Greetings from Ukraine!  A late congradulations on Sept. 1st which was the official first day of school... even on a Sunday... and Sept. 2nd which was the official Odessa city day!

Well, for those who know this ministry, our ministry centre Pyt, Istina and Zhizn (The Way, the Truth and the Life) has been strengthing slowly.  We have a present 5 young men that stay there.  Two became baptized and are members of the Emmanuel church and People's church in Odessa.  One is slowly changing from a life of drunkeness on the streets to working and regularily attending church as well as some church youth events.  One other recently had to return due to some circumstances but is doing well spiritually and is a member of the Assemblies of God church.  Another is supposed to leave us soon.

Last Sunday after our church service we met with our now 5 evening staff members.  3 from Emmanuel church and 2 from Exodus church.  We discussed issues of how to develop the ministry further, education for the staff, how to help the young men grow spiritually and set life goals in order to live independent productive lives.  We discussed problems that needed to be solved and how to look for other potential young men in need of this transition accomodation.  Here is a picture of myself and the other staff members.

 

 

We also have every Sunday evening a children's program where from several to 12 children all from non Christian homes and very poor disfunctional families.  Tonya and Ira from Emmanuel church help with this program.  Most interesting for me is the fact that I used to search for some of their mothers (when they were 13 yrs.) with their grandmothers to bring them home.  Now, I have the privilege of working with their children in hopes to teach them about Jesus and Christian morals in hopes that they won't repeat their mother's mistakes.  Our hopes is to start an after school program Mon- Fri. to help with homework and a snack from about 2 pm to 5 pm.  However, we still haven't found a teacher that would come for the small gratitude that we could afford.

 

I at present am taking care of a 5 year old girl.  Her mother also one of my former street children and is seriously ill.  She asked me to take her for 'a couple of days' which in the past usually means a few weeks.  But it is a joy and I get the chance to teach her also about Jesus.  Takes a bit more discipline but it's a joy to have her.  Never boring and a lot of laughs.

 

I can only post pictures of people or their children that I serve if they personally agree.  This is a very sensitive issue which is related to trust issues here.

 

POINTS FOR PRAYER!!!!!

 

Please pray for stability and development of the half-way house.  For God to bring those in need.  For those that are here to grow spiritually and develop socially so they can lead independently and productively.

 

Please pray that we can find teacher for the after school program.

 

One of my street gals Tanya has disappeared.  Please pray for her protection and that she will be found.

 

Please pray that God will annoint me with the gift of administration to get a lot of administration things done.  Also, support is down for both ministry and for my personal support.  This is mainly related to my lack of communication which is the reason for this blog.  Please pray about this.

 

The beginning of October my temporary residency permit expires and I need to renew this.  Please pray for a smooth non expensive new or continuation of my existing permit.  This is quite a stressful process and sometimes can be very expensive getting documents ready.

 

Well, that's it for now!!  God bless!!!!

 

In His Peace,

Lisa   :-)