Well it is our final hours here and I am waxing nostalgic. This always happens. The past week has been wonderful as you have already read. The people in this country are very dear to our hearts. It is obvious to us that God has put this love in our hearts. The people are warm as a general rule and very guarded which is baggage from the past under dictatorship. It is seen in the homes, in the ways the pastors use authority and the way people pretend all is well when in fact it is not. God is doing a deep work in the hearts of the people here and we are honored to play a small part in what he is doing.
*
The thing we see that stands out to us the most in the churches here is the passion for souls. The people are always looking for ways to reach others and they work tirelessly to accomplish that. They pray for hours with passion crying out to God for their loved ones and neighbors. The churches start orphanages, adoption programs and rehab centers no matter how small the church happens to be. They even have soup kitchens in most, even the small village churches. The poverty in this country is overwhelming at times.
*
Yesterday, Wayne preached at Pastor Oleg's church. The congregation numbers around 80 with the kids and is located in a small village where drug lords lived and operated until around 7 yrs ago when Oleg began the church. The church is located in a former drug lords house. It is a beautiful building and pictures will be posted next week. Wayne preached on choices and how they affect relationships and eternity. Eight people came forward in response to the message and we were blessed to pray with them. Afterwards we spent the afternoon with Oleg and his wife Svytlana in their home which happens to be the back room of the church. We laughed a lot and talked non stop getting to know them. Oleg is the pastor who arranged for us to come here after attending our parenting seminar in Uzghorod.
*
Ebi picked us up at 6 for dinner at his home. Natasha made home made pizza in honor of us leaving since she remembered it was Wayne's favorite food. We had a wonderful evening of fellowship with them and looked at lots of pictures. Ebi is a very funny man so we laughed a lot.
*
By 10 we were back in our temporary home so we could pack and get ready to leave this morning. The sun is shining today and the weather is mild so it should be a good travel day.
Please keep these people in prayer and also pray for our travel. Leg room for Wayne and also sleep on the plane so we arrive home refreshed and able to enjoy those precious grandchildren who will be waiting at the airport.
*
Thanks again to all of you for praying, giving and supporting us emotionally as we go. Only heaven will reveal your reward but meanwhile know that you have been a very real part of this trip. The Ukrainian church sends greetings to you all.
*
Love and Blessings,
Wayne and Sherry
No comments:
Post a Comment