WORD OF THE DAY - Monday 04 February 2013 from Nikolaev, Ukraine

For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord.

So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. (Romans 14:8 ESV)

а живем ли--для Господа живем; умираем ли--для Господа умираем: и потому, живем ли или умираем, --всегдаГосподни. (К Римлянам 14:8 Russian)

Бо коли живемо для Господа живемо, і коли вмираємо для Господа вмираємо. І чи живемо, чи вмираємо ми Господні! (Римляни 14:8 Ukrainian)

如果我们活着，是为主活着，如果我们死去，也是为主而死。不论我们生还是死，都属于主 (羅 馬 書 14:8 Chinese ERV-ZH)

Dear loving God, our merciful Father in heaven ~ we want to thank you on this new day, for all the spectacular evidence contained in every corner of the universe, that distinctively points to your creative genius and power. As followers of Jesus Christ, grant us more wisdom, so that we will have the ability to discern that we belong to Christ our master who leads us by his perfect Spirit inspired word. We pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen. 

In an attempt to make the best possible use of the extremely rare and valuable commodity of time, I put the following information with each photo that I placed on Facebook. The following will serve as my report of the day. 

*Nothing seems to keep the hawkers from showing and selling their wares each Sunday in front of where the church meets. At least they regularly see our large sign.

*Our three boys actually arrived early yesterday and brought a guest.

*Six year old Snezhanna has been begging her older brother Vitaly to let her come to the Sunday morning Bible class. She was very happy to be part of the group and did her best to keep up with the boys. She shed big tears after the worship and fellowship period that she had to leave. “I don't want to leave church, can I stay just chyut-chyut" - a little bit. Galina later spoke to her Mama who said Snezhanna was very excited when she got home.

*The boys told Snezhanna how to take their picture after the class. Vitalik, Zhenya, Dima

*Singing is always the way to end the class. Their favorite, Jesus Loves Me - Russian or English

*Our sister Elena greeted Galina when she arrived.

*You notice three new faces among the group. Robin, Tin and A jie are students from China who study at the local Shipbuilding University. Our friend Olga who studied in our WEI campaign in 2011 suggested to Robin that he study with us. He brought two friends.

*We first helped the students become acquainted with the WEI course and registered them as on-line students so they can study with us while we are in the USA for 90 days.

*We tried to apologize to Stepan for ignoring him with the  new students, but he said that is very important to teach them. He has such a wonderful attitude all the time even when he feels worn out.

*DB is demonstrating the meaning of repentance as change of direction as well as regretting sin.

*These wonderful new friends paid rapt attention as I shared the gospel.

*Galina gave our new young friends written instructions on how to get back to their dormitory by bus. Later in the evening, we heard from Robin and Tin. We realized as we thought about them, that they are the same age as our grandson Drew who studies in the second year at Oklahoma Christian University. These young folks from China have not been home since they arrived in the fall of 2011. They will be allowed to visit home this summer and will return for another two years in the fall. We will have them a little while – God willing, when we return her in May. They jokingly said that since their English is so bad, that they will need more than two years with us. Actually, their written English is good, and they mostly need help with hearing and speaking. Don’t we all!

*At the end of another long and productive Sunday, we were very pleased that we could walk home on sidewalks almost free of snow and ice. The side of the street in the shade was not so nice.

WORD OF THE DAY - Saturday 26 January 2013 from Mykolaiv, Ukraine

We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." (John 6:69)

и мы уверовали и познали, что Ты Христос, Сын Бога живаго. (От Иоанна 6:69 Russian)

Ми повірили в Тебе, ми знаємо, що Ти — Божий Святий». (Йоан 6:69 Ukrainian)

Most holy, righteous, merciful and gracious God, our dear heavenly Father ~ we give our most sincere thanks on this new day for our very lives and most of all for your mercies that never end. Grant us deeper wisdom as we seek to be more effective in telling others about Christ Jesus our Lord in a more convincing manner so that people will learn how to believe and obey the Savior, our sustaining Bread of Life, in order to obtain forgiveness of sins and eternal life. We fervently pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

 Yesterday morning the snow began to fall and continued all through last night. It was a very welcome and beautiful sight except for the times when we were walking and the winds were blowing and the snow was drifting. It reminded me of back when I preached on my daily radio program from Crookston, Minnesota a few decades ago, a DJ who signed me on, would also give the weather and he loved to say the snow was "blowing and drifting in the valley". 

After we made it safely to our bus stop, we flagged down a marshrutka and had our usual interesting ride to the church meeting place. We had just taken off our coats, and in walked a surprise visitor. Our good friend Igor Mykhalchyshyn, a very bright goal oriented young man who completed our WEI Advanced course stopped by just to pay us a visit. We always enjoy learning about the next hurdles he intends to cross. We call him the President of Ukraine and have no doubt that if he continues to work at the same pace, he can achieve that or other important goals in his life.

Because of the heavy snows and strong winds, several of our students called to cancel. When it came time for our students Julia and Nastya to arrive, and it was almost twenty minutes past their time, and they didn't call, we were concerned about them, but suddenly they walked in the door huffing and puffing, shaking the snow off. These wonderful young women whom we met at the University are stellar examples of good students. Most importantly, they are learning so many valuable lessons from the Bible - the most important book in the world. As we continue through the World English Institute course, they improve their English - which is already sharp, as we discuss their deep questions and thoughts. 

Since Nastya and Julia arrived late, we were only halfway into their lesson when one of our other very bright students arrived. Andrei has completed the seven lessons in Book One - which doesn't mean anything the Internet teachers, but it is the first important milestone for our students who look us in the eye as we study about English and the Lord our God. As usual, these bright stars like to fully discuss the deeper meaning of Biblical texts that form the basis of our WEI studies. 

We had other things to accomplish at the "office" before we could head for home in the evening. We are so very thankful to God that our meeting place is warm this year since the head over the property agreed to put the thick plastic sheeting over the windows. It was already dark, but still snowing lightly when we walked over to the bus stop.

This morning, we just learned that we will not be able to visit the Boys Home due to the weather. We called Natasha who lives out on the same peninsula near the Boys Home, and her husband could not even get out to work. The snow drifts are very high around some parts of the city. We agreed that Svetlana, the secretary to the Director, will stop by our office tomorrow afternoon and pick up the duffle bag we purchased for Dima who will be moving to another facility next week.

 Thank you for continuing to remember us in prayer.

WORD OF THE DAY - Thursday 17 January 2013

David B. & Natasha M.

but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:8)

а язык укротить никто из людей не может: это--неудержимое зло; он исполнен смертоносного яда. (Иакова 3:8 Russian)

та не може ніхто із людей язика вгамувати, він зло безупинне, він повний отрути смертельної! (Яков 3:8 Ukrainian)

Most kind and dear loving Father in heaven ~ please accept our sincere praise from our hearts and lips on this new day. Grant us at least a small part of the wisdom of Christ so that we will remember that your Spirit is living within us, and pause before uttering a harsh, unkind, vague or misleading word that will surely bring much harm. Help us to be known for sound speech that always leaves people we speak with the impression that we are doing our best to follow Christ as Lord. We humbly pray in Jesus name, Amen.

Wednesday of this week was another busy and enjoyable day in the Lord's service here in Nikolaev. We had another productive Bible study with the young man who is seeking more knowledge of God's word. After he and his wife left, our WEI Advance student Natalia M. came for her study in the book New Life. She continues to grow in her understanding of God's plan for all people through Jesus Christ the Son. In the early evening, we had eight in attendance for our Wednesday Bible study. We also said our temporary goodbyes to David Ciolkosz, our brother who is returning to Tennessee today from Kiev. As we had a few minutes during the day, we studied with our new brother Sergei. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!

Galina B. translates as David C. leads prayer

Galina, Natalia M., Natasha M., Sergei P., David C., Nastya M., Tatyana B. 

WORD OF THE DAY - Monday 14 January, 2013

 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. (John 2:11)

Так положил Иисус начало чудесам в Кане Галилейской и явил славу Свою; и уверовали в Него ученики Его. (От Иоанна 2:11 Russian)

Такий початок чудам зробив Ісус у Кані Галілейській, і виявив славу Свою. І ввірували в Нього учні Його. (Йоан 2:11 Ukrainian)

Great and glorious God, our dear heavenly Father ~ we approach your dazzling presence on this new day, that is certain to arrive with even more signs that we are loved beyond comparison with any earthly love known to any of your creatures. Thank you for sending the very best of heaven or earth, to rescue us from the dreary darkness of sin. Give us wisdom to more fully appreciate the enormous power that our glorious Christ demonstrated while on this earth, so that we will be filled with awe and wonder as we follow our precious Savior as Lord. We pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

We had twelve who came for worship yesterday on a really cold day here in southern Ukraine. It is now minus 15 C this morning and cold in our apartment. Not just to say just ours, but all such apartments in general. We have definitely been colder in Magadan and our hearts always go out to our dear family there. However, this is our coldest day in Nikolaev so far this winter. 

We had complications getting Stepan a ride to worship. Finally, we had to hire a taxi and go get him. When we arrived to our church meeting place, we had several people waiting for us. Of course, Natasha is always there first. Yesterday, David Ciolkosz and Nastya were both present for worship. They stayed around for our time of tea, snacks and becoming better acquainted. Later, we took them to a little place that specializes in Southwestern US dishes. We ordered chili and they got chili and a burrito. Mostly we enjoyed spending time with them. Later, they caught a bus to the City Center where they were going to hang out for a while.  We braved the cold night air as we walked several blocks home to our apartment. Even though you think you are going to freeze right in your tracks, it is always better to winterize yourself by getting out in the elements. 

We are very thankful for your prayers and other encouragement of this work and other mission works to tell the world about Jesus Christ our Lord. 

WORD OF THE DAY - Sunday 13 January 2013

Galina at Boys Home

 “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. (Matthew 21:28-29 ESV)

А как вам кажется? У одного человека было два сына; и он, подойдя к первому, сказал: сын! пойди сегодня работай в винограднике моем. Но он сказал в ответ: не хочу; а после, раскаявшись, пошел. (Матфея 21:28-29 Russian)

Great and powerful God, our dear Father in heaven ~ we give praise and thanks to you for the brightness of your love on this new Lord’s Day. Bless the body of Christ as we assemble in honor of our crucified, buried and resurrected Messiah. As we make hast to repent, forgive us for those moments in our lives when we were just too stubborn to obey our Lord’s commands. Help us to use the wisdom of Christ by making certain our actions prove that we are good and faithful servants. We pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

All week, we look forward to our visit with the boys at the Boys Home on Saturday. Yesterday was another rewarding experience for us since it was our last opportunity to be with all boys that have had no relative to stay with during this long holiday season here in Ukraine. In most Slavic countries like Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, today is hopefully the last of these holidays. Tomorrow marks the Old New Year according to the Julian calendar. January 14 is also called Orthodox New Year since the Orthodox Church counts time by the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar that has been adopted by the governments of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus etc. Like most holidays, the celebration of Old New Year is already underway. So, once again - Happy New Year!

One of the photos I show today gives a before view of the area that will be transformed into a privacy room (glass enclosed) for the boys. Natasha and one of the other workers are donating some furniture where the boys can at least sit comfortably and even stretch out on a couch if they choose. It will be a little homier for them. We are very thankful for those who donated to make this possible. 

We used our time yesterday to let each boy read scripture. I used this time to explain some basic concepts from God's word. We rehearsed the little saying: "Right is always right, and wrong is always wrong. It is never right to do wrong, and it is never wrong to do right." Three of our regular 9th grade boys know this by heart, but needed a little encouragement. Several of the boys quoted the Russian or Ukrainian translation. 

We had great discussions whenever I asked the boys questions about envy and the various sins it can lead a person to commit. Their list was longer than mine! Theft is an issue that has haunted these boys in the past and still causes them some trouble. The boys always like to see us off and they cling to us until we just have to drag ourselves out the door. We noticed some brave skaters on the other side of the river who were very skillful in the way the speed skated and made figures. It was entertaining to watch as we stood in the cold waiting for our ride to take us to our next destination. 

Following our time at the Boys Home, we called a taxi to take us to the home of a young couple where we had a Bible study that lasted almost two hours. After that, we walked home for several blocks and breathed the wonderful fresh cold air. We also took advantage of the opportunity to pick up a few things we need for today at a small market. Thank you for your prayers. 

Entrance area at Boys Home that will be divided to make a privacy room.

Sidewalk cafe w/samovar - Nikolaev, Ukraine

WORD OF THE DAY - Monday 19 November 2012 Nikolaev, Ukraine

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. (John 11:33 ESV)

Иисус, когда увидел ее плачущую и пришедших с нею Иудеев плачущих, Сам восскорбел духом и возмутился (От Иоанна 11:33 Russian)

Ісус був глибоко схвильований її горем, тим, як вона побивається і як плачуть юдеї, які прийшли разом з нею. (Йоан 11:33 Ukrainian ERV)

Dear God, our heavenly Father ~ we enter your gates with the deepest sense of devotion as we rejoice over the realization of another day under your merciful and watchful care. Give us more of a sense of sincere compassion like Christ our Lord, as we encounter the many injustices in this world where evil is running amok, and where so many people, speaking from their lofty pedestal of worldly wisdom, criticize our basic beliefs about life after death. Help us not to become jaded and unresponsive when we see hearts that are grieving over the departure of a loved one. Renew and strengthen our faith in the power of Christ over every enemy that challenges our joyful and positive expectations. We pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen. 

Nine souls braved the cold wave that is currently engulfing this part of Ukraine. Elena could not stop congratulating us about our extension until February! Our two space heaters were no match for the freezing temperatures outside and about the same inside. The owners of the building where we meet decided they could not afford to heat the building this winter. So, it is up to each tenant to heat your own space. That is practically the way it has always been. We could at least feel a little warmth in those batteries, but now they are simply cold steel. They did winterize the windows for us in a way better than we usually do ourselves. We will now go shopping for one of the heaters like we have in Magadan. So far, the owners do not speak about charging any extra rent for the use of electricity. We hope that will remain through the winter. 

Speaking of Magadan, Russia – for almost a year, the church has been able to make the rent payments each month without help from Christians in America. Now, the owners of the building where we meet have once again hit the church with a 24% increase in rent. They are not at all certain what they will be able to do, but in our conversations with them, they tell about some possibility of moving to another space that will be more affordable. We join them in prayer as they do their best to work this out this challenge.

We have the opportunity now to begin this week here in Nikolaev and not back in Alabama - for that we continue to thank God. We are so very pleased at the responses from our various students and others that we work with each week. In some messages with Lesya at the University yesterday, we were able to solidify our schedule for this week. We also learned that Tatiana, our friend and head of that department is in the hospital with pneumonia. We hope to learn more details today. Thank you for your fervent and effective prayers regarding our service for the Lord in Ukraine. 

WORD OF THE DAY - Saturday 17 November 2012 from Nikolaev, Ukraine

 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. (Hebrews 12:12-13)

Итак укрепите опустившиеся руки и ослабевшие колени и ходите прямо ногами вашими, дабы хромлющее не совратилось, а лучше исправилось. (К Евреям 12:12-13 Russian)

Тому то опущені руки й коліна знеможені випростуйте, і чиніть прості стежки ногам вашим, щоб кульгаве не збочило, але краще виправилось. (Евреи 12:12-13 Ukrainian)

Almighty God, our glorious heavenly Father ~ thank you for this new day that pulses with fresh opportunities and challenges along with appropriate blessings that enable us to carry on each day in spite of external circumstances than often pull us down. Give us strength so that our walk and talk will reflect the presence of our precious Savior who is absolutely the Way that leads to eternal life. Help us to use our fresh energy with greater wisdom so that we always communicate the message of your love with clarity and love. We pray in the blessed name of Jesus our Lord, Amen.

Yesterday, I announced on Facebook – to anyone who is concerned about such matters, that we stopped by a café to have a cup of coffee and tea with some Блины blini (thin pancakes) as a way of celebrating the fact that we had received our passports that have the stamp reflecting our extending our stay in Ukraine. When we ordered our round-trip tickets in July, I chose the farthest date out as possible. That was 13 February 2013. If you don’t think God has been with us through all this time consuming and expensive process, just consider the date they stamped for our extension – 13 February 2013 which is the same date as our tickets!

Galina picked up a new calling from all the time we have spent at the police passport department. When new people arrive at the office, there is no one to tell new members of the confused herd which door they should go stand and wait. She volunteers her kindhearted help to all who asks and even those who may step out of their turn in line. We received our passports and though we were not finished taking care of all details, suddenly it was time for the workers to take their lunch break. They close the place up and run everyone outside in the cold. Of course after standing for long periods most people are scrambling to find a toilet. Even though it is a public building, there are toilets for the workers, but those who come as clients have to hold that urge of nature until later in the day, or get someone to take hold your place in line while you walk fast for a few blocks to the little pay toilet in the square.

We always have so much to rejoice about each day. We can now pay more attention to our daily tasks that go along with leading souls to Christ; as well as spiritually and numerically building up the local church; teaching English using the Bible and the well-written World English Institute lessons. In addition, we work each week as English language consultants at the University. We also conduct classes each week for young boys who are orphans in one way or the other, how to become adults of good character using the Bible. We also do our best to find time to help the little orphans who are in the house of Babies whenever the director makes a request. We could not do any single one of these things without the ever present help of God our Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit and – all the very dear partners who support and encourage us in many ways. We intend to do our best to make the next period of almost 3 months as meaningful as possible as God gives us even more strength and wisdom to do his will.