Wrapping Things Up

We are on the ground in Arizona. The last month has been a whirlwind. The closer we got to leaving, the more hectic. We spent time with many good friends.

Bill spent the majority of his time with his good friend Roman who because of cancer is now paralyzed from the waist down. During the last week he was especially desirous of giving him messages that would shore up his courage, trust, and joy in the Lord.

We have taken turns teaching English. One favorite memory is of an 18 year old in our class who was excited for the opportunity to work in Alaska this summer and asked what a processing job was. I came up with several options (loan processor,etc.) and then he said he thought it was a fish processorJ. In November, we shared pumpkin pie and the history of Thanksgiving with these students. And one of our favorite students surprised us with a turkey for the evening. In addition to teaching grammar, idioms, etc. we have shared Christ with these students through videos and passages in the Bible. Our students have been eager high school kids, college kids and grandmothers. Some were unbelievers. Pray for high school age Nastia, Christina, 18 year old Stac(Alaska), Bogdan and his brother Ruslan and others who may have been impacted.

Ann had the privilege of speaking to a women’s group in a large church – through a translator, of course. After describing God’s faithfulness in my life, the women had many questions. Pray for these women many of whom have very difficult situations at home.

Our Saturday morning kid’s club will continue after we are gone with Lena, Christina, and Sasha leading. We have had fun with these kids. Although it was designed originally for grade school children, one 15 year old boy has been bringing different friends every week. Last week was the best because our friend Darryl, a former cowboy and rodeo rider, came in all his gear and taught the boys how to lasso. The little girls in our group were the targets. He gave a great message regarding his past life and how Christ can help these kids with the choices they will be making. Of course, pray for these kids – that they will believe and grow.

Our last night was a surprise party and a lot of goodbyes. We have been so impressed with the maturity of many of our Ukranian friends. In addition to a crazy political situation, Ukraine is looking at a financial crisis that may dwarf ours and we know that our friends will be affected in one way or the other. Pray for these believers, that God will see them through, that many of the believers in Ukraine will rise to the challenge, and that the church will be inspired to evangelize and minister to its countrymen during the upcoming years. We are uncertain regarding our future involvement in Ukraine but have a real love for this country.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Psalm 46: 1-2