Team Kharkov Prayer Requests November 3rd-10th

"Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?  And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?" - Deut. 4:6-8, ESV

What a critical time in our history as a nation and as followers of Jesus!  I had the privilege of voting early, and actually voting in person - something I had not done since the 2000 elections.  How blessed we are as a nation to continue to have the opportunity to be heard through our prayers, and through our vote.

I have been reminded by the Lord that this country is still "One nation, under God," more so than any other nation on earth.  Regardless of the results of the coming election, we as followers of Christ are not without hope, and not without power through our prayers!

Welcome to our new prayer partners the Lord has provided in my first 3 weeks on stateside.  I have been so blessed by times of fellowship with friends old and new, and am looking forward to the plans my Father has for me the remainder of my time here.  The Lord continues to impress upon my heart and mind how critical prayer will be as I, through prayer, consider his plans for the work he has for us upon my return to Kharkov in January.  So, thank you for your commitment to pray!

Seeking his path through prayer.....

Please join us in praise and prayer this coming week:

- Praise to the Lord for working through the authorities in Kharkov to provide documents for the building for New Hope/Grace churches.  While the documents are still being processed, it would appear that official documents will be issued before the time limit expires.

- Amanda and Oleg will meet with embassy officials on November 13th for his visa interview.  Pray for all the details that must be worked out in getting her apartment packed up, furniture moved, and, hopefully, tickets bought for them to fly to Alaska within the next month upon approval for his visa.

- Pray for me as I will be traveling this weekend, sharing at a church on Sunday, and returning to Little Rock on Monday.  Pray for a time of sweet fellowship with the Lord on the journey, and for great times of fellowship with others over the weekend.

- Pray for Amanda as she continues to lead The Book Club during her remaining time in Kharkov.  Intercede for those who attend to have hearts and lives changed by the power of his Word as they read and study the book of Hebrews.

- Pray for me as I may travel next weekend to Springfield, Missouri for a missions celebration.  Petition the Lord to grant me opportunities to cast a vision for the work in Kharkov, and to lead many to join us in prayer for the 98% of Ukrainians in the Kharkov region who have yet to follow Jesus.

As you can probably tell if you've been receiving our prayer requests for a while, I'm working on a new format and sending system.  Thanks for your patience as I continue to learn and implement easier ways to get the word out to you as our partners through prayer.

I will also be working to update our Team Kharkov web site and hope to use that more regularly to post photos, videos, and other information that will help you more fully pray for the people of the Kharkov region of Ukraine.

Blessings to all of you, our co-laborers!

Team Kharkov

Team Kharkov Requests October 23rd - 27th

"Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.'" (Joshua 3:5)

I realize I am really late with our requests this week, but travel and meetings over this past weekend really didn't allow the time for writing.  Thank you for your prayers for my travel to meet with folks from Longview Heights Baptist Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi.  An added joy to the weekend was sitting down for fellowship with most of the team that came to Kharkov in May, and beginning plans for another team to come in May, 2013!  

Soaking in the Father's creation!

I arrived in the states 2 weeks ago yesterday, and as always seems to happen, I am experiencing a spiritual refreshment and peace that is not always available in the lands of the former Soviet Union.  My desire is to be "consecrated" - set apart by the power of the Holy Spirit through repentance and renewal as an instrument the Father can use today, and each day to follow for his glory!  As that desire grows, so too does the sense of anticipation and expectation that indeed, my Lord is going to do great and amazing things in me, through me, and "among" me!  

Amanda and I covet your continuing prayers for us individually and for the body of Christ in Kharkov, Ukraine.  Even as the battle for the hearts of the people of the Kharkov region continues, our hope, our faith is in Christ alone to accomplish more than we can ask or imagine!

Here are additional opportunities for prayer for the coming days:

- I haven't received an update concerning the New Hope/Grace Church documentation problems.   Please continue to pray for Pastor Andre from Grace Church as he meets with authorities during this process, and for favor with those in authority.  I'll pass along any updates when I get them.

- Amanda continues to meet with her friend Natalia on Wednesday for weekly bible study, and with The Book Club on Thursday evenings.  Ask the Lord to cause his Word to penetrate the hearts and minds of each one who comes.  Pray for Amanda as she leads the Book Club through the study of the book of Hebrews.

- I have the privilege of speaking at a fall Women's Celebration on Thursday evening at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, and at a retreat for girls/women at Camp Paron this Friday and Saturday.  Please intercede for the Lord to speak through these opportunities to each of us as we gather together.  Pray many will be led to come alongside Team Kharkov as partners through prayer, and as volunteers in the future.

- Pastor Vitaly Maslyanka (in picture on left) from the church start in the "XTZ" region of the city of Kharkov has asked us to join them in praying for a place to rent for their church meetings.  Team Kharkov worked with them for several years in the past, and hope to work with them in the future.  Ask the Lord to provide them with the "perfect" place to gather to worship and serve him in the years to come.

- I give praise to the Lord for the opportunity Amanda and I have had to work together the past 5 1/2 years.   Pray for both of us as we transition over the next two months in preparation for her return to Alaska in January.  Petition the Lord to make clear his plans for Team Kharkov and for Amanda and Oleg as they begin their lives together early in 2013.  

As always, your prayers and encouragement mean so much not only to Amanda and me, but to multitudes in the Kharkov region of Ukraine!  Thank you for being an integral part of Team Kharkov!


IMPACTing the Kharkov Region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

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Team Kharkov Requests October 14th-20th

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)  

For the past month or more we have asked you to join us in praying for knowledge of his will and his plans for Amanda and I as we both begin new phases of this journey called "life in Christ."  Yet as I read this passage this morning, I was convicted that if I truly desire to know and walk in his will, I must choose to let go of the the "road map" of the world so imprinted on my heart and mind to allow the Holy Spirit to continue the transformation of my heart and mind - renewed, restored, and refreshed by the power of his Word.  

I'm reminded of just how difficult choosing to let go of the ways of the world might be as I become reacquainted with life in the states.  I find my senses overwhelmed by the abundance of choices regardless of where I might find myself - not only those choices for which I might pay a price financially, but also the choices I am given for expending my time, my energy, and my heart.  Pray for Amanda and I as we continue to walk the steps ordained by the Lord so that we might both "be able to test and approve" God's good, pleasing and perfect will.

Thank you for praying for my journey back to the states last Monday.  I give praise to the Lord for his answer throughout a long, but uneventful trip.    

Following are other ways you can join us in prayer through this coming week:

- We give thanks to the Lord for moving the visa process along for Oleg and Amanda.  Pray for Amanda as she contacts the embassy in Kiev for interviews and continues packing up her apartment prior to a move to another apartment in mid-November, with a planned move to Alaska in January.  

- Intercede for me (Linda) as I continue to prepare to share with churches in the states about opportunities to partner with Team Kharkov in the future.  Ask the Lord to grant me his heart, his mind, and his plans for reaching across culture to lead Ukrainians to the cross of Christ.

Grace/New Hope Church Building

- Praise to the Lord for how he has provided the necessary funds for Grace and New Hope Churches to begin securing the required documents for their church building.  Pastor Andre of Grace was to meet with authorities this past Thursday.  Please continue to pray for the pastors and their churches as they continue the process.  Petition the Lord to go before them as they represent their churches before authorities in the Kharkov region, seeking to walking in obedience to the law even as they obey the Lord.

- Pray for Amanda as she continues to lead the The Book Club through the book of Hebrews.  Ask the Lord to move in the hearts and minds of those who attend to bring them to a knowledge of their need for a personal relationship with Christ and a desire to submit to him as Lord.

-  I will travel on Friday from Little Rock to Olive Branch, Mississippi (near Memphis) to meet with past and future Mississippi volunteer team members, as well as church staff.  I will also have the opportunity to share during Sunday services at Longview Heights Baptist Church.  Pray the Father would speak to each of our hearts and minds as we meet, pray, and worship together.  

- Ask the Lord to grant me wisdom as I continue to seek his will in sharing with churches over the next 3 months.  Pray I will not miss those opportunities he is providing, but also, that I will take the time to allow him to refresh and renew me physically and spiritually.  

Thank you for coming alongside Amanda and I through your prayers.  Your partnership is vital in preparing not only the hearts of those to whom we will minister, but in preparing and protecting our hearts as well.  Know that we do not take lightly your commitment to undergird our daily lives as you intercede for us.

IMPACTing the Kharkov region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests October 7th-13th

"Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock." (Isaiah 26:4)

Pastors Vitaly Sorokun (New Hope) and Andre Rezynenko (Grace Church) want to express their thanks for your prayers and support of their respective churches this past week.  They continue to seek the Father's plan, and his will, in resolving the legal issues concerning the church building.  If they do nothing, they face considerable fines and charges from the government, so regardless of how the Father leads them, they cling to the promises of our Rock - the LORD GOD - alone.  

Sunday, October 7th  I will depart from Kharkov this morning on the express train to begin my journey to the states.  My flight (23 hour journey including 3 legs and layovers) from Kiev to Little Rock takes off Monday morning at 6:40 a.m. Kiev time.  As I write this, I still have some packing to do, and final preparations in my apartment. I would ask you to intercede for me on the journey - for rest along the way, but also for opportunities to share the hope of Christ with those I may encounter.  Pray for me as well, as I spend time this week preparing for the opportunities the Lord has granted for sharing with churches in the states in the weeks ahead.

Monday, October 8th  Petition the Father to grant our brothers in Christ favor as they meet with government officials today concerning the church building in Saltavka.  Pray the Lord would grant them wisdom and knowledge of His perfect will in a situation that by man's perception would appear without hope.

Tuesday, October 9th  Pray for Amanda as she meets with a Ukrainian believer today (Olga) for a time of fellowship, and as she continues going through the process of packing up her apartment.  Ask the Lord to grant her wisdom in knowing what to hold on to, what to release, and favor in selling those items they do not need to keep.  

Breaking Free Group

Wednesday, October 10th  The New Hope Breaking Free group will continue their study tonight with different members of the group facilitating each week.  Pray the Lord would continue to work in their hearts and minds by the power of his Word, and through the Holy Spirit to bring them to a place of freedom in Christ.

Thursday, October 11th  The video is one of many taken during my last time with  "The Book Club" english group before leaving for the states.  It is hard to say goodbye even for a few months to folks who have become great friends.  Pray for Amanda as she continues to guide their journey through the book of Hebrews.  Ask the Lord to bring each and every person in this group into a personal and intimate relationship with him through Jesus Christ!  

Friday, October 12th  Please continue to pray for the cell group outreach of New Hope International Church.  Some of the groups have been gathering at a nearby mall food court on Friday evenings to meet international students and invite them to New Hope services.  Ask the Lord to continue to add many to the body of Christ through this church.

Saturday, October 13th  Pray for Pastor Igor Zhukov and members of New Hope Ukrainian church as they gather to worship each Sunday.  Ask the Lord to direct their path to find a new meeting place to rent.  

Amanda and I both covet your prayers - for Amanda as she completes this part of the journey the Lord has for her in Kharkov, and for me as I transition to serving as the only person from our company in the Kharkov region.  

IMPACTing the Kharkov region with the love of Christ!

Urgent Request for Grace & New Hope Churches

"The Lord is my Shepherd.....He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters...." (Psalm 23:1-2)  Pastor Vitaly Sorokun at New Hope Church preached from this psalm yesterday, particularly teaching and encouraging the International students who attend to not allow fear of living in this culture and facing the unknown to overwhelm them.  Our Good Shepherd is in control!  Pastor Vitaly and Pastor Andre (Grace Church) had the opportunity to put the truth of his message into practice this morning.

Several months ago, we shared with you that authorities in Kharkov had filed a lawsuit against New Hope and Grace Church (they share a building) stating that the documents for their building were not legal, and that the building codes were not adhered to when it was built.  This occurred less than a year after the churches spent thousands of dollars to complete all the "necessary" and "legal" documentation for the building where the churches meet.  In the past few months, the church and Pastor Vitaly Sorokun, who is a lawyer as well as pastor of New Hope Church, have appealed to higher courts.

Pastor V called this morning to say that this past week, the Supreme Court upheld the lower court's judgment against Grace & New Hope Church.   The city government could take ownership of the building, and the churches would then have to rent at a very high cost, or they could even tear the building down.  However, Pastor V said after meeting with building inspectors today, there is a possibility to get documentation done for the building utilizing a ruling that is in effect only until the end of the year, but the cost is beyond what the churches have available.

Pastor Vitaly knows we are blessed with prayer partners who lift up the needs of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, and called to request prayer for them as they seek the Lord's will.  They are prepared to use all the money they have on hand in both churches if that is the Father's will, but it is not enough to accomplish the task.  Intercede for the Lord to grant both Vitaly and Pastor Andre wisdom as they walk through this process.  Pray for the Lord to show Himself mighty on their behalf, for His glory, honor, and praise.  

Thank you for your prayers for His people in Kharkov, Ukraine!

(For those who are not familiar with the history of this church/building, our personnel and many volunteer teams have worked alongside both churches for the past 15 years.) 

Team Kharkov Requests September 30th-October 6th

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (Proverbs 1:7)

Roma Brothers with Joe and I

Wisdom.....often over the past months, when I have asked for prayer needs from Ukrainian believers, the primary request has been:  "Please pray I will have wisdom."  Even in The Book Club english group on Thursday, that was the first "need" that was voiced.  According to the verse above, the root of wisdom begins with me having a "healthy" fear of the Lord.  I have experienced too often the consequences of following my own wisdom, leading an undisciplined life, to not have a fear of the Lord!  But it is a fear born out of the knowledge of his love for me, and his desire for me to follow so closely behind him that his plan for my life is unfolded day by day. 

Friday afternoon, Joe Ragan (serving in Donetsk, Ukraine) and I met for 3 hours with  Roma (Gypsy) brothers at a Roma church in the town of Merifa, just 15 minutes from Kharkov to discuss the possibility of future ministry opportunities.  Shown in the picture from the left: Rustam - pastor of the Merifa church; Vova - who lives and serves in the city of Balaklaya but helps with Roma work all over Ukraine; Yan - a deacon at the Merifa church; Joe Ragan, and me.  Again, as we prayed before leaving, our hearts asked for the Lord's wisdom as we consider what the Lord is doing, and how he would have us to join him.  May each of us seek the Lord, and his wisdom, in making decisions that impact us, our families, our neighbors, and, perhaps, the world, for eternity!

Sunday, September 30th  Pastor Igor and the members of New Hope Ukrainian church are in the process off seeking a place to rent where they can meet for services and small group ministry.  The women I met with this week for a baking "class" (shown in the photo below) shared they had found a place near the center of Kharkov that they are praying about renting.  Intercede for this body of believers as they ask the Lord for wisdom and knowledge of his will.

New Hope women enjoying some of the sweets they baked!

Monday, October 1st  I will meet this evening with Zhenya and Natasha Molodchy (and their 3 children) to discuss plans for volunteer teams and ministry when I return from the states in late January.  Our plea, again, is for wisdom, and for the Holy Spirit to direct our paths individually and corporately in the months ahead.  Pray for Zhenya as he helps me to "connect" with pastors and church leaders in the Kharkov region.

Tuesday, October 2nd This past Saturday we gathered with Amanda and her fiancé Oleg to celebrate their engagement and future wedding.  We praise the Lord for how he is moving the visa application along for Oleg.  Please continue to pray for them as they make decisions about personal items they have from their homes.  Pray the Lord will provide buyers for items they choose to get rid of before moving to Alaska in January, 2013.

Wednesday, October 3rd  This will be my last meeting with the group from New Hope studying Breaking Free.  Praise to the Father for those in the group who are already doing a wonderful job of facilitating the study each week.  Pray they will be faithful to continue to meet and finish the study.  Ask the Lord to bring new women into the group when they move to another study.

Thursday, October 4th  The Book Club will continue to meet each Thursday evening in my apartment during my time in the states, with Amanda leading the group through the study of Hebrews.  Pray the Lord would continue to work in the hearts and minds of each person who comes, drawing each one who is not yet a follower of Christ into that personal relationship, and strengthening and growing those who are followers of Christ.

Friday, October 5th  Pray for me as I try to take care of any "loose ends" before my departure on Sunday for Kiev, with a Monday morning flight to the states.  Ask the Lord to grant me his heart, and wisdom, as I prepare to share with churches in the states about the people of the Kharkov region of Ukraine.  Pray for Alex, Yana, and their infant son, Hector, as they prepare to live in my home for the next 3 1/2 months.  

Saturday, October 6th  Last Saturday, Pastor Vitaly Sorokun and New Hope International Church led a "Welcome to Kharkov" orientation meeting for international students who have just arrived in Kharkov for study.  They invited international students new to the area, with the desire to help them avoid some of the issues others have faced as well as enjoying a time of fellowship.  They will continue offering these meetings every week until mid-December.  Pray for the Lord to bless this outreach through bringing new students who are already believers into the fellowship of New Hope, and laying foundations of true faith in the lives of those who are not yet believers.

I am asking the Lord to grant me opportunities to see many of you face to face while I am in the states the next few months.  Your prayers are so vital to the work the Father has called us to do in the Kharkov region.  Thank you even now for your faithful intercession, encouragement, and support!

IMPACTing the Kharkov region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests September 23rd-29th

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God......Pay to all what is owed to them:  taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed." (Romans 13:1, 7) 

YEAH!  New Temporary Residency Cards in our hands!

Over the past 3 months all of our personnel in Ukraine have been confronted with the necessity to leave Ukraine to secure new visas, then return to go through the long process of receiving temporary residency permits.  Requirements have been different in almost every region of the country, since the law is new for the Ukrainian authorities as well as for foreigners living in Ukraine.  

While it is easy to be critical of how things are done when they don't necessarily conform to our cultural ideas, I have been reminded throughout this process of God's command to honor and respect those in authority - for they are only in those positions of authority by his will.  Join us in praising the Father for the opportunities we had through this process to begin relationships with some of those in authority, and for answered prayer in getting our permits signed, sealed, and delivered!

Sunday, September 23rd  Churches throughout Ukraine will hold "Zhatva" services on a chosen Sunday in September or October.  Pray the "Lord of the Harvest" will use these times of celebration and thanksgiving to plant the seed of the Word in the lives of not-yet-believers who attend these services with family and friends.

Monday, September 24th  Two weeks from today I will depart from Kiev for the states for a 3 1/2 month stateside assignment.  Pray for me as I continue to make decisions for scheduling opportunities to share about the work in Kharkov with churches in the states and time for renewal with family and friends.  Petition the Lord to grant me knowledge of his will in meeting with Ukrainian pastors and church personnel in these last 2 weeks in anticipation of sharing how Southern Baptists in the states can come alongside Ukrainian believers through short-term mission trips and strategic prayer in the Kharkov region of Ukraine.

Tuesday, September 25th  We praise the Father for how he is impacting lives through Living Hope Baptist Church and Pastor Sergei Datsko.  The church has a vision for offering hot meals and a place to get out of the winter weather for the homeless in Kharkov during the winter months.  Pray for the Lord's provision for workers and supplies as they share the love of Christ with "the least of these" in the Kharkov region.

Wednesday, September 26th  Women from New Hope Baptist Church (Ukrainian) continue the "Breaking Free" study each Wednesday night, usually completing only one or two days of the weekly lesson.  Their desire is to not only complete the study, but to allow the Lord to transform their lives.  Intercede for the truth of the gospel to bring those who are not-yet-believers into a relationship with Christ, and for those who are followers of Christ to grow more deeply in their relationship.

Amanda teaching from Hebrews 1

Thursday, September 27th  "We need to know more about Jesus!"  That was the response from one of the women who has attended The Book Club english group for the past 6 years when we asked what we should study next.  This past Thursday, we had 18 come to begin a journey through the book of Hebrews for that very purpose.  Petition the Father to change the hearts, minds, and lives of each and every person who attends.  

Friday, September 28th  Continue to intercede for the cell groups meeting on Friday evenings in apartments and hostels through the ministry of New Hope International Church.  Ask the Lord to bring many not-yet-believers into these groups, and cause them to  desire to follow after Christ.  Pray for additional groups to be started throughout the city of Kharkov among the thousands of university students - both international and Ukrainian.

Saturday, September 29th  This afternoon and evening, Amanda and Oleg will have an "Engagement Party" to share with family and friends the joy of what the Lord is doing in their lives.  Pray for this time of fellowship to be an opportunity for those who are not-yet-believers to be filled with a desire to know Christ as pastors from several churches share.  Pray for a time of encouragement and overflowing joy during the festivities of the evening.

We give thanks to the Father for the teams he is already leading to come to Kharkov in 2013.  If you would like more information, I would love to share with you how you might partner with us and our Ukrainian brothers and sisters in Christ through a short-term mission trip.  If you would like to know more, or meet together personally while I am in the states, please don't hesitate to write me at lgkharkov@gmail.com.

IMPACTing the Kharkov Region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests September 14th-22nd

Sixty beautiful sisters in Christ!

"To you, O Lord, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me.....Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary." (Psalm 28:1-2)  "Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD!" (Psalm 134:2)

Thank you so much for your prayers for our women's retreat held a week ago in southern Ukraine.  We had a week of perfect weather, beautiful fellowship, and soaking in the Word of God.  What a joy it was to watch as women of all ages who had never seen the sea played like small children in and around the waters of the Azov Sea!

We had the opportunity to renew and deepen relationships with the women we knew, and begin new relationships with all those we had not met before.  Ask the Lord to grant us future opportunities to encourage and share with the women in the Kharkov region of Ukraine.
(A photo set/slideshow from our camp can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com//photos/37981119@N06/sets/72157631533722598/show/)

Friday, September 14th  We praise the Father for laying upon the hearts of international students attending New Hope Church the desire to start new cell groups in their apartments and/or hostels.  Tonight, four new groups will begin in the city of Kharkov.  Intercede for those who attend to be passionate about following hard after Christ even though they are thousands of miles away from their homes and families.

Saturday, September 15th  Pastor V (Vitaly Sorokun) is filled with anticipation and excitement over the cell groups being started through New Hope.  A 5th group will begin to meet outside of the city  at the Agricultural University, with focused outreach to French-speaking African students.  Pray this ministry will provide a place where many students will come to know Christ, and grow in their knowledge of Him.

Sunday, September 16th  Amanda and I will attend New Hope International church this morning to have an opportunity to renew relationships with the young women from last year's international group.  Pray for Pastor V as he seeks the Lord's plans for outreach to the thousands of international students and business persons in the city of Kharkov.  Ask the Lord to call out men within this church to work alongside Pastor V.

Monday, September 17th  We continue the process of registration to meet the official requirements for living in Ukraine.  We hope to return to the local "Zhack" (administration) today to start the last step of this process, after a "detour" last week when one of our documents was not notarized.  We are thankful for Tatiana, the administrator, who wants to help us through the process when we have the proper documents.  Pray for our documents to arrive this morning so we can meet with her, and for the "light of Christ" to shine through our lives, granting Tatiana a desire to know the Source of that light!

Tuesday, September 18th Pray for me (Linda) as I plan media and speaking presentations to share with churches in the states over the next few months.  Petition the Lord to fill me with a knowledge of his will for future ministry in the Kharkov region, and how American churches might partner with us in his plans.

Wednesday, September 19th The "Breaking Free" group from New Hope Ukrainian church continues to meet each Wednesday evening.  I praise him for giving the women a desire to continue to meet and facilitate the group on their own, and for the joy of being a part of what he is doing in their lives.  Pray for Luda, Anya, and Olya - three not-yet-believers who have been drawn by the Spirit to come almost every week.  Ask the Lord to cause the gospel which has been shared with them to lead to the fruit of repentance and new life in Christ.

Thursday, September 20th "The Book Club" English group will begin meeting tonight after the summer break.  This will be the 7th year this group has met, and some of the members of that original group continue to come and not only study English, but also the Bible through storying.  Pray for Amanda as she leads this group until January, possibly through the book of Hebrews.  Ask the Lord to bring exactly those he has chosen into the group,  and to draw each one who is not yet a believer into a relationship with Christ.

Friday, September 21st  Pray for me (Linda) as I travel to Dnipropetrovsk today to spend time with Mike and Linda Ray, our team leader.  This will be an opportunity to learn more about how to coordinate volunteer teams, work with our Ukrainian partners, and prepare more fully for my return as a single member on Team Kharkov in January.  Pray for a time of sweet fellowship even as they share their "expertise" with me!

Saturday, September 22nd  Please continue to pray for Amanda and Oleg as they continue through the visa process for Oleg.  Ask the Lord to grant them continuing peace and knowledge of his will for each step of the way as they let go of their lives here in the months to come, and plan for their new future life together. 

I praise the Lord for the opportunities he is granting for my time in the states for the next 4 months.  Please continue to pray for me to have wisdom and knowledge of his will as I continue to schedule my time with the family of God, my own family, and my friends.

IMPACTing the Kharkov Region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests September 2nd-8th

"Come, let us bow down in  worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.  Today, if only you would hear his voice,....(Psalm 95:6-7)  "If only you would hear his voice......"  

In Aramaic, the language Jesus often spoke, the word for prayer was "shela" (pronounced shalu).  The word has the meaning "to open oneself" or "to listen to."  The daily prayer devotional, "Connection," said "seen in this way, prayer was the very breath of His life."  

As Jesus talked with his Father over many long nights, he not only spoke, but he listened.  He "soaked" in the presence of his Father, and I can only imagine he came away renewed, refreshed, and prepared for the new day the Father had before him by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Pray that each of us will take the time to be still before our Father, pouring out our heart when it is overflowing with petitions, but then listening for his answer.

New Hope International Church will begin services tomorrow (Sunday) at 9:00 a.m., welcoming back many of the students who have returned to study, and beginning relationships with new students as they come to the services.  Pastor Vitaly Sorokun has asked us to pray for those who are being trained as leaders of small groups and other outreach ministries in the church.  Their desire is to have at least 6 - 8 small groups meeting in apartments and hostels throughout the city this school year.  Ask the Father to lay a strong foundation of discipleship and accountability for this church.  Intercede for Pastor V to be filled with wisdom and knowledge of the Lord's will as he guides this young body of believers.

Also on Sunday, Amanda and I will be traveling with about 55-60 other women to southern Ukraine for a week-long women's camp.  The women are widows and single women from the Kharkov region.  Pray for safety in the journey (I will be driving), for wonderful fellowship for the women as they travel on the bus, and for a restful night of sleep after we arrive.

Would you join us each day in prayer for all of us?  Amanda and I will be teaching from the book of Colossians each morning.  I will teach on Monday morning, then we will alternate mornings throughout the week (Amanda on Tuesday, me again on Wednesday, etc.)  We have scheduled the daily activities for the week to give each person an opportunity to rest, to fellowship, to worship, and most of all, to hear from the Lord.  

Pray for each of us to be able to find that place of quiet throughout the week where the Lord might speak to our hearts individually.  Intercede for those who will be there who are either not-yet-believers, or who are struggling in their walk with the Lord.   Pray this will be a week when each of us will encounter our heavenly Father by the power of the Holy Spirit in such a way that each of our lives will be transformed!

We will return to Kharkov on Saturday, September 8th.  Amanda and I will begin the return earlier in the day, while the bus will return later.  Again, intercede for traveling safety and ease for the journey.  

We look forward to sharing with you next Sunday (when I have time to write again) how the Father answered our prayers.  Thank you for your faithful intercession for us, and for the people of the Kharkov region of Ukraine!

IMPACTing the Kharkov Region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Prayer Requests August 26th-September 1st

"When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' your unfailing love, LORD, supported me.  When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." (Psalm 94:18-19 NIV)

Thursday morning I woke up before dawn....not that unusual for me, but I usually go back to sleep for just a little while.  This time, however, that was not to be.  Over the next hour, as I prayed and sought to return to sleep (and peace) I found myself going to a place of anxiety.  That feeling continued as I began my usual morning routine - walking Shadow, getting my first cup of coffee, and sitting down with the Word.  
As I began reading, I got on the internet to check a Scripture reference.  As the web page opened, I was greeted by the "verse of the day" which just "happened" to be Psalm 94:18-19.  Immediately, I knew my Papa was reminding me that he is ALWAYS near, ALWAYS supporting me by his unfailing love.  The enemy began to lose his grip on my emotions, and as the day progressed, I returned to that Word from my Father frequently.  But he had even more for me, prompting a dear friend to send an unexpected word of encouragement, and her obedience to that prompting blessed me yet further.

As Amanda and I anticipate great changes in our lives over the next months - Amanda's upcoming wedding, and my return from the states to be the only one of our personnel on Team Kharkov - your prayers are used by our Father to strengthen and encourage us in ways only the Lord knows.  We give him praise, honor, and glory for the constant and unfailing love that leads us to great joy as we lean on him in greater and greater measure.

Sunday, August 26th  Pray for Sergei and Marina Datsko's daughter Alyssa as she is married today in Living Hope Church in Kharkov.  Ask the Lord to fill Alyssa and her husband Dima's home with his presence.  Pray their lives will be a testimony of his grace, mercy, and love as they are united in marriage.

Monday, August 27th  We praise the Lord for the continuing assistance of Pastor Vitaly Sorokun as we wade through the new process for registration after getting new visas.  Intercede for Amanda and I, along with Pastor V, as we go to the Ovir (Office of Visa & Registration) on Tuesday afternoon to submit our paperwork.  We have a short timeframe to work with, and will be gone next week for a women's conference.  Ask the Lord to grant us favor in processing our paperwork in "record time!" (It can take 10 -14 days)

Tuesday, August 28th  Thank you for your prayers for our journey to visit the Roma church in Merifa last Sunday.  We are thankful for the time of fellowship and sharing we had with Pastor Rustan (front row right with his wife Marina and daughter) and other believers at this church.  Pray for our colleague Joe Ragan and I as we seek God's plan for coming alongside our Roma (Gypsy) brothers and sisters in Christ in each of our regions respectively.  Ask the Lord to call out volunteers to work with us in encouraging the Roma followers of Jesus in this region of the country.

Wednesday, August 29th  Petition the Lord to grant Pastor Vitaly Sorokun and his wife Anna wisdom as they develop plans for New Hope International Church for the coming year.  Pastor V specifically asks us to bathe the students and the church leaders in prayer as they seek to lay a foundation of faith and unity in this church.  Pray the Lord will draw many international students into this fellowship as they return to Kharkov after summer break.

Thursday, August 30th  Pray for the women's retreat leadership team as we meet today for the last time today before leaving on Sunday for the retreat.  Ask the Lord to give us unity of heart and mind that he might accomplish his purposes in his way in the lives of each of the 62 women who will be at the camp.

Friday, August 31st  The end of the summer  brings the promise of gathering many together in the months to come to share the love of Christ.  Pray for churches throughout the Kharkov region to be empowered by the Spirit of God, reaching out to their communities and their cities with the love of Christ.  Ask the Lord to meet the needs of the pastors in this region as many work at other jobs to support their families while seeking to pastor the body of Christ.

Saturday, September 1st  The first day of September - "The Day of Knowledge"- always brings the "first bell," when children gather at each school with parents and grandparents to ring in the new school year.  Many Baptist churches will start their Sunday School for children in September as well after a summer break.  Petition the Lord to raise up teachers committed to Christ that they might impact the lives of their students with his love.  Pray for children and their parents in communities throughout the city of Kharkov to be drawn to worship the One True God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

IMPACTing the Kharkov Region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

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Team Kharkov Requests August 19th-25th

"Call to me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3)

As I was walking to the large square near my apartment the other day, I passed person after person carrying on a conversation with someone on their cell phone.   Immediately my heart went to my need to be that "connected" to the Lord.....to instantly call upon Him along any part of my journey throughout the day, and to be ready to answer his call when he desires to speak to me.  May my ears and my heart be attuned to his voice to listen as he shares with me those "great and unsearchable things" I have yet to know.

Sunday, August 19th  Our colleague in Donetsk (Joe Ragan) will be driving to Kharkov today to attend the Roma (gypsy) church with me in Merifa.  He met with believers in a small city in his area that are asking how they might help the Roma in their city begin a church.  Pray for Joe, Pastor Rustan (Roma pastor in Merifa) and I as we talk following their service on Sunday evening.  Ask the Lord to grant Joe wisdom in helping the church in the Donetsk region who have a desire to reach out to the Roma.

Monday, August 20th  Thank you for your prayers for our time in Zmeeov with Pastor Yuri Poshtak and the church there. We praise God for all he is doing in and through this small body of believers.  Intercede for Pastor Yuri and Olga as they labor daily in the hard "soil" of Zmeeov.  Pray the seeds that have been planted in the hearts of those around the church would take root, causing many to recognize their need for the Savior.

Tuesday, August 21st  Last Sunday, New Hope Church (Ukrainian) accepted into their fellowship their new pastor, Igor Zukov.  The Lord has led Pastor Vitaly Sorokun to focus his ministry on New Hope International church and the international teaching/discipleship ministry he has worked with for many years.  Pray for Pastor Igor and the body of Christ at New Hope as they seek the Lord's plan for continuing ministry in the Saltavka region of Kharkov.  Petition the Father to strengthen the New Hope International church and ministry of Pastor Vitaly in the months ahead.

Wednesday, August 22nd  We praise the Lord for continuing to draw 3 not-yet-believers to the women's Breaking Free study on Wednesday nights.  Pray the power of the Word will penetrate and permeate the lives of each of these women, as well as continuing to strengthen and encourage all of us as we study together.

Thursday, August 23rd  Thank you for your prayers for the financial needs for the women's retreat.  The Lord compelled the owner of the retreat center (who is a believer) to keep the daily charge at the same rate as originally quoted.  Pray for the Lord to bless the owner even as she has blessed the 60 women who will be gathering for the retreat in September.  Ask the Father to provide all the necessary funding and travel arrangements needed to get each of the women to southern Ukraine for the retreat.

Friday, August 24th  Over 45 million Ukrainians today will celebrate Independence Day, commemorating 21 years of independence from the former Soviet Union.   Yet almost 98% have never experienced true freedom that can only come through a personal relationship with Christ.  Please continue to intercede on behalf of Ukrainian followers of Christ who seek to impact their nation for eternity with the love of Christ.  

Saturday, August 25th  With only a week remaining before the official start of classes in Ukraine, we will host a picnic and softball game today for New Hope International Church, New Hope Ukrainian Baptist Church, and The Book Club English group.  Ask the Lord to grant us a day when the light of the Son will shine through his people as we gather together for fellowship.  Pray for opportunities for fellowship with not-yet-believers during our picnic time and beyond.

Pray for Amanda and I both as we prepare for time in the states - for Amanda as she and Oleg look forward to their marriage and to the Father's plan for their lives, and for me as I schedule time with churches and family in the states, and prepare to share with others what the Lord is doing in and through his people in the Kharkov region of Ukraine.  

IMPACTing the Kharkov Region of Ukraine with the love of Christ! 

Thank you for your prayers for our time with Pastor Yuri in Zmeeov last Sunday.  

Team Kharkov Requests August 12th-18th

"Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!  Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.  Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!  For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.  For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens" (Psalm 96:1-5)

For over 2 weeks, much of the world has been captivated and tuned in to the 2012 Summer Olympics.  I haven't had much opportunity to watch them, but I try to read  about some of the athletes when they are mentioned in sports headlines online.  One in particular, Gabby Douglas,  stands out in my memory this morning because she simply gave all the glory for her performance to the Lord.  Others have bowed on the track, or raised a finger to the sky, or in some other way seemed to acknowledge the LORD , but her "tweet" just before the all-around competition so simply stated truth:   "Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things He does for me."  

I am in awe of all the good things He does for me, including allowing me to live out my life at this time in a place called Kharkov, Ukraine!  As a child of the King, my task, regardless of my giftedness, regardless of where I am, or what I am doing in this moment, is to use my life to declare his glory!  As I read out of Psalm 96 this morning, the words of a song by Gateway Worship called "Glorify You Alone" kept filling my heart and mind.  
                   "You alone are worthy of our praise forever. 
                     You alone are seated on the throne of heaven....
                     glorify, glorify You alone....."
(You can listen to this song by Gateway Worship at http://youtu.be/iMPqi_W4x0g)

Join with us (Amanda and I) in praying that our lives would "declare his glory" among the people of the Kharkov oblast by all that we say and do!  Would you also intercede for me personally, that I would turn away from any "worthless idols" in my own life, and keep my eyes fixed on the One who alone is worthy of praise!

Sunday, August 12th  We will attend worship services in Zmeeov this morning with Pastor Yuri and his church family.  After services, we will discuss possibilities for working alongside them in the future.  Pray the Lord will speak clearly to our hearts and minds concerning His plan for partnership in reaching the community of Zmeeov with the love of Christ.

Monday, August 13th  We will meet today with Nadia Morokovetz and the planning team for a September women's retreat for widows and single women.  At this time over 70 women have made plans to attend this 6 day event.  However, Nadia received word this past week that the center where the retreat to be held plans to raise the cost per person per day for the original quoted price, raising the cost for the week per person to almost $100.  Petition the Lord to show himself mighty on behalf of his daughters by either turning the heart of the owner of the center to reduce the price, or provide in a way that gives him all the glory!

Tuesday, August 14th  Last weekend Amanda and Oleg had the opportunity to have engagement pictures taken at an outdoor museum on the outskirts of Kiev.  Their hope and desire is to have a late October or early November wedding in her hometown of Anchorage, Alaska so that they will not have to plan around the holidays.  All is dependent upon when Oleg is able to receive his visa to go to the states.  Pray the Lord would grant approval for the visa in time to make their desire a reality.  Intercede for them as they pack up their separate "lives" (and apartments) in Kharkov in anticipation of their move to the other side of the world.  

Wednesday, August 15th  The women's group from New Hope Ukrainian church continue to meet and study "Breaking Free" each Wednesday.  Pray for each of our hearts to be set free in the presence of our Savior.  Ask the Father to bring healing and hope into the lives of each of the women participating.  

Thursday, August 16th  We praise the Lord for the ease with which we got new visas in Budapest.  Pray for Pastor Vitaly Sorokun and for us as we "navigate" the offices of officials in the Kharkov region to secure registration.  Intercede for those in authority as they seek to understand the new laws as well.  Pray all our documents necessary for registration will be accepted without problem by those in authority that this process may be completed quickly and smoothly.

Friday, August 17th  In less than 2 months, I will leave for my scheduled time in the states.  Pray for me as I seek the Lord's plan for future work upon my return in January to Kharkov.  Ask the Lord to enable me to articulate his vision for churches in the states to come alongside our Ukrainian brothers and sisters through partnership in prayer, in giving through the Cooperative Program and Lottie Moon offering, and in coming as volunteers.  Pray the Father will raise up churches in the states with a passion for being used for his glory to reach the people of this region of Ukraine.

Saturday, August 18th  Pray for Amanda and I as we prepare to teach together from Colossians for the women's retreat September 2nd-8th.  May we have a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit into and through our lives as we open the Word of Truth.  Pray that even as we study in preparation that our hearts would be changed by his Word.

To God alone.....ALL glory, honor, and praise!