Team Kharkov Requests June 3rd-9th

"Listen, you heavens, and I will speak; hear, you earth, the words of my mouth.  Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.  I will proclaim the name of the Lord.  Oh, praise the greatness of our God!" (Deut. 32:1-3)
I love springtime in Kharkov!  Months of gray skies, and snow and ice that has become the same kind of gray from thousands of journeys made by thousands of people and pets are suddenly replaced by bright blue, sunny skies and flowers of every color arranged in the multiple flowerbeds in every public park in the city.  Even as the flowers come to life, so do the people of this city, walking through the park at all hours of the day and night.  The blue skies have taken a day off today, replaced by the same color of gray skies dispensing a gentle rain that is being soaked up by a thirsty land.  


I am reminded daily that even though most Ukrainians I know portray a hard, stoic exterior to others who happen to glance their way, many of them have hearts like "tender plants"..... hearts that have had the seed of the Word planted into "soil" that took sometimes years to prepare for the "planting."  Some of the members of "The Book Club," our english conversation group, have reminded us repeatedly how long it has taken for that "seed" to take root, and to begin to grow!  Six years after some in this group began to meet together to have a conversational english group, they are realizing a spiritual thirst that only His Word can satisfy.  May we be faithful to continually proclaim the name of the Lord, praising the greatness of our God through our lives, that the world may know He alone is worthy of praise.

The Book Club discussing Scripture texts from "Courageous"

Sunday, June 3rd  Last week we shared a slideshow from the work on the "new" church building in Zmeeov.  We praise Him for the American team that accomplished so much during the 6 days of work in early May.  But most of the "transformation" you witnessed through the photos to prepare the building for that week was done by Pastor Yuri and several brothers from the church, working with little or no income to accomplish the task.  Please continue to pray for Yuri and his family, as well as pastors throughout the Kharkov region as they seek to minister to their church body, while also working full time when possible to support their families.
  
Monday, June 4th  After months and months of preparation throughout the country, Euro 2012 Football (soccer) tournament kicks off this week in Poland, and in four cities in Ukraine - including Kharkov.  Many European fans have chosen to either not attend games in Ukraine, or fly to the city for the game and return to Poland or a surrounding country to find accommodations.  Pray the Lord would work in the hearts and minds of multitudes of Ukrainians throughout this month, revealing their only hope is in Christ alone and not in the wealth of the world. 

Fan Zone on Freedom Square

Tuesday, June 5th  Pray for Living Hope Church (Pastor Sergei Datsko) as they seek to use this month of football matches as an "open door" for reaching out to the community surrounding their new church building.  Ask the Lord to draw many children, youth, and adults into fellowship with believers in this church, and into relationship with Christ.


Wednesday, June 6th  Amanda and I are being given opportunities to lead a conference in the southern city of Mariupol (Donetsk region) June 23rd.  Pray the Lord would grant us wisdom as we seek to know His plan for this time.  Intercede for those who will join us for the conference, that He will meet with each one of us there, preparing us to walk in obedience to His will, and His plan.


Thursday, June 7th  Thank you for continuing to pray for each person who attends The Book Club.  Last week we watched the last 1/2 of Courageous, and began discussing the Word as it was shared through that film.  We also talked with the group about moving into a Russian/English Bible discussion (as opposed to just English) as part of The Book Club when we resume in September.  Pray for our final discussion tonight, and for opportunities to meet individually with members of this group during the summer months.

Some of The Book Club members with Amanda

Friday, June 8th  Visa requirements for us have changed in the past few months, and we are in the process of trying to find out what we need to do, and when, in order to meet these requirements.  Pray for our personnel in Kiev as they talk with government officials who are also "discovering" what the new laws mean.  Ask the Lord to go before us as we seek to do whatever is necessary to be in compliance with the new laws.


Saturday, June 9th  Today is the first of 3 matches that will be held in Kharkov for Euro 2012.  Thousands of foreigners are expected to be in the city over the next week.  I have been prayerwalking all around the square and Shevshenko park area of the city for the past weeks whenever possible, asking the Father to direct my steps to people with whom I can share the love of Christ.  Join us in praying the Lord would pour out His Spirit over this region of the country of Ukraine even today as multitudes gather to cheer on their teams.  Pray the Spirit would grant us multiple opportunities for Him to speak through our mouths the words He has chosen.


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