WORD OF THE DAY - Thursday 29 October 2009

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

Вор приходит только для того, чтобы украсть, убить и погубить. Я пришел для того, чтобы имели жизнь и имели с избытком. (От Иоанна 10:10 Russian)

Our Most Excellent and Holy Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for the gift of life, especially the new life promised by Christ to all who choose to follow His perfect directions. Give us wisdom so that we will not be deceived by the Evil One who desires to take everything that is dear away from us. Be with us now and always as we make the decision never to give up on the abundant life. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Wednesday afternoon we had our weekly individual Bible study with Lyudmila and Stepan. This went very well as they both are very devoted to keeping their appointments regardless of weather or other circumstances. We are amazed how far they walk from our meeting place at night to catch a streetcar and then they must change in order to get to their homes. Of course Akinrinde walks 45 minutes to our meetings, but he is much younger. It is now getting much colder. It was encouraging to have Evgeny in our meeting last night. We had gotten used to the unusually long Indian summer. There is still no heat in the city due to the economic times we are living in. It is a problem all over Ukraine as municipal leaders struggle to come up with money to purchase fuel for the heating plants. We have a very small space heater that helps a little. We are told that since we will have sub freezing temperatures this weekend, that we should have heat in our batteries. Well, we keep all this in perspective since we have spent time recently in the winter of Inta and Magadan. It is definitely warmer here in southern Ukraine than in those far north cities. In any case, God is always with us and we are warmed by His great love. Plus, we put on extra layers when we are out walking. In addition to all the work of an interpreter/translator, Galina continues to provide encouragement to all we come in contact with; by the way she pays close personal attention to each individual. Thank you for the prayers and words of encouragement.