Wednesday, July 22, 2010

Prevyet! (Hello!)

Yesterday was amazing! That’s all there is to it!

It rained overnight, which was a blessing as it cooled the 100-degree temperatures considerably. Since we have been serving outdoors in a tent, our VBS and adult services had to move into the actual church so as to steer clear of the mud. The building was not very large, but even in the small space the Lord moved among the 60+ children and adults who attended.

Karen, Tim, Josh, and Larry have been huge hits with the kids. They run the games portion of the children’s service and have quite a following of kids. Josh and Igor, a translator, did an amazing job with the story time. Several parents commented that young children need to hear the message of Christ and they enjoy the way we present it in a fun, quick way that helps children to focus. All the kids have been doing a GREAT job with their memory verses and corresponding actions. I (Angela), along with Elodie, Carolyn, and Bill, have been organizing the craft time. The first day’s craft took forever! However, yesterday’s craft was much better. The kids made mini-breastplates of righteousness (the piece of armor for the day). They had fun being creative with the stickers they were given to decorate with.

The evening service was just awesome. I hope the Lord is blessed with the way our cultures are mixing in the service. Amy and I were privileged to sing a few songs with Olya, Oleg’s wife who is also the worship leader. It is such an amazing feeling to be singing the same song to the same Lord but in two different languages. It is such a sweet sound. Becky gave her testimony during the adult service. She has become good friends with Marina, who translates for her. Please be praying for Marina. She is here with the church, but is not a Christian. She had been attending an Orthodox church, but because of recent circumstances in her life, she has really been doubting. I really believe she was touched by the service last night. This morning she asked if we would pick her up an English Bible in Kiev, but Josh willingly gave her his. I think this is a big step for her and please just be praying that the Lord would do a good work in her life.

Also, please be praying for:

· Clear communication between the American team, the translators, and the Ukrainian team.

· Tomorrow’s baptism of four new believers (we are privileged to attend)

· Those who speak at night, clarity and that the Lord would speak through them

· Continued good weather

· A strong finish (we have two days left of VBS and the adult service)

*Because of time constraints and internet issues we are uploading pictures to only one website. Visit www.kievkonnect.com to view pictures and learn more about Joel and Mary Ellen Ragains’ work in Ukraine.

Molitva za Ukraina! (Pray for Ukraine)

Angela