We have made it safely out of Africa and into Europe. Our first stop is in Ukraine. A beautiful country but still obviously recovering from communist rule. We are in a town called Lugansk which is about 1 hour from the Russian border.
We are staying with Bruce and Pia MacDonald, Americans who felt Gods call here about 5 years ago. It started when his church sent him on a mission trip here in 2003. He was in the Army as a Russian linguist. Once he came on the mission trip to Ukraine he knew this was the place. So he and his wife packed up there 8 children, they have 12 but only 8 at home, and moved to Lagansk, Ukraine. Since they have been here they are working through local churches to help them grow and share the love of Jesus.
While we are here we will be visiting high schools, visiting rehab facilities and helping with eye glass clinics. Yesterday we visited a high school and were able to tell them a little about what we are doing here but they are very strict about not talking about Jesus. So while we were in the school we invited them to come play futbal (soccer) with us after school where we got to talk to them more and invite them to another event on Saturday where we will play softball and watch a movie. I am very excited that we get to play softball because we might actually be able to compete, they stomped us in soccer. However I am more excited to be able to sit with some of the girls and talk to them about what is really important in life. That’s Jesus. The teens here are very concerned with fashion and looking good. I just look forward to sharing my testimony and how the things of this world are never satisfying.
Please pray for the ministry here and for the wonderful family we have been blessed with this month.
