For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16 ESV)
Ибо если я благовествую, то нечем мне хвалиться, потому что это необходимая обязанность моя, и горе мне, если не благовествую! (1-е Коринфянам 9:16 Russian)
Бо коли я звіщаю Євангелію, то нема чим хвалитись мені, це бо повинність моя. І горе мені, коли я не звіщаю Євангелії! (1 Коринтяни 9:16 Ukrainian Bible (UKR)
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Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for your infinite wisdom that lifts our spirits as we consider who we really are in your eyes. Grant us wisdom as we struggle to be obedient followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. Help all who preach the gospel, or those who are contemplating this great task, to exercise moral courage and wisdom so that they will always present the truth withthe same love that you have for all mankind. We pray in Jesus name, Amen.
We had 20 in our worship yesterday. Pasha brought Roman who became a Christian while in a nearby penitentiary. TheObolon church has been involved with this ministry for several years. They also help the brothers who leave prison to readjust to life outside prison. After our worship, we asked Roma if he would please share his experiences and how he became a Christian. He gave details about his life prior to prison which was filled with alcohol and drugs that led to crime. We heard how he scorned the approaches of those trying to tell him about Jesus Christ. Then and older brother who also came to Christ in prison began to write him and encourage him to attend meetings where they studied Bible. It was a most uplifting day as we heard Roman tell about his faith, repentance and baptism. He will soon go to Kiev where he will be under the guidance ofbrothers there and his older brother Ruslan has already found him a job. Pasha volunteered to go to the prison and meet these inmates when they are released. Nastya , who will be graduating from the University soon with her 5 year degree in English, was with us and helped comfort Roma during his difficult time. It was his first time to do this before people outside of prison. Natasha, our WEI Advanced student was with us even though she works in Odessa. Pasha's two boys brought two of their friends. They all listened attentively during the sermon. We presented Olena a Certificate of Baptism and honored her for her birthday during the period of fellowship. After the worship and fellowship, we ran home and put things together for our bus ride here to Slavyansk. The trip here took a little less than 15 hours. This morning, we took Mama to the cemetery where Papa is buried. He died two years ago, so Mama Elena is still talking this afternoon about their times together.
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