Dan's Report for the first half of January 2015

                                                                                           

The First Half of January 2015 

  I would like to wish everyone a Happy New year and one that will come with spiritual growth and understanding and putting into practice what the Lord God has taught us!

 I brought in the New Year in the new apartment, four of us had a late dinner as is their custom on New Year’s Eve and talked wishing each other the best of this coming year.

I decided to have the Thursday meeting even though it was the first day of the year, not thinking anyone would show up, I gave Sasha a choice to be at the meeting or not. To my surprise people came but Sasha did not, however some who came to the meetings speak some English so was able to find someone to interpret.  One wanted to continue our topic on Christian Living but I thought it would be good to discuss what we would like change in our lives in this New Year and how we should fit into God’s plans rather than making our own. Not an easy topic for a private people but the meeting seemed to accomplish its purpose and caused them to think!

I thought it important to make it to the first meeting of the year in Lviv, though it was cold and the roads were icy plus the gas man was coming to the apartment in the morning but I wanted to be at the first meeting of the year. I went and spoke on starting the New Year by putting God first in our lives!

 We made it back safely though there were some slippery moments on the road there and back but God had kept us from harm and we had our evening meeting in Ivano. I tried to encourage them to leave the past behind and trust in the finished work of Christ for a new heart, a new life and a new future that will never end!

The month of January comes to a standstill here in Ukraine with more holidays. On the 7^th they celebrate their orthodox Christmas. Christmas Eve is just as big and our meeting fell on this day so was thinking of canceling that meeting, but some said they would come if we had it so I thought it would be good to have the meeting. Some did come, which was good and I also met two teen boys from the east just before the meeting and invited them; they said they could not make it but during the meeting they came and sat in. I can only hope what they heard and the new testaments and tracts they received will speak to their hearts!

The following week the meeting fell on their old New Year (using the Julian calendar) so people did come to the meeting.

We had my first public clothing distribution in Ivano with the help of five others on a Saturday. There were two views on how many would come out; the one view was there will be people for blocks waiting to get in, but the other view was because of the holidays there will not be so many people. This was more the case, though we did have lines outside, so we took in a few people at a time but the one problem we were having was that people wanted to come in again and again after we had already told them they can only come in once, as we wanted the most people to benefit from the distribution. Though they put up a fight I told them we will have to stop doing this as it was not fair to others who were keeping the rules. This small group of women finally left and things went much smoother. Along with the clothes we had new testaments and tracts and invitations to our meetings. Most only took the clothes, which was expected but some took the tracts and one lady asked if I can give her more N/T’s to send to the troops that are fighting in the east, so I did. Overall it all worked out and some also came to our meeting later. I have planned another day of distribution on the 30^th of January; once again we will NEED THE HELP OF GOD!

Since the beginning of the New Year prices have jumped! They tell me that gas and electric will go up 5 times but the wages for the people will stay the same or even decrease, not a good situation at all! While I have been trying to get this new apartment organized I decided to change all the light bulbs and can you believe that it has more than 25 light bulbs, most are now changed. Most were from 60-75 watts I changed them to 7-15 watts. I wanted to return two of the bulbs but the price for the same bulbs has doubled for this year and my exchange will only give me last year’s price, so I kept them and will use them!

Please continue to pray for Ukraine, that peace and stability will come soon and the people will call and trust the Lord God for their salvation!

Prayer is needed for this ongoing work that those who will come to the distribution and to each of our meetings will come to know their sins forgiven through the Work of the Cross, and to give us the wisdom, the guidance and the strength to continue on until He comes.

 Thank You.

In Christ our Lord

Dan

Dan's Report for the Second Half of December 2014

Dan’s report for the Second half of December  2014

      As the weather starts to get a little colder the van was taking longer to start so had to look into getting a new battery along with an oil change. Hard to find a good battery but I think we found one and got an oil change and you can feel and hear the difference, much better now!

Sasha and I have been working on a few flyers, one for our regular meeting and another for a meeting for young people, a meeting that I have wanted to have ever since my first visit to Ukraine. We did get the flyers done and printed now need to find the young people!

 I have been trying to work out a day for a public distribution of invitations to our meetings within the town of Ivano-Frankivsk. I hope it will go well and introduce us to more of the locals in our area. The need is definitely there since the second hand stores’ prices continue to go up even matching the price of the new clothes and products here.

I was hoping to distribute clothing one day this year but the place where we will have the distribution recommended that we do it after their holidays next year so we worked out a date on the 10^th of January, I’m  praying for God’s help!

  We left early one morning to head up to the mountains to visit one school/orphanage where a man is the Director, his mother started the school many years ago. They brought in two class rooms together and I spoke to about thirty plus teen that listened very well. N/T, bible text and tracts were given out along with some sweets. Then had lunch with the Director and talked about future plans for the area, before leaving gave them a few boxes of clothes and bedding. We left in good time to make it to the next school/orphanage in Verkovena, the Director was not there because she was sick but we met with the other teachers that we know and it went well. Here we normally speak to the kids in the auditorium but since the Director was not here we went to one of the class rooms, my first time doing this here. There we spoke to 50 or more teens that listened very well and 5 or more teachers that listened even better! N/T, bible text and tracts were given out to those who did not receive one last time. As we left the class room there were a group of kids smiling and staring at me, I didn’t recognized them at first with their winter clothes on but these were the kids I spent time with during the summer at the summer camp here It was great to see them and talk with them again. They asked me if I will come back again for their summer camp, I told them I will try and hope it can be possible! Left them boxes of clothes and bedding for the poor and needy!

Visited the Men’s Home and had a good talk with the Director, he has been having some health problems but seems to be doing well now. But one sad thing is he might lose his job at the end of the year because of government cuts. There was a higher official that lost his job and now he wants to be replaced in this type of job like the director. The director has been there for about 25 years and even has put in his own money for improving the home but his said they don’t take this in consideration. We then went to speak to the staff, the nurses and doctors who were there and it looked like they were listening very well. Then came back for more coffee and tea and I started to ask him about God’s salvation, his said he is not sure but think he does not have it, so I talked on how he can now have God’s salvation. The talked went well and we left them some boxes of clothes and bedding and medical supplies and headed back to Ivano to get ready for our Thursday meeting.

One of the ladies at our meeting showed me a prescription for glasses for her young son Andrei and asked if I can help, I said I would. Sasha and I went to several places to get some quotes; there were big differences in prices. The one we decided to go to was the one where the prescription was filled out and the woman there said we needed the boy, so I came back with the mother and the boy and, as they put the glasses on him they said “show your daddy! I had to let them know that I am only a friend not his daddy. It is sad because the dad is a drunk and they live very poorly so I was happy to help them.

We will be moving to a new apartment next year and have been moving things into it throughout the week.  It is an old Austrian-Hungarian building with walls 15 to 20 inches thick with high ceilings. The reason for the thick walls they say, was once the walls were heated the rooms would stay warmer longer in the winter and I guess vice versa for the summer. I have been trying to make it comfortable and livable for us visitors who will be staying here for a time while in Ukraine. Moving, cleaning and arranging and buying new things is not as easy as it seems and take time but I think I’m getting good at it! If anyone needs advice in arranging or designing their place just let me know(only joking!)

 Pray for the ongoing work and for this coming distribution, Thank You for all your prayers!!

In Christ our Lord!

Dan

Dan's Report for the first half of Dec 2014

 Dan’s report for the first half of December. 

We visited a school/ orphanage in a town called Dolena about an hour away from Ivano, a school of about 600 students and a town of more than 20,000, one of the oldest in the region.  I had a good talked there with the Principal, she told me that 5 young men from the town that went to this school are fighting in the east. One of these young men died in the fighting and the town mourned as hundreds attended his funeral. 

Then we were taken to the auditorium where we spoke to about 200 kids, we expecting to go into the class rooms as we have done before, because it is always harder to speak to so many at once but God gave help and they listened well. All who did not get new testaments last time were able to get one this time. We then met with the Christian Ethics teacher and she ask for thing the school needed, such as silverware, tin cups, bed sheets, etc. These are things the government should provide for them but, if they did not supply them in better times, surely they will not during war times. We left some boxes of clothes for the poor and needy for them to distribute, they were very thankful for this! The teacher ask if I wanted to come again to speak to the kids in the class rooms like in the past, I said I would and was hoping to do so this year but they will be going on vacation soon and it does not look possible. 

 Sasha and I sorted boxes in the morning to take with us as we visited another school about 45 min. away. This school has two Vice Principals who we always deal with. This is the first school and town that we have visited that hasn’t had refugees from the east. Though they are prepared to received them as of yet the refugees have gone to other towns nearby but they do think they will eventually get some. After talking to the vice-principals we were taken to the class room to speak to the students. There were about fifty plus students and all listened well but I was feeling under the weather that day and I believed it affected the message but will leave it in the Lord’s hand and for his purposes. Those who did not get new testaments last time was given one this time along with a bible text and a gospel tract. We left with them boxes of clothes for the families in need.

I received a call from the mayor’s assistant of a town we visited many times, asking when will I come to have a meeting with them. I was happily surprised for the call and for the request so we made plans for the following week. So far it has just been a handful of people that have been coming to these meeting but they say more are interested. We have met several times but our last meeting I had to cancel due to repairs on the van. They have been asking a lot of questions and saying that the priests do not answer their question or explain the bible in the way they have been hearing in our meetings. Some of the questions have to do with celebrating the many religious holidays that they have, is it biblical and fasting is this biblical?  The one I like the most was when they asked me how we can know if we believe and what the right things to believe are. I tried to explain in different ways, how they can know if they believe, but they still did not understand. After a while, I read a few verses from John 3 and it looked like something clicked, not sure what exactly but could only hope and pray that the Holy Spirit is working in their hearts!

We had a good visit with the head doctor at the maternity hospital. We brought some medical supplies that came in the boxes for him to see if they can use them and what some of them were, we did meet again and he explained some of these things to me. As we talked I asked if any were here from the East, he said there were and all the treatment they receive are free. I said I thought this was a good gesture showing friendliness and unity but it still bothers some others that have to pay. We also visited the head nurse in the next building and had another good talk; she was off this day but came just to meet with us. I asked her if it were possible to speak to the nurses she thought that it was a good idea for them to hear about God’s mercies and said that a few times a year they have a conference for nurses and thought it would be good to speak there, though I would need to ask permission. This looks like a good opportunity for the future!

The Lord’s work continues but much prayer is needed for Ukraine, for each meeting and visitation, for this small village that show a lot of interest and for Sasha’s salvation! Thank You All!!

In Christ our Lord!

Dan

Lviv News letter from Edmund Johnston.

LVIV NEWSLETTER – Edmund & Agnes                                                                                 November 2014

Know  therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;  Deuteronomy 7 v 9.

Greetings to all

We want to thank all for their continued prayer for the Christians at this time of war in the East of the country. We along with the Ukrainian people feel the value of perpetual prayer and remembrance of us all here in Lviv at the throne of Grace.  Russian presence in the East is very unsettling and gives great cause for concern.

During September and October we traveled south every Tuesday to Ivano  Frankivsk for a gospel meeting.   We were encouraged with an average attendance of 16 and many who are not yet saved.  Please pray for salvation.

In mid October we welcomed to Lviv our brother Malcolm Stanley (81) and Howard Pratt (72) from Winnipeg and Kirkland Lake, Canada .  Together they had one week of Gospel meetings in the assembly in Lviv where the gospel was preached faithfully to many unbelievers over the week and has left them without excuse.  We had many “outsiders” visit the meetings, as before we gave out many invitations.  The meetings were a blessing to the assembly and we continue to pray that God will work “Salvation belongeth  unto the Lord”

Before the commencement of the meetings Mickola (deaf and dumb) who has attended the meetings for the last 2 years wrote a note telling us he had “ passed from death unto life”.  Ruslan and I had visited him in his home a few weeks prior to this, reading with him John 5 v 24.  To God be the glory.

On the 7^th/8^th November we enjoyed our 4^th Lviv assembly conference.  Our brother Paul McClarty (NI) was responsible for the gospel meeting, bible reading (1 Timothy 2) and ministry of the Word of God.  It was a real joy and encouragement to us as he stayed in our home for the week.

Brother Howard Pratt shared in the gospel meeting on the Friday night when many unsaved were present.  The messages were clear and challenging and Christ exalting.

After lunch on Saturday we had a short time of singing some choruses with the children who were at the conference-along with the “big children” who also enjoyed the songs.

On Saturday afternoon Rene Samson (Nova Scotia), Malcolm Stanley and brother Paul McClarty gave excellent ministry on Prayer, Romans 12 and Deacons  1st Timothy 3 respectively.  This year we had 70 at the conference, 7 from Slovakia, many from Lutsk, Ivano and Lviv city.  It was a wonderful time of fellowship and sharing together the Word of God.

Sincere thanks to all, for your interest and support, both in prayer and practically.

Much  love  in HIM-  Edmund & Agnes.

Malcolm's Report #7 for Nov 6-8

Malcolm’s Report #7 for Nov 6^th to 8^th.

Thursday.

Ever since coming to Ivano Frankovsk, we have had a real interest in a village about an hour from Ivano called Petriliv of Peter Village. It is in a pristine valley with a large river running through it. In 2008 the river flooded and filled the valley. Most of the homes on the river flats were put under water. The school, further up the hill had water that filled the auditorium with over 4 ft of water. We were there with Flo Kancir the year after the flood and took relief for the people.

We made good friends with the Lady Mayor who is still the mayor and have visited each year since to bring clothing for the very poor people. The mayor sees that it gets to the right people. We see her first and then go to the small school and are always welcomed by the director and staff. They do not have an auditorium so we meet the children in the large hallway to the classrooms. The school has a kindergarten and they come to the meeting and stand and listen to the simple message of God’s love along with the other 20 or so older students. It is not a large school but is getting less each year as families move away to get employment.

As is usual in most of the villages, there are little funds to do anything with the infrastructure and so there are always things that are needed to be fixes or replaced. In this school, most of the children have no running water, so the request was made for a shower to be installed. A shower and hot water tank were purchased a year ago and it was still sitting waiting to be installed because of no funds to buy the pipe and fixtures. We bought these items for them and expect it to be installed very soon.

We left them school and headed to town to buy the necessary items for the shower and then went to the apartment to prepare to leave Ivano on Friday for the Conference in Lviv.

Friday.

We had planned to leave Ivano at 1pm for Lviv but as usual, some were not there until 1:20. Then we found that some had decided not to come at all!! We were not happy, as we had rented a bus and driver that would hold 30 or 40 people and we had only 7 or 8 in the end instead of 14. If we had not have had to take our van, so that Dan could return, we could have all gone in the bus.

Well we arrived in good time and got everyone settled in their room in the Baptist church we rent, and relaxed until supper. This is a large old church with 2 floors of bedrooms attached, all very nice. The first meeting started at 7pm with Howard and the invited brother from Ireland Paul McClarty. This was a good start to the Conference.

Saturday.

Breakfast was at the church at 8am. By this time, a car full of men and women from Slovakia had arrived. They were lovely people 4 young ladies and 3 men, all in fellowship in assemblies in Slovakia. Most of them spoke fairly good English, so it was easy to communicate. A group of the Christians from Lutsk also arrived and it was good to see old friends once again.

The meetings went well with a bible reading in the morning and ministry in the afternoon; Rene’ Samson from Nova Scotia, myself from Manitoba and Paul McClarty from N. Ireland gave the ministry. From the comments received, it seems the ministry was appreciated.

Supper was served and some went home. Our people from Ivano stayed overnight and all had breakfast at the church.

Sunday. I went over to the church at 9am and brought our people back to the Gospel Hall to wait for the morning meeting. There was a nice number at the meeting, both believers and those observing the meeting. After meeting, one of the brothers from Slovakia spoke an excellent message in English. His name is Daniel Moses. Then we had a little Sunday school and I spoke to the children.

After a good lunch, we said our farewells to those leaving with Dan for Ivano and those heading to Slovakia. Rene’ left with Dan and is leaving Ivano by train tomorrow for Romania, as he flies from there to Canada.

Howard and I leave tomorrow for Poland with Paul McClarty, who is leaving from Krakow for home.

More about out trip to Poland later.

God bless and thank you for your prayers, while we have been away.

Malcolm and Howard.

Malcolm's Report #6 November 2 to 4.

Malcolm’s Report #6. From November 2 to 4^th

Sunday was the usual trip to Lviv. The road really has improved but still some terrible pieces to repair.

A good number were at the remembrance meeting with nice participation by the brothers. I spoke in teaching afterwards and then Edmund spoke to the 3 children present. They are trying to encourage more children to come as there are only 2 who have family in the meeting but 2 others come from an unsaved home.

After a good cold lunch we headed back to have a meeting at 6 pm. with about 14 out to listen.

Monday we headed to see 2 schools near the Romanian border. The road was so bad, I felt like turning back. We visited a school in Bukovets on the way to the other school in Virhovina. We were welcomed royally and spoke to two groups of children in their dining room as they do not have an auditorium. The children all listened intently as well as the teachers. We left a couple of boxes of clothes, as this is a very poor area up in the mountains.

We then went on to Virhovina, the school we have visited for years and have helped with many projects such as new washrooms and heating in their gym. We heard some of the horror stories of the visits of school inspectors. I hope these people are some of the government employees the new government talk of removing. One of the incidents concerns battery operated smoke alarms that were donated to be put in the dormitories. When the inspector saw them, the only comment was, “where did you get the permit to install them?” No comment about how good it was to have them.

By the time we got home, we had been gone 12 hours and I was completely bushed because of the driving, especially as most of the home trip was in the dark.

Tuesday we went to the orphanage in Yablunuv or Apple village. The administrator was away but the assistant greeted us and we spoke to about 100 children who listened again very well. We left several boxes here of winter clothing as this school is in the foot hills and gets cold weather too.

We returned home and had our Tuesday afternoon meeting with a much better number of 18 or so adults and 6 children. There was a little noise from the children but the Word was preached and there were some present who were new and not saved. Arrangements were given for those going to Lviv for the Conference on Friday and then home to have a good talk with a saved man who is having some problems.

Wednesday. This was our last long trip before leaving for Lviv on Friday to Sniatin to the two homes for mentally challenged boys and men. We met at the men’s home first with the director who does a wonderful job for these men. The home receives nothing for renovations or renewal of any of the buildings but he is always finding money somewhere to replace rotten windows and doors. He had just had over 100 mattresses donated but had no pillows. He knew of the same number of pillows available and so we helped him to get them.

He then gathered about 20 staff and we gave a word again to these people. This director is one of the most willing to get them together and attends as well. We believe he may have trusted Christ.

We headed to see the saved priest we had met before but he was away with the wife and family. We had boxes of clothing for the very poor people in this village so took them to the home of Hallia, a sister, who will see that he gets them. She had prepared a full meal so we ate and then left for town over horrendous roads.

Of all the days to be invited out for supper, today was NOT the day we needed two meals. Well we had to go and visit our interpreters mother for supper. What a spread, fit for a king and no appetite. We did our best but there was enough to feed 3 more people, I’m sure.

So another full day we trust was for God’s glory.

Malcolm and Howard, 

Malcolm's Report #5 for Oct. 29-31. Nov.1.

Malcolm’s Report #5 Oct 29 -31. Nov.1

Wednesday.

Thankfully, the snow that fell last weekend has gone and except for mud is some holes, things are quite nice. We still need a jacket as it is still cool.

Today we spent time in town, going to the ½ way House as we call it, where children are brought, waiting to be rehabilitated from their poor or unfit homes to, either an orphanage or other family members. This time, there was a real difference, as usually there are school age children, this time there were over 20 pre-school children. The administrator was not there but the children were all gathered and very attentive. One of the senior girls was very good at keeping the little one attentive while I spoke to them for 15 minutes. We left them 3 boxes of clothes and gave them all candies.

We then went to visit our landlady to pay up until the end of the year. She wanted to increase our rent by 20% but after I said we would have to look for somewhere else, she relented with 10% increase. We do have a very good location with good security, on the ground floor and for the vehicle, which  makes it a premium location.

Thursday,

We planned to go and visit a Christian Pentecostal family in a village about an hour away. Dan and Eric had met Uri and Oxana some time ago and we have tried to keep in touch. They have 4 children, the youngest on 3 months old. They have managed to secure a pristine little farm home for only $7,000. Uri was saved in prison and has gone on very well for the Lord. He had just gone back to Poland to work so that he can pay of his loan on the house.

We picked Oxana up in a nearby town where she had gone to buy medicine for the baby and then made our way to the “farm”, for that is really what it is, with a pig a goat and 20 or so chickens. There were 2 VERY shy neighbour girls, who had looked after the baby.                                      Oxana asked if we would like coffee, we agreed. First came borsht soup followed by pork and buckwheat (which I can’t stand), a plateful of garlic and last but not least, coffee! 

I mentioned it would be nice to have a children’s lesson with the 2 girls. Well WHIZZ they were out the door. 10 minutes later they came back and I barred the door and we gave them the lesson. 11 and 13 years old and probably never been to Sunday school.

Friday.

On the way home yesterday we heard something rubbing on a tire. We found the splash guard in the fender had dropped down so booked it into the garage for 9am this morning. It was an easy fix but then they decided to fix the read shock that has given us problems. Well there was only one man who could weld and he was busy for over an hour.                                                                                     We left and went to get a table we had bought for our apartment and brought it home and set it up. We came home had supper and read a little and for the first time since her, went to bed early.

Saturday

As we have written earlier, the Christian woman Dana recently lost her son, so we wanted to visit her and give our condolences. While there, we asked what happened with her unfinished kitchen. She informed us that she had run out of money to put in the kitchen counter and sink and had no running water in the kitchen.                                                                                                                              We will not weary you with the details, but the person given responsibility to complete the job, absconded with the remaining money leaving Dana and her husband to have to loan money to close in the outside doorway that was left without a door.                                                     As we had been given funds for such eventualities, we felt we should get her an inexpensive set of cupboards. We were able get a 6 ft set of upper and lower cupboards and stainless sink and taps on sale for under $200.00 plus $40 for a carpenter to put them in today! I will try to remember to take pictures when they are all finished.

After we left there we went to our dear lady Natalia, who is in the last stages of MS we fear. She is a dear lady who is ready to meet her Lord. Her mother gave us lunch. We prayed and left them with money for the adult pampers Natalia needs daily. They cost over $10 per bag here.

We spent some time with Ola, Sasha’s mother and had tea and homemade cheese cake and then came home to get ready for meeting in Lviv tomorrow. 5 of us will be going tomorrow.

Thank you for praying for us, our trip is over half over and there’s much still to do.

Malcolm and Howard.

Malcolm's Report #4 Oct. 26-28

Malcolm’s Report #4 from 26^th-28^th October.

Sunday 26^th.

We had to get our things together, as we were going to Ivano Frankivsk after the morning meeting.

We had a Breaking of Bread meeting and then Bible teaching from Rene Samson from Nova Scotia Canada. After a nice lunch at the hall we left for Ivano with Luba and Yaroslav, two believers from Ivano who come up from Ivano leaving at 6am Sunday morning on a bus for 3 hours. They are not related but what dedication to be at a remembrance meeting. We found the roads somewhat inproved.

At 6pm we had our gospel meeting in Ivano but there were only a few out as it was Election day and many were either voting or even as our interpreter Sasha, working at a voting booth.  This meant that Ruslan came with us and interpreted, and then drove back again after the meeting.

Monday 27^th

Today was a “sort-em-out” day as we had 56 boxes piled into our apartment! There was not room for Howard to sleep in the living room so we had to make room for both of us in the bedroom that was also piled high with boxes. As Sasha had worked into the night, we didn’t expect him to be around so we opened boxes and tried to decide where to send the clothes.

At 5pm we went to meet Olegh and get our winter tires from the garage/workshop he owns. It was good to meet with him and visit in his garage that he has renovated and hope to work out of soon, instead of working from his present site in an open market or bazaar, as they call it. Olegh has a Russian man Roman, and his deaf\mute son working for him on the renovation. They showed us some pictures of the carved furniture and stairs his son has carved. Some of the nicest carving we had seen. We invited Roman to the meeting tomorrow.

We spent the rest of the evening phoning to make appointments for the next 8 days.

Tuesday 28^th .

We intended to get our tires, or rather wheels changed today, they are already on rims. At we were going to pass by a home for recovering drug addicts and alcoholics, we thought we would take a box of clothing for them and some more New Testaments, if they needed them. We were welcomed into the spotlessly clean house to meet some of the men who were busy doing a bible course. They brought us tea and candies and we talked and answered bible questions for 45 minutes. The man who asked the most questions is a truly converted Russian Jew. He said he has spent most of his life in prison but is now converted. What a joy to meet these men and fellowship with them. We told them of the meetings.

We then went and got the wheels changed. The mechanic noticed 2 of the wheels were bent and so put them on a rim straightening machine. I’ve never seen one at a tire store in Canada.

We headed away for the apartment when there was an awful sound under a rear wheel. We pulled into a driveway and found out that the coils spring had jumped out of the suspension and was lying horizontally on the suspension. As God would have it, the driveway lead to an auto repair shop that was able to fix the problem. New springs were put in last year, but were about an inch shorter than the original, so spacers were added.  We were very thankful that it did not happen out on the highway somewhere.

We were home in good time to get ready for meeting at 6pm. We were glad to see many more out and Roman out with Olegh and Ola. He listened very well. We were sorry to hear that the man we met and sought to help last spring Ivan (Dana’s son), who had had a leg amputated, died a week ago of TB. He leaves a wife and two little girls. They all came to many meetings last spring.

So the time is moving on with many people to meet and help as we can.

Most people see reasonably happy with the election but say they will have to wait and see if anything changes.

Thanks again for remembering us at the Throne of Grace.

Malcolm and Howard.

Malcolm's Report from Ukraine #3

Malcolm’s Report from Ukraine from Oct. 23rd to 25^th.

Thursday 23rd

Well, winter is on the way with heavy cold rainy day. I’m afraid I missed going anywhere today with Howard and Edmund and Agnes. I can only say it was “delayed jet lag” as I did not sleep one minute all night. A frightening experience and my first and last one, I hope. I had to be up and out of the house at 6:15am to take Sasha, who was staying with us, to the railway station. He has a job for the weekend with the election as he is an observer and then counting the votes on Sunday. He is working in Ivano.

I came back and went straight to bed waking up at 1pm! Edmund and Howard headed out to Bookva, a home for mentally challenged girls and ladies that we had visited many times with Flora. They took two special wheelchairs and clothing and supplies as well. They met with Harrisa, the assistant director for a talk as well as giving candies etc to the girls.

It was home to supper of borscht and buns and ham and then off to meeting at 7pm. There were 3 strangers out to the meeting which was encouraging. Trust I will be able to sleep tonight.

Friday 24^th

Thankfully, I slept until 8am, with earplugs in! I think the heavy rain on the veranda roof had much to do with my insomnia!

After a good breakfast, we headed out to near Truskavets with a name we can’t remember. There were two places we wanted to visit, the one being an apartment being renovated for a young widow with two little children, who lost her 29 year old husband with cancer. We have helped her with a final payment on the two room apartment and renovations. It is looking very nice, already to wallpaper. Two brethren bought her a corner shower cabinet and we delivered it. She is very sweet and very appreciative.

We then went to a home for either expectant mothers or those who have new babies. It is an amazing little home with room for 10 or so mothers and their babies. These mothers are recommended by the Social Services of needing and deserving of help to raise their babies. One soon-to-deliver young mother was sent from the war zone in Donesk. We had a good opportunity to speak to the ladies and the staff.

It was then home to get ready to the last meeting for this week. We were thrilled to see the hall filled and several first time attendees.

Saturday 25^th.

I needed a suit for meeting and the prices here are less than a quarter of the ones back home. After the third try I found the right size and delivered it to an apartment to be cuffed. The lady did an amazing job and the suit was ready in the afternoon.

We left then for a children’s meeting in a town about hour from town. I had never been there but Howard had, many years ago. When we arrived at the building, I wondered where we were going.  The building was old and in terrible condition. We went up three floors and found 20 or more children and several adults waiting in a small, cold meeting room. Edmund and Agnes have been coming here every second Saturday since they first came to Ukraine. It was exciting to hear the children recite the verses they had learned over the months. One after another coming up and speaking out clearly. It was exciting to see. Then they sang some choruses and Howard spoke a good little message. After giving them prizes and candies we headed to the home of  Vasil and Ira, the ones who organise the meetings for Edmund. Ira has 6 children but is still and amazing cook. We thought the food would never stop coming.

We then headed home and began to pack ready to go to Ivano Frankivk after meeting here tomorrow.

Thank you for praying for us and continue to pray for us in Ivano.

Malcolm and Howard.

Malcolm/s Report #2 October 21st.

Ukraine Report #2 October 21^st  and 22^nd.

Tuesday. Howard and I stayed home in the morning as we needed to prepare for meeting. Howard is going to Ivano Frankivsk this afternoon to take the meeting and Edmund and I will preach here. The men here, Rene Samson, Sasha and Edmund went to the local apartment blocks to finish of the invitations. We went to Edmund and Agnes for an excellent supper. Luba, a sister from Ivano has been staying with Edmund for a few days and is enjoying the time here.

There were a number at the meeting at 7pm but not too many new people as the weather is not too nice, quite cool in an evening.

Wednesday. As we were going to visit two groups of people today, we had to buy 2 shopping carts of produce. The first place we visited was the orphanage in Yosopowichi, which we have visited since first coming to Ukraine. The building was in desperate condition when first visited with rotten windows, disfuntional washrooms and water systems, plus a leaking roof and doors that the snow blew through. Through the years all the windows and doors have been replaced and total new washrooms refurbished. This orphanage is not supported by the government, but is supposed to be supported by the village, but is not. There are about 12 or so actual orphans plus about 20 or more kindergarten children actually using the facility.

We take cleaning and laundry supplies plus cooking oil and other foods. They are very grateful and we have opportunity to speak to the children and then to the staff. This time, we found the need was to replace an electric water heater that has rusted out and was leaking. We are planning to install a new water heater and a rust filter.

We then headed back to see our friends Micha, the wood carver and Maria his not-too-well wife who live in the city of Stri. They live in two rooms with a mentally challenged and crippled oldest son and another son and teen daughter. There is no water or bathroom or kitchen sink in the apartment.

 While wecwere there at this time, we were given a tour of a much larger suite attached to theirs but in much better condition, that is for sale. It would need renovating but could even be accessed to their present apartment and all made most liveable. The original priced asked was $30.000 US but has now dropped to $15.000US. We are praying that, in the will of God, they may find this amount, plus about another $5,000 for renovation. If this were to happen I know they would be willing to have meetings in the large living room. There is no gospel testimony in Stri at the present time. This is not a plea for funds but for prayer, if anyone would like further details or pictures, please contact me.

We were back in time to eat a “buffet” meal in our apartment, prepared by Rene’. He has a French name and there must be some French Cuisine in his genes. He had 2 meat and one fish plate and all the trimmings. Edmund and Agnes were with us too.

Meeting was good with several children out and some visitors. Howard arrived back from Ivano and had a nice meeting there.

Please keep praying, as there are only 2 nights left in these meetings. Many have promised to come out on Thursday or Friday.

Your Brothers in Christ Service.

Malcolm and Howard.

First report from Ukraine on October 16th from Malcolm and Howard.

Report #1 for Oct 16^th to 20th

Howard Pratt and I had good flights to Ukraine and no questions at Customs in Lviv. Everything seems normal here, no military presence or extra police.

We were met by Ruslan, our driver and Edmund and Agnes Johnston the full time worker here in Lviv and area. We were taken to our new apartment to unload and relax until going for Supper at the Johnston’s. Rene Sampson from Nova Scotia is sharing the apartment with us.

We all attended the prayer meeting at 7pm and prayed specifically for the gospel meetings to start on Monday evening and go on for a week. The situation in Ukraine was also prayed for.

We both slept well on Friday night, sleeping through to 8am for me and 8:45 for Howard. This was good considering the 8 hour time difference.

We spent the Saturday shopping for things we needed such as a coat for me as I forgot mine at home, arriving at the airport in Winnipeg with my wife’s black coat, instead of mine! You can laugh now but I was NOT very happy with myself.

Sunday. 20^th We spent a good day at the assembly here, with a nice number of believers out plus 4 children and 2 visitors. Howard spoke a word of encouragement. We had a good lunch at the hall and then went home to relax until going out to a home in a village for a good visit and supper. We are hoping to see members of this home come out to the gospel meetings.

Monday 21^st. Last night was to be my Jet-lag night. Sitting wide awake reading at the kitchen table from 4am until 4:30am! Fitful sleep until 7:30. We all went to the store to buy product for a very special home for mentally challenged young men and children named Stari Rosdiial. The home was once, hundreds of years ago, a monastery. We were met by some of the brighter boys who carry the food and product inside. The male administrator in a very nice and good man who loves his boys and they all love him. We then go into almost all of the rooms where the severe cases are in beds. It is very sad to see them but the care in this place is excellent. We left a banana for each patient.

 We then went to a meeting room with about 20 of the brighter men and sang the song “Jesus loves me” in Ukrainian. Most of them knew it as several of them can read. One of them came and quoted a verse 1 Cor 15:3. Christ died for our sins, pointing to each of his 5 fingers. I then spoke to them for about 10 minutes. We gave every patient a banana and candies.

At 7pm we had our first of 5 gospel meetings in the hall with 19 people out, 3 children and one adult not saved as yet. Our interpreter from Ivano, Sasha, was to be at the meeting tonight, but called to say he was half way here and the bus broke down. He did not arrive until about 9:39pm. Too bad as he is still not saved but wants to be at the meetings. He is staying with us until Thursday.                                     Please pray for the elections to be held this weekend that good people will be elected.

Thank you for keeping us in your prayers.                                                                                                    Malcolm and Howard.

News Letter from The Johnstons in Lviv Ukraine.

LVIV NEWS LETTER – Edmund and Agnes Johnston.
                                                                                October 2014

“Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!  Psalm 107 v 8

Hello dear friends

The war in the East of Ukraine intensified during June and July and at the last report the number dead has reached 3,500 souls with thousands injured and many with loss of limbs. We feel God has answered many prayers with a present cease fire announced at the beginning of September which is holding, although “very fragile”.

In June we had Max McLean from Oil Springs assembly in Canada, with us for 10 days.  Our brother has been here many times before and again on this visit proved very helpful both practically and spiritually.   Max was a great help in the assembly with choice ministry and preached the Gospel fervently in many orphanages.  

Also we had Doug and Debbie Yade from Kirkland Lake assembly N. Ontario at the beginning of July.  This couple brought with them much encouragement for all of us here in Lviv.

We were very pleased when the Prison Authorities contacted us to resume our monthly Gospel meeting – God again has answered prayer.

To facilitate the MOT of our vehicle we drove back to N Ireland (1700 miles) and spent the month of August in N I.  On our way back we enjoyed a Lord’s Day with the assembly in Mechelen, Belgium.  While we were in N Ireland I had a number of report meetings and enjoyed fellowship with 5 different assemblies each Lord’s day.

We are thankful for the opportunity over the last four months to continue our fortnightly children’s meeting in Sosnevska.  We average 25 children and up to 9 parents are in attendance.  Please pray that the scriptures learned by the children will bear fruit in salvation.

ITEMS FOR PRAYER

1.       Commencement of Sunday School /children’s meeting in Lviv assembly. (Currently we have five boys who attend the breaking of bread and after the meeting is over we have a short time for singing chorus and learning verses).

2.      Sasha (25yrs old) who interprets in the Gospel outreach in Ivano but is not saved.  We have planned D.V. one week of Gospel meetings in Lviv where he has indicated he would be interested in attending.

3.      Special Gospel meetings – commencing Oct 20-25 D.V. with Malcolm Stanley and Howard Pratt.  

4.      Lviv assembly 4^th Annual Conference – 7^th / 8^th Nov D.V. (speaker Paul McClarty N.I and others.)

5.      Two cousins of Vladimir (Lviv assembly interpreter) who are showing an interest in salvation – (Olenka 19 and Maria 26).

We would like to acknowledge the value of your prayerful interest for us and the Work of God here in Lviv.

With warm Christian love – Edmund & Agnes Johnston.