The study with Ludmila went very well. Whenever she answers a question, she does so with the greatest degree of care for retelling the truth. She can only come after she gets off work at the bank. She is planning to bring her mother with her to our early worship service on Sunday. It is wonderful to witness the way God's word is working in the hearts of these people who previously had little or no knowledge of God's wonderful plan for mankind. Last evening we received a call from our brother Nikolai Gagarkin who is now back in Nikolaev. Since his job keeps him out of town on business most of the time, he is rarely able to worship with the church here in Nikolaev. We have no other male leader, and we always hope and pray that God will send us one more man who will have a desire on his heart to help lead the church here into whatever future God has in mind for this church. Since we have no male to conduct the worship services, the only option open to us is to lock up the meeting room until we return. Luda and Stepan, the two who attend the most faithfully live close to one another and can have a worship service in their home. This is far from ideal, but we must trust God in these matters. It is our task to sow the gospel seeds and God is giving the increase as others will come along and provide the water and other forms of care. We continue to almost shout for joy each time we consider how God is blessing our efforts here in Ukraine. Galina's overnight bus arrived about an hour ago and she is already warming up something in the kitchen. She just gave me some walnuts from the trees on her mothers property in Slavyansk. Fresh and delicious! We just had a nice Skype conversation with our brother Ivan in Magadan. This is a wonderful technology that is most useful for staying in touch with people around the world without spending lots of money on phone calls. I hope to have time to send out a message tomorrow morning, but may not be able to do that until we are waiting at the airport in Kiev. Thank you very much for your loving concern and prayers as we prepare to travel.
Our young married couple, Alex and Natasha are now WEI students together. Yesterday, they both practiced their conversational skills with me as we spoke about what they are learning about God. When they left they assured me that they would be at our church service at 08.00 in the morning. This was before I even asked. We are having the early service since we have catch a bus to Kiev and then get a ride from the city to the town of Borispol where the international airport is located. Our flight to Frankfurt is actually at 05.30 Monday morning. Then, we wait for the flight to Atlanta that leaves at 12.15 and arrives in Atlanta at 4.25 PM - all according to God's will.
Eryna is a student at the shipbuilding university and she is most diligent with her English studies with the belief that it will help open doors for her. She had very sincere comments about the Bible lesson yesterday.
The beautiful newly completed red brick buildings in the background are expensive condominiums that are situated on the high bluff that overlooks the beautiful river. From a distance, I could see that the top floor has skylights. This is not a common feature in Soviet era apartment buildings like the place where we live. Our student Vadim is one of the people here in the real estate business attempting to sell properties. He said most of his calls come from the sellers wanting to know why no one is buying. Does it sound familiar?
This is one of the streetcars that serve various parts of the spread out city of Mykolayiv.
You hear us frequently telling about the various kiosks around the city. There are several situated near the large building where the church meets. This one is near a tram stop (streetcar) where Luda and Stepan usually catch the first leg of their journey home to the part of the metropolitan area where they live across the river. One of these little places sells freshly baked and fried pies stuffed with jam, potatoes or meat. Very tasty!
Ooops. Be careful where you step as you walk along the sidewalks. This entrance into the underworld of the Cheropakie almost caught me off guard as I was looking for a place to cross the street.
The falling leaves provide some employment for many people who are out early each day sweeping the streets. The sounds and smells of Fall activity are very pleasing. Everyone knows it is a precursor to the winter that always come to places like Nikolaev that are situated near the 47th degree north latitude.
Yesterday after stopping by an ATM and taking enough Hryvnia (Ukraine currency) to pay the rent for the church meeting place during the time we will be in America (6,290), I walked along our familiar route and had to take some photos on such a beautiful day. Our apartment actually costs about the same thing each month and we also have that paid ahead. The church rent includes our separate storage room on the 1st floor.Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. (2 Peter 3:17 NIV)
Итак вы, возлюбленные, будучи предварены о сем, берегитесь, чтобы вам не увлечься заблуждением беззаконников и не отпасть от своего утверждения. (2-e Петра 3:17 Russian)
Тож ви, улюблені, знаючи це наперед, стережіться, щоб не були ви зведені блудом безбожних і не відпали від свого вґрунтування. (2 Петрово 3:17 Ukrainian)
Así que ustedes, queridos hermanos, puesto que ya saben esto de antemano, manténganse alerta, no sea que, arrastrados por el error de esos libertinos, pierdan la estabilidad y caigan. (2 Pedro 3:17 NVI)
Most Holy and Righteous God, our Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for the arrival of another fresh day that bursts forth with power and glory that signifies your very real and active presence in our lives as we wait for the glorious appearing of our Savior. Give us wisdom so that we will not allow any false teachers to influence our trust in your holy scriptures that have been given to us by your Holy Spirit. Give us stronger faith as we study and obey the doctrine of Christ. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
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