WORD OF THE DAY - Sunday 01 January 2012 from Nikolaev, Ukraine

And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he is revealed we may have confidence and not be put to shame before him at his coming. (1 John 2:28 NRSV) 

Итак, дети, пребывайте в Нем, чтобы, когда Он явится, иметь нам дерзновение и не постыдиться пред Ним в пришествие Его. (1-e Иоанна 2:28 Russian)

Тепер, любі діти, залишайтеся в Христі, щоб коли Він з’явиться, ми могли бути певні і не засоромлені Ним, коли Він прийде. (1 Йоаново 2:28 Ukrainian ERV)

Almighty God, our Kind and Merciful Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for this new Lord’s Day and the grand privilege that believers enjoy as we assemble in honor of Christ our Savior and King. Give us wisdom as we initiate plans for this New Year so that we will not fail to include your will in all our worthwhile goals and dreams. Help us to live in love above the fray over evil affairs and always be prepared for the unannounced coming of our Lord. We pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

WORD OF THE DAY - Monday 25 April 2011 from Mykolaiv, Ukraine

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)

будем держаться исповедания упования неуклонно, ибо верен Обещавший. (К Евреям 10:23 Russian)

Тримаймо непохитне визнання надії, вірний бо Той, Хто обіцяв. (Евреи 10:23 Ukrainian)

Mantengamos firme la profesión de nuestra fe sin fluctuar; que fiel es el que prometió: (Hebreos 10:23 Spanish)

Almighty God, our Dear Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for the electrifying gift of life on this new day that portends even more amazing blessings from your kindness and mercy. Fill our minds with more of your infinite wisdom as we study and meditate on your Scriptures. Give us courage and help us to remain totally committed to the one true faith of Jesus Christ even as our Savior remained faithful to the end. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

We had 11 for worship services yesterday and one came in time for the fellowship meal. Pavel sported a self-tied tie for the first time in his life as he led the congregation during the Lord's Supper. He continues to grow in his knowledge of God's word as he maintains a humble attitude when he makes comments that encourage others. His mother Nadya prepared very tasty breast of chicken sandwiches for our period of fellowship that always turns into a Bible Question and Answer period as well as getting better acquainted. Our brother Olamide brought two fellow students from the Maritime University who had also studied at the same Maritime Institute he did in Lagos, Nigeria. Our brother Stepan led the church in a most thoughtful and sincere prayer. Sasha, who works as a guard and person in charge downstairs, said it was the first time he had seen a child come to services by herself.  Anastasia - who prefers to be called Nastya, told us that her parents had heard that we had Bible classes for children and she wanted to come. Galina and I met her in the entranceway and told her that she might be the only child there and she still wanted to stay. We had a good visit with this mature thinking 11 year old who is seeking the truth and we hope we will not disappoint her or her parents. As we walked home yesterday we were greeted by the delicate petals of cherry and apricot trees with fresh scents of spring. We are very thankful for all blessings in Christ and look forward to doing our best to study with 6 different people today. Thank you for the prayers.