Team Kharkov Requests February 19th-25th

“Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded.  For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.” (Habakkuk 1:5 ESV)

This is one of our favorite scriptures when we consider how the Lord God is doing wonderful and astounding works all around us each and every moment.  This past week we had the opportunity to sit with Pastor Sergei Dotsko and his wife, Marina, as he shared some of the things the Lord has been doing through their association of churches in Ukraine. 

We are seeing the Lord working in the hearts of Ukrainian to catch a vision for social ministry – reaching out with the love of Christ to the hurting and downcast.  As winter settled in this year, the Lord led their association (which Sergei leads) to supply coats for children and families that were unable to buy them.  They wanted to buy 1,000 coats, but found the least expensive cost for a children’s coat to be 150 griven (a little less than $20).  As they were “shopping,” they met a businessman who was liquidating his coat supply, and sold all his supply to them for 30 griven each (less than $4). 

The picture shows Oksana and her daughter who received new coats as a result!  Her daughter could not wait to get to school the next day and show all the other kids what the Lord had given her!  Praise the Lord with us for how He is working in a “terrible economy,” in the hearts of even non-believers, so that His people can share the love of Christ in very visible ways! 

Sunday, February 19^th  You have prayed for the church start in the “XTZ” (short for Kharkov Tractor Factory) region of the city for several years.  They have continued to meet in the community building, with their rent paid until the end of March by Kharkov Central Baptist Church.  Central Baptist has told them they need to find a new location to meet or join back in with the central congregation.  Ask the Lord to provide a meeting place for Pastor Vitaly Mislanka and this small body of believers in the XTZ region of the city.

Monday, February 20^th  We will be spending the day with colleagues from Budapest today, showing them the city of Kharkov and enjoying fellowship.  Ask the Lord to open our eyes to what He is doing around the city as we drive.  Pray we will see with His vision, praying for the city as we go.

Tuesday, February 21^st  We will be driving 2 hours south of Kharkov today with our colleagues from Budapest to meet with our teammate from Donetsk, Joe Ragan.  Pray for safety and joy in the journey.  Ask the Lord to bless our time and our travel with His presence.

Wednesday, February 22^nd  Praise the Lord for the opportunity to meet with V. to continue reading through Romans together one-on-one.  Intercede for her as she seeks to understand a relationship with Christ.  Pray for opportunities she may have to be a witness to family members. 

Thursday, February 23^rd  The Book Club meets in my apartment each week, with 10 – 15 adults attending for conversational English and reading through the book of Romans together.  Please continue to pray the Lord would bring into the group a male Ukrainian believer who can assist us in interacting with some of the men who attend.  Pray the Father would cause each person who attends to be confronted with the power of the gospel.  Petition the Lord to grant us wisdom in dealing with some potential distractions within the group.

Friday, February 24^th  Amanda will host her Monthly Sewing Circle at her home tomorrow.  Luba, a friend and believer, has invited 2 believers (mother and daughter) who are coming, as well as one non-believer who has committed to attend, and another who is “thinking about it.”  Rejoice with us for the opportunity the Lord is giving for this group to meet.  Pray for Amanda to gain confidence and direction from the Lord in leading the women not only in sewing, but in spiritual conversations that may arise.

Saturday, February 25^th Pastor Sergei Dotsko shared a burden he has for their church, Living Hope, to start a rehabilitation center to minister to addicts and alcoholics.  Pray the Lord would raise up a man or couple with a vision and passion for this ministry outreach.  Ask the Lord to provide the perfect dwelling outside the city as a “home” for ministry to those in bondage.

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