Gypsies (Oct 15)

Gilles and I took the day off on Friday and walked around in the old center of the city.  The architecture is beautiful.
Saturday we decided to go visit a family and bring some baby supplies to a very pregnant Vera.  She is expecting their 6th child.

We visited and her brother in law took us out to visit the gypsy colony a few kilometers away.  Gilles had printed some pictures we had taken over the last couple years of different groups of gypsies we had visited.  So it was really a thrill for them to actually get pictures of themselves.  One lady was screaming "It's me, it's me" when she saw her picture.  We are very sure they don't have too many pictures of anyone.  Here are a few pics we took while we visited with these people who are outcasts of society.






We brought food for all the families and it was all given out.
The gospel message was preached again and everyone listened very well. There were at least 32 people listening.
There were some present that we have had contact with for the last three or four visits to Ukraine.

Carpathian Mountains (Oct 9)

Wednesday Oct 9th the day was spent sorting out clothes to bring to some families in need in one village in the Carpathians.
On our way there we stopped in an small village to visit a lady that Flo had befriended there.  Yaroslava lives there with her family and has no contact with any Christians.  She carries on in her quiet way getting strength from her relationship with God and reading His Word.

We travelled at least two hours Thursday morning and arrived at the same time as Misha, who came in on his homemade utility vehicle from working in the field somewhere.  It is actually an army truck that has been stripped down with a platform added behind the seat.


It's always a pleasure to see Misha and Maria again. They are very very nice people and well respected among the rest of the village.

People from the village were quick to come. Gilles spoke from the bible explaining how God never intended salvation to be a secret and how God made the message of salvation very clear.  Salvation is through Christ and His work at the cross.  Jesus could say I am THE way, THE truth and THE life. No man comes to the Father except by me ...   He is not one of the ways, He is the only way.


Mr. Brandt from the States regularly sends glasses so we were able to give out at least a dozen pairs to people who would otherwise not be able to read.

Several of the boxes of clothes that were received in Lviv from different parts of Canada as well as the States were left for the people needing to get some warm clothes.
We had a good time chatting with Misha and Maria as we ate lunch.  We spoke about the importance of knowing Christ as your personal Saviour and how there is nothing a person can do to add to Christ's finished work at the cross. Living a good life and being good to your neighbour is all good, but it doesn't bring you to heaven. Only trusting in Christ's sacrifice at the cross as payment for your sins puts you right with God.
So we left in good time to drive back before dark. Along the way we stopped to visit an abandoned Jewish cemetary.    The headstones are all in Hebrew.  It's sad that it has been abandoned. All the Jews from the neighbouring village were killed during the second world war.

So ended our outing to the Carpathian mountains. The roads weren't very good again but the scenery was so pretty.  It was actually a very relaxed day.
Sorry if I'm behind in these reports, but typing it in the notes on FB is a bit of a challenge.  I found out the hard way that it doesn't automatically save your stuff. This is actually the third time I write this report.

Travel to visit Maria (Oct 9)

October 7th, 2013 half way to Lutsk So this morning we had plans to leave for Dobre at 8:30 At 9:15 we left Shafarika and it took about half an hour to get out of the city.  We took an alternate route out because of the heavy traffic.  Once on the main highway Gilles and I learned the meaning of bad roads.  Never ever have we seen such bad roads.  Everyone drives wherever, in order to avoid the holes. Not just small holes, but literally craters, three feet round one foot deet.  Simply unreal. Roads that were in excellent condition three years ago are literally impassable, unless one slows down to a crawl. The frost of this past winter caused many of the roads in Ukraine to be damaged. Well, half way to the half way point of our journey a couple of these holes did us in, breaking the coil spring on the driver' side. Just a slight change to the agenda...a pit stop to your local Ukrainian Tire to get this fixed ASAP.  Our five hour trip to Dobre to visit Maria just got a little bit longer. No problem, Ruslan calling all his connections and very soon we have the wife of the friend of a friend who calls her husband and gives us an address to go to in this little village of Rodehiv. The few kilometers to reach this village were actually travelled in a field because the road was almost impassable.  Thankfully today is a dry day and the "secondary road" is smoother than expected.  You really have to see these roads to believe it. It's not one hole here and there, it's more a case of which hole do you take in order to avoid the bigger ones. So we found the garage, pulled up, a few phone calls later the van is up, and the mechanic is hammering away trying to pry the pieces loose. Half an hour after the part was removed, the new piece arrived by local courier.  Another half hour later piece is changed and we are on the road again! Why the delay? Who knows? Doesn't matter whether we know or not.  It's all good, we are on ours way once again.. 



We visited with Maria and her family for a very short period of time, Gilles gave a little gospel message and the people who came listened well.  Before leaving we took out the boxes of clothes that we had brought along and the people were able to take what they needed from the boxes.  They also left with groceries that were brought along for them.  When we go to isolated villages like this we normally bring barley, oats, rice, tea, oil, canned fish, dry soup mixes. It was good to be able to help them out with these things.




So Maria sends her regards to all those she knows in Kap.  She says she regrets ever moving back to Ukraine from Kapuskasing.  But at the time she was adamant she wanted to be with her family.  Life is so different and difficult where she is now.  At 86 she says she prays that God will take her home soon.  She is remarkable healthy considering all things.
We got back on the road and drove home, this time manoeuvering the craters in the dark. Very interesting! We arrived at 10 pm.  In total we travelled a bit over 600 kms in the day.  It took ten hours for our return trip with approximately one and a half hour at Maria's.  It was a very long day but well worth it.

Lviv Birthdays (Oct 5)

It was a slow start this morning as Edmund and Ruslan had to meet with the landlord of the hall. Gilles and I walked over to our local Arsen grocery store to get some familiar foods.  Anything that can be bought at YIG or Safeway can be purchased here.  Not the same brands, but the same products.
Friday was Ola's 72nd birthday. Ola is our driver Ruslan's mom.

We were invited to share her day and arrived at 2 with flowers to add to the others she had received. Whenever one buys flowers for a birthday there can never be an even number of flowers given. So never a dozen roses, rather nine or eleven, or three of one kind and five of another.  We were told that an even number is given only at a funeral.
The table was set and the food was waiting for us. Borsch, fish, salad, chicken, pork, potatoes....and cabbage rolls in case we needed more.
A lot of work for the one celebrating a birthday and for any lady of 72 years of age.
I had not seen her since my last visit in 2009.  She has been quite ill with several hospital stays. Hospitals are the last place a person wants to be here. They are cold, damp, and old and ill equipped. The patient's family is responsible for everything food to soap to paying for every band-aid.  The one washroom is down at the end of the hall and is by no stretch of the imagination sanitary. So she was very happy to be feeling better and being at home.
She enjoyed watching us eat and kept prompting us to eat more.
After our visit we all headed home (and probably all had a nap after that huge mid day meal)
All those who could attend came to the bible study at seven. The first several verses of John chapter 20 were discussed and some questions were asked.  It was a great way to spend the evening.  Afterwards we had a bit of a snack and each headed our own way.
Gilles and I are fortunate in that we live within walking distance of the hall where we meet with the Christians.
Today (Saturday) is Ruslan's day off and he is spending it picking more mushrooms.  So Gilles and I & Edmund and Agnes will be heading to the center of the city for a bite to eat later this afternoon.  I will be packing some boxes to bring to Dobre on Monday when we go visit Maria.
Here's one look at the joker Ruslan....never gets into a picture without being funny.

Lviv (Oct 5)

Well, it's Friday and we are wondering what happened to the week.
Jet lag sure plays a number on a body's clock and combined with the hours in the confines of a plane, even the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the first few days are a bit of a blur.

We were met at the airport by Edmund and Agnes Johnston as well as Nadia.

So wonderful to be met and taken care of by friends when you arrive somewhere. Warm soup, a place to finally lie down and a nice meal a bit later were all greatly appreciated.
As usual the first thing (Wednesday) we did was exchange money into the Ukrainian currency.  On my very first visit here in 2005, the Canadian dollar was worth 4.25 hryvni.  2013 sees the Canadian dollar worth 7.85 hryvni.  The Ukrainian currency has lost almost half its value, while the price of everything has continued to go up.  Gas for example costs $1.40, more expensive that what we paid in Kapuskasing when we filled up before we left home.
We then visited an older lady, who is the sister of Flora Kancir's sister-in-law.  Ivanka, is housebound, well, apartment bound actually.  Her feet are extremely swollen and sore making the spiral stairway down from her third floor apartment impossible to manoeuver.  This building is in the center, in the oldest part of the city and the wooden stairs are so worn down that you need to stay on the edge to walk down. The center of the steps is pretty much like a slide down three flights.
Ivanka was more than happy to see us.  Since she can never get out she can no longer come to the Breaking of Bread or any other of the meetings with the Christians in the assembly. She had asked one of her boarders to get some cookies and fruits for us.  We chatted a bit with our good friend Ruslan interpreting and then sang a few hymnns with her.  She enjoyed that immensely.
After some supper, we walked to the Gospel Hall and had the pleasure of meeting a few of the Christians that were able to come out.  What a joy it was for us to be able to see them again.  Gilles spoke about Psalm 73 and they were encouraged.

Thursday morning saw us going to the warehouse to pick up detergents, toilet paper, and heading out to the Lopatin orphanage one hour away from Lviv.  You would not believe the condition of the road leading there.  I can't even find anything to compare it to.  The kids all came together in the auditorium, about 100 people all together including the teachers and listened well to the gospel message given to them by Gilles.  Edmund asked the kids some questions afterwards and it was obvious some had listened well.

On our way back home, Ruslan stopped to pick mushrooms.  He was telling us how the good ones are often hiding around the poisonous ones!!  He must know what he is talking about since he's still around and picks mushrooms every year. His wife makes the best mushroom soup I have ever tasted.

Next Monday morning we are heading out to Dobre to visit Maria from Kapuskasing.  Her village is very isolated and quite far so we are bringing clothes and food for the poorer people there.  So the evening  was spent trying to sort through some boxes of clothes.


Today is Ruslan's mom's birthday.  The tradition here is that the person celebrating their birthday puts on a meal which basically lasts all afternoon and people come and go with gifts and flowers.  Interesting twist to our taking someone out for their birthday.

Updates from Eric

June 24.

Monday again and the last full week for this trip. The mind is getting to the end; travel and decisions makes one tired.

I can be so thankful to the Lord for the speed we have moved that I can keep going with no problems. We have gone every Lord’s Day to Lviv for the breaking of bread for the sake of the ones here in the meeting and for the sake of being with the Saints there in Lviv. We like to be with them and be of some little Help. My wife and I were with them when they gathered to remember the Lord for the first time. It will be three Years in October.

The two ladies who are neighbors were in to get clothing starting at 10:30. Then Dana and one of her sons were in after them to get clothing. This is the lady with the big family, now they are almost grown but all have health problems. We gave them extra funds to help with medicine. Then went to Valentina’s and her son for dinner at 1pm and were there until 3:45. She put on a good meal and cooked it all, even though she has real trouble seeing. She has trouble coming to meetings in evening as it is hard to travel on bus late in evening. Her son has a little stutter and has little extra weight; the children in the area tried to kill him. When she complained, one of the neighbour men gave her hard time pulling her hair and other things. Her son is very smart in school. Her husband left her some years ago and disappeared to Russia and never came back. We helped her with medical expense as well.

Then Ola and Oleg and their son and his wife and her sister came and we went out to the forest for a time near a lake. We had nice time with them and would have liked to talk a little more as they haven’t grown much spiritually. Their son doesn't have much interest in the Bible. He seems to have a nice wife, very plain and her sister also. They come from a family of 5. Oleg’s other son was to funeral of his best friend, killed a few days ago on motor Bike.

We came back to the house tired after a long day considering it was Monday and after a very long Lord’s day yesterday.

June 25
Again we started the day with two ladies Luba and Maria who came at 10 for clothing. This isn’t the Luba that is in the Meeting in Lviv but another one . Then went for lunch with Andre, he comes to meeting very very well but will tell you he isn’t saved, a very nice man. He has a business and sells bearings for machinery. One of his three daughters works with him. She has never been to meeting and not very friendly. Two of his other daughters have come. Svetlana professed and the other one was really troubled two years ago. Many have their day of opportunity but fail to grasp it .

Then we went to Walmart for 3 food bags and delivered one to Lesia. We then delivered clothing and toys to the Half way house, an Orphanage with 16 children there now but they were having their sleep time and didn’t get to speak to them today. We had tea with Maria the head lady, she was having hard day as her brother fell from a tree that morning and broke his knee cap. Then I went for a treatment on my back. I had to get taxi to the meeting but had to wait an hour. It rained very hard for an hour and I was late getting to the meeting. I had to walk some of the way as traffic was heavy and not moving. We had 18 out to meeting but that was good as all who came were very wet. After meeting we all went with Maria to her little place for tea? joke tea? they make you eat so many sweets but had nice time with her We would like to see this lady in the Meeting for sure. She lost her husband two years ago, three days after I left. So poor, we bought a fridge for her once, she is so proud of it. A life time savings and she still would not have enough money to buy it, and many here like her.

Late night again, getting very tired for sure.

June 26

We read and prayed before anyone came We do every morning if possible at all. The first to get clothing was a Russian Lady, Svetlana she has been very sick and some relatives have recently died so she was having a rough day. She got saved after a storm one evening. I remember her first meeting. God is so kind in saving any of us for sure. Then Tanya’s mom and Tania’s youngest brother came for clothing, Lubchek is the youngest of 4 boys he broke his foot 5 weeks ago. We had a talk to them some, she was to meeting once since we came but not the interest you would like to see.

We then went and picked up another food package and made another visit on the couple where we visited before, his wife is coming to meetings every night . He has part of his leg taken off. After that we went to deliver the clothing that Tanya’s mom picked up. It was nice to talk to two of her other sons. We then meet Svetlana’s mom and visited the old lady where we first meet her mom three years ago. The lady was a dancer for over 35 years. In the same building we visited Natalia who has a daughter that can sing very very well. Left food with both of them. From there we went to see Natalia the lady who is paralyzed. We took her pampers as always, her mom was there and served tea. She is a lot friendlier than the early years.
WE went then for a late snack as all we ate today since breakfast has been tea and sweets served to us as we visited.

And then to bed. Eric and Margie with Dan

Update from Eric

Eric, June 30 Up early and ready to go to Lviv. We had to pack for Canada as we will not return to Ivano Frankisk. We plan to stay in lviv until we leave for Canada on Wednesday. The trip was 3 hours but road repaired some. Svetlana w goes smoother ent with us. I remember her first trip to Breaking of Bread. She truly enjoyed it and helped the ladies very much with the lunch.

The meeting went well, Ruslan interpreted for me in the word after the meeting. He always did have trouble with my expressions. When Vladimir isn't there, they truly miss him. Worship goes much smoother when he is there as well. Dan and the gang went back to Ivano. Then seven of us went to the center of the city and spent 3 hours in the street giving out literature. I love it in the street. I had a unique experience at the end when I only had a magnet and a book mark left. I gave them to one lady but she was so disappointed that that was all I had to give her. She went away sad. I walked about twenty steps and found two tracts sticking out of a garbage can. I took them out, straightened them and prayed where is the lady, she had gone into the crowd. I stood on the side walk for about 10 minutes, waiting for the others to come, when all of a sudden I spotted the lady on the inside of the crowd going the opposite way. I quickly walked behind her and touched her on the shoulder and she looked back and I showed her the two papers. She smiled and understood who I was and smiling she said thanks and went down the street still saying thanks, thanks. Amazing!
Then went out for supper, all seven to a place that communist had used but was redone. Afterwards we came back to Agnes and Edmund’s and had ice cream and coffee. Had a short sing and then back to Nadia's and ready to sleep. Lord's day over and very very tired. July 1. Up to a very different breakfast, soup and fish. The lady would not take no for an answer. Oh well it filled us. Edmund came and picked us up and we went and picked up things for a small Orphanage in Yosopowich, only 19 children. It was little over hour but had nice visit. We spoke to 9 of the staff who paid good attention. My first visit was in 2005 but a lot different since that day. A lot of repairs have been done over the years; new doors windows and other things. God has been good to the little place. They all have a good interest in the Gospel. Then we came back to Stri to visit a Dr. that we know. I have visited him often. He reminded me I gave him his first Bible. His wife just had open heart surgery. He carves wood for a living now. He is the Dr. that had to leave because he saw so many die from lack of medicine. We went to visit Rosa next door who is 96 years old. A sweet old lady.

Came back to Edmund's for supper. Lubchec and Nadia and their son were there with us. We had a little sing and then came back to the apartment after a full day.

July 2 Today Edmund came and got us again in the morning and went to visit with Andre's mother Maria. We left her funds for food. Her husband left her some 5 years ago and never came back. Then took Micha's wife to hospital. They come to the meeting all the time and are both deaf mutes. Ruslan's mom then had us for dinner. She is in the meeting also, I baptized her and her husband
in 2006 when I was here. Her husband died in 2007. They were Jews. Amazing to see God at work. Then we went out of the city 20 min. to visit Roman. He is not saved He has 5 children 3 girls and two boys. His wife left some years ago with 4 children and a baby 6 weeks old. He has been a good father for sure. You should see where they live. I had a nice talk to them on John 8:12 “Jesus said I am the Light of the world”. It would be nice to see them saved. The two girls were there with their father, they are 17 -15. We left funds with them for food. Came back into the city and had supper with Edmund again.

We came back to the apartment to talk to Misha, the next door neighbor here. He came to many meetings over the years and both him and his wife professed but are not coming to meetings like you would want to see. Now to pack for home. Thanks for all your prayers over the weeks ... continue to pray for the work her in the UKRAINE THAT GOD WILL EXERCISE OTHERS TO COME WITH A HEART FOR SOULS The need is so great. WHERE THERE IS NO VISION THE PEOPLE PERISH. Eric and Margie

Updates from Eric

Eric’s final reports before returning home to Canada.

June 27 Natalia came for clothing after our breakfast and reading and Prayer. It was nice to see her again as she didn't come much at the beginning of the meetings. I thought her daughter would come with her but is very shy, even though she is a singer. She has problems with doing anything as they are poor and is hard to get a sponsor.

Then I went and paid heat and gas bill for the couple where the man has his leg off at the knee. They were so happy. Then Dan took us out to dinner at a Ukraine place. Then we went to the Halfway house orphanage in town and delivered more clothing that they wanted. Then we went and bought a blood pressure machine for Maria and went and had supper with her and her daughter, granddaughter and daughter in law. Maria has come since 2005 but she has never invited us out to her home. She is the happy face Maria with nice hair as about 3 Maria,s come to meeting. Then the Bible discussion that Dan has with those he invites. Day over pray Heaven is richer and those we met and helped are happier. June 28 Our morning was slow and we had dinner with Svelana's mom, Louisa; she made a special meal for us. I know she is troubled even though she doesn't come to meeting. She took us on a visit some ago to an old lady, who asked how can I be rich, can you tell me she said to the lady “ DO YOU MEAN DOWN HERE OR IN HEAVEN ?” She is a nurse that works with the older and sick people in their homes. Then when we finished there, we went to a Russian lady who had another meal made for us. She is very lonely and lives by herself. We had a nice talk to her about SALVATION. Often it's hard to get them to see you can be sure of heaven and that ALL your sins are fully and forever forgiven.

A dear lady named Svitlana was sick for some weeks and in Hospital, so we left her funds for Medicine. We had one of Dana's sons come for clothing. Dana has 7 grown children, most of them sick. We have helped her family much but the need is so great. Then we took him home and visited with his mom and dad. we also saw his sister MARINA who is in Art school.

Then we went home and sorted 6 boxes of clothing for Dan to take to a village tomorrow. He will take Yarsolv and bring back his son and wife.

Then Olia came and bought some of her food for us that she made herself. We then went to visit Leanna and her daughter Marina and had tea with them. Leanna asked us to pray for her little home that God would bless them. (They didn't come to one meeting). Then after praying she tipped hot water over on her daughter’s food! The enemy at work you could feel it. The devil and his power is real in every home.
Another day over and tired.

June 29 Dan left early for the village. Svetlana came and we went to change money and went to pay for her frame for a picture she did for her mom and dad.

Then went to the apartment and got a taxi and took two boxes of pampers to Jana that we met on the street. From there went to Natalia's home and got her and went to her mom and dad's place. We had a nice visit with them. We talked a little about Salvation by FAITH in Christ and the forgiveness of sins. Again hard for them to see you can be sure of heaven. To many of us it's simple but to people who don't read their BIBLE it's dark.

Went to pizza plus and met with Luba and her daughter Marika. We talked about Baptism with Marika . as she has been asking questions on it. We talked to her mom about gossiping. Some of the Ladies do a lot of it and we warned her about the danger of being involved. Nice time with them and nice to treat them to Pizza as they do not have it often I would say, very very poor.

We went to apartment and Olia the lady with arthritis came. We gave her funds for Medicine as it costs very much. Then we went and took Leanna and her daughter for a swim. On the way home we went and bought her a tea pot so that she will not have to use bottles to make tea. Amazing! We trust they will see the true care we have for them and it’s all because of Salvation. Another day to meet again in ETERNITY

Eric and Margie With Dan

Update from Dan

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

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

Dan's report No 8

Dan’s report #8

Monday the 27^th 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 30^th 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

Dan's Report No 6

Dan’s Report #6

Thursday the 23^rd 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