INSTE News From Europe

Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T08:00:00.000+02:00

Laying Low

2012-02-13T12:35:00.000+02:00

The past few days I've been a bit under the weather with a cold. I had a horrible sore throat on Saturday - but then it was a full-blown stuffed-head-sore-throat-hacking-cough-and-high-temperature kind of cold! Ugh. I spent all afternoon until Monday morning in bed. This morning I'm feeling that I'm on the mend. I'll continue to lay low today and get fully recuperated.
Tomorrow I need to submit my paper for my resident's permit. I decided to put that off until tomorrow, when I'm sure I'll feel even better.
I appreciate your prayer for a full recovery, though!

Happy Dance!

2012-02-11T09:50:00.000+02:00

I was in Romania yesterday on INSTE business. I feel like we've made some great progress toward nationalization of the INSTE program there!

The right time + the right person + the blessing of the Lord = "happy dance time!"

So grateful for God's provision! Details will follow!

Every 3 Years...

2012-02-08T10:29:00.000+02:00

Every 3 years or so I need to re-do paperwork for my resident's permit in Hungary. Although I don't actually live in Hungary on a regular basis, I like to keep my residency so that travel between the countries (crossing the border) is easier and, there's a place to come to if need be. This week I'm in Hungary to get those documents together and submitted.

The trip out to the office would have been easier if: 1) we knew which street we were actually supposed to be on and 2) the numbers on the buildings had been more logical (the 60's -the number of our destination building- on the right side of the street were about a mile away from the 60's on the left side of the street!) Eventually we got there and papers submitted. I need to have the pastor in Debrecen re-do my paper, but I'll pick it up on Friday when I'm in the area and submit it on Monday.

In a month, my Resident's Permit card should be in the mail! Yea! I appreciate your prayer that the papers would be approved and there'd be no problems!

It seems like something not so spiritual to do, but actually the right papers are something that enable missionaries like myself to do the work of making disciples in the nations!

Ukrainian Food Delights

2012-02-07T06:00:00.000+02:00

Ukrainian borscht

I found this article from Lonely Planet that talks about Ukrainian food that is a great description of our food and traditions with food. Very informative and... hmm, I want to eat some Ukrainian food, but I'm in Budapest! :) Here's the link.

A Great Reminder

2012-02-06T11:41:00.000+02:00

A Couple of Pictures From the Trip

2012-02-04T08:42:00.000+02:00

The trip to Budapest ended up being really cold (at times -25F) but uneventful. The cold temperatures made for picture-perfect weather. Wish I'd had time to stop along the way and take real pictures, but here are some of the scenes.

Thanks for your prayers for safety!

Snow fence. Cemetery. Trees. Near Rovno, Ukraine.

Frost on trees along the way.

A Thanks

2012-02-02T23:00:00.000+02:00

Someone in my office this week spoke to a pastor who is also an INSTE leader in the last semester of their 5 years of studies. They've worked long and hard! Before long they will be finished.

But this pastor took the time to call to tell us that "Thanks to INSTE, he now has a well-trained assistant in the church that is an incredible help to him." Most pastors in Ukraine work a full-time job and also pastor. This particular pastor is a miner. It's tough work. Pastoring, also isn't for the faint of heart!

We at INSTE rejoice with Pastor Sergei for the concrete help that INSTE has been in his church! May his kind increase!

A MESS!

2012-01-31T18:21:00.001+02:00

Every couple of years the people that take care of the building where our office is in do some remodeling. It usually means trying to make the gashes in the wall smooth and painting the hallway. There was a note posted on our door saying they were going to do some remodeling, but I was NOT ready for the sight I saw when I came out from work a few days ago! They had warned us to put something over our doors, which we thankfully did! But wow! WHITE. MESS.

There seems to be a law here that says the people who make the mess don't have to clean up the mess. Hmm. It seems they'd be more careful if they had to clean it up themselves! :/

As it is, with temperatures well below 0, the work has stopped. But I'm still afraid to take the paper off our office door!

COLD!

2012-01-30T23:12:00.000+02:00

It's been so cold here - and it's getting colder! So cold that they're closing down school for the rest of the week!

At the height of this cold spell, I'm planning a trip to Hungary & Romania. I need to start my papers or my resident's permit in Hungary as well as I have some business with a couple of people in both Romania and Hungary.

Temps are going to be very cold... -33C. Then there's the snow that Budapest is supposed to get on Friday & the weekend. It should be "interesting" travel.

I ask that you pray for safe travels, no car or health problems along the way. Pray for the meetings, that they will go well and that progress will be made and that I'll have all that I need (in time) for the resident's permit.

January Update

2012-01-27T11:55:00.000+02:00

2011 Stats in Ukraine

2012-01-24T14:00:00.000+02:00

Interesting (sad) article on some of the stats that show the state of Ukraine. Click on the link to read.

Should give you more insight on how to pray for us in Ukraine.

Making Connections

2012-01-23T22:00:00.000+02:00

Just spoke with a man in Russia whom God has given us as a contact for INSTE. We didn't need to go to Russia to meet him, but rather, spoke to him by Skype. (LOVE technology!) He'll be down in Ukraine in March to meet with us about the "hows" of starting INSTE in Russia with his churches. Excited? Yup! Asking God for His help in this?! For sure!

I appreciate your prayers for INSTE here in Eastern Europe!

Short Video from Thailand

2012-01-22T21:21:00.001+02:00

Here's a short video I put together from my trip to Thailand.

I wanted to share some of the pictures with you!

It's a Gift

2012-01-22T14:47:00.000+02:00

There were several times I recognized the gift of God's love to me while on the trip to Thailand for study:

... like when getting on the plane in Moscow, getting ready for the 9+ hour flight, the guy next to me asked if I would change places with his girlfriend... in business class! I spent that flight in business class! What a gift!

... like when I got off the plane in Bangkok - unsure of where to go and how to navigate through the airport... and a woman was standing there with a sign with my name on it. She proceeded to lead me through the whole process. I still have no idea why she was there to do that for me - other than, it was a gift from God for me!

... like when my program advisor let me take two free classes because they weren't offering anything I needed for my program in Kiev!

... like when there were no problems in passport control in Kiev!

... like when I met the Chinese Christians (see yesterday's post) in Moscow at the airport and was so very encouraged!

Good gifts from God - I love them!

Chinese Prayer Partner!

2012-01-21T20:11:00.002+02:00

While in Moscow, waiting for my plane back to Ukraine, I sat across from some Chinese women. As I looked closer, I realized that I was sitting across from a Chinese Christian woman reading her Bible! Looking at the departures for Shanghai and Beijing, I realized that this was more than likely a believer from inside China.

I had to try to speak to them!

As it would be, "Ruth" was a Chinese Christian that spoke perfect English. She'd been to Poland to help out a Chinese national who is a missionary... an 85 year old missionary woman! She's been all over the world on 1-3 month trips "helping out" Chinese missionaries. She was passionate about her faith and excited to meet me - an American missionary in Eastern Europe.

She took my business card and some prayer requests and promised that she will pray for me - and ask her church to pray for our ministry here!

I loved this divine-appointment and how we were both encouraged by the meeting! May God continue to build a network of people around the world to support each other in the work He has called them to do!

Time to Go!

2012-01-19T16:59:00.000+02:00

Our class in Chiang Mai, with both of our professors

After nearly 2 weeks of grad school classes in Chiang Mai, Thailand, it's time to head back to the frozen weather of Ukraine! It's been a great time of learning from our professor as well as from each other. It's been fun to make friendships and meet missionaries and Christian workers from all over the world! God is certainly doing a wonderful thing in and through His people! I really have felt like I'm going to be able to be a better person, as well as a better missionary, because of my time here in Chiang Mai.

As you pray for me, remember to pray for travel safety. I leave in about 7 hours for the airport, needing to make 3 connections and flying over 6,000 km. Pray that both me and 'my stuff' stays safe and that I get through all of the checkpoints with no problems! Pray that I won't get sick when going to over 85 degree highs to Just over 10 degrees above! Whew! THAT's tough!

Thanks for your faithful prayer and support through it all!

Photos this Week - Thailand!

2012-01-14T14:43:00.000+02:00

Babies everywhere are wonderful!

Buddhism is everywhere here.

Traffic! Nighttime!

Beautiful lamps. ...no, I won't buy one for you! :p

Tuk Tuk - Transportation

2012-01-11T15:59:00.000+02:00

After classes - when there's not a night where I need to write a paper or do some reading - I like to go downtown to the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai. It's a crowded, festive tourist-trap that is fun if you're just here for a short time! Green tea was one of my purchases tonight. Good green tea is pretty difficult to find in Ukraine!

Also, I've gone to an Egyptian place to eat twice now. I just get hummus and naan, but it's such a treat!

I'd gone alone (brave) because my friend here was out. I wasn't worried, because I've done this once before with her - and figured it would be easy enough to get transport back.

Thai tuk-tuk

Well, it didn't go as planned, but it was fun! I ended up getting a tuk-tuk home. A tuk-tuk is a 3-wheeled, cabin style vehicle. Here's a picture for you I took off the internet. What was funny, was that the guy driving took me the scenic route tonight and was the craziest driver! We were weaving thru traffic and first off the line at the stop lights. I kept bracing myself with my feet so I wouldn't sway too far and fall out!

But I got home, safe and sound! And... it was fun.

Classes

2012-01-11T04:43:00.000+02:00

I've arrived in Thailand, walked around the old city taking pictures, met classmates from around the world, turned in a couple of papers, listened to some lecturing and am working on a presentation. It's been a great time here! I love learning, and this class (Intercultural Communication) is something that can enrich my life and help me continue to work through the challenges of ministering in the nations.

Thanks for your continued prayer for me as I'm here in Thailand. Remember to pray specifically for my health - there is something here that has me feeling a bit "off."

Around the City of Chiang Mai (Thailand)

2012-01-09T08:48:00.000+02:00

I'm in Thailand for a 2 week grad school course and was able to walk around a bit of the city yesterday. Here are a few of the pictures I took:

Lots of gold!

Bowls for offering in a Buddhist temple.

A work of art! Tomato peels.

Jesus loves the little children...

Street musician

Arrived!

2012-01-07T11:44:00.001+02:00

I arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand after 24+ hours of travel. Amazingly, 9 of them were in BUSINESS CLASS from Moscow to Bangkok! The guy next to me (in Economy) wanted his girlfriend to sit next to him. SHE was in Business Class. No kidding! So she switched with me! Amazing.
Now, a few more hours out in the city, then back for some rest. Pictures will follow!
Classes start on Monday!

Planes, Train & Automobiles!

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000+02:00

Tomorrow's a travel day. 24+ hours (if all goes well!) of travel. First, a friend is driving me to town to catch a van to Kiev. Then it's the metro across Kiev and to a bus to get to the airport. From Kiev I fly to Moscow (Russia), then to Bangkok (Thailand) and finally to my destination Chiang Mai (Thailand). I'll take a taxi to the hotel I'm staying at in Chiang Mai for the duration of the classes. For $15 a night I'm getting a nice, clean room very near to the school we'll be studying at. Here's a link to the hotel.

My flight route. See- flying over Khazakstan, China, Burma! Too bad it's night!

I'll give you updates as the time goes by, but I appreciate your prayer for me - and my things - as there's a lot that can go wrong on trips like these! But I'm asking God to bless my travel, my study, my health and safety, my new friendships and new adventures, too! Thanks for the prayer!

Snowless New Year

2012-01-03T19:47:00.000+02:00

No snow so far this year. Cold - but no snow. Pretty skies, though. This is a scene from the village.

Ukrainian Christmas Music!

2012-01-01T20:51:00.000+02:00

Here's a link to a video from church today. (Click the previous sentence.) Some ladies were so kind to sing a Christmas song for me this week - even though Christmas in Ukraine is next week! The song: Divnaya Novina. It's a song of the story of Christmas: Good news! Mary has borne a royal son in Bethlehem. Not in a palace - in a stable. (then later) ... She holds him in her arms and sings, calling him "Almighty Creator." She says, 'I am overwhelmed because you chose me to be your mother." The song continues for several verses. It's a nice Christmas song, sung in the Ukrainian language.

See the Faces!

2011-12-29T20:30:00.002+02:00

Here's a 1 1/2 minute video from our INSTE Graduation earlier this past month! So blessed to be a part of this!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T20:35:00.001+02:00

We had our family Christmas celebration today with gifts and brunch. This evening the boys are over and spending time with us and spending the night.

Although this weekend isn't Christmas in Ukraine, we celebrate it in a semi-American fashion. Ukrainian Christmas (Orthodox) is January 7th. New Years is the biggest celebration of the year in Ukraine. But being good Ukrainians, the family doesn't turn down the chance to celebrate something!

Tomorrow there will be a Christmas carol and a mention that the rest of the world celebrates Christmas on this date. In January, there will be a few more carols and probably a "sweet table" at church. A gift is given to children on New Years day.

I'll be in Thailand for Ukrainian Christmas, so am happy to celebrate with the family today. Among the things I'm grateful for today is the fact that wherever I am, God gives me family to celebrate with!

Second Grade

2011-12-23T21:08:00.000+02:00

Max & me at his school

I got to spend part of yesterday with the families of grade schoolers watching their end of the year program, followed by a time of dancing and pure fun dancing and singing in the gym of their school. Top it all off with a bag of candy & you've got some happy kids.

Here's Max, the one I went to hear recite his piece. Many of the kids were dressed up in various costumes. Max wore his tie and vest - looking all dapper. He went as "a gentleman." :)

2011-12-22T07:00:00.000+02:00

Grey skies; cold; snow; it's winter.

Rehab, INSTE & Discipleship

2011-12-21T10:43:00.000+02:00

We have a couple of churches that use INSTE that have an on-site rehab center at their churches. They take those that have serious trouble with drugs and alcohol and with God's help, try to bring them into a place where they walk in freedom. Some stay a short time - others longer. Others, still, stay in the church and become upstanding Christian men and women.

Pastor Sergei

Two of these churches have recently started groups in Level 2 of INSTE. These students - although former drug addicts and alcoholics - are people who have shown gifts in leadership and are being sent out to the villages to try to start churches, helping with the rehab center in their own church and lead in other ministries in their churches. And now, they're being theologically trained for the work they are doing!
No whining or complaining about the difficulty, the sacrifice of time or the bulk of the material - they're up for the challenge and grateful for the second (or third or fourth) chance in life!

You help me to be here to provide great studies so that men like Pastor Sergei (shown here) is able to disciple and train the leaders - even those who were former drug addicts and alcoholics - in his church.

Web

2011-12-16T22:17:00.000+02:00

Spending time today working on our web page. It's in Russian, Ukrainian and English... and now I have to figure out several new programs (that I have no idea how to use!) so I can do my part in getting the website up. My goal is before the end of the year to have it up. I don't get to work on it often - so it may be an ambitious goal.
I got to spend some time with "our" little boys tonite though, making it the perfect way to end a day of too much thinking! :)

Here's a short video with the boys playing with PlayDoh (their first time playing with it together.)

Homework

2011-12-14T17:51:00.000+02:00

I've been busy these days getting things together for, ready for, read for and arranged for a trip next month to Thailand. Yes, I said Thailand! How does that work? Well, I am taking graduate classes (just a couple each year) in Kiev at one of Biola's extension sites. But in 2012, they aren't offering any classes that I need, so my advisor suggested that I go to Chiang Mai, Thailand (for 2 weeks of classes)! ...Warm weather in January?... Sure! I'll go!

My class is on Intercultural Communication. Boy, do I need this class! I feel like I've got the "Intercultural MIScommunication" down these days... maybe I'll learn something beneficial!

Here's a map showing you where Chiang Mai is.

Hebrews 13:1

2011-12-12T21:35:00.002+02:00

Sunday's Graduation

2011-12-08T21:39:00.001+02:00

Sunday there were 22 graduates that received either certificates or diplomas. There were sixteen from Level 1 and six from Level2. The Level 2 people are already working leaders in the church –not that kind who want to do something, but those who really are doing something! It's such a joy to know we’re helping those doing somethingto do what they’re doing better!

After the church meeting, we had a lunch together. It was a 2½-hour affair. Through the meal,they (the graduates) all talked about various things (one by one) – honoring their groupleader, their pastor and myself. They had presents. There were flowers fromeach of the groups. They gave me a picture of their group so we will have a record of this group by picture. They told me in heaven, we would find that theywere some of the jewels in my crown – and that all ofthe things they would do would also be jewels in my crown. It was heart-warming to hear their appreciation and thoughtfulness.

It was amazing, actually.

What I do in Ukraine is a ton of work… and the work is pretty administrative.It suits me. My gifting is such. And I do see the good results of the workwe’re doing. But it was them thanking me (us…) for the work we do that meant sovery much. So often, so much is taken for granted. But they made special points not to take it for granted and tell me that they didn’t that made it special.

As we say in Russian, "Slava Bogu!" which means, "Glory to God!" Indeed, may He get the glory!

INSTE Level 2 Graduates with their pastors and me.

Husband and wife getting their diplomas in theology, with their group leader (right.)

Pastor Olexandr handing out Level 1 certificates.

One of the roses that I got... yellow is my favorite!

Eleven Years Ago...

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000+02:00

Eleven years ago today I got the word that one day after mymom’s knee replacement surgery that a thrombosis had gone to her heart, andthat she had passed from this life into the next. Needless to say, it was anunexpected and heart-wrenching event. I was living in Europe, but had plannedto come home in 4 days to help mom with her recovery from surgery. Instead, Iheaded to Budapest on the train in hopes of getting a plane ticket to Houston to plana funeral and figure out how I was going to live without my much loved mom.

Today, the feelings are not as overwhelming, but I still miss life with my Momthese past 11 years.

I found some notes I’d made for the memorial service for herpastor to use when speaking for the family. To this day, I wish I’d taken thechance to speak some of these words myself – to honor my mom. At that time, Ididn’t have it in me. I was shell-shocked.

11 years later, here are a few things about mom from thosenotes:

Mom was a Collector:

· If one was good, then two must be better! (Icalled her Noah – because she collected everything by 2’s!) She especiallyloved collecting rocks wherever she went.

Mom was Fun:

· Mom loved secrets, but could rarely keep them!

· She laughed a lot.

· Even when she WAS crabby, she put out a stuffedcrab on her desk to alert the kids of her mood!

Mom was a Learner:

· Anything to do with science especiallyfascinated mom. She was always reading and learning.

Mom's Passion was Teaching:

· Mom officially taught 30 years of grade schoolin Texas & Iowa, but growing up my sister and I were her primary‘students.’ She gave my sister and I a thirst for learning.

· During her knee operation, she asked the doctorif he would save the bones he was cutting, so she could take them to school forthe kids to see.

· She hated the idea of being ‘one of the old ladyteachers’ and refused to be one!

Mom Loved ‘her’ Kids:

· Mom’s school kids were “her babies.” She hadhugs and kisses for all – but especially the ‘tough kids.’ Mom’s last call wasto the school to speak to a couple kids, and then to Lisa’s school, so Lisawould know she’d taken 24 steps.

· Mom loved it when her nieces and nephews alsomoved to Texas and were near. She loved having family close. My cousin hadtriplets 3 months before mom passed away and mom was determined to get out ofthe hospital & see them before they left for a family holiday – so theywouldn’t forget her.

· My sister and I never doubted mom’s love for us.She was a proud mama. She always made me feel smarter and braver thanI am for living overseas. She was thrilled at what an excellent teacher Lisais, and proud that someone so smart as Lisa would invest her life in children.

Love you! Miss you!

INSTE Graduation in Lutsk

2011-12-04T21:48:00.001+02:00

Today I spoke for a few minutes at the INSTE Graduation in Lutsk, Ukraine. I'll post more about the service later, but here was the text I used to speak from. I more or less said this to the graduates and those in attendance:

I want to share a few words with you the graduating class. Thereare many things to say at a time like this, but I just have 2 words for you:“be faithful.”

What is faithfulness? Faithfulness means FULL OF FAITH; LOYAL;DOING WHAT YOU PROMISE;

Why is this so important?

First, it’s important because the workyou are doing is important. You are taking with you the treasure ofthe gospel – God’s Word. God’s got a plan. His plan is to use YOU to go"into all the world and making disciples.” No matter what you do – lead asmall group, lead prayer meetings, translate materials, the TV program, teachthe children… never forget that God has sent you to the world.

More than ever, we need FAITHFUL Christian leaders. You’vepromised to follow God and lead others… BE FAITHFUL.

Second, I encourage you to “befaithful” because I know that doing God’s work isn’t always easy. Youwill have times you will want to quit. You will face all kinds of difficultthings. You won’t always be popular. People will not want to hear Godlycounsel. Speaking the gospel is thought to be foolish by those who do notbelieve. You will be pressured to change your message. People will hurt you.

Will you become disappointed and angry and lose your faithbecause of the difficulty? You must decide NOW that you will be faithful – evenwhen it is hard.

Third, I ask you to be faithful, because you are human.We all are. And we all make mistakes. This makesus doubt ourselves… doubt our calling… and sometimes even doubt our God. Youmay want to quit or step off the path God has for us. But I say to you, “Befaithful.”

In 1 Kings 8 they had just finished building the temple andSolomon blessed the temple – then he blessed the people with these words. INSTEgraduates, I, too pray these words over you today, asking God to bless you andkeep you:

58: May he give us the desire to do his will ineverything and to obey all the commands, decrees, and regulations that he gave our ancestors...

60: Then people all over the earth will know thatthe Lord alone is God and there is no other.

61: And may you be completely faithful to the Lordour God. May you always obey his decrees and commands, just as you are doingtoday.

I hope that your time studying with INSTE has strengthened bothyour mind and your heart. I trust that you see more and more how wonderfulGod’s Word is. I believe that you have made friends who will stand besideyou and help you stand faithful for the rest of your life. I pray youhave become more in love with Jesus. And I pray that you havelearned to call upon the Holy Spirit to fill and strengthen you for the workhe's called you to do.

We have many hopes for you as leaders anddisciples. Decide now that you WILL be (as verse 61 says) “completelyfaithful to the Lord our God… obeying his commands” all the days ofyour life!

I am so very proud of you – your hard work – yourleadership in your church. I say one last time: For the glory of God’s name… and the blessing of the nations—befaithful!

Some of the Level 1 Graduates in Lutsk, Ukraine

Sunday Graduation

2011-12-03T15:25:00.001+02:00

Tomorrow (Sunday) in Lutsk, Ukraine I will attend and speak a bit at an INSTE graduation. 8 students from the Kingdom of God church there will get their diplomas after 5 years of studies in INSTE. They're all currently leaders in the church and are the second group from that church to complete the entire course. Pray for me as I travel tomorrow (there & back) and speak at the event. Hopefully, pictures and details will follow!

Tanya the Doctor

2011-12-01T20:26:00.001+02:00

Tanya (right) is a member of the church I attend in Ukraine.By profession, she is a doctor – one of two for a number of surroundingvillages. She sees young and old – taking care of them from birth to the end oflife. For this, she is paid less $200 per month, after 30 years of working as adoctor.

Tanya is also an INSTE Level 2 graduate. Why, may you ask,would a doctor need theological training? Great question! But I ask you: What better than to have adoctor trained in God’s Word when she must speak to someone when they have anunwanted pregnancy? Or when they find out they have a terminal disease? Or whenthey lie on their deathbed? Or when she goes to write a death certificate? Orwhen a child is sick and in need of prayer?

Tanya uses her theological training in very practical waysas God continues to use her in her field of training.

Tanya is also my local doctor that watches out over me.She’s always shaking a finger of warning to me at church when we speak!

Last Sunday Tanya had a birthday, so we took this picture ofher and Lena, her pastor. Thank you,Tanya, for your service to God and man!

Visa News

2011-11-29T21:01:00.001+02:00

So, today Lena went to the main office in town that deals with the registration of foreigner's visas and asked a few questions directly to them about what I need for registration once I get my visa. And they say that I DON'T NEED a new visa!! What?! Well, my guys at the border AND the registration place are both in agreement with this -- so I'm counting that GOOD and going to carry on without worries about this!!
THANKS SO MUCH for your prayer about this!! And thanks be to GOD who has made my path straight!

Celebration of Life!

2011-11-27T17:18:00.001+02:00

Friday was Sasha's birthday. She's 2. It's her first birthday with a family. She spent the first year and 4 months in an orphanage. Last April, my secretary and her husband adopted Sasha, giving her a new name, a family and a future.

Just as Esther was adopted by Mordecai in the biblical story recorded in the book of Esther went on to fulfill her destiny as queen - our prayers for Sasha are that she becomes a woman full of faith and courage and be a blessing to her people.

Happy Birthday Sasha!

Sunday

2011-11-26T13:00:00.000+02:00

Sunday I'm preaching in our local church. Although I certainly don't consider it one of my favorite things to be up speaking in front of people, if I must, then sharing God's Word is one of the best reasons!

As you head off to sleep tonite, pray for me. Most of you are 7+ hours behind me, so I will be getting up soon and off to church. Pray that I'll articulate well, that hearts will be receptive and that real change will happen in our hearts as God speaks to us through His Word!

Спасибо!

2011-11-24T20:18:00.001+02:00

Much to be thankful for today. Wanted you to know that you're on my list! :)

Thanks

2011-11-22T17:25:00.001+02:00

Psalm 107:1

New Fence at our Church

2011-11-20T15:16:00.001+02:00

Fences in Eastern Europe are really important. Each home has them - all around their property, and their presence legitimizes the property in the minds of others. Our church has never had a fence in the front until just this last month. It's not only functional, but beautiful. And we pray that in the minds of the local village people that it will validate the property and status of our church. Certainly it will keep the cows from grazing on our lawn! Some day I'll write about what it's like going to a non-Orthodox church in our village.

For now, here are some of the pictures of the fence. And a special thanks to those at Living Word Open Bible Church in Cooper City, FL for their part in making this fence a reality for us!

Hate it When Things are Secretive, but...

2011-11-18T16:31:00.001+02:00

I just had more correspondence with a guy who is visiting in a Central Asian country and he's speaking with a translator today about doing books 3 & 4 of INSTE in this language. The Church there is VERY persecuted and those who translate take a huge risk when agreeing to translate our materials.

This is a map of the general area I'm speaking of...

Most of us will never know such difficulty. We feel our rights have been violated when the terms "Merry Xmas" or "Winter Holidays"are used. Those in this country could only hope for such ease.

Today when you pray - pray for this part of the world. They're our brothers and sisters. If you were the one there, you'd want them praying for you.

Travel Stories

2011-11-15T10:18:00.001+02:00

Travel enough, and you're bound to have some stories that end up being better "stories" than when you were there experiencing them! In my last nearly month of travels, I've had a couple of these experiences. But in them, I've seen the hand of God on my life - watching over me, protecting me, providing for me. I'm smart enough to be grateful for His provision and timing.

For instance: When traveling to the States, I was in Frankfurt at the airport nearly ready to board the flight to Chicago. I went to buy a pen at the nearby shop and came back to wait for boarding. Imagine my surprise when I went to board - I'd sat at the wrong gate (those last 25 minutes) and ended up missing the flight to Chicago!!! Never have I done such a thing! But God provided a way for me to go via Houston to get to Des Moines (Iowa). Due to a delay, I missed my flight in Houston - but got to see my sister and cousins! Houston was the perfect place to get stranded!!

And then upon return to Europe, I got my car out of long-term parking and began driving to my friends' place in Budapest, only to see that the heater didn't work and the car was overheating! Car trouble on a cold, dark road after 30 hours of travel! But God provided a wonderful brother to come rescue me, get the car to the shop and me to my destination. In the end, it was the radiator that needed replaced, and the work done was at a very fair price.

Again, I'm grateful for God's protection, provision, timing and care for me as I travel. Tomorrow, again I will be on the road, heading back on the 2 day drive back to Zhitomir (Ukraine.) Although I love stories, I'm praying that the trip is safe and uneventful in every way.

Thank you for your prayers for me also!

I'm Leavin' On a Jet Plane...

2011-11-09T05:34:00.000+02:00

Yup! Tomorrow, I leave Spokane (WA) and will return to Hungary. Spokane, Denver, Frankfurt and Budapest are my (planned) stops. I ask that you pray I'll have a safe trip as I work my way back to Ukraine. After a couple of days to get used to the time zone, I'll drive my car back to Ukraine.

It's been GREAT being in the US. Great. Thanks friends for hosting, feeding, loving and caring for me. I'm grateful beyond words.

And now, I'm ready to go back to my real life.

I so appreciate your prayers.

Slices of Life Video

2011-11-06T08:46:00.000+02:00

I've been in the States 2 weeks - and although having a great time - I find myself missing Ukraine. So here is a short video with some of the pictures I had on hand to remind myself how beautiful the places and people of Ukraine are!

A Note from the Newspaper

2011-11-05T18:21:00.001+02:00

While in the US, I still find my self drawn to the news of my much-loved Ukraine. I'm not a political person, but here is an incredibly well-written letter by former prime minister (and currently imprisoned) Yulia Timoshenko. She talks about the state of Ukraine and the future of Ukraine. I think it would give you insight in knowing how to pray for Ukraine.

Don't forget to pray for Ukraine!

Here's the link: http://www.kyivpost.com/news/opinion/op_ed/detail/116201/

2011-10-30T11:00:00.000+02:00

There's just something about the flatness of the land in SE Iowa that brings peace way down deep inside me. I've enjoyed being here this week!

A Week Well-Spent

2011-10-29T14:55:00.000+03:00

While in the States this week, I've been able to spend a lot of time with some good, good friends who have just lost their 97 year old mother, who had been like a grandmother to me. We've spent time going through some of her things, cleaning up the house and working on many of the projects and details that need tending to when someone passes.

We've had time to meet family friends and I, personally, have had time to meet some of my own friends and family in the area. Strangely, it's been a time of refreshing, even though it's been associated with loss.

Our lunch that Soni Scott made!

In fixing dinner for the family one night, I remembered that a high school classmate (still in town) had a catering business. I'd seen her talk about it on Facebook, and the menus looked fabulous! So, we reconnected (and then ran into each other in the store!) and we ordered food from her this week... twice!

Ham loaf, veggies, scalloped potatoes and a roll: What's not to like?! Later, for a lunch out at the farm we chose tortellini soup and salad. Yum! It was so great reconnecting with an old friend and benefitting from the joy she finds in cooking! (Mt. Pleasant area people - look up Soni Scott!!)

My dad and his wife Marty

I also got to see my dad and his wife yesterday. I don't get back all the way to southeast Iowa too often, so it was good to see them, too.

And speaking of family - due to a missed flight in Frankfurt (it's a long story), coming to the States I ended up on a flight to Houston, not Chicago as planned. I theoretically had time to make a flight to Des Moines later that night... but when we sat on the tarmac in Frankfurt for 1 1/2 hours, my chances of making that flight went flying away (literally). But "getting stuck" in Houston meant that I got to see my sister, my cousin and her daughter! 10 PM to midnight we chatted in the room at the airport Marriott that the airlines put me in! I was up at 3 AM - to try to catch an early flight - so it was a short night, but what a blessing to see them!

My time in my hometown is quickly coming to a close. I'm still jet-lagged and up at 4 AM! I'll be in Des Moines to meet my boss and work on some things there in the INSTE office, also, and then I'm off for a quick trip to Spokane. ...Since I'm so "close" I couldn't resist the opportunity to go to Spokane!

Continue to pray for me as I travel and also for those in the INSTE office back in Ukraine, that God would watch out for us all!

A good friend Kristy that came to meet me.

Friendship

2011-10-28T05:11:00.001+03:00

One of the benefits of being in the US now is getting to see some of my State-side friends. Kristy & I go way back - like from when we were 5! We reconnected a couple of years ago, after not seeing each other for 35 years. Although all that time had passed - there was still a strong connection. That friend I loved when we were young is still someone I'd choose to be friends with all these years later.

Tonight Kristy & I got together for a couple hours of talking. What fun it is to reconnect with friends!

Mamo

2011-10-18T21:52:00.003+03:00

When I was still a very young girl, our family had some friends in the church. Their family became like my own. I was pretty much "one of the girls" of the family. Their grandma (Mamo, as they called her) was also mine. Mamo has always been old, it seems, but always a classy lady. I loved it when she was around (or later, when I was around) because she was always interested in hearing your stories. I always felt loved, important and safe with Mamo.

This week Mamo passed from this life into the next. She's now with Jesus Whom she served faithfully. She lived to be 97 years old. Until the last year or so she's lived independently in her 2 story farm house. She had a good, blessed life in many ways. But I'm sure now she'd say that life here on earth is nothing compared to heaven!

I'll be in the States the end of this week. I'm hoping to make it in time be at Mamo's funeral near my hometown, and to see the family reminding them how much I loved Mamo, too.

Here's a picture I took last year as Mamo sat with one of her great-grandsons. She wouldn't like it that I posted a picture of her hair sticking up... but it's a nice picture.

Thanks for showing us a life well-lived - a life well-loved, Mamo. You'll be missed!

Pray for me as I travel starting tomorrow to Budapest, then on to Iowa on Friday. I'll also get to Spokane on this trip a bit later.

New Glasses

2011-10-14T16:22:00.001+03:00

When it Comes to Politics in Ukraine

2011-10-11T21:04:00.002+03:00

...you're not likely to become bored...

Here's a link to today's (anticipated) decision to jail former premier minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, for 7 years. Read for details. Pray for Ukraine!

Acquired Skills

2011-10-10T20:05:00.000+03:00

A page from Discipleship 2 in Romanian

In our INSTE office in Ukraine, we work with books in 4different languages on a regular basis. We don’t all speak these languages, butwork with people who do. Because of this, people are able to study the Bible inINSTE Bible College in these 4 languages.

These days I’ve spent some time re-formatting one of ourINSTE books in the Romanian language. People have asked me how I can possiblyformat a book in a language that I don’t speak. To them they can’t understandhow it can be done. But really, it’s quite easy. It’s all about the principlesand logic found in formatting. It’s a logical process that you can trainyourself to do. I was encouraged to learn this skill from a Romanian colleaguethat formats books for a living. He formats in many languages – Arabic included– and they read from right to left! I love it that he taught me to not beintimidated by a task that seems illogical (to format a book in a language youdon’t speak) and that because of this, we’re able to do more here.

Thoughts?

2011-10-08T18:11:00.001+03:00

Any thoughts on my new layout for my blog?? Blogger has some new choices for us. I like some of them, but they're maybe confusing at first. Just hover over / click on one of the squares and see that story. Just seeing if you're paying attention! :)

Nice!

2011-10-07T20:00:00.001+03:00

Some of my own work on canvas in the office! Fun!

It's the Little Things...

2011-10-06T20:50:00.000+03:00

I've been knocking myself over the head for not blogging more. I have tons of excuses, but the best one is "it doesn't seem like there's really anything going on." It's just everyday life here in Eastern Europe. Life here can be quite interesting - but right now - it just feels like a lot of the same ol', same ol'.But then I ran across this sign that reminded me of the importance of little things.

May it be a reminder to all of us to not overlook or despise the small things in our lives... Life is full of them!

Do Angels Speak Russian?

2011-09-25T05:00:00.000+03:00

Friday was a very, very difficult day for me for manyreasons – but in the middle of difficulty, I had an incredible experience I wantto share:

I had been at the car shop to make an appointment and wastraveling down the main road in Zhitomir when I heard what seemed to be a tireproblem. Flat tire. I pulled into a parking lot and decided to change my tire.

I got everything out and read to do and a man, in his 30’scame by and said, “Let me help you!” So, I let him. He said, “This is my firsttime to change a tire, but I’ve come to helpyou.” We chatted a little as he changed the tire, but not much. At one point I thought about taking a picture ofthe whole thing on my phone, but decided (for some reason) against it.

When he finished I thanked him and said, “I’d like to giveyou something (a bit of cash) for helping me with this. His next words werewhat impacted me so much. He touched my arm and said, “No…I won’t take money. … You’re a good person. I didn’t come on my ownto do this for you…” and then he pointed toward heaven.

I immediately teared up. I thanked him and he disappearedinto the nearby building.

It had been a prettyhorrible day – but it seemed that God had sent someone (an angel perhaps?) tominister to me! Maybe it was just a kind guy. But how he worded things wasvery unusual. Maybe it was an angel.The Bible talks about “entertaining angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2) Either way, God used themoment to encourage me.

You, too, be on thelookout for your angel…

Short Video from me

2011-09-24T18:23:00.001+03:00

(Please go here for the high resolution version if you want to use it at your church.)

Blind Student - Sees What's Important!

2011-09-24T06:00:00.000+03:00

Thursday there was a seminar for new Level 2 leaders in our office. I was out of the office, and one of the other workers gave the day-long seminar. In conversation, the leaders spoke about the group they'd led through the first 4 courses. One leader gave everyone a start when he spoke of one of his students.

Without us knowing, one of our students has studied and completed the first four courses - despite her handicap - blindness! Yura spoke of Svetlana, a student from a church in Bortnichy (near Kiev) who desperately wanted to study. So she enlisted her (unbelieving) daughter-in-law to read the studies each day for her and fill out the required writing for the class. In the class meetings, a fellow student read the test to her and filled in her answers.

We are all so quick to give reasons why we can't do things that we really know we should be doing. More and more, we find reason not to engage in the foundational elements of our faith. But Svetlana, although blind, saw the importance of discipleship and didn't let her handicap hinder her! She continues to serve and inspire others in her church - - - and me, too.

Theatrics...

2011-09-23T17:17:00.000+03:00

Yesterday I was in Lutsk for an interview for the Open Biblechurch’s TV program (airing next week) highlighting INSTE, the discipleship andleadership training program that I work with here. It was only about 7 minutesof ‘torture’ for me to do the interview right for them. Whew. Let it be knownthat there will be no career moves to TV for me! : )

My good friend and colleague with INSTE in Lutsk, SvetlanaPilipchuk, was a part of a play that was showing that afternoon. She is aprofessional actress and puppeteer. Ifwe timed things right, I could attend the play. In all these years, I’d neverseen her do anything professionally! And it was such a delight to go!

The theater was celebrating the 140^th anniversaryof the birthday of Lesia Ukrainka – a famous Ukrainian poetess. The play was“Songs of the Forest” and was all (obviously) in the Ukrainian language. Whatfun to watch the story unfold and to watch my friend and her colleagues.Actually, there were 3 of our (former) INSTE students involved in the play!

Here are some of the pictures from the play:

The ad for the play.

My view

I loved the scenes!

Here she's agonizing over cutting wheat.

Most of the class. My friend is 2nd from left.

Annnd Action!

2011-09-21T22:15:00.001+03:00

OK, maybe the title is a bit over the top, but I wanted you to know that tomorrow morning I am driving to Lutsk to give a TV interview for the program "Open Bible" that broadcasts to a ton of people in the northwest part of Ukraine and on into Belarus and Poland. The program is featuring INSTE - the discipleship and leadership program I work with, so of course they wanted an interview with me!

The program is in Ukrainian - a language I don't speak - so (thankfully) my part will be done in English! We'll tape the interview tomorrow and it will broadcast in the next couple of weeks.

Thanks for your prayers that I will represent the Lord and INSTE well!

Busy Times!

2011-09-21T22:06:00.000+03:00

The last 2 weeks we hosted a group from Japan in our home! It was such a delight getting reacquainted with my friends from Machida Bible Church again. (I lived in Japan in the 80's for 6 years.) They were wonderful to have here!

Among some of the things we did were: travel to Lutsk to see a church there, sightseeing in Kiev, services in our local church, programs in the local school and preschool, flower arranging, travel to the mountains and many more things! It was a blast!

Linguistically, I was a mess for 1/2 the time! I do remember much of my Japanese. I even helped in the translation in church (and all day long, for that matter.) But I could not get my brain to go directly from Japanese to Russian (most of the time.) And for me to speak purely Japanese or purely Russian when someone from both language groups were present seemed impossible! I was a mess! (But it was fun!)
Here are a few pictures from our time together:

School Days

2011-09-01T21:01:00.000+03:00

September 1st marks the first day of school in Ukraine. Today I got to go to our local school's "first day of school" ceremony.The entire school gathers to officially "open" the new school year. There were awards given, new teachers introduced, the symbolic key to the school given and some first graders and 11th graders "ringing the bell" to start the new year. The local Orthodox priest and the commander of the military in our village even gave speeches.

Local Orthodox preach speaking

Kids give their teachers flowers on the first day of school. They also wear their "fancy" school uniform - meaning their whitest shirts with their dark suits for the boys and black slacks/ skirts/ jumpers with white shirts for the girls. The girls also have these huge white pom-pom looking things in their hair on the first day of school! (see picture below to see the sea of white!)

You can see the decorations in the girls' hair

Max started second grade this year. He has the same teacher as last year - a very good teacher. But she's got 31 kids in her class to teach! Pray for the kids (and the teachers!) as they start school... that they may learn well and develop their skills and character - so that the future of Ukraine may be bright!

Max & Me

Visitors from the East

2011-08-27T20:49:00.002+03:00

In 1984 I went to Japan as a missionary. I stayed 6 years. (Part of me never left.) While there I taught English as a way for evangelism in the local church. I also made some wonderful friends in not only Kobe, but in the Tokyo area too. I've kept in touch with many of them over the years.

Nearly 3 years ago I went back to Japan for a visit. It was a trip of a lifetime!

Nao-chan and me in 2008

Now, however, some of those Japanese friends are coming to visit us in Ukraine! Is that a riot, or what?! 4 are coming from Trinity Square Open Bible Church in Machida (Tokyo area) late Monday, the 5th of September. We are so stinking excited to have them! Menus, places we want to visit, sleeping arrangements and things of such are being planned now. I want it to be special for ALL! There's something about me that just loves it when my friends love my friends... and I know it's going to be that way here!

So tonight, we're going over some things. Names, for starters. "Yaeko sensei." "Nao chan." ... I hear them in the living room now, practicing!

But my problem is not going to be with the menu or who sleeps where. Rather, it's going to be with language! I truly stutter and just go into a wild mixture of Japanese, Russian and English when I try to talk about it with my friends here in Russian! I can't imagine how it is going to be!

But I am so looking forward to it! :)

End of Summer Sunflowers

2011-08-26T21:38:00.000+03:00

Sunflowers near our house. Took it so I can feel the sunshine come winter!

Airport Meeting

2011-08-24T08:57:00.000+03:00

Yesterday I went to Kiev to the airport to meet up with Edra from our Open Bible church in Vancouver, WA. She's a part of a team that will be ministering with Bob Larson in churches throughout Ukraine and in Moscow in the next couple of weeks. Flying in and out of the airport is as close as they were getting to me, so I went to meet her and the team as they were between flights.

It was great to help them a bit with some practical things, and I enjoyed the sweet fellowship. May their time in Ukraine be profitable for the Kingdom!

Happy Birthday Ukraine! 20 Years!

2011-08-23T19:00:00.000+03:00

Ukraine celebrates her 20 years of independence today! It's been a rough and rocky road - this road of independence - for the nation. Here is a recent article in an English paper that will fill you in on how the nation is feeling about their independence and how the country has changed in these 20 years.

Follow the link here.

Wow! I was in the US for Independence Day - and now in Ukraine for Independence Day here, too! :)

Words of Appreciation...

2011-08-19T22:13:00.001+03:00

I got a card today in the mail. It was absolutely so well written and meaningful that I wanted to share them with you. Here it is:

You're reaching out through your work on the mission field,

and it has been an inspiration

to hear about what you've done

to further the work of His kingdom.

Even though you are far away, we think of you often.

We are confident in God's direction for you

and in His unfailing love for you.

As you continue to seek His guidance, take comfort in knowing

He will never fail to direct and lead you in His perfect timing.

You are close to His heart, and you are close to ours.

The card was so very special. Just what I needed to hear. Encouraging your missionaries is a good thing!

On the Road Again!

2011-08-16T17:57:00.000+03:00

I've been in Hungary and Romania just over a week meeting with my colleagues, some pastors, leaders and friends. I had a lot on "my list" to do this trip - - and got done what I got done! Car trouble stopped me from going on into Romania, but later, I met some people in Budapest that really helped me in some decisions I'm making for work there in Romania!

I leave tomorrow (Tuesday) and will drive 2 days back to Zhitomir, Ukraine. (Above is a map of my route through Hungary and Ukraine. About 600 miles and 18 hours of driving.) I've stayed a day longer, waiting for a windshield wiper arm to come in... but it didn't come. At least there ARE some in Hungary! We'll work it out how I get it in Ukraine, and pray that I don't encounter rain! The wiper was broken off in a car wash and re-soldered on, but although it wipes the windshield, it doesn't do a good job. And because the spring mechanism is missing, wind makes it even less stable.

...oh the things we missionaries have to deal with! :)

If you haven't seen my recent 2 minute video about our work in Romania, look at it here.

Thanks for your prayers for protection, provision and fruitfulness!

I Heart Faces Photo Contest - It's the Eyes!

2011-08-15T09:24:00.001+03:00

I was walking through the lobby at a church convention when I saw my friend's daughter looking up at him. The sun and the shadows lighting up and shading her face are so beautiful and unique. I had to stop and take this picture! This picture is just how I saw it and took it - no crop; no touch up. I Heart Faces Photo ContestBeautiful little girl!

Go over to I Heart Faces and check out the great pictures there this week!

Short Video About INSTE in Romania

2011-08-11T12:56:00.001+03:00

Car Trouble in Romania

2011-08-10T15:59:00.003+03:00

Even in the best of times, car trouble is a difficult thing. But when you're in a foreign country, di not speak the language, do not have a local phone that works and do not have local currency - this makes car trouble even more stressful! This was the situation that presented itself to us (Nancy Juntunen and I) as we were going to our friends' house in Romania. But even in the trouble, God was ordering our steps!

We stopped near a restaurant after a loud "CLUNK" in the engine. We looked under the hood and knew it was beyond our mechanical ability! (It doesn't take much!) We summoned a man nearby who - although he didn't speak much English - got the name and number of the nearest repair shop and called them for us, explaining the problem. A man from the repair shop came to check it out and drove with us about 15 minutes back to the shop. We were grateful for someone to help us get to a place that could really help us!

The problem was obvious, and similar to something that I'd dealt with about a year ago (not sure how to say it in English, but the "rolik" that turns the alternator belt had broken off the motor it's attached to... or something like that!) They said they had the part - but later we realized that this meant that the part was somewhere nearby where they could get it! They also said that it would be an hour - but we later realized that that didn't really mean 1 hour, either! But in the end, the parts were located, put in and we were on our way -- back to Hungary. It was late by now, and I wasn't willing to drive that far to our friends' in the dark in Romania. I'm not that comfortable with the roads! We were there waiting for them to fix the car about 5 hours!

One of the funniest moments of the day: They said they'd get the part and be able to fix it for us that day and I said, "Great --- but I don't have any money!" The look on the repairman's face was priceless! It was true that I didn't have local currency (we hadn't stopped at an ATM yet, and the $15 worth of lei in my purse wasn't going to get us far!) But then I said, "I don't have lei, but I do have dollars..." And the repairman got a big grin on his face and "Dollars OK! Euro OK! We don't need lei!"

I was grateful to have Nancy with me for that trip. Having someone to share my nervousness of breaking down helped me! I am also grateful for the Lord planting those people along the way to help us get back on the road, with minimal pain and expense! God is good!

Sunday Night's Work

2011-08-08T22:21:00.001+03:00

I got some exams from students in Romania just in time to bring them with me, correct them, get the grades in the computer, the scores sent off to them and then even their certificates of completion of the First Level printed!

It's maybe not the most exciting job, but it's great seeing groups study - and complete study - on their road to discipleship!

Continue to pray for the Church and INSTE students in Romania!

First Meeting

2011-08-08T18:45:00.001+03:00

Pastor Misi

So when I come to Hungary and Romania, I try to meet with as many people as possible. It's difficult to catch people home in August, but I Pastor Misi just returned from camp yesterday and he had time to meet with me. Meetings with Misi always seem to involve coffee, talks that include politics (no matter the real reason for the meeting) and writing notes on a napkin! There's much inspiration that is written down on napkins when we meet! Today was no exception!

It's always good to meet with Pastor Misi! Tomorrow... Romania.

Travel

2011-08-06T15:00:00.000+03:00

Sunday I'll begin travel to Hungary then Romania (then back to Hungary) before returning to Ukraine. It's a quick trip with a lot of stops and a lot of driving. I look forward to catching some time with INSTE leaders, pastors, missionary friends and (hopefully) some new friends, too! I'll deliver books, get them set up to do a new leader's training and do a bit of strategic planning while there.

In Europe, August is a hard month to catch people at home. It seems EVERYONE is gone in August. Well, we can try to catch them at home!

Discipleship in Romanian

2011-07-30T10:47:00.001+03:00

This time of year, I find myself frantically making books for the new semester of students in Romania. Frantic, because I get the corrected material later than I want, can't find the materials that I need and I have to deal with a printer that always seems to go on the fritz when making these books! Then, there's the coordination of schedules to work it all out with everyone's vacations in the office (including mine!)

Binding INSTE books

Each time, we make the necessary corrections or additions to the books. I have great people helping with me in Romania on this! I couldn't do any of it myself! Then I take the book and make sure it's formatted properly. Then print one copy. Then print the number we need for the students this semester. Then, we bind the books ourselves. It includes putting it into one of these metal forms we had made for us, drilling 3 holes into it and sewing it together. Then we glue the edge and put it under a press (well, a box of paper!) The next day we take duct tape and bind it and then cut off the edges to make it straight!

It's a labor-intensive project, but we get the books done and for a better price than to have someone else do it. I printed the books out last night until midnight, after an unproductive day fighting with the printer and toner cartridges! This next week, we'll get them bound, print off the tests and then they're ready for me when I start off on my trip to Romania and Hungary --- a week from tomorrow! Whew! Just in time!

Pray with us for new students and leadership in Romania for INSTE!

The "Drama" of Life

2011-07-27T17:30:00.000+03:00

My experience living and working with Ukrainians is that, being highly emotional people, there always seems to be a lot of what I call "drama" in our lives. Life is like a drama on TV - full of the ups and downs of relationships; misunderstandings; crises and unexpected events right and left. You may say, "That's just LIFE!" Yes, it's true, but here - it seems - the emotion of it all is set higher than other places I've lived.

The latest bit of 'drama' had to do with Olga (my secretary's) children, the neighbor kids and their father. There was swinging, twirling, throwing up, shouting and banishment of children. Lack of communication, pride and stubbornness were some of the things that kept the families from coming together and resolving this.

There was a discussion about all of this in the office as we worked on Monday. It was a long and involved and emotional conversation. But there was something said at one point that turned the conversation and helped bring resolution to this whole "drama."

Lena said to Olga: "Olga, but let's remember what we studied in INSTE... 'Aconflictcan lead to reconciliation and draw you closer to each other. But a problem always means separation and moving away from each other.' (from Discipleship 1 book) Which is this for you - a conflict or a problem? You need to decide and then act on that."

Before the sun set, the conflict was resolved! Friendship restored! Peace in the neighborhood!

So great to hear people actually benefiting from the material they've studied and that the Holy Spirit can use it to impact our lives in real ways!

To the Nations!

2011-07-26T19:02:00.001+03:00

Some weeks at theoffice are more interesting than others... Most of the time, it’s a lot of boringthings that aren’t worth writing about. I mean, can you really keep commentingon things like losing the key to the postal box, the rising price of paper (andjust about everything else!) or how you’re getting a bit tired of eating cucumbersand tomatoes for lunch?

But this week...I love this week so far – and it’s only Tuesday! I got email from N, a groupleader who is making corrections in our Romanian books! Just in time! I need tohave the books made by the end of next week! So I am busy working through thecorrections, formatting and (soon, I hope) printing the books for this semester’sstart!

Secondly, I gotan email from an undisclosed country where we are hoping to work. R has justgiven us the corrections for this book, too. Olga, in my office, is going tomake some formatting changes for this book and groups can start! I can’t giveyou details, but there are other possibilities for working with thispeople-group! The church in their country isn’t free, so we’re unable to reallytalk about it... but it’s an exciting new opportunity to make disciples of thenations!

Thirdly, there is the follow-up call to Russia we're making this week. There appears to be a door there opening up for us!

Praying for us?? We're counting on it! You and I may not see their faces - but lives are being impacted by the Word of God through INSTE!

New Floor

2011-07-25T16:54:00.001+03:00

10 years ago, when we bought our office (it's really an apartment) we put (ugly) brown indoor/outdoor carpet in the main part of our office (1 room). Over the years, we've replaced the flooring in the other rooms with wood laminate, but I just hadn't gotten to this main room. You see, for me, it's only good to do this over a month period in the summer when it's not wet/ hot/ when the office isn't terribly busy. It seems like it's a big hassle to undo all of the cables and move the furniture.

I told my co-workers that I really wanted to have it done this year - either the end of July or first of August. Money and personnel were a problem. Then someone wrote asking where to designate a gift they wanted to give! Woo-hoo! Finance for the floor! Then, a friend offered to put it in at a time that was good for all of us.

Today, we re-assembled the room and have a pretty new floor! It makes the room look so bright (will be nice in the winter!) and I'm thrilled to have it done!!

I thank the Lord that He cares about even minor things like flooring in our office and provides for us!

How Much is Enough?

2011-07-23T21:52:00.001+03:00

Ukraine is a country that loves her garlic. Looking at our dinner table tonight, only the (fresh) tomatoes didn't have garlic in it! But still, it surprises me each year to see how much we harvest and then eat throughout the year in our family!

Here's a picture of this year's garlic. There are 7 braids. All but one of the braids will be eaten/ used for canning in the next calendar year. Actually, we usually end up having to buy a bit from the market, too.

That's a LOT of garlic!

Great Meeting!

2011-07-20T18:34:00.000+03:00

Monday I drove to Lutsk with Lena to speak to Olexandr Rudynets. We were there on a fact-finding mission! He's introducing us to a Ukrainian man who lives in Moscow, works interdenominationally on a national level and is FULL of ZEAL for God's work!
I have yet to meet this man, but it appears that he will be helpful to us in getting INSTE into Russia! He sees the need; sees how we can help; and he wants to spread the word about our Institute! Woo-hoo! We've been looking for that person who can open the door for INSTE in Russia. ... we're praying that we've found him!
Keep looking here for more details - and, as always - keep praying!

Statistic Worth Mentioning

2011-07-15T21:44:00.002+03:00

"There are 3.2 million untrained or under-trained pastors throughout
the world. Pray for missionary mentors and trainers to assist these
needy pastors [www.topic.us]."

The need is out there for programs like INSTE. May God bring us those pastors and churches that we can help fulfill their call to discipleship and leadership is our prayer! Won't you pray with us?!

I'm Finally Back!

2011-07-11T22:39:00.002+03:00

Wow! It's been 3 weeks since I wrote anything on my blog... I've been to Budapest, the States (both Florida and NYC) and then back to Budapest and finally back home to Zhitomir since I last wrote! GREAT trip! More details to follow. For now, a couple of pictures!

Friend, Dyrie and I in Miami (at Bayside)

My sister and I in NYC

Travel

2011-06-18T21:11:00.000+03:00

Tomorrow (Sunday) I leave for Budapest, driving there in 2 days. I fly out of Budapest for Miami on Wednesday for an Open Bible convention. We have them every 2 years - and it's such fun seeing all of my friends and colleagues from the US and around the world.

From Miami, I'm going to NYC to meet my sister and cousin. A little bit of a late FIVE-OH celebration! NYC has it all!

Of course, I'll stay in touch along the way. I appreciate your prayers.

A Leader's Perspective

2011-06-17T20:33:00.000+03:00

The past 2 weeks I've had several groups of Level Two exams to correct. This is a lot of work for them - - - and for me, the one who gets to grade them!

One of the groups just finished their LAST semester of study! They've finished the course and later this fall we will celebrate their graduation with them. As I read the leader's evaluation of these students - all whom I have known for years now and watched them grow and mature - I was just so proud of them and happy for them! Here is some of what the leader said about the graduates:

> The student this semester has gone through difficulties, crises, “a desert.” But he has remained faithful to all those things he was when he was without a crisis with regard to his life and ministry. Now the student has come to a new stage in his life and calling in the Lord.

> The student is able to discipline his time well and takes on himself ministry tasks that need to be done. He is an example in prayer. The goals we made for him at the beginning of the semester were realized.

> This sister is a leader who is ready to serve! She loves both God and people. She takes initiative. She is no longer fearful. She is humble and a great leader!

> Faithfulness in all things describes this student. She has grown in her gift in the prophetic and in speaking into the lives of people. She is obedient and submissive and a good leader.

Going and making disciples... A command. A commitment. A privilege.

Grateful....

2011-06-11T22:07:00.000+03:00

This week proved to be pretty busy and a bit of travel!

I was in Lutsk twice - once for a church meeting and a second time to get some business done. Some of the good news coming out of it is that our INSTE website for Ukraine will VERY soon be up and running! I'm thrilled at this news! I, of course, will let you know when it is finally official. I'm grateful to my friends in Lutsk for introducing me to a great guy to get our website done. And Nickolas... you're the best! Thanks for helping us out!

Additionally, I spent some time getting books ready for the fall semester. I've been making Level 2 books, where students get 4 books, plus a 'practical studies' booklet each semester. As hard as I was working getting everything done, I realized that the real heroes of the day were the women of Open Bible in the Mountain Plains Region that donated money for us to buy this GREAT copy machine! It worked NON-STOP for 9 hours - - - without a single misfeed! Grateful... Simply grateful for the machine and those that got it for us!

It was a great week!

June 2011 video

2011-06-06T13:34:00.000+03:00

Day Trip - Lutsk!

2011-06-04T14:51:00.000+03:00

Tomorrow (Sunday) a friend is speaking at one of our churches in Lutsk, so we're going as a group (3 adults and 2 kids - so far.) It will be a long day, as it's usually 3 1/2 or 4 hours there each way... but we're looking forward to the time! Pictures will follow!

View from the Top

2011-05-27T22:59:00.000+03:00

A view from in the Carpathians in Ukraine, looking west. (Stitched 4 photos together... this could be fun!)

Sunday

2011-05-21T10:36:00.000+03:00

Sunday I'll be speaking in the International Church in Budapest and afterward, have a time with their leadership team, teaching on cross-cultural servanthood. It should be a good day - but as always, I appreciate your prayers!

Grandma Sovern

2011-05-16T21:09:00.000+03:00

My Grandma Sovern as I remember her.

On this day over 4 decades ago, my grandma Sovern passed away. I was just a little girl, but I remember that day clearly. I thought her passing would kill me. I dearly loved my grandma, and her impact on my life was substantial. She was just 51 years old - much to young to be gone. She was a woman who loved God and made an impact for the Kingdom of God.

I'm confident that it's because of my grandma and her prayers that I am a Christian and on the mission field today. When I was 23 I visited my grandma's old church and her friends told me, "Right here at this altar we remember your grandma praying for you. She prayed for all of her grand kids, but we remember that for YOU she prayed that God would use you on the mission field!" ... Amazing, don't you think?! When I heard that, I'd already gone to Bible college and studied missions, and to Japan as a missionary. I never knew that she'd prayed that over me. But God heard her prayer - and answered it.

From the back of the picture that I wrote on. :)

Grateful. I'm just grateful.

Travel & Speaking Schedule This Week

2011-05-16T16:36:00.000+03:00

Tuesday and Wednesday I will be traveling to Budapest, Hungary. There’s a lot on the schedule for this week’s business! Among them, I get to see Dave and Anne, missionary friends who now live in England, but are in Hungary for a few days. It’s great that our paths can cross again. Back when I lived in Debrecen (Hungary) they were some of my friends there. It’s been quite a few years since we’ve been able to meet, so that will be fun!

Additionally, I will be speaking Sunday morning at the International Church of Budapest. Afterwards, the leaders of the church will meet, and I will lead them in a couple of sessions about cross-cultural leadership. I just turned in my project for my Culture and Transformation class (Biola – grad school) and will use some of the material that I used for my final project! (It’s fun to be able to use my studies in such a practical manner!) Early next week I will travel back to the eastern part of Hungary and meet with some pastors and INSTE leaders in that area – doing some work in Romania.

I appreciate your prayers for me – for safety and protection while traveling, as well as for the various meetings along the way.

Welcome!

2011-05-15T21:15:00.000+03:00

Sunny days! Blue skies! Puffy, white clouds! All are welcome here in Ukraine!

A Reminder - 2 Months Later

2011-05-11T08:00:00.002+03:00

Friends from Japan were in Kamaishi (in Iwate Prefecture) last week in Japan and took these pictures as they were there to help clean up the mess in Japan following the earthquake and devastating tsunami. Sometimes, it's out of sight - out of mind for us... but not for these Japanese. Don't forget to pray!

Short Video

2011-05-04T08:55:00.000+03:00

Here's a short video I made highlighting missionaries around the world in Open Bible. Enjoy!

Weekend Pictures

2011-05-02T15:24:00.000+03:00

Ukrainian Orthodox Monastery - Korets, Ukraine

War memorial - Korets, Ukraine

Various transportation - Ukraine

Holy Communion - Kingdom of God Church - Lutsk, Ukraine

INSTE Promoter!

2011-05-02T14:18:00.000+03:00

This weekend I spent in Lutsk, one of my favorite places to go. INSTE in Ukraine began with Discipleship groups in Zhitomir and Ukraine, so I have long-time friends in both cities. On my way, I stopped to take pictures at places I usually just drive by, making the trip fun in that way, too.

Unfortunately, while wheeling my bag to my friend's place, the bag hit a raised place in the road and stopped. I was walking quickly -- and didn't stop! With my hands full, I fell straight down, hitting my knee and shoulder on the rough asphalt. I got this huge bump on my leg, and it's made my knee and leg completely swollen and "colorful." Thankfully, I didn't break anything and it doesn't really hurt. (My mom always did call me "Grace!")

While in Lutsk, there were visitors from another town in the south that are interested in coming into Open Bible. They were there with others formerly living in Lutsk. Interestingly, the visitors were people I knew! They had started INSTE several years ago, but for reasons stopped. While at lunch, there was a discussion about this church taking up INSTE again. I was quiet, but amused to see the people formerly from Lutsk giving INSTE such a strong recommendation. What was funny was that they had never studied INSTE themselves, but were giving a glowing recommendation. They explained it this way:

"I recommend INSTE based on the fruit I see in my friends' lives. These friends' lives have changed so much - their roots are so deep into God's Word! The transformation is obvious! They are mature and are full of joy, serving God whole-heartedly! I can only say good things about INSTE!"

What a promoter! ...May we continue to see fruit in the lives of our students!