Eric Fowler's report from Ukraine #10

Eric Fowler's #10 report from Ukraine.

 March 27th

The Morning came early, but we had a little read and time together before the Day.
Prov. 3:5-6. a verse I learned early in my Christian life came before me in the past days......
 TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL THY HEART ; AND LEAN NOT UNTO THY  OWN UNDERSTANDING. in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.

Loaded the cases and boxes  for the Hospital, with 24 bags done up special for mothers that just
had a new baby. This was done by the Ladies in Welland ON. We went to the Hospital and meet the head Dr. and got permission to go see the new born babies and their moms. We brought the  special white sheets for the Dr. for the OR unit. He was so happy to get them.
The Head nurse came and got us and we did 22 visits.  We had great response. They we all very
 happy to receive the gift.  One couple wanted to know why we do it.  One wanted us to take pictures and bring to them. We brought a children's Bible story books and a New Testament and a text in bag as well.
 The nurse was the one that took us around the other two years. She was very very kind and for
very  first time served coffee after the visits in her office.  We left the suitcase with the nurse as we do every year. We had medicine that we left with her as well as extra baby clothing that we had left over.
We went to bank and changed money but our dollar value is going up every day. today 885R for  our $100.  Gas prices soaring up and up as well as food prices. Business is getting smaller as   things are not getting into the country. 
We meet Nicoli at hospital,  the man who has been coming to meeting every night since we came. He is connected to the Amish and has good understanding of the scripture.  He is to fly to
Russia, Siberia in fact so I got the address for him in Sugut and talked to Victor.  He would like to be baptized and seemed to get settled on Salvation from the meetings. Trust he will be a little encouragement to Victor in Sugut when he gets there.  Had a nice talk to him three ladies were in the apartment to get clothing.

Our time is going fast here and we need the locals to come and get clothing.

I had to retire early after supper as the pace is catching up to me. Missed meeting but nice to have a good night just to rest. Tomorrow we will go to Lviv to a baptism . Sasha stayed with us which is nice as I think he is troubled. It would be nice to see him get saved for sure. Volodia is a good help to him in interpreting and they are so good working together .

March   28th
Again the Morning came to early. Prepared for the day with a good breakfast again made by my wife. Volodia is enjoying the treatment, he lives alone in Lviv as his mom is away working.    Went to Market and got key for Oleg's store house and got New Testaments as we will take some to the Mountains Monday is we go.  Got gas along the way. Gas prices going up every day at an extreme  rate.  Checked tires as one leaking since we got summer tires changed a day or so ago.  Picked up pampers and went and visited Natalia. She is a Christian Girl with MS in wheelchair.  Had nice visit with her and her mom.

Then went back got things to leave for LVIV. Picked up Luba along the way so she will go with us. The drive to Lviv is about 3 hours still  as road is still bad.   Got there time to change into
 our suits. The baptism went well some came from Lusk assembly. About 24 of us all together.
Olya a young girl got baptized her dad is in the meeting and her mom died two years ago.
We had a meal after the Baptism which was done in a large Baptist church. They have a tank in the building which they rent to us when we want it for a baptism. There were a few there  there we would love to see baptized.
The Day is over and we are tired. Value highly your prayers as we know war movements are
on the horizon for sure, when is the question.

In Christ by Faith and Grace
   Eric and Margie Fowler

Malcolm’s note.

Will try to put pictures on Blog of the baptism.

                       

Eric Fowler report #9 March 26th

Eric Fowler report #9 March 26th

Great to have access to the Power of out eternal God. OMNIPRESENT, OMNIPOTENT,  GOD.

We had breakfast, read and prayed for the day ahead. “Prayer is the sincere desire, hidden or unexpressed. The motion of a hidden fire that trembles in the breast”.

It's a dark cloud over the Ukraine for sure. A few days ago there was a shooting of one of the main men in the Revolution in lviv. Four men dressed in black did it. Russia is saying that Julia Timoshenko, the lady who was let out of Prison had the American's do it. Heavy propaganda.

Morning came early, thankfully we had loaded some things last night for mentally challenged men's home in Snyatin. We went one way and came back another way, a 2 hours drive.  The head man there, Michael gave us a good welcome. His help from Government is $0 very sad for sure. The enemy knows where we are and knows what we are doing for sure. He said he had bad news, we were not able to speak to people as 4 inspectors was in from Government. They do it every three years and turned up 1/2 hour before us unannounced.

When we went to hospital yesterday inspectors were there also and the Dr. couldn't let us go on floor and visit ladies. So the Devil is at work in so many different ways. We left all the things we had and made an appointment to return. We stopped along way and ate and gave out some New Testaments and tracts.

We had Sasha call for appointment to visit Natalia the Sister with MS. We got the size of Pampers for her and will visit on Friday. Then we visited Andrei at work. We called him last week and he never came to meeting. Today he told us he was sick then but he came to meeting tonight. He has three daughters and two of them

have come to meeting over the years.

We came home and the Dr. from the invalid Hospital called and so we went and met him and gave the wheelchair and walkers we had here. 5 nurses and the Dr. met us and were so happy for the help.

The meeting was nice with 35 in tonight. The biggest since we came. Some of the regulars are missing as holidays and gardens are started.

The news here shows Russian tanks moving to the Ukraine Border in the Crimean. Someone took a picture by Iphone. Well well!

PRAY MY BRETHERN PRAY. The food conditions here are getting worse. Our dollar went to 9.00R today. We bought more food for people. The prices are rising every day on food and Gas.

What will ever happen to the whole country?

 One Soul is worth more than the whole world and that why we are here, SOULS.

Eric and Margie Fowler in Ivano Frankisk

Eric Fowler Report #8 March 24th and 25th.

Eric Fowler Report # 8 March 24^th  and 25^th

March  24th
Pray without ceasing. The need for prayer was never greater. 
Monday had to start without Rene as he will fly today to Canada.  It was truly great to have him here for the week of Gospel meetings. We are now going on for 3 extra days as the numbers are keep up good. We spent time in reading and prayer and then the day began. We went to Antanina and had a visit, she is a faithful attendee for sure. She would like to have her gas stove fixed for sure, as the buttons leak gas and often catch on fire. She had a nice apple cake cooked for us.  She is poor but very clean in her place.
 We spent some time with her and then went to shop for a shower unit for school in Peter's village. Children come there that have no shower at home and some with very little water in the village and this gives problem at school .They will need a hot water tank there for sure but for now will get shower. They just  have out-side toilets and shower would be plus. We also bought cleaning products for a mens home and we will go there on Wednesday. Soap to clean floors, clothing and hand soap. They have 225 men there and the need is great.
That took some time and then home for prepare for meeting as now I will be alone. We had 27 out tonight, this was great and Lord gave help.  We are renting a nice place and in the center of town.   

 March 25th
Thanks again for all who pray. Today is a day the Lord has made let us rejoice in it.
We arose little early to meet the Head Dr. in hospital to get permission to visit mothers who just had their babies. We meet him at 9 o'clock  and left him a  box of sheets for hospital.
Had nice visit and told him about the operating table we have on the way to come here for him.
He was very happy as he said  the one he has now is very very old and often breaks down.
Value your prayer for this, as it is held up it Toronto to be shipped. The inspectors were in from
the Government and he couldn't let us go on the floors. We were to go back at 1 but again the inspectors were still there ... so it would have to be another day.  We had some wheelchairs here and he gave us the number of another hospital that needed them worse.

Sasha and Volodia went and changed tires as we still had winter tires on and no snow for a month.  Had to get one rim fixed for it was bent from hitting a hole in the pavement, and that isn't hard with the cruel road.  One has to drive so careful and high speeds aren’t very wise.
 Then we went and had a dinner with a very poor lady, Marica, who has been coming to meetings since 2005. She has a daughter and one son. The son was there and had nice visit with him for sure. Her mom 75 years old, was there to and she was very. Wanted to hear us talk and asked many questions.

Came back to apartment and had to take things out for hospital and reload van for the Old people’s home tomorrow; another man's home for 225 men. We bought things need yesterday for it.
We had a poor couple with three children come in and pick out clothing for children and themselves. He is the man with leg of just below his knee.  He would like to have an artificial leg  to be able to walk. He gets around on walking sticks,  he is strong and can do it. Out to meetings very often but it must be hard.
Then the meeting.  25 were out again, one new lady tonight.  It rained tonight so some          would be away for that reason and then garden work has started and that takes one out of the city.
It is hard to see the poor getting poorer with less and less. One could see how many could die from this crises.
The Dr. said at the Hospital that it was hard to work under the budget before but now no budget at all; he was very sad. 

  60,000 have been called to train for war and news say that 100,000 Russian army are in Crimea or at the Border. What a blood bath it will be if it starts. This is a crises time for sure as we may never be back to Ukraine.

Now home to rest, very tired for sure. We found 2 more boxes of sheets, white ones special for hospital, sent in by some of the ladies in Welland, Ontario. They are worth their weight in Gold.  They came from a Motel.

We spent time opening boxes.  I t was great when we had Marica and he mom opening boxes and putting things on the shelves. But that isn't done now so it causes us to do a lot of extra work.  The boxes which we are opening have things greatly needed. Things for school, Medicine needed and clothing, blankets, towels, face cloths and much much more.
Thanks to all for the hard work at home bases in Canada and the USA for the kindness in the boxes.

 Eric and Margie Fowler
 Ivano Frankisk

PS from Malcolm.

 Rene had a good flight home and is now getting ready for a big winter storm. Left Ivano in         + 20C and arrived home in -20C.

Eric Fowler report #7 March 22 and 23.

Eric Fowler report #7 for March 22^nd and 23^rd.            

 March 22
Today is the tenth day since we left home. It's Saturday  and the morning here we are to do some catch up work. Done some washing  and cleaning around the place. Done some extra reading and
we read our daily Proverb and some time in prayer.  The sun came in bright and before day was over, it was +23C. It seems to be quite across the nation. More corruption has shown up and is extreme. One man, head of electricity, had 6 million in cash and 100lb of pure gold. So sad when people are starving.
We went to Svetlana's parents and had  noon meal with them.   Her dad was home and this is my
very full visit with him. His name Urey and her name Louisa. He is Jewish. Had a nice visit and got chance to ask him to meeting. He didn't say no but just asked what address we were at.  It was nice to see their other daughter, she was very nice. We were there until it was time to come and prepare for meeting.

There were a nice number in for the weekend being a holiday weekend. Then we went to Oleg and Ola's for visit. We ate again! All day eating.  It wasn't a good visit, I can't understand where Oleg comes from in his conversation some time. It would be good to have him have a more interest in the meetings. His son Sasha came to the breaking of Bread and sang through the meeting. I t would be great to see this young man get saved. Volodia spoke to him some on the drive there and he said he wasn't on the narrow road yet.

Sunday   March 23
Up very early and away over the very messy road. Unbelievable for a main highway.

The meeting went well and Rene spoke for his last Lord's day after 3 months here. He was greatly appreciated his faithful witness and confidence in God to be a great support  in time of crises.  He spoke on the word of God and its great value. It is our Food and great preservative  in difficult days.

Then the long drive home over the same road.  Yaraslav and Luba dos well to go each Lord's  by  bus as it's 4 hours by bus  and over the same nasty  road . 
We had a little rest and then a short time to do extra preparation. The crowd was great with a new one out, we had 26 out altogether.  This was good for a long weekend and such good weather.   Now home at the apartment and for sure very tired.

 Will rest and start at 10:30 in the morning taking clothing and apples to the small Orphanage here in town .

                      Good night.

Eric and Margie   Fowler ..... Now without Rene Sampson.

Report #6 from Eric Fowler for March 21st.

Report #6 from Eric Fowler For March  21^st.

 The Morning was bright and great to see the sunbeams come through the window.  The day will
be warm reporting to be in the 20'sC. This will be great since  leaving 6 feet of snow in Canada.
We loaded the van late last night to go to  Peter's village this morning, about 45 Min from Ivano.  We will go to the school there as we are always very welcome there. 

  It was great to open boxes from Pugwash Nova Scotia and find school things. It is very encouraging to see an exercise to send what is needed here.
That need is growing every day. 1300 Ukrainians has turned up at the Border in Poland. The
Polish authorities called Ukraine Authorities as to what to do. They were told that if they wanted them, to take them. They were fleeing the disturbance in Crimea.  

We took boxes for children, men and woman in Peters village, as all needed at the school.
Sasha our interpreter came and we left at nine. We left and are to be back at Yaroslav’s for  supper.
 Nicolai came too, a man who has been coming to meetings for all week. It was good to have a little extra time with him. He is a sports trainer. We trust he soon will find Christ, his back ground is Amish.
We had a nice time at the school. They were so happy we came. They said when all the teachers  were talking in staff room in morning we called and were so happy.
The school is with no funds from Government and some relatives called up to train for war movements,  the atmosphere  is very somber, it shows on the faces of all. The workers in the cafeteria was asking what we did to the principle as she is smiling. Nice when we can just put a little happiness in the heart of some.  We spoke to about 35 five children  and 15 teachers and workers.  They always listen so well.

We came back into town and visited a very poor family and took clothing and toys for the children. The man has lost his leg of just below his knee. He was out to the first 4 meetings but his wife started work and couldn't come the past few nights.  The children was asking when will uncle Eric come, he always brings us nice gifts.  Had nice visit with children and Margie played with them.
Then went to the Bank and changed some  money. We got  the highest ever in Ivano, 8.6 rubles per dollar. Nice for us but all prices in the markets are very high, even bread.

We gave out more invitations. The crowd in the street is heavy today as the weather is warmer.

Had a nice time with Yaroslav and family his wife has been out for four nights now. It was nice to learn his son got work.
The meeting was smaller but still had a new lady out. The weather is good so the garden work has started and took many people to the gardens and so they never got back in town in time to come to meetings.  The coming week is a break from school and this took some of the crowd as well.

Mr. Harper is to be in Kiev tomorrow. Trust this will do some good even to the Dollar. The American Dollar is 10 Rubles to the dollar, nice if ours would go up to that.
Value prayer for us EVERY DAY.
Christian  Love.

      Eric and Margie Fowler

Eric Fowler report #5 March 19th and 20th 2014

Eric Fowler, #5 March 19th and 20th. March 19th. We need to pray much for us, others and this Country as it is at a crisis point for sure. The day will be different as it is raining much today. We went and got a bag of food bag Marie and went there for dinner. We will send a picture and show what work she put into the meal. Had a very great visit. We would like to see her come to Lviv and be in fellowship there. She had great troubles with demons as there are people living in the unit with her that worship the devil. She had liver pie and many types of salads. Potato fish pie. After the great meal and a lovely time of fellowship, going over some scripture and a time of Prayer. Then we went to the bus station and picked up Nicoli? While we were waiting Rene and I gave out tracts and invitations. I was using Flora's story with her picture on it. Those who weren’t going to take one took one when I showed them her picture on the tract. We came back to the apartment and had tea with Nicoli and got ready for meeting. Yaroslav's, wife, Halia was out for second time, great for sure, along with three Men one for first time and one for 4th time. Pray that God will work with all three as we need good men to lead the group here. We have a good number of solid faithful ladies but no really faithful men at all. We had 31 in tonight and the joy of so many coming every night and some new each night. March 20 Thanks to all who are praying. We rejoice in the Great and Gracious God. The Day was to start normal but Svetlana’s mother knocked on the door early. It was so nice to see her. Svetlana is the Jewish girl who was our interpreter and Got saved over a year ago. She is now abroad working. Her mom and dad and sister aren't saved. We have to go there for dinner on Sat. Her hasn’t been paid as a nurse for months and her husband is a truck driver in the war zone part of Ukraine so can’t work now. There are so many like that in the country. The Crimea that Russia has taken is the richest part of the Country and will hurt the country very much. Rene Samson then left to go on the street to give out invitations. We were to do that too and Nicoli came and had bagged potatoes for us and some pickles. We sat and talked as he had questions and it was nice to talk. He hasn't missed a meeting and is very near the Door. After the talk he went with us to the market and got food for two poor families. Took one to the an old lady near hear we found out it was Nadia, a lady who we knew since coming in 2005 first time. She is saved but has had a rough time. Her husband died and then her father died, neither saved as far as we know. We had a great visit for sure. Then meet Sasha and Rene at the center of town and went to Valantina’s for a big meal. She has a son and is a good attendee of the meetings. We take her home every night as she has bad eyes and finds it hard to ride bus at night as she has to change a number of times to get home. She is very poor and left her some funds to help with lights, medicine etc, no pay for months. We came home rested and finished preparing for meeting. We had 30 in tonight, So nice to see and God is working and giving help in the speaking and a nice feeling to the meetings. We are looking to the Lord to bless in Salvation. The Country is calling in the young to train in the army and Volodia got a call again today. We have to Pray much for him. In the Ukraine but thankfully IN Christ Eric and Margie Fowler. With Rene Samson. PS After Sunday we will be alone as Rene will fly back to Canada.