WORD OF THE DAY - Monday 09 May 2011 From Nikolaev, Ukriane



"My God is so big, My God is so mighty... Мой Бог велик, мой Бог так могучий" Galina helped kids learn this song with motions

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)

Все заботы ваши возложите на Него, ибо Он печется о вас. (1-e Петра 5:7 Russian)

Покладіть на Нього всю вашу журбу, бо Він опікується вами! (1 Петрово 5:7 Ukrainian)

Echando toda vuestra solicitud en él, porque él tiene cuidado de vosotros. (1 Pedro 5:7 Spanish)

Sunday School started with Nastya who arrived the same time as we did. Her friend couldn't come.

Ten people were present for worship yesterday here in Nikolaev. We had two visitors listening in the hall that we learned about later.

Our sister Zhenya has become an active member again. She is a successful sales representative for a local wholesale distributor. She is very hospitable and looks for ways to be involved.

Galina enjoys having Zhenya around as a daughter who takes her motherly advice to heart.

O LORD our God, Creator of all matter and the source of all energy, that by your very Word all things came into existence. Thank you for this new day that arrives with the knowledge that you truly care about us as our Father. Open our eyes of understanding so that we will not elevate mundane concerns to the chief concern in our personal affairs. Help us to be truly humble as we bring our anxieties and entrust them to you to help us find workable solutions since all things are possible for you our God. In the blessed name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

WORD OF THE DAY - Sunday 08 May 2011 from Nikolaev, Ukraine

We enjoyed another Saturday afternoon with our boys at the Boys Home.

Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 124:8)

Помощь наша--в имени Господа, сотворившего небо и землю. (Псалтирь 124:8 Russian 123-8)

Наша поміч ув імені Господа, що вчинив небо й землю! (Псалми 124:8 Ukrainian)

We had one new boy Kolya (Nikolai), who recently joined this group from another orphans home. He's on the front left in the picture. He is a good reader and knows many Enlgish words.

Nuestra ayuda está en el nombre del SEñOR, Que hizo los cielos y la tierra. (Salmos 124:8 Spanish nblh)

Galina helped the boys read the Bible story from our lesson about good citizenship. The boys were especially distracted since it is a big holiday weekend and they were on the riverbank with their friends fishing when we arrived. It took a while to get their attention.

Dear LORD, our Holy Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for this new Lord’s Day on which sincere Christians around the world assemble to earnestly commemorate the death, burial and resurrection of Christ our dear Savior. Give us a greater portion of your infinite wisdom so that we will always realize that without your powerful presence to lead and guide us, we can accomplish nothing. In the blessed name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

When we finished, we had a nice cool and clear weather day to enoy our walk back across the river and up the long hill. God blesses us richly with this work and we are always challenged to be more kind and loving to these neglected and sometimes wayward boys. Thank you for praying for them and us as we remember you.

The boys woke up when we gave them some gifts of Hotwheels cars. They are their personal treasures.

WORD OF THE DAY - Saturday 07 May 2011 from Mykolaiv, Ukraine



New sign advertising meetings of the Church of Christ in Nikolaev.

Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. (Proverbs 23:23)

Купи истину и не продавай мудрости и учения и разума. (Притчи 23:23 Russian)

Купи собі й не продавай правду, мудрість, і картання та розум. (Притчи 23:23 Ukrainian)

Compra la verdad, y no la vendas; La sabiduría, la enseñanza, y la inteligencia. (Proverbios 23:23 Spanish)



Workers carrying our large sign from storage to where they installed it

All Wise God, our Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for fresh hope that greets us on this new day that is brimming over with sufficient blessings to enable us to live as conquerors because of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Give us wisdom so that we will invest our energy and resources into what is true and brings the most lasting good for our fellow believers, families and neighbors. Help all believers to have even more craving for Truth contained in your Holy Spirit inspired word, than those people who salivate over an investment that will yield them a billion dollars. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Galina and Anna chat about cold remedies after WEI class yesterday

Children are placing 9 May Victory Day flowers at memorial in the square below our apartment.

WORD OF THE DAY - Friday 06 May 2011 from Mykolaiv, Ukraine

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, (Philippians 1:29 ESV)

потому что вам дано ради Христа не только веровать в Него, но и страдать за Него (К Филиппийцам 1:29 Russian)

Бо вчинено вам за Христа добродійство, не тільки вірувати в Нього, але і страждати за Нього, (Филипяни 1:29 Ukrainian)

Porque á vosotros es concedido por Cristo, no sólo que creáis en él, sino también que padezcáis por él, (Filipenses 1:29 Spanish)

Dear LORD, our Kind and Merciful Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for choosing us to receive the wonderful gift of salvation which we heard about from those who patiently taught the gospel to us. We praise you for blessing Mary with strength to endure so many sufferings as the earthly mother of our Lord and Christ. Thank you for all the faithful mothers around the world who suffer for the cause of Christ. Give all believers wisdom so that we will not whine and complain at the smallest insult or setback, but rather give us a spirit of joyfulness as we consider our wonderful salvation and that we have been chosen to receive the gift of suffering with Christ and His dear cause. In the blessed name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

The rains finally stopped yesterday afternoon and we enjoyed a walk around town in the clean air. We rejoiced to see that the beautiful chestnut trees in the park were in full bloom. We also noticed as we walked through town a plaque honoring the famous Russian poet Pushkin. According to the information on the plaque, he travelled here in the early 1800's. Perhaps he came with some of the Russian royal family since we have noticed before that this was one of their favorite ports of call back in those days. Due to the rainy weather, the people who are installing our new large sign were not able to meet us at the church meeting place. So, we have that rescheduled for this morning. Today, we only have winds along with cool temperatures, but hopefully that should not impede their work. Thank you for the prayers that more souls will open their hearts to the gospel before it is too late.

WORD OF THE DAY - 05 May 2011 from Nikolaev, Ukraine

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15:7)

Если пребудете во Мне и слова Мои в вас пребудут, то, чего ни пожелаете, просите, и будет вам. (От Иоанна 15:7 Russian)

Коли ж у Мені перебувати ви будете, а слова Мої позостануться в вас, то просіть, чого хочете, і станеться вам! (Йоан 15:7 Ukrainian)

Si estuviereis en mí, y mis palabras estuvieren en vosotros, pedid todo lo que quisiereis, y os será hecho. (Juan 15:7 Spanish)

Almighty God, our Dear Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for this new day that greets us with numerous especially helpful blessings that make it possible for us to accomplish greater things for Christ. Give us wisdom as we saturate our minds with the mind of Christ by reading, meditating and obeying the Scriptures. Help us to encourage each other to remain in Christ our Lord in our words and deeds. Help believers around the world to love, honor and respect one another. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

WORD OF THE DAY - Wednesday 04 May 2011 from Mykolaiv, Ukraine

Therefore do not throw away your confidence which has a great reward. (Hebrews 10:35)

Итак не оставляйте упования вашего, которому предстоит великое воздаяние. (К Евреям 10:35 Russian)

Тож не відкидайте відваги своєї, бо має велику нагороду вона. (Евреи 10:35 Ukrainian)

No perdáis pues vuestra confianza, que tiene grande remuneración de galardón: (Hebreos 10:35 Spanish)

Dear LORD our God ~ Thank you for this new day that brings with it fresh hopes to accomplish a small portion of our purpose in this life. Help us Dear Father when we feel like we are not accomplishing much for the Way of Jesus. Revive our hopes as we recall the numerous promises to prosper us in all ways as we remain faithful to our blessed Lord. Give us wisdom and inner strength so that we will always maintain an attitude of confidence as we continue to fight in this great spiritual battle for the souls of men and women around the world. In the name of Jesus our Lord we pray, Amen.

Yesterday turned into another day that so many people were still celebrating the 1 May holidays. The Post Office and other government services were closed and people were generally enjoying the holiday. It was a nice cool day to just walk around the city checking on our advertising efforts. The large cannon is strategically placed in a position on the high bluff overlooking the river as if in defense of the city. It reminded me of my first visit to Moscow in 1992 and our guide pointed out an exceptionally massive French cannon that Napoleons’ forces had abandoned by the Kremlin wall. The Russians left it there as a reminder of the French loss. We had one call from a grandfather who wants us to meet his 10 year old son who he thinks should qualify as an exception to the 15 year old rule for us to teach English using the Bible. We have an appointment with these two on Thursday. He was very concerned for his grandson to learn the Bible and he had heard about my teaching the Bible to students at the University. We also had a call from Nastya, the girl who has begun attending our Sunday morning services. She wanted permission to bring a friend with her on Sunday at 11.30. Her name is also Nastya. (Anastasia) We are always humbled and amazed at the way God picks us up whenever we feel like we are not making much progress here in our efforts to spread the Gospel in southern Ukraine. This morning we have an appointment with the 4^th year mathematics students at the University who are very interested in improving their English. They have enrolled in courses in the English department to enhance their opportunities for the future. They are a bright bunch and we hope our visit will be as rewarding as the last time. Thank you for your many fervent and faithful prayers.

WORD OF THE DAY 03 May 2011 Nikolaev, Ukraine

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24)

И будет, прежде нежели они воззовут, Я отвечу; они еще будут говорить, и Я уже услышу. (Исаия 65:24 Russian)

І станеться, поки покличуть, то Я відповім, вони будуть іще говорити, а Я вже почую! (Исая 65:24 Ukrainian)

Y será que antes que clamen, responderé yo; aun estando ellos hablando, yo habré oído. (Isaías 65:24 Spanish)

Most Holy and Righteous God, our Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for the incredible blessings from your treasure, that makes it possible for us to face this new day with a spirit of optimism and hope. We know that you always hear our sincere prayers of faith and when we are down you pick us up even before we have time to express our cries for help. Give us wisdom to use each opportunity that comes our way this week to encourage another person to obediently follow Jesus as Lord in order to receive forgiveness of sins and the sparkling hope of eternal life. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Yesterday, the city of Nikolaev along with the entire country of Ukraine was in a festive mood while the celebrating of the May 1 holidays continued and extra day. We continued to nurse my lingering difficulties with whatever infectious bug or perhaps pollen that is making normal breathing something to look forward to. Many people who have government jobs, and that represents a large part of the employed population, were enjoying a day off work. Who doesn’t like that now and then? We went on a long walk around town to pick up some natural vitamin D and stopped at the very prominent statue of Lenin. There remain many prominent statues of this Soviet leader who used to write extensively about the Russian Revolution that helped to expand Communism far beyond the borders of Russia. We who have faith in the all-powerful and invisible God who created all things and sustains all things by His Word, must continue to work untiringly to expand the borders of God’s kingdom throughout parts of the world where atheistic communism still has its tentacles of influence. Lenin, who continues to be revered all over the territories of the former Soviet Union decried, “Religion is a sort of spiritual booze, in which the slaves of capital drown their human image, their demand for a life more or less worthy of man.” Source: “Lenin Collected Works” – translated “Marxists Internet Archive”. That is just one small portion of much rambling about the enslaving effects of religion according to Marx, Lenin and Mao. We cannot ever forget that Christ promise us that “the truth shall set you free.” Jesus is the source of believable truth that ensures real freedom. Thank you for the many prayers.

WORD OF THE DAY - 02 mAY 2011 from Mykolaiv, Ukraine

And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11 NIV)

И такими были некоторые из вас; но омылись, но освятились, но оправдались именем Господа нашего Иисуса Христа и Духом Бога нашего.  (1-е Коринфянам 6:11 Russian)

І такими були дехто з вас, але ви обмились, але освятились, але виправдались Іменем Господа Ісуса Христа й Духом нашого Бога. (1 Коринтяни 6:11 Ukrainian)

Y esto erais algunos: mas ya sois lavados, mas ya sois santificados, mas ya sois justificados en el nombre del Señor Jesús, y por el Espíritu de nuestro Dios. (1 Corintios 6:11 Spanish)

Dear God, our Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for the dawn of a new day that arrives with an overabundance of physical, material and spiritual blessings for those whose eyes are open to your kindness. Give us wisdom as we consider our own personal salvation from the guilt of sin and help us to be more successful in teaching others about the true joy that is possible only by obeying Christ as Lord. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

There were only 5 people present for worship yesterday. The morning began with many celebrations and demonstrations marking the May 1 holiday which is a big event here in the former Soviet Union. The first demonstration close to our apartment was a group of people loyal to the old USSR carrying the Hammer & Sickle flags. There are still those who hope for a revival of this atheistic and inhumane form of civil government. Apparently they were among the few who enjoyed special benefits from the Party. Other people marked the 1st of May by going back to the home of their parents and grandparents and decorating the graves. For many people this event is more important than the Lord's Day on which we remember our Lord Jesus Christ. Of course in the USA, some major sport event often trumps worshipping with the saints. It was a special blessing for us that Nastya received permission from her parents to visit our services again. She told about spending 4 years in a special children’s home for children with severe illnesses. We’re not certain what her condition was, but it was something related to her heart or circulatory system. She is very bright and proudly explained that she had read 120 pages of the Children’s Bible we gave her last Sunday. She has an excellent recall of what she has read. Next Sunday Galina invited her to come at 11.30 before we have our worship services and we will restart our Sunday Bible school program with this one child with a sincere desire to know about God’s love. After a period of fellowship with Stepan, Luda and Nastya, we walked home through the center of town to inspect the advertising posters we have around the city. Today is still not a working day since the 1 May holiday came on Sunday. Sadly, for far too many people, this is just another weekend to get drunk. We are not sure if anyone will be thinking about English today or maybe we’ll start receiving calls for appointments tomorrow. Please join us in prayer as we ask God’s help in reaching lost souls in this great city of southern Ukraine.

WORD OF THE DAY - Sunday 01 May 2011 from Nikolaev, Ukraine

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (Matthew 11:28)

Придите ко Мне все труждающиеся и обремененные, и Я успокою вас; (От Матфея 11:28 Russian)

Прийдіть до Мене, усі струджені та обтяжені, і Я вас заспокою! (Матей 11:28 Ukrainian)

Venid á mí todos los que estáis trabajados y cargados, que yo os haré descansar. (Mateo 11:28 Spanish)

Almighty God, our Dear Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for the indescribable joy we experience as we walk in step with Christ our Lord. Give us wisdom so that we will follow the perfect pattern given by Christ and his apostles whenever we extend the blessed invitation for sinners to come to the Feast. Bless believers around the world who faithfully assemble on this Lord’s Day to honor Christ our crucified, buried and risen King. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

We made it back home to our apartment here in Nikolaev a little after 07.00 AM. The overnight bus ride is always a bit exhausting, but we will have an opportunity for rest later today - maybe. We are so very thankful for your prayers and encouragement. We understand that everyone cannot be here, but we gain strength from knowing that you are with us when you talk to the Father. The not so good photo is what our large sign will look like. We'll get you a better picture once they have it installed this coming week. Our advertisements are being put all around the city and we look forward to some responses. Now we are rushing to get ready for our worship and other activities centered on our Lord.