Христос воскрес! Воистину воскрес! (Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!) These words will ring out across the land tomorrow as Ukrainians celebrate Paska or Easter. Yet, even as they speak those words, and see the new birth of spring, most have no understanding of the One who died for them on a cross, that they might walk in newness of life. Pray the power of the Holy Spirit will convict hearts and lead many to repentance as the glory of Christ is revealed through the people of God, and through his creation!Sunday, April 15th Easter is the most celebrated holiday in Ukraine. Many "not-yet-believers" will attend church today for perhaps the only time this year. Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit into the lives of believers and "not-yet-believers" alike. Ask the Lord to ignite a passion for him in the hearts of multitudes of Ukrainians.
Monday, April 16th Last Wednesday, Amanda joined with youth from "XTZ" Church and Pastor Vitaly Maslyanka to minister with the love of Christ to special needs children at a local orphanage. Praise the Lord for their desire to be the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus for "the least of these" among us. Pray the seeds planted into the hearts of children and workers will take root, grow, and bear the fruit of repentance in the weeks to come.
Tuesday, April 17th Pray for Amanda and I today as we visit an English class at a local private school to share the truth of the Resurrection of our Lord through Resurrection Eggs. Ask the Lord to work in the hearts of the young women in the class as they read the Word and tell the story themselves from materials provided. Pray the power of His Word will penetrate their hearts and minds with Truth!
Wednesday, April 18th Please continue to pray for the Breaking Free group from New Hope meeting each Wednesday evening. The Lord is working through the power of His Word to speak hope, healing, and truth into the hearts of the 10+ women who come each week. Petition the Lord to continue to tear down strongholds in each of our hearts, that we might walk in the freedom of Christ, proclaiming Truth to those around us.
Thursday, April 19th We praise Him for the opportunity to show the "Jesus" film last week to some of the participants of The Book Club English group. Ask Him to grant Amanda and I knowledge of His will for Bible study in the weeks to come. Pray those who have come to this group over the past 5+ years will be drawn to follow Him more passionately.
Friday, April 20th Our first volunteer team is scheduled to arrive in Kharkov in just over 2 weeks! Pray for Amanda and I as we make certain everything is in place for transportation, housing, translators, and ministry. Intercede for the Lord to prepare hearts and minds of many for the planting of the seed of the gospel in Zmeeov, Balaklaya, and the area around Christian Life church in Kharkov. Pray for our Ukrainian doctor and translators to be refreshed and renewed in preparation for the week of ministry to come.
Saturday, April 21st We praise Him for all He has done in the hearts and minds of international students through the study of Breaking Free over the past few months. Tonight we will celebrate completing the study with our last discussion group and dinner. Pray the Lord will inhabit the praises of his daughters tonight as they proclaim victory over the strongholds in their lives. Ask the Lord to strengthen them to walk in the freedom He desires them to have as they prepare to return to their homes for the summer months.
We covet your prayers, knowing the Lord works through the prayers of His people. Please continue to pray for us as we seek His plans for Team Kharkov for future ministry in this region. Pray he will raise up Ukrainian believers with a vision for starting new work throughout the city and region of Kharkov, and that we might have the opportunity to join many of them in that work.
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