A Close Call!

Dear Friends,

As I woke on Sunday morning I noticed a message on my computer that had come in overnight. It was from Christina’s parents in Ukraine telling us that Christina’s brother, Serj, had almost drowned while swimming in the Dnieper River. Thankfully, some nearby men jumped in and pulled him out of the water, however, he spent several minutes under the water without oxygen. They quickly rushed him to the hospital and he was put in the ICU.

Many of you heard about this through facebook or twitter and were praying for Serj. We want to thank you for your prayers. Serj came home from the hospital today and is now recovering at home.

Praise the Lord that Serj is alive and recovering. Please pray that he will make a full recovery!

CMI Turns 15

Our hearts were set to worship as we watched Chris’ fingers fly across the keys of the piano with melodies such as “How Firm a Foundation” and “God So Loved the World.” These were definitely fitting songs as we celebrated the 15th anniversary of the CMI (Church Ministries Institute).

Between the songs my father, Pastor Mark, told the story of how God providentially involved us in the work of the CMI starting all the way back in 1994! Little did I know at that time that God would bring me back to Ukraine years later to serve full time in the very place where we were first introduced to Ukrainian culture over 15 years ago.

I was also able to share the exciting things the CMI is doing now. This includes the Extreme Institute, ministry training seminars, and, most importantly, training men and women for ministry right within the context of their own churches!

We are so grateful for all who came and celebrated the CMI’s 15 years with us. We are also thankful for everyone who generously gave toward the work of the CMI, over $2,400 came in. These funds will be used to strengthen local churches throughout the former Soviet Union.

Praise the Lord for the CMI’s 15 years of ministry to local churches. Pray that God would continue to supply the needs of the CMI and use it to strengthen more churches in the future.

5,000 miles and a big crack!

What was the worst thing that happened to us as we traveled over 5,000 miles last month visiting churches and supporters? Somewhere near Helena, MT a rock put a 14 inch crack across the windshield of our rental car. Thankfully, our insurance has promised to take care of it.

I am certain that we had many people praying for us as we put the miles behind us and had the opportunity to share what God is doing in Ukraine and beyond with many great churches and individuals! Isn’t it encouraging knowing that God is alive and well and He is in the business of changing hearts all over the world!

In the past month we spoke in churches from Idaho all the way to Minnesota. It was especially wonderful to visit with the people at New Life in Woodbury, MN. New Life has been a sister church to Christina’s home church, House of Gospel, in Cherkassy for many years. Since the mid 90s they have sent hundreds of people on short term trips to minister in Ukraine.

Praise the Lord with us the opportunity to share in four churches last month and for safety as we travelled.

Good Soil Update

September 7-9 are the dates we have set to train pastors on the brand new discipleship and evangelistic tools we have been working on called “Good Soil” The discipleship tool is completed and has already been printed. The evangelistic tool is nearly ready for print. This month our translators will conduct their “final reading” once that has been completed it will be ready to go to the printers.

Our desire is to print 10,000 copies, by doing this we save significantly on the price per book. You can learn more here.

Please pray that “The Story of Hope,” will be ready for print this month. Pray also for the necessary funds for printing and upcoming training seminar.

Return to Ukraine

In less than one month we plan to return to Ukraine. Our tickets are for July 14th! Before we came we knew we had some support to raise. It has been encouraging to see the ways that He has provided.

Just in the last month we have moved $200 a month closer to our goal. We are so grateful for those who faithfully give, especially in a difficult economy! We now have only about $150 a month in regular support needed before we leave.

Please pray with us that this will be met as our mission requires us to be at 100% before we return to the field.
If you are interested in joining our support team you can learn more here