WORD OF THE DAY - Friday 30 April 2010

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. (Lamentations 3:26)

Благо тому, кто терпеливо ожидает спасения от Господа. (Плач Иеремии 3:26 Russian)

Добре, коли людина в мовчанні надію кладе на спасіння Господнє. (Плачът на Еремия 3:26 Ukrainian)

Great and Mighty God, our Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for the indescribable joy that we experience on this new day that is rich with opportunities and blessings from your constant kindness. Give us greater patience and steadfastness as we look forward to the time our salvation will be made complete when we enter our eternal home that Christ promised to faithful believers. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

This week we went to the University on Thursday instead of our usual Monday. Many of the 4th and 5th year students were not there. So, Lesya rounded up some eager 1st year students to give us a room full. We had a wonderful time with everyone and I discovered some new spiritual interest in this group. This weekend is the big May 1 holiday in Ukraine. For people in the former Soviet Union, it is bigger than Cinco de Mayo. This was the old communist inspired Workers Solidarity holiday. I only recently learned to my disappointment, that some institutions of higher education continue to teach the philosophies of Marx and Lenin as part of their required courses for graduation. One feature of this doctrine is that human beings invented the idea of religion and a need for a personal God. We may only have one more opportunity to work with the students at the University. If that is the case, we will make the most of it and encourage them to keep up their studies with us over the summer by studying our WEI courses. Later in the day we had another profitable study in God's word with Olamide. He is working at a fast pace and is already on lessons number 6 in the WEI material. He is hungry for knowledge of God's word. We had another great meeting with the members of the church at our regular Thursday evening Bible study. They began to arrive before our lesson with Olamide was finished. After our study of 1 John 4, we had some good discussion and then Olamide walked us almost all the way home. We were concerned for him to get back to his dorm, but he wanted to take care of us. Thank you for the many prayers.

WORD OF THE DAY - Tuesday 27 April 2010

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. (Malachi 4:2 NIV)

А для вас, благоговеющие пред именем Моим, взойдет Солнце правды и исцеление в лучах Его, и вы выйдете и взыграете, как тельцы упитанные; (Малахия 4:2 Russian)

А для вас, хто Ймення Мойого боїться, зійде Сонце Правди та лікування в промінях Його, і ви вийдете та поскакаєте, мов ті ситі телята! (Малахия 4:2 Ukrainian)

Most Holy God, our Dear Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for the brightness of your love that greets us on this new day. Give us wisdom and spiritual understanding so that we will truly experience joy each time we think about the wonderful benefits that we have with the Light of the world that Christ brought to us. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Photos: We had a harrowing bus ride to Odessa and back yesterday. The highways of Ukraine are legends in themselves. But, the current condition of the main highway that leads from Odessa to Kiev is disgraceful. We ate dust all the way there and back. What normally is a two hour ride took four hours. There were people driving slower than our drivers, due to the many giant pot-holes probably left over from the harsh winter with so much snow and ice. It's good to have a ride like this to remind me why I don't need to be driving in Ukraine. I have lots of respect for these drivers who must weave all over the road to keep from tearing their vehicles apart. Although, at times it seemed like the bus was going to break apart. One young man behind us was telling someone on the phone that we were "jumping" back to Nikolaev. When the pavement was just too bad, the drivers would sometimes get over on the shoulder and that's when the dust was getting all inside the bus. Like we said when we arrived in Nikolaev, it was an adventure that we would not have had if we hadn't taken that ride. On the positive note, since we were going so slowly, we could see many of the bountiful fields with new growth coming up. We spend our days in the city, and it was nice to be out in the country and see the sea. We went there yesterday to meet Zhenya who had ridden overnight from Donetsk to present some documents relating to his studies at the Law Academy of Odessa. While he was doing that we hung out near the railroad station for a couple of hours, then returned back to Nikolaev in the evening. Today we will enjoy running to make our three important appointments. Thank you for the prayers and response to our reaching out for help with shoes for the boys at the Boys Home.

WORD OF THE DAY - Saturday 24 April 2010

He that oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker; but he that honors him has mercy on the poor. (Proverbs 14:31)

Кто теснит бедного, тот хулит Творца его; чтущий же Его благотворит нуждающемуся. (Притчи 14:31 Russian)

Хто тисне нужденного, той ображає свого Творця, а хто милостивий до вбогого, той поважає Його. (Притчи 14:31 Ukrainian)

Almighty God, our Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for this new day that arrives with fresh opportunities to live as you want us to do. Give us wisdom and generous hearts so that we will do good deeds that truly honor Christ our Lord in whom we trust for our eternal salvation. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

We had a good session yesterday with Natasha our newest WEI student. She surprised us when she arrived for the appointment with some fresh eggs from her grandma's laying hens. Galina jokingly remarked to me that now I've finally made it as a preacher. Next she will bring the chicken. This young woman has a university degree and works as an accountant, but has hardly any knowledge of the Bible. Her parents are both physicians who grew up and worked during the years of official atheism during the Soviet Union's oppressive regime. It is always thrilling to help people discover the wonders of God's word for themselves. Later we caught a bus over to the other side of the river to where METRO, the large discount box store is located. We purchased some things that we need for our boys today and for the church and our students at the University. When we ask questions, we like to honor those who participate with little rewards. And of course we have something for everyone. Thank you for the prayers.

WORD OF THE DAY - Friday 23 April 2010

Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding with thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6-7)

Посему, как вы приняли Христа Иисуса Господа, [так] и ходите в Нем, будучи укоренены и утверждены в Нем и укреплены в вере, как вы научены, преуспевая в ней с благодарением. (К Колоссянам 2:6-7 Russian)

Отже, як ви прийняли були Христа Ісуса Господа, так і в Ньому ходіть, бувши вкорінені й збудовані на Ньому, та зміцнені в вірі, як вас навчено, збагачуючись у ній з подякою. (Колосяни 2:6-7 Ukrainian)

Our Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for the precious gift of life on this new day that gleams with more signs of your abiding presence and care for your wonderful creation. We are amazed that you have given us our Lord Jesus Christ to save all who believe in his death, burial and resurrection, and lead us through the dangers of this life into Heaven where we will never die. Give us wisdom as we continue to study your word and become even stronger in our faith toward your Son and our Savior. Help those who have not yet received Christ through faith, repentance and baptism to do so before it is too late. We pray in Jesus name, Amen.

Yesterday we had our first study with our new WEI student Natasha. We met her when we were sitting in the McDonalds in Odessa waiting to meet Zhenya after his studies at the Law academy. She was temporarily working in Odessa on assignment as an accountant for a company here in Nikolaev where she lives. This study went very well, since Natasha has already learned to read and speak English, she had excellent comprehension when we read the story of the prodigal son, his brother and their father. Later, we had another great study with Olajuyin. He has a keen mind and grasps the truth of God's word very quickly. As we concluded our lesson, he wanted to study a little about what it means to repent. We looked at several passages of scripture together. He confessed his faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and we discussed plans for his baptism into Christ in accordance with the teachings of Christ and the apostles. Thank you for the prayers regarding this work in Christ's harvest field of Ukraine.

WORD OF THE DAY - Thursday 22 April 2010

Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD's anger. (Zephaniah 2:3 NIV)

Взыщите Господа, все смиренные земли, исполняющие законы Его; взыщите правду, взыщите смиренномудрие; может быть, вы укроетесь в день гнева Господня. (Софония 2:3 Russian)

Шукайте Господа, всі покірні землі, хто виконує право Його! Шукайте правди, шукайте смирення, може будете сховані ви в день Господнього гніву! (Софония 2:3 Ukrainian)

Most Holy and Righteous God, our Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for the presence of mind that enables us mortals to be aware of our surroundings that have been created for our pleasurable use. We humbly ask your help for your church O God as we must exists in the midst of every form of evil. Help us to repent with tears for the casual manner in which we Christians have stood by while the population around us runs after every imaginable form of sin. Please forgive us as we repent and give us wisdom and boldness so that we will be worthy and kind enough to confront those who are on the wrong road of life. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Photos: We enjoyed our visit to the Boys Home and School yesterday. This was not our day to conduct a class. That is on Saturday afternoon. We were invited to be present to see some of the work they have been doing under the guidance of a very capable and caring shop teacher. Alexander explained how he begins each session with a talk on safety. Then he will present them a drawing of what they are going to make in metal shop or woodworking shop. I told him all that reminded me of my shop classes and drawing classes from High Point long ago. When we arrived, the boys of the 8th grade all huddled around Galina to get their hugs. They at first were reluctant, but now they expect it. They mostly still give me a handshake or high five. At first the visitors were allowed to look at the various tools and objects they had made. Then you voted on whose you thought were the best. We tried to make sure we voted for all our boys. Two brothers from our group took most of the honors. When they received their award certificate, they also got a bunch of tulips which are blooming now. Our boys would walk over to Galina and give them to her. Their teachers told them the flowers were part of their award. They replied, 'we want our friends to have them." In the evening at our regular Wednesday Bible study, Nadya who is one of the students at the Pedagogical University came and she helped translate my lesson. This is the first response to the initiative that we introduced a couple of weeks ago by allowing the students some practical experience. She was nervous, but did a good job with Galina sitting close by and helping her with some difficulties. We hope that she will return. Nikolai Tkhor was very happy to be there following some eye surgery that he had late Monday. He was so joyous and thankful that he is now part of God's people when he led us in prayer. We have three appointments today that will keep us running. That is a great thing! Thank you for the prayers.

WORD OF THE DAY - Wednesday 21 April 2010

But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him. (Habakkuk 2:20)

А Господь--во святом храме Своем: да молчит вся земля пред лицем Его! (Аввакум 2:20 Russian)

А Господь у Своїм храмі святім, мовчи перед обличчям Його, уся земле! (Авакум 2:20 Ukrainian)

Dear LORD, our Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for days of sunshine and days of rain that call us to remember how everything that exists was created from nothing except your invisible great power. Give us wisdom when we pause to humble ourselves in worship with pure and sincere hearts. Help us to be more effective in teaching truth to those who superstitiously venerate objects made by man’s hands. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Photo: We had another one of those blessing filled days yesterday as we ploughed some new ground and worked with growing plants. Olajuyin is a first year student at the Maritime University, but he had already graduated from a maritime academy in Nigeria before coming to this university in Ukraine. He was first brought to our meetings by our brother Afolabi who has now returned to Nigeria. In our previous individual study with him we gave him the introductory lessons along with lessons one and two of the WEI course. We had a great discussion of the story of the prodigal son from Luke 15. He asked an interesting question, "what if the prodigal had just stayed where he was?" It was just the kind of question that an evangelist loves to hear. Later we spent some time with him planning our future meetings and we took him to lunch. Nadya, one of the students at the Pedagogical University sent us a message to let me know that she will be at our 6.00 meeting later today to try her hand at interpreting. She was the first to accept this challenge. We had a meeting with Vladimir, the director of the Boys Home/School, and we talked about how we can continue working to teach these boys. The main reason he came was to personally thank us for the donation that we made to help them purchase a sound system for their auditorium. He explained that they all love what we are doing, and invited us to attend a craft fair where we can see some of the woodwork items that the boys have made. That will be at 2.30 today. We will try to work all this into the schedule for the day. Thank you for the prayers.

WORD OF THE DAY - Tuesday 20 April 2010

The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those that trust in him. (Nahum 1:7)

Благ Господь, убежище в день скорби, и знает надеющихся на Него. (Наум 1:7 Russian)

Добрий Господь, пристановище Він у день утиску, і знає Він тих, хто на Нього надіється! (Наум 1:7 Ukrainian)

Dear LORD, our Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for the precious gift of life on this new day that is bright with hopes for fresh blessings and opportunities from your endless bounty and constant presence. Give us greater moral strength and wisdom so that we will cast all our troubles and fears upon you whenever we feel surrounded by trouble, as we follow Christ whom you appointed over us. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

Photos: Monday morning began early as we heard the sounds of a sweeper cleaning up some of the common areas around this old apartment building. Like is common all over this part of the world, she uses a broom made from tree branches. Don't knock it till you've tried it. They are easy to repair simply by gathering some fresh branches and tying them together. We had another wonderful session yesterday with the 4th and 5th year students at the University. Several were absent due to a memorial service, or as our friend and the Head of this English language department agreed with me - spring is in the air. Nevertheless, there were 11 present and we had a lively discussion about what the Bible teaches about the matter of benevolence and respect for people of all distinctions. One of the students brought back her translation of one of my sermons that she took last week. Galina scrutinized it and said she did a good job. I invited this student to help us on some Wednesday or Thursday night to interpret for about ten minutes of practice with Galina's help. Nadya accepted and may come this week. She already talked about this with her husband and they agreed it would be something good for her to do. Later, we scrambled over to the church office/meeting place for our meeting with a new WEI student. Fortunately, the University is only a 10 to 15 minute walk from where the church meets. After that we spent some time with Elena, the director of this large grounds and facility. She was telling about how badly those large white columns needed fresh paint. Later I suggested that we could help purchase a little paint since they had nothing in the budget and she just had to find resources to get things done. We noticed that a sign advertising one of the groups that teach dancing was lying in the grass due to some kids work. She surmised that it was the work of kids since the different dance groups are competitive. Anyway, I picked it up and helped carry it back inside. She offered us another prominent place for our more permanent sign. We still make good use of the portable sign we had made last summer. Oksana, our new WEI student works for a fancy Georgian restaurant that caters to the new rich of Ukraine and their visitors. We have walked by it a few times and peeped in. Oksana wants to get a job with an American or Greek owned passenger ships. Since Nikolaev is a seaport, they do lots of recruiting here aimed at young people with some knowledge of English. She has been studying English on her own, but doesn't have much knowledge of the Bible. We asked how she heard about us, and she explained that the people she is talking to must have seen our advertisement and suggested that she go talk to those missionaries and then come back to us. Maybe there is a door open there. We are just amazed each day at the way God keeps challenging us with fresh opportunities to share the story of His amazing grace. Thank you for the prayers.

WORD OF THE DAY - Sunday 18 April 2010

You ask, and do not receive, because you ask wrongly so that you may spend it on your pleasures. (James 4:3)

Просите, и не получаете, потому что просите не на добро, а чтобы употребить для ваших вожделений. (Иакова 4:3 Russian)

прохаєте та не одержуєте, бо прохаєте на зле, щоб ужити на розкоші свої. (Яков 4:3 Ukrainian)

Our Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for this new Lord’s Day that dawns on us with joyful anticipation as we consider the glorious privilege of worshipping together with other Christians. Give us a portion of your infinite wisdom as we do our best to follow Christ our Master so that we will know how to pray with proper motives. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Photos: Please don't be offended at so many pictures with today's message. We took many photos yesterday as it was one of the highlights of our week. Hopefully, you will be able to sense the enthusiasm that the boys have with our studies. Our main topic this past Saturday was about respect. I used various illustrations from life and had the boys participate by sharing their own experiences with giving and receiving respect. Nearly all of them wanted to volunteer to read a scripture reference and shared their perspective of what the Word teaches. We had a wonderful hour that expanded to hour and a half with the teacher’s encouragement. Margarita is very cooperative and helpful as is all the staff at the Boys Home here in Nikolaev. The wall where Galina stands is around the perimeter of the home/school grounds. Unfortunately, it gives off an impression of Alcatraz. However, once you are inside the compound there are many beautiful flowers and gardens with fruit trees and vegetable gardens in the early stages of planting. We are thankful that God has opened this door of opportunity. Thank you for the many prayers.

WORD OF THE DAY - Saturday 17 April 2010

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them; that those who love your name may rejoice in you. (Psalm 5:11 NIV)

И возрадуются все уповающие на Тебя, вечно будут ликовать, и Ты будешь покровительствовать им; и будут хвалиться Тобою любящие имя Твое. (Псалтирь 5:12 Russian)

А всі, хто надію на Тебе складають, хай тішаться, будуть вічно співати вони, і Ти їх охорониш, і будуть радіти Тобою, хто любить ім'я Твоє! (Псалми 5:12 Ukrainian)

Dear LORD God, our Heavenly Father ~ We praise you for this new day and the countless evidences of your tender mercies toward us and all your creation. Give us wisdom as we discover more about your constant protection for the saints. Help us to increase our efforts to expand the borders of Kingdom of Christ so that more people may also learn to love you. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Yesterday, we had to spend some time doing shopping for our dear boys at the Orphan's Home we plan to visit today. We ride a bus to the big store where we shop, then call a taxi to take us back to the apartment with our sacks of new purchases of toys, candies and teaching aids. Then we head out again to do the same at a different shop. We had beautiful spring showers all day and we were pretty soaked getting in and out of buses and stores. Our brother Nikolai Tkhor who helped us make this connection (since he was one of the founders of this school/home) overheard us saying that we wanted to figure out which bus ran near this place, and then we can walk the rest of the way. He volunteered to meet us today and ride with us to show us the way to get there. We are amazed at the way his faith grows each day as he studies God's word, prays and has fellowship with other believers. We had a call yesterday from someone who heard about our English classes "long ago". We started doing advertisements about our classes back in July and August. We made an appointment with Oksana for Monday afternoon after we finish up at the University. God continues to bless us with fresh opportunities to teach the Gospel. Thank you for the prayers!

WORD OF THE DAY - Friday 16 April 2010

But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22 NIV)

И отвечал Самуил: неужели всесожжения и жертвы столько же приятны Господу, как послушание гласу Господа? Послушание лучше жертвы и повиновение лучше тука овнов. (1-я Царств 15:22 Russian)

І сказав Самуїл: Чи жадання Господа цілопалень та жертов таке, як послух Господньому голосу? Таж послух ліпший від жертви, покірливість краща від баранячого лою! (1 Царе 15:22 Ukrainian)

LORD Almighty, our Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for the blessings on this new day that arrives with new hopes and possibilities. Give us wisdom to pay attention to what pleases Christ our Lord. When we make sacrifices for Him even as He sacrificed Himself for us, help us to do it with humble and obedient hearts and not with some formal show of religion that seeks to glorify ourselves. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Photos: It was my intention to take a picture of the intersection of Lenin Street and Dekabrists Street (Decembrists) near where we live. That is where we start out our walk to church meetings after we stop by the Post Office which is right behind Galina who took the picture. She insisted on including my mug in the otherwise good picture. On the corner in the picture there is a busy bus stop, and in bad weather, we may catch a bus if it is not too overcrowded. Yesterday our brother Stepan led us in a moving prayer at the close of our regular Thursday evening Bible study. After this study of 1 John 3 and 4, we had a period of questions and answers. Nikolai made good comments to summarize our study. After that, our friend Olajuyin came for our first individual Bible study. We gave him the introductory lesson of the WEI material, and also Lesson 1 of the Bible study from this course. He already graduated from a university in Nigeria, and has a good understanding of English. Since he is a first year student here at the Maritime University, we expect to be friends with this bright young man for some time. He began attending our services upon the invitation of our brother Afolabi who is now back home in Nigeria. Thank you for the prayers.

WORD OF THE DAY - 15 April 2010

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things he has done for you. (1 Samuel 12:24)

только бойтесь Господа и служите Ему истинно, от всего сердца вашего, ибо вы видели, какие великие дела Он сделал с вами; (1-я Царств 12:24 Russian)

Тільки бійтеся Господа, і служіть Йому правдиво всім вашим серцем, бо ви бачили, які великі діла вчинив Він із вами! (1 Царе 12:24 Ukrainian)

Most Holy and Righteous God, our Dear Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for this new day that dawns with extra blessings and opportunities that we have not expected. As we think about all the wonderful things you have done for us, give us more wisdom so that we will sincerely serve our Savior with the utmost sense of urgency. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Yesterday at our Wednesday evening Bible study, we only had our usual faithful small group present - Nikolai Tkhor, Stepan and Lyuda. That is not surprising, nor disappointing since these dear souls enjoy our Bible studies so very much. We were a little disappointed that our World English Institute student canceled his appointment at the last minute. However, we rescheduled for tonight.

WORD OF THE DAY - Wednesday 14 April 2010

By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:8)

Тем прославится Отец Мой, если вы принесете много плода и будете Моими учениками. (От Иоанна 15:8 Russian)

Отець Мій прославиться в тому, якщо рясно зародите й будете учні Мої. (Йоан 15:8 Ukrainian)

God Almighty, our Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for the splendor of this new day that dawns with more solid evidence of your constant presence and care for your creation and your beloved followers. Give us courage and wisdom as we engage others in conversations about the greatest hope for all mankind. Help us to be more effective in leading lost souls to Christ for salvation. Lead us to one soul today, who will hear, believe and obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to love others as Christ loves us. In His blessed name we pray, Amen.

As we were leaving the University yesterday, we noticed some Hare Krishna followers dancing with their tambourines in a park. These are not as brave as the ones in Magadan who often go without shoes even in the frigid cold. The fact that they have freedom to do this activity in public is that same freedom that allows us to do our own evangelistic work of telling people about Jesus. We are very thankful that we have numerous opportunities here in the former USSR to lead souls to Christ. Thank you for the prayers.

WORD OF THE DAY - Tuesday 13 April 2010

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:5 NIV)

а надежда не постыжает, потому что любовь Божия излилась в сердца наши Духом Святым, данным нам. (К Римлянам 5:5 Russian)

а надія не засоромить, бо любов Божа вилилася в наші серця Святим Духом, даним нам. (Римляни 5:5 Ukrainian)

LORD Almighty ~ Our Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for the enlivening gift of life that ignites our mortal bodies with true hope and joy. Give us wisdom as we walk in step with the Spirit by following Christ our Lord. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Yesterday we enjoyed a happy reunion with our 4th and 5th year English students at the University. There were more than we expected, so we had to move to the larger room. It is also furnished nice and we expect to use it next week. Tatyana, the department head, introduced me by saying that I didn't need any introduction with them, and her assistant Lyesa, was also in the room for a few minutes before she had to go to her class. We had great participation with about half the group answering some of the questions that I put to them from the Bible. They are very happy that we are back and they look forward to next week. This morning before 09.00, we had a meeting with Vladimir, the director of the Boy's Home, and gave him the money they needed in order to purchase a sound system for their auditorium. Our sponsoring church received a surprise donation that made it possible for us to do this good work. Galina is always with me to help me remember certain important details of things that I have prepared to present, and she is the one who is always taking pictures. Thanks for the prayers and encouragement.

WORD OF THE DAY - Sunday 04 April 2010

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance that is incorruptible and undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith to salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5)

Благословен Бог и Отец Господа нашего Иисуса Христа, по великой Своей милости возродивший нас воскресением Иисуса Христа из мертвых к упованию живому, к наследству нетленному, чистому, неувядаемому, хранящемуся на небесах для вас, силою Божиею через веру соблюдаемых ко спасению, готовому открыться в последнее время. (1-e Петра 1:3-5 Russian)

Благословенний Бог і Отець Господа нашого Ісуса Христа, що великою Своєю милістю відродив нас до живої надії через воскресення з мертвих Ісуса Христа, на спадщину нетлінну й непорочну та нев'янучу, заховану в небі для вас, що ви бережені силою Божою через віру на спасіння, яке готове з'явитися останнього часу. (1 Петрово 1:3-5 Ukrainian)

Our Dear Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for the gift of new life on this glorious Lord’s Day. Bless Christians around the world with the determination to become more familiar with your scriptures and to live humble and obedient lives as we seek to honor Christ each day and not only once or twice per year. We are amazed at your grace that we can have the highest hopes for eternal life because of what Jesus did for us in His death, burial and resurrection from the dead. Give us more of your forgiving nature as we seek to emulate our Master and Lord. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

We arrived early yesterday for our appointment with the boys who are interned at the special orphan's home. One photo shows Galina standing next to the Entry Point. No one can enter or leave without permission from the guard on duty. We anticipated having 17, but due to the Easter holiday, we only had 9. The 8 others have some family with rights to them, and they went to be with them for the weekend. These who spent time with us have no family, or anyone who wants to be responsible for them. It turned out to be the best situation since we were able to spend more time with them and get to know each boy better. They range in age from 12 to 16. The lesson I presented to them after we got acquainted was on Becoming a Person of Good Character. These boys are all very bright and respond positively to adult attention. They enjoyed the toys we brought for them and we shared some chocolate bars together. They were very open to us, and as I talked to them from the Bible about lying, stealing and cheating, there hands were constantly going up to make a comment. One young man knows a great deal of English and has the capacity to become a language interpreter with some further education. When we left, the boys enjoyed Galina's hugs and they look forward to our next visit this coming Saturday afternoon. Their teacher was very cooperative and polite. Margarita told us that the boys truly enjoyed their time with us and she looks forward to seeing us again. God has opened up another door of opportunity here in Nikolaev, Ukraine. We are hoping that after we establish some trust with the administration of the Home, we will be allowed to bring some of the boys to our church services. Thank you for the many prayers.