The Red Way . . .

 

The Red Way is a new area on the outskirts of Poltava where we have begun to meet with kids once a week for Bible study, crafts, and sports.  Please pray for this community and the ministry there.  We met with them last week for first time and had about 16 kids ranging in age from 6 to about 16 plus a few adults who came around to just see what was going on.  Please pray for Roma, Natasha, and their son Tauras.  They are believers who live in this community and we are holding our meetings on their property.  Please pray for all the people of the Red Way; that they will see that there is really only one way to GOD, the RED WAY of the blood of JESUS.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.   Eph 1:7

. . . . . And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

 

These are some photos from one of our ministries today at a Children’s Scoliosis Hospital here Poltava.  These kids are here for treatment and come here from all over the Oblast (State) of Poltava.  They normally have to lie on an angled bed all day and then receive some special massage to try to treat them.  We go there once a week and are able to minister to them for about one to two hours depending on the mood of the staff.  We have been storying through the Bible with them weekly and today we started into the life of Jesus, how HE came and the things HE did while on earth.  We also have crafts and some limited sports activities with those who are able to participate.  Please pray for these kids and their families as they are separated from each other during their stay here.  Please pray for their Spiritual health, that they will come to know the GREAT PHYSICIAN and find the true healing that only comes from HIM.

But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

And by His stripes we are healed.  Isaiah 53:5

Today at Chutivo Village . . . .

Hellos and goodbyes . . . .

I hate goodbyes, especially to ones we deeply care for L but yesterday we said goodbye to a summer missionary who has been with our team since late May, Mary Margaret Gunn.  We already miss her so much!  The LORD used her in such great ways here in Ukraine, not only in the lives of the Ukrainian’s but in our family’s life as well.  We are so thankful for every minute that the LORD gave us to serve with her and we are so thankful for her family back in Jackson, Mississippi.  They have unselfishly supported her and the mission work in the Poltava area.  Please pray for her as she returns home for a month or so and then back to Appalachian State in August.  We know that the LORD will continue to use her in great ways wherever she is; she is a true and faithful light for HIM.

Hellos are good especially when it’s someone you have missed very much.  Yesterday, well last night, (after a few hours of delays with flights ect . . . ) we said hello to a young man named Taylor Clark.  He will be on our team for the remainder of the summer and we are looking forward to all that the LORD has in store for him.  Please pray for him as he adjusts to the time difference, culture, food, and recovers from jet lag over the next few days.  Please continue to pray for our team as we travel around Poltava State sharing the Good News that JESUS saves.

 As I was writing this I was reminded of a day when there will be no more goodbyes or hellos, no more tears, pain, misunderstandings, troubles of any kind.  Let’s live with the attitude of the Apostle Paul when he wrote to the Philippians in Chapter 1:21 for me to live is Christ and die is gain.  Let’s not be distracted from the mission JESUS has called us to.  Our lives here are but a vapor but eternity is un-measureable.   Let’s love the LORD with all our hearts and love each other as ourselves because there certainly will be a day when there will be no more hellos or goodbyes.

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know." 5 Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.  John 14:1-6

 Tuesdae, Mary Margaret, and Page at the Euro football championship outreach

 Mary Margaret patching up out parachute bag after long day of kids ministries

Taylor Clark on the right with the blue Toppers Uniform

English Plus students . . . .

 

Today we were able to have an end of the year party with several of the kids from the private English school where we teach.  It is called English Plus.  It was a great morning!  We were able to play many different games, have some snacks, and share some testimonies.  Each student received a Euro football outreach packet which consisted of a Gospel of John (with testimonies from many famous soccer players who are believers), a special edition of the four Spiritual laws track,  (made specifically for the Euro Championship – called more than a Cup or Trophy) and another Euro outreach track called Who are you?  This also contains several different passages of Scripture on GOD’S plan for your life, also with several personal testimonies from soccer players who are believers.  Please pray for these kids and their families as well as us as we continue to share here in Poltava about what Christ has done in our lives.  GOD bless!  So thankful for each of you who support us with your prayers, it means more to us than you could ever know.