Team Kharkov Requests September 23rd-29th

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God......Pay to all what is owed to them:  taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed." (Romans 13:1, 7) 

YEAH!  New Temporary Residency Cards in our hands!

Over the past 3 months all of our personnel in Ukraine have been confronted with the necessity to leave Ukraine to secure new visas, then return to go through the long process of receiving temporary residency permits.  Requirements have been different in almost every region of the country, since the law is new for the Ukrainian authorities as well as for foreigners living in Ukraine.  

While it is easy to be critical of how things are done when they don't necessarily conform to our cultural ideas, I have been reminded throughout this process of God's command to honor and respect those in authority - for they are only in those positions of authority by his will.  Join us in praising the Father for the opportunities we had through this process to begin relationships with some of those in authority, and for answered prayer in getting our permits signed, sealed, and delivered!

Sunday, September 23rd  Churches throughout Ukraine will hold "Zhatva" services on a chosen Sunday in September or October.  Pray the "Lord of the Harvest" will use these times of celebration and thanksgiving to plant the seed of the Word in the lives of not-yet-believers who attend these services with family and friends.

Monday, September 24th  Two weeks from today I will depart from Kiev for the states for a 3 1/2 month stateside assignment.  Pray for me as I continue to make decisions for scheduling opportunities to share about the work in Kharkov with churches in the states and time for renewal with family and friends.  Petition the Lord to grant me knowledge of his will in meeting with Ukrainian pastors and church personnel in these last 2 weeks in anticipation of sharing how Southern Baptists in the states can come alongside Ukrainian believers through short-term mission trips and strategic prayer in the Kharkov region of Ukraine.

Tuesday, September 25th  We praise the Father for how he is impacting lives through Living Hope Baptist Church and Pastor Sergei Datsko.  The church has a vision for offering hot meals and a place to get out of the winter weather for the homeless in Kharkov during the winter months.  Pray for the Lord's provision for workers and supplies as they share the love of Christ with "the least of these" in the Kharkov region.

Wednesday, September 26th  Women from New Hope Baptist Church (Ukrainian) continue the "Breaking Free" study each Wednesday night, usually completing only one or two days of the weekly lesson.  Their desire is to not only complete the study, but to allow the Lord to transform their lives.  Intercede for the truth of the gospel to bring those who are not-yet-believers into a relationship with Christ, and for those who are followers of Christ to grow more deeply in their relationship.

Amanda teaching from Hebrews 1

Thursday, September 27th  "We need to know more about Jesus!"  That was the response from one of the women who has attended The Book Club english group for the past 6 years when we asked what we should study next.  This past Thursday, we had 18 come to begin a journey through the book of Hebrews for that very purpose.  Petition the Father to change the hearts, minds, and lives of each and every person who attends.  

Friday, September 28th  Continue to intercede for the cell groups meeting on Friday evenings in apartments and hostels through the ministry of New Hope International Church.  Ask the Lord to bring many not-yet-believers into these groups, and cause them to  desire to follow after Christ.  Pray for additional groups to be started throughout the city of Kharkov among the thousands of university students - both international and Ukrainian.

Saturday, September 29th  This afternoon and evening, Amanda and Oleg will have an "Engagement Party" to share with family and friends the joy of what the Lord is doing in their lives.  Pray for this time of fellowship to be an opportunity for those who are not-yet-believers to be filled with a desire to know Christ as pastors from several churches share.  Pray for a time of encouragement and overflowing joy during the festivities of the evening.

We give thanks to the Father for the teams he is already leading to come to Kharkov in 2013.  If you would like more information, I would love to share with you how you might partner with us and our Ukrainian brothers and sisters in Christ through a short-term mission trip.  If you would like to know more, or meet together personally while I am in the states, please don't hesitate to write me at lgkharkov@gmail.com.

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