WORD OF THE DAY - Wednesday 09 December 2009

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)

Потому что приглашенных много, но избранных мало. (От Матфея 22:14 Russian SZ)

LORD God, Our Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for this day and the numerous reminders that we are under your constant surveillance as we bask in the provisions necessary for us to live comfortably. Help all Christians as we work to spread the Good News of salvation and eternal hope. Give seekers the courage to sincerely and wholeheartedly answer the Savior’s invitation without delay with faith, repentance and baptism and enjoy the radiant new life in Christ. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

On Tuesday we once again enjoyed many activities that allowed us to share God's love with different people. At the University, we had two back to back sessions that took up much of our afternoon. It was all time well spent as we challenged the group of 4th year students to consider the parable of the Wedding Feast in Matthew 22. Several of them attempted to give a meaning to the parable. This was another opportunity to explain the worldwide invitation of Jesus Christ that is extended to all people. Several students took copies of the New Testaments that we bring, and a couple of informative tracts were taken. Since it was our last time to be with these dear young people this year, we brought some small gifts for the students and their two main faculty leaders. In the evening, we had our faithful few to show up for Bible study and as usual the participation was excellent. Prior to their arrival, we were downstairs in our meeting hall talking to some of the staff, and one elderly man that we have become friends with wanted to present us a copy of a book that he authored about 20 years ago. He is almost 90 years of age and still has a very sharp mind. He had a long career as a writer and producer of plays. We presented him with a new Russian language Bible and he was very thankful. He admires American literature and had many positive things to say about the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer for this evangelistic work.

WORD OF THE DAY - Tuesday 08 December 2009

By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:4)

За смирением следует страх Господень, богатство и слава и жизнь. (Притчи 22:4 Russian)

Almighty God, our Exceedingly Powerful and Righteous Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for this new day that brings with it more opportunities for us to demonstrate our awe and respect for your Son who has been appointed to rule over us. Give us wisdom so that we will treat all people with humility, respect and kindness as we offer ourselves in service to Christ the Lord. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

At last night's meeting there only 6 who showed up for our Bible study and song practice. We were amazed that Luda and Stepan were there since it was a cold icy wind in our faces on the walk to our meeting place. These dear people never want to miss the blessings that come from Bible study and prayer meeting. Since our group presently includes students from Nigeria, we sing one verse of each song in English and the full song in Russian language. Occasionally, we sing a song in Ukrainian. This morning we get ready for about four hours at the university with a select group of 5th year students. They begged their faculty for us to come back. This may be our last session this year since they are facing many exams and other end of quarter activities. However, they may ask us back to face one of the other groups. We have such a wonderful relationship with this institution. The room we are using was furnished in largest part by some Peace Corps volunteers who were here a few years ago. It is the best classroom that we have seen so far. With one other exception, most of the other rooms are still the old Soviet style that you just have to see it to believe it. I'm not being critical, just an observation from someone who spent several years selling and installing school furniture and equipment. I am always looking forward to this open door and the others that God is constantly opening. We are constantly hoping and praying for more workers to share in the harvest.

WORD OF THE DAY - Monday 07 December 2009

See then that you walk carefully, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Итак, смотрите, поступайте осторожно, не как неразумные, но как мудрые, дорожа временем, потому что дни лукавы. (К Ефесянам 5:15-16 Russian)

Most Holy and Powerful God, our Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for the joy we experience as we meet this new day that arrives with certain things we can count on – namely your steadfast love and providential care. Give us your wisdom so that we will live each day by taking full advantage of every opportunity to do something good for the Kingdom of Christ. In the blessed name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

We had 9 folks present for our worship services yesterday. It was encouraging for everyone that our newest friend and seeker - Nikolai Tkhor was there. He came about an hour before our meeting just as we arrived. He has a twenty minute walk from where he lives to the stop where he catches the streetcar that brings him to our meeting place. Then, his ride takes about 40 minutes with all the stops. Trams are very popular with retirees since they ride free if they have their pension ID card. Following our worship, we had a good period of fellowship that turned into another Bible study for about two hours. It is so wonderful how they love to stay and talk about life and matters that are important to the soul.

WORD OF THE DAY - Thursday 03 December 2009

Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV)

Кто любит серебро, тот не насытится серебром, и кто любит богатство, тому нет пользы от того. И это--суета! (Екклесиаст 5:10 Russian 5:9)

Glorious and Mighty God, Creator and Owner of everything that exists in the visible or invisible world ~ Thank you for permitting us to live good under your watchful care as we pass through this mortal life. Give us more of the wisdom of Christ as we strive for greater knowledge of the grand and noble spiritual life. Help us to be constantly mindful of the brevity and uncertainty of our present circumstances on this earth. Give us genuine satisfaction as we work and put our trust in your providence. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

We had another great day here in Nikolaev taking care of paying some bills due around the first of the month and doing some shopping for personal needs and things for our work. At one shop near where the church meets, we have become friendly with Viola who works behind the counter. Yesterday, I gave her my Russian language business card that also has God's plan of salvation on the reverse side. Her face immediately brightened up as she told the story of how she was recently hospitalized for a serious surgery. Someone came to visit her and told her that she should go to God. 'Whenever someone invites you, go to that door.' Viola pleasantly told me, 'you are the one inviting me to room 32 in that building down the street.' She works each night when we have our meetings, so we hope to meet with Viola soon on Sunday. If not, we will attempt to set up a personal study. We only had 6 present for our Wednesday night service, but it was joyful and productive as usual with Questions and Answers lasting almost an additional hour. Thank you very much for the prayers.

WORD OF THE DAY - Wednesday 02 December 2009

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)

Не медлит Господь исполнением обетования, как некоторые почитают то медлением; но долготерпит нас, не желая, чтобы кто погиб, но чтобы все пришли к покаянию. (2-e Петра 3:9 Russian)

Almighty God, our Most Holy and Compassionate Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for this new day that pulses with increasing signs of your providential care in our daily lives. Fill our minds with your infinite wisdom as we study and obey the teachings and examples of Christ revealed to us in your holy word. Help those who are searching for true meaning and purpose in life not to overlook the wonderful salvation that is available to all people who realize that they must repent of their old way of life and obey Jesus Christ as Lord. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Yesterday, we were very happy that after a month long break from the university due to the H1N1 virus quarantine, the Chair and Vice-Chair of the English Language Department invited me and Galina back to conduct two sessions with 4th year students. Four post-graduate students (doctoral candidates) asked if they could be present when they heard that we are back again. We used the occasion of two great American traditions and spoke about Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. In the first session, I introduced the historical view of early American Christians about setting aside one day as a nation to give thanks for God's leading and provision. Galina shared her positive view of these holidays as an immigrant to America. (Privately she reminded me without complaining, that this is the 4th year we have been out of the USA at this time of year.) In the early afternoon session, we spoke about the Christmas holiday and I emphasized that we are not certain from the scriptures regarding the date of Christ's birth. In countries where Orthodoxy is the predominate religion, the date for this celebration in January 7. I strongly emphasized that we do know that Jesus was born in a miraculous manner and then shared details about his life, his teachings and His vicarious suffering for our sins and the cross and his resurrection from the dead. We had the best participation that we have had with these students as they made comments and asked probing questions. This presented a great opportunity to speak about our faith in the existence of God and His special plan of salvation for those who obey Him. When we were preparing to leave, the students were begging their faculty to have us back. We already agreed to come next week, but a different group also wants us to spend time with them. The department heads will work all that out and we are delighted to share the Gospel in such an environment here in Ukraine. At our Tuesday night Bible study, we enjoyed a lively discussion of how to work together in spreading the Gospel. We are still trying to figure out how we can spend at least two weeks in Magadan and then come back here for a brief visit before we must leave Ukraine on the 18th of January. Thank you for the prayers!

WORD OF THE DAY - Monday 30 November 2009

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD. (Isaiah 55:8)

Мои мысли--не ваши мысли, ни ваши пути--пути Мои, говорит Господь. (Исаия 55:8 Russian Synodal Version)

Blessed and Only God, our Dear Father in Heaven ~ Hear us when we call out to you on this new day that arrives with spectacular provisions from your never-ending kindness. Bestow upon us your infinite wisdom as we study and obey Christ so that we will engage ourselves with thoughts and things that are forever essential. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Yesterday we had ten people in attendance for worship. Prior to our meeting, Yuri and his wife Sveta who live in a small town near Nikolaev spent some time visiting with us. Galina gave Sveta some more literature to help them grow in their understanding of the scriptures. Afolabi led the singing, and Akinrinde presided at the Lord's Supper. We presented new Bibles to those who were recently baptized. In the afternoon, we had an appointment with Vladislav (Vlad) who wants to begin studying English with us using the Bible. He is a very personable young man who works as an insurance broker. We went through the WEI introductory material and made an appointment for Tuesday afternoon. He went home proudly carrying a New Testament, his first English lessons and some information about salvation. We are very thankful for your prayers about our evangelistic work in the Ukraine harvest field of the Lord.

WORD OF THE DAY - Sunday 29 November 2009

This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome. (1 John 5:3 NIV)

Ибо это есть любовь к Богу, чтобы мы соблюдали заповеди Его; и заповеди Его нетяжки. (1-e Иоанна 5:3 Russian)

Most Kind and Loving God, our Dear Father in Heaven ~ We bring our praise into your presence on this new Lord’s Day. Help Christians who must assemble secretly out of fear from repressive authorities, not to lose their courage as they obey Christ. Give us wisdom so that we will more fully grasp that the commands of our Lord are what is best for us as we grow in the love of Jesus our Savior and our new life in Him. In Christ name we pray, Amen.

Yesterday - Saturday we had an appointment with our first student in the English classes structured on the WEI lesson plan. Dima came with the material in his hand and asked to withdraw before he even got started. He was polite enough to come visit us and return the materials we had given him. He said that he has new assignments at work and will not be able to do this. We hope that he will stay in touch with us and study the Bible. We had to reschedule our other appointment for later today. Since it was a beautiful late autumn day, we decided to walk down to the Центральный рынок Central Market that is sort of on the way back to where we live. Galina says it is out of the way, but I like to take shortcuts through the alleys behind all the apartments and other buildings. We are always amazed at the abundance of fresh products and now we have the local growers offering some herbs and other items they grow in their hot houses. I was attracted to some eggplant stuffed with spicy cabbage that resembled something Galina’s mother makes. We bought lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and came home and had a late Thanksgiving feast. The walk back to our apartment building takes about 15 minutes, and we always go past the beautiful central park for children. Some children were riding a small train and shouting “stop at Nikolaev”! Thank you for your many prayers and kind words. Now we prepare for our Lord’s Day worship and hope for a surprise visitor or two.