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