WORD OF THE DAY - Sunday 20 June 2010 from Nikolaev, Ukraine

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV)

Итак, подражайте Богу, как чада возлюбленные, и живите в любви, как и Христос возлюбил нас и предал Себя за нас в приношение и жертву Богу, в благоухание приятное. (К Ефесянам 5:1-2 Russian)

так, подражайте Богу, как чада возлюбленные, и живите в любви, как и Христос возлюбил нас и предал Себя за нас в приношение и жертву Богу, в благоухание приятное. (К Ефесянам 5:1-2 Russian)

Most Kind and Holy God, our Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for this new Lord’s Day and the grand privilege to assemble with other believers of the same precious faith. Give us wisdom as we strive to reach a new level of discipleship by imitating your love in our everyday affairs. Help us to give ourselves in your service not only when it is convenient. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Yesterday morning Galina waved to us from our 4th floor apartment as we headed out for a little shopping trip and a stop at the Post Office.

Walking toward the church meeting place yesterday afternoon, eating semichky (sun-flower seeds) while discussing plans to clean up and make preparations for worship tomorrow. Sonya asked, "Babushka, what is Dedushka going to be doing?"

Nothing like a little team-work to get our worship room prepared for Sunday meeting.

Alyona is one of the managers at the local McDonald's that is one if not the only place that caters to families. We have had many good discussions with her about the Lord, and she wants to study English with us and to attend services. Her busy hours along with a husband and son to look after always keep her too occupied. She promised us yesterday that she is getting a better job soon and will have time to come to our meetings. Pray that our friend who always greets us with a big smile and hug will come to know God's love.

We took a stroll down Sovietskaya Street which is closed to automobile traffic. Saturday was a festive day with many different events taking place in Nikolaev.

One of the events of the day Saturday was the grand opening of a motor sport race. This was the 8th year for this big Nikolaev event. Driving teams were present from different cities in Ukraine, Turkey, Belarus and Moldova. Several winning drivers of other races were on hand to greet the large crowd of people. We didn't know about this until we heard the noise of the engines as they roared off from the start. That was not an actual start, but something of an event to get things started for the real race today. Somehow, they like to do a lot of these things on Sunday all over the world. We sincerely appreciate your prayers as we continue our work of spreading the Gospel here in southern Ukraine.