Parting is such sweet sorrow

I know it is corney to quote Shakespeare on a Christian blog, but the quote seems to fit the parting with our students from this past week. Today was our final class and it went very well. After one week of sharing our lives we get very close to those we teach. There were some tears and precious testimonies of how the Lord touched their hearts this week and brought healing and freedom.

*

Yesterday Wayne taught on forgiveness and then we gave them the opportunity to repent and forgive. It is always one of the most precious times we have with our classes. The joy on the faces after they step out in obedience is wonderful. A lady who had attended our seminar in March came to give a testimony on how forgiving her ex husband has brought healing to her and her children. She shared how that simple act of obedience has freed her from her need for revenge and also her need of him. What a gift God gave us by allowing her to come to share.

*

Today our final class was on the Peace and Joy principle. So our students have left fully equipped to walk out what they have learned.

*

After lunch we went with our translator Olya to the gypsy pastors home for lunch. It was such a nice time of fellowship with his family. We will be speaking at his church on Sunday at 10 a.m. US time. Please pray for us as you begin services. This is the first time he has had anyone come in and speak on marriage issues. PW will be teaching on the husbands role which will definetly go against the gypsy culture of domination of the women. Afterward his wife has invited us to come to their home for a dinner consisting of the gypsy way of making cabbage rolls. :>))) Yes we are gaining weight in case you are wondering.

*

We still do not have wireless internet. Tomorrow is the word of the day each time we ask. That is the Ukranian way....:>))) On a more positive note, we do have a very comfortable mattress that is very much like our tempurpedic one at home. That is another gift from God to us on this trip.

*

This next week have filled up quickly with counseling appts. scheduled preaching and teaching times and dinner invitations. It is a great honor to be invited into a Ukranian home for a meal. We are always so blessed to share these special times with our brothers and sisters.

*

We will try to update again on Sunday or Monday. Meanwhile keep those prayers coming since we will be tired from all the ministry, plus on Monday and Tuesday we will be traveling by car 2 hours to the city of Khust for ministry.

We love and miss you and are getting very homesick for our family.

PW and Sherry