brrr.....It's Cold!!!!

Well as you can tell by the title it is really cold right now!!! You must wear multiple layers, scarf, gloves to even stand a chance at being warm and your face is definitely not going to be anyway! Here is the forecast for the next week. Keep in mind in Ukraine forecasting isn't as accurate...could be colder or warmer. But for your enjoyment .... Friday (h -11 C l -14 C feels like -19 C), Saturday (h -8 C l -17 C feels like -22 C) Sunday (h -9 C l -20 C feels like -27 C) Monday (h -12 C l -20 C feels like - 28 C) and it continues for next week. So maybe if it will be -20 they might close some schools and stuff. Ukrainians are much more aware about cold weather and scared to venture out into it for fear of being sick. As for me it is cold but a new experience being a Florida boy! (as for the photo...you can guess for yourself...and yes i took that photo...poor little birdie)

We started last week our "Youth Club" ministry. We wanted to have it in this store we own here in Horodok, but the building is too old and we couldn't make it warm, so we were in our apartment. It was good for a first meeting. There were about 8 youth there. So we watched some videos, and sang some songs, and had tea and cookies. This youth meeting will be like our evening meetings were at camp in the summer. A fun time with singing and interaction with the youth. This will be every other Saturday. This Saturday we will start our Ukrainian/ English bible study. I invited many people from camp last year and who we know from the neighborhood, so I am hoping again for about 8 people minimum. Please pray that God would lead me to the people he wants to be in this group and that I would have the wisdom to invite them and they the courage to come! This is the most important group we have here in my opinion and ask that you please pray about it.

Also I will start teaching classes in L'viv again once or twice a week. For these classes I teach English and then after English they have a Ukrainian bible study, so it is also important that I do a good job, so that many people come and hear the Word of God. So please pray for this as well and that God would lead me to where he wants me to work this year. I still am praying for him to open up opportunities to teach such classes as these in some of the schools here in Horodok. Once again thank you all for your love, support, and prayers. Talk to you soon! God Bless. And enjoy your Florida weather ;)

Back in Ukraine

I finally have internet, at least for a short while, and some time so here I am back in Ukraine posting for the first time in 2012! I first want to thank all my friends and family and fellow brothers and sisters at Calvary for all your very, very generous donations which are the only reason I am able to be here! I thank God for all of you. Such generosity is really such a blessing to me! I have more than met my goal for 1 year (without having to sell my car), and I even have a good portion for a second year. Praise God!!! If still you want to give or wanted to but didn't have the chance you can of course give to Calvary with my name on it and it will find its way to me, and I will just stay longer here =) As of now though, my needs for this year are well met and I am not in need of anything besides your prayers!

Today is January 6th, which in Ukraine is Christmas eve. Tomorrow will be Christmas here. It is maybe the first time in a long time that there is not snow for Christmas which is a little crazy...and for me bad because it is so cold but without snow. It will still be great though. They have so many Christmas traditions...the children sing carols all day at your door for money, also they come to your door and throw buckwheat at the threshold...also for money! Also there is "holy supper" which is a traditional 12 course meal for Christmas, which I will celebrate with Andriy and Alona the young Ukrainian missionary couple living and serving here in Horodok with me. Here is a picture of Andriy and Zachar...their son. They are doing well. They like it here and have a real heart to reach this place too...which is great. And also living with me is Marko another young Ukrainian man who is serving here as well.

Anyway...just wanted to update everyone a little and let everyone know I made it here safely and am back living here in my apartment. Almost like I never even left! Although I am grateful for the precious time I got to spend with friends and family and with my church for the 3 or 4 months I was back home. Thanks again for all your love and support and keep the prayers coming! Will update you more soon. This week we will take some presents to some poor families in Horodok. Games and stuff for the kids and food for the families. So please pray that this would open many doors for some evangelism and for building some good relationships, or strengthening some existing ones! God bless you all!!! and thank you, thank you, thank you again!!! Have a great new year =D