PRAISE 

  • We received our residency documents for another year and got them registered! So that’s something we can put behind us!

  • Abe was in Kyiv last week to make a major presentation for Centers of Hope. This was with the main leaders and committees for the Baptist Union, about 100 people there. Everyone is excited about the Centers and talking about them. People are offering materials, Bible studies for unchurched kids, SS materials, etc. Abe is thrilled with the response.

  • Right now we have 29 potential couples who want to serve in Centers of Hope coming to the introductory workshop this week. A wonderful number! How many of those will actually commit is another matter, but word is spreading!

  • Abe was also honored at this meeting for his 80th birthday and his 33 years of service here in Ukraine. One man came to him and said, “You are a pillar of hope to us.” The president of the BU said, “We don’t know who will be here next year or in 5 years or in 2050—but we know Abraham will be!” 😊 (Well, he did have a grandmother who lived to be 106.)

PRAYER

  • So…please pray for this workshop being held on December 8 & 9. There are many issues. We don’t know if there will be heat. There is a generator, so hopefully that works for projectors etc. This is a huge organizational effort because it is the first workshop since the war, with a fresh emphasis on new opportunities for evangelism. There will be a vetting of candidates. Basically everyone willing will be on trial for a period of about 3 months. But the most critical issue to pray about is that God would call people to this ministry. They need to have a calling, whether strongly or softly. Some may hear a loud clear voice. Others will be finding there way tentatively as they seek God’s will. And the other prayer is that everyone who comes will be encouraged in their walk with Christ and have a renewed sense of urgency about evangelism.

 

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Ivan (in black) has been working with Abe for a number of years, since Abe first developed the concept of Centers of Hope. The sign says “Welcome to the Center of Hope”. This is what we hope to see all across Ukraine!

  • Pray as we are purchasing many “helps” for people. Battery-operated lights, back up batteries, systems to keep furnaces with electric thermostats running. It is a time consuming and difficult process because everyone wants these things. Prices keep escalating. Our focus right now is helping co-workers so that they are maximally functional. But this will be an ongoing need as we begin to open Centers, to help the leaders to be functional.

  • You may have heard that there was a fresh attack from Russia on Ukrainian infrastructure on Monday. Out of 70 missiles sent, 60 were shot down. But everyone only expects it to get worse, and are preparing for the worst. All of this jumps our costs up considerably. Pray that we would be wise in our ongoing preparations. And always—pray that God would deliver Ukraine.

  • And a personal prayer request. Those who have followed us for a couple years know that we have had a lot of stresses regarding the house we’ve rented for over 20 years. In June we paid rent until the end of the year but have heard nothing about the intent of the “landlady” (who lives in Russia) yet. We have been putting ministry first, there has been so much to prepare and get oriented to, but obviously we need to pursue this shortly or we may be sitting on the street come January 1. Right now we don’t even know if our lawyer is still here or if he joined the army! Pray that the Lord will guide us, help us, protect us and give us the opportunity to continue to live here. This not just for ourselves. Actually we could live anywhere, but we have a whole office and warehouse full of materials.

Over and over this past week or two, my Bible reading reinforces that God is the Judge and His throne is established on justice and righteousness. He works righteousness and justice.  Not willing that any should perish. Also judging the wicked. When things seem upside down and evil seems to flourish, the Bible reassures us that the wicked will not end well. But those who fear God, the righteous, will end very well. No, it’s not talking about worldly riches or an easy life. But it is talking about all the things that God promises us that have eternal value. That encourages my heart when darkness threatens to overwhelm me. Let us take courage together!

Rom 12:12  “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

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