His love endures forever...
I am thankful for so much.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful for each breath.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful for the sunshine today.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful to be with Leszek, Ania and their family today.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful that my family is all healthy.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful that my family can be together today.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful for technology that enables the ease of communication -- even an ocean away.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful for so many people's generostity allowing me the opportunity to be in Ukraine this fall.
His love endures forever...
I am thankful for the blessing of so many friends who speak into my life.
His love endures forever...
We have so much. And, there is so much opportunity to give and be a blessing to others. I continue to pray that God opens my eyes to the needs and hurts of others. Allowing my heart to break when I see things through God's eyes. May I be a blessing in your lives as you have been in mine.
Have a wonderful day! Appreciate moments and memories with people you love.
...His love endures forever...
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Contrasts
I've been thinking a lot about the power of words in the past couple of days. Learning a new language brings obvious attention to the importance and distinction of each spoken and written word.
The book of James talks about words having the power to build up or tear down. He likens controlling our tongue to the rudder controlling a ship or a bit controlling the entire horse.
I've always been fascinated by contrasts like the need and danger of fire. We cannot live without the heat and energy derived from fire, yet it has enormous power to destroy and kill. Also, think about water. Obviously, we need water daily. But the destruction caused by flooding is incredible, and again life threatening - even in very small amounts if not managed carefully.
As I stumble into the Russian language, I am often concerned about getting 'lost in translation'. Thankfully I have very gracious and encouraging friends who help me muddle through, but it's been a powerful reminder to choose my words carefully, and to use language with purpose.
The book of James talks about words having the power to build up or tear down. He likens controlling our tongue to the rudder controlling a ship or a bit controlling the entire horse.
I've always been fascinated by contrasts like the need and danger of fire. We cannot live without the heat and energy derived from fire, yet it has enormous power to destroy and kill. Also, think about water. Obviously, we need water daily. But the destruction caused by flooding is incredible, and again life threatening - even in very small amounts if not managed carefully.
As I stumble into the Russian language, I am often concerned about getting 'lost in translation'. Thankfully I have very gracious and encouraging friends who help me muddle through, but it's been a powerful reminder to choose my words carefully, and to use language with purpose.
This Weekend
At the willowcreek leadership summit my friend Piotr and the band from Bucha Church, One of Us, led us in worship on Saturday.The building that we held the conference in had the Secretary of Defense's office which we used as the green room. Can you even imagine???????????????????????? Here I am sitting behind the desk with the Ukrainian flag in the background.
Friday was national student's day in Ukraine. The students here at KCU had an evening program where they all entertained us with humor and creativity. 
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Holland, Michigan
The nationals that we are working with are preparing to host the first Willowcreek Leadership Summit here in Kyiv this weekend -- Friday and Saturday. There will be an anticipated 1000 people attending from Ukraine and all over Eastern Europe. Please pray with us that these men and women will be challenged to practice Godly leadership in their ministries throughout this region of the world, and that they will ask questions of themselves that will reveal motives, agendas and struggle with heart issues as they listen to and participate in this upcoming conference.
We have been busy helping putting packets together -- takes very little language ability! :) And, will help with feeding this crew. HA HA HA. I see the humor in the fact that I am working on a conference like this and with the food team. I have nothing against all of you who diligently provide nourishment for so many, it's just that typically my gifts are not utilized in this capacity. You can laugh with me if you know me well... I am looking forward to helping in whatever capacity they can use me.
And, as people are flying in from different parts of Europe and the US to assist with this undertaking, we discovered that one of the media men is from Holland, Michigan! Small world. And, he has spent time with Ed and Kent Dobson in Israel. It is fun to be a part of the family of God and to see how He creates a web of workers to broaden His message and kingdom.
When we stayed with the missionary kids a few weeks ago, I asked their daughter who is graduating from High School this Spring if when she left her comfort zone in South Dakota because her family was moving to Kyiv, Ukraine to be missionaries if she had ANY idea that she would have SO MUCH FUN and that her world would be expanded exponentially? She admitted that she was terrified to come here and glad that God had shown her so many things, including friends from all over the world. "I had no idea how much fun I would have in this big city", she told me.
God has amazing plans in store for each one of us if we are willing to follow Him completely. The ride will be bumpy at times, He doesn't promise comfort, but He does guarantee His love and provision. And I can personally testify to an inexplicable joy!!!
We have been busy helping putting packets together -- takes very little language ability! :) And, will help with feeding this crew. HA HA HA. I see the humor in the fact that I am working on a conference like this and with the food team. I have nothing against all of you who diligently provide nourishment for so many, it's just that typically my gifts are not utilized in this capacity. You can laugh with me if you know me well... I am looking forward to helping in whatever capacity they can use me.
And, as people are flying in from different parts of Europe and the US to assist with this undertaking, we discovered that one of the media men is from Holland, Michigan! Small world. And, he has spent time with Ed and Kent Dobson in Israel. It is fun to be a part of the family of God and to see how He creates a web of workers to broaden His message and kingdom.
When we stayed with the missionary kids a few weeks ago, I asked their daughter who is graduating from High School this Spring if when she left her comfort zone in South Dakota because her family was moving to Kyiv, Ukraine to be missionaries if she had ANY idea that she would have SO MUCH FUN and that her world would be expanded exponentially? She admitted that she was terrified to come here and glad that God had shown her so many things, including friends from all over the world. "I had no idea how much fun I would have in this big city", she told me.
God has amazing plans in store for each one of us if we are willing to follow Him completely. The ride will be bumpy at times, He doesn't promise comfort, but He does guarantee His love and provision. And I can personally testify to an inexplicable joy!!!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Some photos from this past week
Leeza, one of the students in the youth group
The national opera house
It is an amazing building!
The national opera house
It is an amazing building!
Cultural Experience
On Thursday night we went with 2 of our friends from language school to Swan Lake at the National Opera House here in Kiev. The building itself is worth the price of the ticket, and as expected Tchaikovsky's music was not a disappointment either. They did a magnificent job with their interpretation of the classic ballet.
Friday night was another choir practice. I am happy to say that I am starting to remember the words and tunes of the new melodies, so I'm nearly as worried about getting the Alto section in trouble for not enunciating clearly! Ha ha!
An early Saturday morning took me to a conference being held among several of the Christian Universities and Seminaries in Ukraine. I had the privilege of listening to and then talking briefly with Dr. Manfred Kohl from Canada who challenged the institutions with several charges, including that of unity in Christ. It was great to hear someone with a very rich history in Ukraine (he has traveled here approximately 50 times in his lifetime) and from my recent observations here, I concur with much of what he said. And, of course, I like to meet people from around the globe and learn from their perspectives.
Friday night was another choir practice. I am happy to say that I am starting to remember the words and tunes of the new melodies, so I'm nearly as worried about getting the Alto section in trouble for not enunciating clearly! Ha ha!
An early Saturday morning took me to a conference being held among several of the Christian Universities and Seminaries in Ukraine. I had the privilege of listening to and then talking briefly with Dr. Manfred Kohl from Canada who challenged the institutions with several charges, including that of unity in Christ. It was great to hear someone with a very rich history in Ukraine (he has traveled here approximately 50 times in his lifetime) and from my recent observations here, I concur with much of what he said. And, of course, I like to meet people from around the globe and learn from their perspectives.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Pictures from 'Ukrainian Thanksgiving'
Our feast. The funniest moment of the evening was when they informed us that all of the other students at KCU were looking in the windows and wishing they could be inside with them.
Our group enjoying each other and our dinner.
Ira, my translator and friend helping with final preparations tonight.
...You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows...
Yesterday I spent HOURS scouring Kiev for a turkey. We found parts, but not a whole bird. Turkey breast fillets and two large drumsticks were more than sufficient to feed my missions class their own Thanksgiving dinner tonight. The students who drove us around on our excursion and helped with translation told other students and faculty today that they were amazed at how much food we bought and they thought that we could host a large wedding feast with what we purchased.
We found what was essential to prepare cheesecakes, turkey, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls and a few other treats. I discovered today why there is a market for large personal ovens in the states -- Thanksgiving. We filled up every inch of available oven space in the cafeteria at Kiev Christian University. Today we ran around and baked/cooked all afternoon and were ready at 6:30 on the nose when my students were waiting patiently to taste what they had smelled in the afternoon.
There are moments in life that are memorable with crystal clear clarity for years. Tonight was one of those moments for me. Immediately following our meal they asked me to sing, so I sang 'You Said' by Shane and Shane -- a powerful song about asking God for the nations. We sang together and then one of the students sang Amazing Grace in Russian. After dinner and several words of gratitude for my time in the kitchen today, the students shared one by one what they were thankful for. I continue to be amazed at their depth of insight and willingness to serve and reach the lost for Christ. They repeatedly go on weekend excursions to evangelize a different area of Ukraine as well as mission trips throughout the former soviet union over their summer break. We laughed and ate together, then we shared part of our hearts with each other tonight.
At the end of the evening they presented me with a thank you card they had made as well as a picture with a stop sign that says stop and pray in Russian. I will treasure the memory of tonight and that picture as long as I live. My heart is full of gratitude and excitement.
We found what was essential to prepare cheesecakes, turkey, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls and a few other treats. I discovered today why there is a market for large personal ovens in the states -- Thanksgiving. We filled up every inch of available oven space in the cafeteria at Kiev Christian University. Today we ran around and baked/cooked all afternoon and were ready at 6:30 on the nose when my students were waiting patiently to taste what they had smelled in the afternoon.
There are moments in life that are memorable with crystal clear clarity for years. Tonight was one of those moments for me. Immediately following our meal they asked me to sing, so I sang 'You Said' by Shane and Shane -- a powerful song about asking God for the nations. We sang together and then one of the students sang Amazing Grace in Russian. After dinner and several words of gratitude for my time in the kitchen today, the students shared one by one what they were thankful for. I continue to be amazed at their depth of insight and willingness to serve and reach the lost for Christ. They repeatedly go on weekend excursions to evangelize a different area of Ukraine as well as mission trips throughout the former soviet union over their summer break. We laughed and ate together, then we shared part of our hearts with each other tonight.
At the end of the evening they presented me with a thank you card they had made as well as a picture with a stop sign that says stop and pray in Russian. I will treasure the memory of tonight and that picture as long as I live. My heart is full of gratitude and excitement.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
First Winter Snow
Kiev is under a fresh, thin blanket of winter snow tonight. As I was browsing in one of the main department stores this afternoon and observed that there was one person looking in the women's shoe department and about 60 in the women's boot area I couldn't help but wondering if this was approaching sooner than later.
It is a very fine snow so the roads are slick, but everything glows. Again, a reminder that just as the dirt and grime of the city is covered in a fresh blanket of snow, so Jesus' blood covers our sins and and ugliness of our lives to make us white as snow.
Many envision a Dr. Zhivago scene when they think of Kiev in the winter and tonight was the closest to that picture that I've seen. We got all excited -- because we were driving in a car -- not walking around in it and wanted to start listening to Christmas music. It makes me laugh because I know sooner than later I will complain about the snow, but it's good to appreciate it from the inside looking out at the winter wonderland.
This week has flown by. After returning from our retreat excursion we continued with our language classes and ministry commitments. I had another guitar lesson! And, I sang with the Bucha church choir on Friday night at their rehearsal. It was fun, but took a lot of concentration. I had to sing songs I had never heard before in a different language. My friends on both sides of me were impressed that I could read the Russian. I was worried that the Alto section was going to be reprimanded for not enunciating clearly when I would stumble through sections of the words! It will come. And, it was great fun.
And a quick update on language school for those who have been praying for me: please continue to pray for me. My teacher told us last week that she has taught us everything about the several cases, so if we don't know something it's our own fault. Ha hA Ha. I think her timetable for me to speak fluent Russian is just slightly different than my timetable. By the grace of God I continue to grasp more and more of this beautiful and extremely difficult language.
It is a very fine snow so the roads are slick, but everything glows. Again, a reminder that just as the dirt and grime of the city is covered in a fresh blanket of snow, so Jesus' blood covers our sins and and ugliness of our lives to make us white as snow.
Many envision a Dr. Zhivago scene when they think of Kiev in the winter and tonight was the closest to that picture that I've seen. We got all excited -- because we were driving in a car -- not walking around in it and wanted to start listening to Christmas music. It makes me laugh because I know sooner than later I will complain about the snow, but it's good to appreciate it from the inside looking out at the winter wonderland.
This week has flown by. After returning from our retreat excursion we continued with our language classes and ministry commitments. I had another guitar lesson! And, I sang with the Bucha church choir on Friday night at their rehearsal. It was fun, but took a lot of concentration. I had to sing songs I had never heard before in a different language. My friends on both sides of me were impressed that I could read the Russian. I was worried that the Alto section was going to be reprimanded for not enunciating clearly when I would stumble through sections of the words! It will come. And, it was great fun.
And a quick update on language school for those who have been praying for me: please continue to pray for me. My teacher told us last week that she has taught us everything about the several cases, so if we don't know something it's our own fault. Ha hA Ha. I think her timetable for me to speak fluent Russian is just slightly different than my timetable. By the grace of God I continue to grasp more and more of this beautiful and extremely difficult language.
An ostich's eye is bigger than it's brain! I told my russian teacher this when I was showing her these pictures, only I don't know how to say bigger or smaller, so I just said, "Ostriches have very big eyes and little brains". She laughed and laughed. A couple of my friends have illuded that they have met a few humans that they think may have the same problem! HA HA HA HA! Just some trivia to lighten your day.
This is a church that we walked by on our way to the farm. It seems to capture a typical image of a country orthodox church in Ukraine.
This is my friend Lena. It is such a blessing to have true friends here. It doesn't keep me from missing friends and family at home, but it certainly is an added blessing here!
This is a church that we walked by on our way to the farm. It seems to capture a typical image of a country orthodox church in Ukraine.
This is my friend Lena. It is such a blessing to have true friends here. It doesn't keep me from missing friends and family at home, but it certainly is an added blessing here!
Friday, November 03, 2006
Victor and I at the retreat. SkipBo was a big hit! We all sat by the fire and played games until very late. It was a beautiful place and a lot of fun.
Our walk to the ostrich farm on Wednesday was beautiful. Cold, but beautiful...
The Ostrich's send their greetings! :)
It was quite an experience. They have over 100 ostriches, pot belly pigs, pheasants and some chickens.
Our walk to the ostrich farm on Wednesday was beautiful. Cold, but beautiful...
The Ostrich's send their greetings! :)It was quite an experience. They have over 100 ostriches, pot belly pigs, pheasants and some chickens.
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