Team Kharkov Requests July 15th-29th

"I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."  (Galatians 2:20) 

This verse from Galatians is our "theme" verse for our upcoming gathering in Greece with  our colleagues from throughout Europe.  We are privileged and blessed to have the opportunity to meet together to refresh, renew, encourage, and pray for one another.  

As Amanda and I prepare to depart on Tuesday morning, we are also getting a team from Green Valley Baptist in Birmingham into place for construction ministry at Living Hope Church in Kharkov.  Tomorrow they will attend and participate in 2 services - in the morning at Living Hope (Pastor Sergei Datsko), and tomorrow afternoon at New Hope (Pastor Vitaly Sorokun).  

We give praise to the Father for the 12 men and women who arrived safely in Kharkov this afternoon.  On Monday, 6 will work alongside our Ukrainian brothers at Living Hope on construction, while the rest of the team will travel to a children's camp to work with a ministry to orphans.  

Join us in praying for the Lord to be lifted up during this week through the ministry of their hands and hearts.  Ask the Father to grant them safety as they work on construction at Living Hope.

Pray for our journey from Kharkov, to Kiev, then on to Athens beginning early Tuesday morning our time.  We will be in Athens for 2 days where I (Linda) will meet with other prayer coordinators from our European affinity, while Amanda will have some time to see the city.  We will prayerwalk in Athens on Wednesday afternoon.  Ask the Lord to grant us opportunities to share the love of Christ with people while in Athens.  Pray with us as we prayerwalk, that barriers to the gospel will be demolished by the power of Christ through our prayers.

From Thursday, July 19th to Tuesday, July 24th we will be with over 700 colleagues and their children.  Each day we will have the opportunity to sing and worship, as well as hear the Word proclaimed in our heart language.  We will also meet with those within our own "cluster" (the Black Sea Orthodox Cluster) and in small group training sessions covering a wide range of topics.  

I also covet your prayers as I (Linda) meet with supervisors to discuss future ministry in Kharkov following Amanda's upcoming wedding.  Pray this time away would allow my heart and mind to focus on His voice, His Word, and His plan for the year to come.

Petition the Father to grant us a wonderful time of renewing relationships with friends who live throughout Europe.  Pray for each of us to experience a refreshing through the Holy Spirit and that each of those attending, colleagues and volunteers from the states, would leave this time with a renewed passion through being "crucified with Christ."

Tuesday, July 24th, Amanda, Joe Ragan, and myself will embark on a 4 day vacation to Thessaloniki and other sites in the area.  Pray for us as we travel by bus, train, and automobile throughout the day.  Intercede for each one to have a sweet time of fellowship with one another and with the Lord through the days of rest.

We will return to Athens on Saturday, July 28th, then fly to Budapest on July 29th for visa renewal for Amanda and I, and for my annual check up.  If possible during the next 2 weeks, I will try to share updates on our blog and/or Team Kharkov page on Facebook.  Please cover us, our colleagues, and all the volunteers with your prayers for safety in travel and throughout our time together.

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