coming to the meetings.
Then I was invited to Ruslan and Anna’s house for coffee and tea, they both can speak English well and as soon as I sat at their table Ruslan said I have some questions and that began a long talk about salvation, the gathering together in an assembly and the accuracy of the scriptures. I believe Ruslan is a believer but is confused by many teachings he has learned thought his years as a Christian.
Thursday) We had our new Thursday meeting a few showed up and others that we called were out of town for the holidays. We had a good talk; one of the ladies said we need to do good because we are like God, I said but our good works cannot bring us to God. She then said if our good works will not bring us to God how can we come to God, thus the door was open to share of God’s wonderful plan of salvation and only hope this would speak to their hearts!
Friday) Friday was a sunny morning and I cleaned the van inside and out then did some errands and you guessed it, it started to rain and was on and off all night with lightning and thunder. During the evening there was a knock at the door and it was one of the men that come to the meetings. His name is Roman a 71 year old man that cannot hear well at all. His home life is not good and he often goes for long walks just to get away. The apartment here is one of his destinations. Though he cannot hear well or knows any English he seems to have the skills to communicate simple and difficult thoughts and after a half hour or more he left reluctantly.
Saturday) Luba and her daughter Maria came from her mother in-laws village (Sterra Lisets) to the apartment to drop off what is called Paska Bread or Easter Bread that her mother in-law made and wished me a happy Easter. Then I drove them home and the road to her house was one of the worst that I have driven on. Some of these pot holes were so deep that when one of the wheels is in the hole you can hear the bottom of the van touching the road, definitely one to avoid at all costs!
We then went to another lady’s house that comes to the meeting name Olah, she also can’t hear too well but I wanted to drop off some prescription that she needed. We rang the doorbell till I think the battery died out. Since she can’t hear very well we were not sure if she could not hear the doorbell or if she was not at home. No one came to the door so we will try again another day.
Please continue to pray for these meetings that the Lord will use it to bring forth fruits of salvation and for these visitations and for the few Christians that are here, that they may grow spiritually! Thank You!!
In Christ Our Lord!
Dan
Dan's Report - No 1
Dan #1 for May 2 2013
Thursday the 25th) I made it back to Ukraine safe and sound with very little
problems, just a few strange looks that may have been because of the hair on my
face? I met Ruslan , Malcolm and Howard at the airport and made preparations to
visit a village about two hours away the same day, all went well! Stayed in Lviv
and tried to do more visitations till Sunday.
Sunday ) Met with the Saints for the remembrance of our Lord. Afterwards,
Howard was being taken to the airport for his trip back home and I was going to
Ivano-Frankivsk with Yaroslav and Luba (they took the bus to Lviv to make it for
meeting) for our meeting at five. We did make it on time three hours later, road
condition were the main reason for such a long trip!
A good number out to the meeting, I and Yaroslav spoke. Soon after my last visit
Yaroslav was received into fellowship in the Lviv assembly and looks like he is
doing well! I think it is great that the people here can hear and see a Ukrainian, one
of their own reaching out to them with the gospel message!
Monday) This week began the Orthodox Easter (Paska) celebration and schools
will be closed for two weeks; then after Easter they continue celebrating for forty
more days and greet one another with these words , “Christos vos Chrest” (Christ
is risen) and the reply is “Indeed He is risen”. Kind of a nice thing to do or say but
too bad there is no conversion with it.
I tried to organize things here in the apartment then went to visit Oleg at work and
had a good talk. Came back to the apartment and tried to fix the back door to the
van, can’t get it to open but my effort was unsuccessful so will take it in to see
what can be done. Throughout the day I have been texting Taras, the one that
works in the government building. He then came to the apartment in the evening
with his big German shepherd and I am thankful he is a trained dog! We had a long
talk together and he is still showing great interest in salvation. I shared with him
the justice of God and how we will have to pay a penalty for our sins if we do not
trust in the finish payment of the Cross of Christ. He did not seem to mind and said
he likes talking about this and would like to meet again but we made no plans.
Tuesday) Made plans to visit one of the ladies that comes to the meetings Lessia.
It seems that she and her son a five year old, a cute kid will be in the hospital for
some x-rays on the son’s lungs. So we went to the hospital but could not find her,
this is a children’s hospital where Tania works, she another lady that speaks
English and has come to the meeting in times past. Tania took the information to
try to find Lessia in the system but she could not. We tried calling her a few times
but no answer,, She did end up calling us back and we found out that we were in
the wrong hospital, oh-well , at least had an opportunity to invite Tania out to the new Thursday meeting! There is no visiting allowed not, even family members so she came out to talk with us. I talked with her about eternal things and eternal life and hope that her young son comes to know Christ at an early age!
We then had our evening meeting and Yaroslav and I spoke and I thought he did a good job as all seemed to listen very well!
Malcolm will be leaving this Wednesday back to Canada pray for his safety home and that God will bless their work that has been done while he and Howard were here! And please pray for this Taras who’s having soul trouble that his soul may find rest in Christ and that others here may find this same rest!
In Christ our Lord!
dan
Thursday the 25th) I made it back to Ukraine safe and sound with very little
problems, just a few strange looks that may have been because of the hair on my
face? I met Ruslan , Malcolm and Howard at the airport and made preparations to
visit a village about two hours away the same day, all went well! Stayed in Lviv
and tried to do more visitations till Sunday.
Sunday ) Met with the Saints for the remembrance of our Lord. Afterwards,
Howard was being taken to the airport for his trip back home and I was going to
Ivano-Frankivsk with Yaroslav and Luba (they took the bus to Lviv to make it for
meeting) for our meeting at five. We did make it on time three hours later, road
condition were the main reason for such a long trip!
A good number out to the meeting, I and Yaroslav spoke. Soon after my last visit
Yaroslav was received into fellowship in the Lviv assembly and looks like he is
doing well! I think it is great that the people here can hear and see a Ukrainian, one
of their own reaching out to them with the gospel message!
Monday) This week began the Orthodox Easter (Paska) celebration and schools
will be closed for two weeks; then after Easter they continue celebrating for forty
more days and greet one another with these words , “Christos vos Chrest” (Christ
is risen) and the reply is “Indeed He is risen”. Kind of a nice thing to do or say but
too bad there is no conversion with it.
I tried to organize things here in the apartment then went to visit Oleg at work and
had a good talk. Came back to the apartment and tried to fix the back door to the
van, can’t get it to open but my effort was unsuccessful so will take it in to see
what can be done. Throughout the day I have been texting Taras, the one that
works in the government building. He then came to the apartment in the evening
with his big German shepherd and I am thankful he is a trained dog! We had a long
talk together and he is still showing great interest in salvation. I shared with him
the justice of God and how we will have to pay a penalty for our sins if we do not
trust in the finish payment of the Cross of Christ. He did not seem to mind and said
he likes talking about this and would like to meet again but we made no plans.
Tuesday) Made plans to visit one of the ladies that comes to the meetings Lessia.
It seems that she and her son a five year old, a cute kid will be in the hospital for
some x-rays on the son’s lungs. So we went to the hospital but could not find her,
this is a children’s hospital where Tania works, she another lady that speaks
English and has come to the meeting in times past. Tania took the information to
try to find Lessia in the system but she could not. We tried calling her a few times
but no answer,, She did end up calling us back and we found out that we were in
the wrong hospital, oh-well , at least had an opportunity to invite Tania out to the new Thursday meeting! There is no visiting allowed not, even family members so she came out to talk with us. I talked with her about eternal things and eternal life and hope that her young son comes to know Christ at an early age!
We then had our evening meeting and Yaroslav and I spoke and I thought he did a good job as all seemed to listen very well!
Malcolm will be leaving this Wednesday back to Canada pray for his safety home and that God will bless their work that has been done while he and Howard were here! And please pray for this Taras who’s having soul trouble that his soul may find rest in Christ and that others here may find this same rest!
In Christ our Lord!
dan
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Spring 2013 - Report #11
Report #11
Friday, April 26th.
Ruslan did not plan for me or Howard and Dan to rest. We loaded about 5 or 6 boxes in the van, went to our (and Flo’s) favourite super market and bought food items for about20 families in Holovesko in the Carpathian Mountains. We love to go there as the people are very receptive to the gospel being preached. The poverty of this area has to be seen to be believed. We met Natalia, our first contact and convert in this village. She teaches English to about 100 students and has just started teaching from grade 1. We met at her sister Era’s home that has 14 children. While we ate some lunch the people started to come from all around, all walking of course.
When it seemed most had arrived, about 30 with the children, they sat on the bank and I preached for about 15 minutes. Then we took the boxes out and put them on the ground for them to go through. It is quite a sight as they take and swap with others for size or colour. When they have finished selecting clothes we start giving out the food according to how many children in the home. We bring flour, rice, cooking oil, pasta, tea, and other things. Ruslan is very good at this, Flora taught him well.
We had two special families of very old poor people that we took bags of product to. We said farewell to Natalia and her 6 year old daughter and headed home. We found a nice small pizza cafe that had a full menu. We had chicken or pork steak and French fries and some had nice chicken salads and bread and juices for $7.00 each.
And so home to Flo’s apartment. Lubchick was working so Nadia stayed at her mother’s home with Vitali. Howard and Dan slept in Vitali’s room as the main living room is full of boxes right to the door, waiting to be sorted and taken to villages and homes.
Saturday.
Nothing planned out of town today. Ruslan tried to contact two families we wanted to visit but both were in their villages planting gardens. The countryside is full of people planting potatoes in their garden plots. It is quite a sight.
We went to one lady, named Maria’s home in the centre of town. She has 5 children and lives in a small living room and a kitchen. They sleep on two couches that pull out into beds that fill the room completely. She was in the village putting in garden but one teen age daughter was home, so we left a big bag of clothes. Several of the children come to meeting. One boy, who has been in the military got save over a year ago and is a very nice young lad.
We went into the market near Maria’s home, as Ruslan wanted to show Dan a shop where they had good suits on sale for $60. Dan was not really looking but Ruslan was! Anyway, he got a very nice tan colored summer suit and shirt and tie for I think a little over $60. He looked very sharp in meeting on Sunday morning. After the shopping spree, we went over to Volodia’s home and after examining his major renovation job in progress, we went to meet a lady and her daughter for supper. You will remember our visits to Petriliv or Peter Village, well this lady is the daughter of the school principal from the school in the village.
Howard had met the lady before and wanted to meet her again. We found out she and her husband were both doctors and she was going to open her own practice shortly. She was a very nice woman but not saved yet.
We came home and got ready for Sunday, Howards last day here.
Sunday.
I prepared a good breakfast for Howard’s last meal. (Sounds as if he was being executed today!) I had bought bacon so bacon and eggs it was.
There were a nice number at meeting and Howard and Dan gave good words of ministry following. Then a cold lunch and Howard was off to the airport, and Dan left for Ivano.
I came back to the apartment and planned to have a nap and then go for a walk with the family. The nap lasted an hour and it had started to rain, so Lubchick and Vitali went alone.
Misha had supper with us and we had some good conversation over scripture. I then relaxed for the evening.
God bless and thank you, everyone who has prayed for us while we were and still are here.
Malcolm, Howard and Dan.
Friday, April 26th.
Ruslan did not plan for me or Howard and Dan to rest. We loaded about 5 or 6 boxes in the van, went to our (and Flo’s) favourite super market and bought food items for about20 families in Holovesko in the Carpathian Mountains. We love to go there as the people are very receptive to the gospel being preached. The poverty of this area has to be seen to be believed. We met Natalia, our first contact and convert in this village. She teaches English to about 100 students and has just started teaching from grade 1. We met at her sister Era’s home that has 14 children. While we ate some lunch the people started to come from all around, all walking of course.
When it seemed most had arrived, about 30 with the children, they sat on the bank and I preached for about 15 minutes. Then we took the boxes out and put them on the ground for them to go through. It is quite a sight as they take and swap with others for size or colour. When they have finished selecting clothes we start giving out the food according to how many children in the home. We bring flour, rice, cooking oil, pasta, tea, and other things. Ruslan is very good at this, Flora taught him well.
We had two special families of very old poor people that we took bags of product to. We said farewell to Natalia and her 6 year old daughter and headed home. We found a nice small pizza cafe that had a full menu. We had chicken or pork steak and French fries and some had nice chicken salads and bread and juices for $7.00 each.
And so home to Flo’s apartment. Lubchick was working so Nadia stayed at her mother’s home with Vitali. Howard and Dan slept in Vitali’s room as the main living room is full of boxes right to the door, waiting to be sorted and taken to villages and homes.
Saturday.
Nothing planned out of town today. Ruslan tried to contact two families we wanted to visit but both were in their villages planting gardens. The countryside is full of people planting potatoes in their garden plots. It is quite a sight.
We went to one lady, named Maria’s home in the centre of town. She has 5 children and lives in a small living room and a kitchen. They sleep on two couches that pull out into beds that fill the room completely. She was in the village putting in garden but one teen age daughter was home, so we left a big bag of clothes. Several of the children come to meeting. One boy, who has been in the military got save over a year ago and is a very nice young lad.
We went into the market near Maria’s home, as Ruslan wanted to show Dan a shop where they had good suits on sale for $60. Dan was not really looking but Ruslan was! Anyway, he got a very nice tan colored summer suit and shirt and tie for I think a little over $60. He looked very sharp in meeting on Sunday morning. After the shopping spree, we went over to Volodia’s home and after examining his major renovation job in progress, we went to meet a lady and her daughter for supper. You will remember our visits to Petriliv or Peter Village, well this lady is the daughter of the school principal from the school in the village.
Howard had met the lady before and wanted to meet her again. We found out she and her husband were both doctors and she was going to open her own practice shortly. She was a very nice woman but not saved yet.
We came home and got ready for Sunday, Howards last day here.
Sunday.
I prepared a good breakfast for Howard’s last meal. (Sounds as if he was being executed today!) I had bought bacon so bacon and eggs it was.
There were a nice number at meeting and Howard and Dan gave good words of ministry following. Then a cold lunch and Howard was off to the airport, and Dan left for Ivano.
I came back to the apartment and planned to have a nap and then go for a walk with the family. The nap lasted an hour and it had started to rain, so Lubchick and Vitali went alone.
Misha had supper with us and we had some good conversation over scripture. I then relaxed for the evening.
God bless and thank you, everyone who has prayed for us while we were and still are here.
Malcolm, Howard and Dan.
Spring 2013 - Report #10
Report #10.
Monday 22nd
This letter is being written on the train from Lviv to Simferopol. The train does not go to Sevastopol but is about 1 ½ hours From Simferopol. The reason for coming here is that a young man Vitali, who was in the Christian school in Tyumen in Siberia, is saved and live in Sevastopol. His daughter is in the Christian school in that city and he wants me to visit them in the school and to speak to the students and the staff. Also the school needs some help as they have only been open for 2 years, and as I had a similar school for almost 30 years, maybe I can help. The Principal has invited me, all expenses paid.
I am very comfortable in my own compartment and it takes 24 hours to get there so should have no problem sleeping. I woke at about 5am and could not sleep any more. There was a stretch of rail that must have been like the road to Ivano as the carriage rocked and banged for a couple of hours. The last part to Simferopol was as smith as silk.
Tuesday 23rd.
I got up and washed in my apartment and was dressed and ready at about 7am. I went and ordered a coffee and the lady “commandant” of the carriage brought it for me. I gave her a tip and she seemed thrilled.
Vitali phoned at 9am and said he was at the station and the train pulled in at 15 minutes after 9. It took us 1 ½ hours to get to the school in Sevastopol. It was a nice ride through hilly country. We went straight to the school and were introduced to the 9 staff of ladies. They have 32 students who seem to be very happy with the school. I did a walk through and then spoke to the kids and then had an hour and a half with the staff. They thought it was very profitable.
I’m home with Vitali and his wife Sasha and 3 lovely children. We spent the evening looking at pictures and getting a acquainted. They are a lovely Christian family.
So much for the day, will be back on the train at 12:15am. Tomorrow.
Wednesday 24th
Well I had a good night’s sleep, I only woke once when I hear some drunks singing somewhere. They didn’t sing long but they were loud. Vitali and Sasha have an old refurbished apartment in a “gated” block with automatic iron gates. Sasha is very sweet and a great mother and a super cook. They are very health conscious and eat mostly organic foods but very well prepared. We had a salmon steak for supper. We were up for breakfast at 7am. The first time I have eaten millet serial! A little bit grainy. As I was not to leave until 12:15pm, we went for a tour of the bay and saw some of the Russian war- ships docked there. We also saw some Russian sailors in town. Vitali says they are no problem in the city.
Sevastopol is an absolutely lovely city. Clean and spacious with beautiful gardens, still not in full bloom but blooming. Massive fountains going to music and tourists everywhere in little groups with an interpreter. We were going to go on a tour of the bay on a boat but found out that it would take too much time, as it was 1 ½ hours back to the train. It was a good thing we did not stay longer, as we got stopped for speeding in a little town and they took about 20 minutes to do the paperwork. It cost him $30. Then we got into Simferopol and the police had a diversion for some reason and we had to go right through the old part of town. We got to the station at 11:55 and went to McDonald’s right at the station for a coffee and muffin to have on the train. I got on the train with 5 minutes to spare. Scary or what.
I have a man in my apartment with me who was not going all the way but over half way, I think. He is very nice and had his lunch of smoked pork, bread and spring onion tips. He was determined that I share his pork and greens. I did, to make him happy and it was good, along with my berry muffin!!
I had to charge my computer and was able to do it on the train. While it was charging I started to communicate with the man whose name is Yaroslav. I found out he is a retired military helicopter pilot. We managed to get a lot of things communicated but he does not speak a word of English. Then another man came in who had obviously had some drink at some time but was very friendly, however he got frustrated at not being able to ask the right questions so phoned his wife, who happens to be and English teacher. He gave me the phone and we talked for about 5 minutes and she then told him what we talked about. Talk about confusing.
The sun is about down and it is almost 8 pm. I don’t feel tired yet but will hang on as long as possible. Still have 16 hours left ! I slept well until 6am when the train stopped at a station. Washed and ate breakfast of crackers and cheese at 7am. A bright sunny morning. We just stopped at a city where Hitler had an underground bunker. Yaroslav said Hitler came there several times.
We arrived in at exactly the right time. Ruslan and Howard were at the train station to meet me; then we went straight to the airport to pick up Dan who was just walking through the door when we got there.
We went to have a little lunch and then gave some funds for the doctor at Strei whose wife has just had open heart surgery in Lviv. She is still in recovery but is very weak. Please remember Maria in your prayers.
More than enough for this epistle. Malcolm, Howard & Dan
Monday 22nd
This letter is being written on the train from Lviv to Simferopol. The train does not go to Sevastopol but is about 1 ½ hours From Simferopol. The reason for coming here is that a young man Vitali, who was in the Christian school in Tyumen in Siberia, is saved and live in Sevastopol. His daughter is in the Christian school in that city and he wants me to visit them in the school and to speak to the students and the staff. Also the school needs some help as they have only been open for 2 years, and as I had a similar school for almost 30 years, maybe I can help. The Principal has invited me, all expenses paid.
I am very comfortable in my own compartment and it takes 24 hours to get there so should have no problem sleeping. I woke at about 5am and could not sleep any more. There was a stretch of rail that must have been like the road to Ivano as the carriage rocked and banged for a couple of hours. The last part to Simferopol was as smith as silk.
Tuesday 23rd.
I got up and washed in my apartment and was dressed and ready at about 7am. I went and ordered a coffee and the lady “commandant” of the carriage brought it for me. I gave her a tip and she seemed thrilled.
Vitali phoned at 9am and said he was at the station and the train pulled in at 15 minutes after 9. It took us 1 ½ hours to get to the school in Sevastopol. It was a nice ride through hilly country. We went straight to the school and were introduced to the 9 staff of ladies. They have 32 students who seem to be very happy with the school. I did a walk through and then spoke to the kids and then had an hour and a half with the staff. They thought it was very profitable.
I’m home with Vitali and his wife Sasha and 3 lovely children. We spent the evening looking at pictures and getting a acquainted. They are a lovely Christian family.
So much for the day, will be back on the train at 12:15am. Tomorrow.
Wednesday 24th
Well I had a good night’s sleep, I only woke once when I hear some drunks singing somewhere. They didn’t sing long but they were loud. Vitali and Sasha have an old refurbished apartment in a “gated” block with automatic iron gates. Sasha is very sweet and a great mother and a super cook. They are very health conscious and eat mostly organic foods but very well prepared. We had a salmon steak for supper. We were up for breakfast at 7am. The first time I have eaten millet serial! A little bit grainy. As I was not to leave until 12:15pm, we went for a tour of the bay and saw some of the Russian war- ships docked there. We also saw some Russian sailors in town. Vitali says they are no problem in the city.
Sevastopol is an absolutely lovely city. Clean and spacious with beautiful gardens, still not in full bloom but blooming. Massive fountains going to music and tourists everywhere in little groups with an interpreter. We were going to go on a tour of the bay on a boat but found out that it would take too much time, as it was 1 ½ hours back to the train. It was a good thing we did not stay longer, as we got stopped for speeding in a little town and they took about 20 minutes to do the paperwork. It cost him $30. Then we got into Simferopol and the police had a diversion for some reason and we had to go right through the old part of town. We got to the station at 11:55 and went to McDonald’s right at the station for a coffee and muffin to have on the train. I got on the train with 5 minutes to spare. Scary or what.
I have a man in my apartment with me who was not going all the way but over half way, I think. He is very nice and had his lunch of smoked pork, bread and spring onion tips. He was determined that I share his pork and greens. I did, to make him happy and it was good, along with my berry muffin!!
I had to charge my computer and was able to do it on the train. While it was charging I started to communicate with the man whose name is Yaroslav. I found out he is a retired military helicopter pilot. We managed to get a lot of things communicated but he does not speak a word of English. Then another man came in who had obviously had some drink at some time but was very friendly, however he got frustrated at not being able to ask the right questions so phoned his wife, who happens to be and English teacher. He gave me the phone and we talked for about 5 minutes and she then told him what we talked about. Talk about confusing.
The sun is about down and it is almost 8 pm. I don’t feel tired yet but will hang on as long as possible. Still have 16 hours left ! I slept well until 6am when the train stopped at a station. Washed and ate breakfast of crackers and cheese at 7am. A bright sunny morning. We just stopped at a city where Hitler had an underground bunker. Yaroslav said Hitler came there several times.
We arrived in at exactly the right time. Ruslan and Howard were at the train station to meet me; then we went straight to the airport to pick up Dan who was just walking through the door when we got there.
We went to have a little lunch and then gave some funds for the doctor at Strei whose wife has just had open heart surgery in Lviv. She is still in recovery but is very weak. Please remember Maria in your prayers.
More than enough for this epistle. Malcolm, Howard & Dan
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