WORD OF THE DAY - Friday 16 October 2009

Therefore seeing we also are encompassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. (Hebrews 12:1)

Посему и мы, имея вокруг себя такое облако свидетелей, свергнем с себя всякое бремя и запинающий нас грех и с терпением будем проходить предлежащее нам поприще. (К Евреям 12:1 Russian)

Almighty God, our Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for peace and joy on this new day on which we may have numerous opportunities to express our faith in Jesus Christ in word and deed. Give us wisdom and courage to endure and overcome the various trials that are sure to be part of our lives as we faithfully follow Jesus as Lord. We are very thankful and humble when we consider what great sacrifices have been made by many others to defend our faith. Give strength to those who are thinking about dropping out of the race. Help them overcome their doubts and fears and realize the victory in Jesus. We pray in Christ name, Amen.

Today was so full of blessings as we enjoyed being back in Nikolaev and meeting with various people as we took care of necessary errands upon our return. Ivan had so much enthusiasm as he told us about each session that he conducted on my behalf. His own faith has been strengthened with this opportunity to use up part of his vacation time in the Lord’s service. We also had much to discuss with him about the church in Magadan since that is never very far from our hearts. When we were talking everything over today, he expressed his sincere love for this new church here in Nikolaev. That is such an encouragement for us to hear another brother express what we already feel in our heart. Tomorrow we will be busy with the children’s Bible class and more preparations for worship on Sunday and my lessons for next week at our church services and the university. Ivan plans to leave tomorrow to visit with family in Sevastopol and then to Bella Serkov and then to Kiev. Even though we were constantly busy in Slavyansk, there was a little restful work in helping to dig the large garden at Galina's parents’ home. That kind of work revives body and soul like perhaps a round of golf or tennis for some folks. Here in Nikolaev we enjoy long walks carrying various parcels. Thank you for the prayers and encouragement.

Grandchildren are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. (Proverbs 17:6)

Венец стариков--сыновья сыновей, и слава детей--родители их. (Притчи 17:6 Russian)

Корона для старших онуки, а пишнота дітей їхні батьки. (Притчи 17:6 Ukrainian)

LORD God Almighty, our Merciful and Gracious Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for the enormous miracle of life that resides in our earthly bodies on this new day. Bless families around the world as they honor one another and learn about your love for all mankind. Help us to provide comfort to those living without parents. In Jesus name, Amen.

All the fresh fruits and vegetables that we enjoy each day here are also sold on the side of the road by growers. On the highway that leads to Odessa, we noticed many people selling the last of their watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, eggplant, squash, tomato and pepper crops. We find these in little kiosks all around the city of Nikolaev as well as in the central market where the growers bring their goods at the end of the day to catch some volume buyers. Many of the buyers are resellers who take them to their shops, stands or cafes. As is the case in most countries, the growing and marketing of produce is carried on by many families. That is also a strong tradition here in Ukraine, and like all the rest of the world it is difficult to keep the kids down on the farm once they see the city life. Yesterday, I finally completed our order for Bibles and literature from Eastern European Mission (EEM Europe). Thanks largely to Galina's hard work; we finally cleaned up the storage room that we have rented to keep our Bibles and literature. We will also soon be ordering other Russian language Bible study literature from Truth for Today. Some citizens of the former Soviet Union are often sensitive about Bibles that are translated, printed and published in the USA. It is likely a natural response to the years of propagandizing that went on by both sides during the years of Cold War. Some Americans would also likely feel the same way if Bibles were being distributed in the USA that were translated, published and printed in countries of the Former Soviet Union. We are very pleased that we now have Bibles and song books that have no reference to any publishing house in the West. Fortunately, not every person here is sensitive to this problem and many are thankful that there is an abundance of Scriptures in all languages available from America. Thank you for your prayers.