ROMANS 12:1-2
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
It is ironic in a world which champions so much "free choice", that so many of us "ape" each other. According to google , we've alll been doing similar sorts of searches (I know ...maybe I should've been more countercultural and used a different search engine (DOH)) One of the top searches in recent months has been "what does furlough mean?". 10.4 million of us "Brits" tuned into the "bake-off" final this week. In fact when given the choice of what to do with our extra hours at home, most of us have tuned into extra telly. As one comedian recently put it
"Ironic really...we're all proud publicly to share the new dish we've managed to make in the lockdown kitchen, but in all honesty most of us are eating an extra pack of "monster munch" every night whilst binge watching masterchef."
However, there are bigger choices...
- How we see the world at this point in time (a money making machine that has gone wrong?)
- How we see people at this time (a danger in the queue, competition in the bargain shops, competition in the workplace to keep our role in the next round of redundancies ?)
- How we see those who run our country (controversial I know, but...) : Are they figures only to be hated, ridiculed, and complained at ?, or people with an impossible task who need at least some of our support (submission) to get us out of this season with some success ?
The bible reminds Christians that we should see things differently, search differently, think differently, and prioritise differently. There are two initiating flames for this ignition of radical conduct.
1) The mercy and grace of God revealled in Jesus (12a -), WHO JESUS IS: In a world where it is everyman for himself. we are reminded of the one in highest in rank, who came in submission, sacrifice and service.
2) The renewal that God brings by His Spirit, once we ask Christ into our lives. THE MIND OF JESUS: In a world of confusion there is clarity for living (12b) discernment, goodness, what pleases God not people.
In short... because of how God has seen us differently (through the eyes of grace in Christ), so we should see people (the world we live in), very differently.
DAY 25: "LODIK"
FACTFILE FULL NAME: Vladimir NikitiukJOB TITLE: Too many to list. WORKING HOURS: ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHTCUURENT PROJECTS: LISTED BELOW (SUBJECT TO HOURLY UPDATE) 1. REACHING THE UNREACHED THROUGHOUT TERNOPIL REGION WITH PRACTICAL HELP AND CHRISTIAN LOVE2. REACHING YOUTH AND CHILDREN WITH THE GOOD NEWS and LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST.3. CARING FOR TRANISTION HOUSES / YOUNG PEOPLE, BY PROVIDING... A ROOF< HEATING SYSTEM <HEALTHY MEALS < VEGETABLES < HONEY AND FIELD PRODUCE<BUILDING WORK <TAXI SERVICE < DOCUMENTATION AND LEGAL COUNSEL <EMERGENCY CHOCOLATE PIZZA, natural fruit juice and much more . 4. TRAINING YOUNG PEOPLE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR JESUS CRHIST.5. RUNNING CAMP MINISTRY TO REACH 3000 KIDS.6. SPARE TIME: RUNNING FAMILY CARPENTRY BUSINESS AND OWN FAMILYTAKING CARE OF HOW MANY CHILDREN ? mmmm TOO MANY TO COUNT ! (WILL UPDATE EACH DAY).
It is in no way an exaggeration to say that my precious friend LODIK is utterly unique. I get tired just thinking about him. Duracell should sponsor him. He is the epitome of what we have said the last 2 blogs - driven by countercultural grace, energised by Christ and his gospel, actively reaching the unreached. We thank and praise God for the public recognition of his ministry recently, and contunue to pray for "Pastor Lodik" with great gratitude.
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| Lodik organising the refreshments (coffee, popcorn, candyfloss, chips etc etc - at village harvest festival Autumn 2019) |
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| "C'mon Sasha get those chips on" |
1) CAMPS: This summer was impacted by covid. The camp ministry has reached many non-church kids, impacted the whole region and generationally supercharged an army in turn to reach the region with the gospel.
Pray that this year will be a bumper crop in the lives of young people.
2) HOMELIFE: With the arrival of baby Lodik, no doubt there is little free time. Pray for Ira (who continues to provide care and support for the 16 girls also at church) Pray for the NIKITIUK children that they will contiue to grow to show the fruits of Christ in their young lives.
3) PRODUCE: As if he knew what this year would bring, Lodik was prompted to use The NIKITIUK land and work it for healthy produce. The legendary vegetables have been grown (to feed many friends this winter), but there is plenty to do if this ministry of supply is going to meet the emergency need it has already, especially now there are many more mouths to feed. There are no true "down months" for the rural life... just months of prep and tidying up before the next growing season. Pray for energy, protection, for a good season for bees, for a growing business to provide, and yes in the months to come for a bumper crop and harvest.
4) SHOEBOXES, AID and CLOTHES:
Thousands of shoboxes have been transported, aid and clothes are prepared for a Christmas smile. Pray for distribution in these difficult times, for those who share the love of Christ, and that those in need will be reached.
5) THE HOUSES: Thank God that "grace house" at church is functioning brilliantly, (16 girls). Do pray for the (12) Boys downtown.
.They a stormingly brilliant set of lads, but the year has been an eventful one (understatement) for them as they try to settle down into the new property. Thank God that through your help, generosity, and provision we have heating, water, electrics and 3 rooms functioning this Christmas. However there is so much more to do...
Pray for an army of good UK people to come and make the buiding fully useful in 2021, and that God would continue to provide the many materials needed for completion.
6) BOARDING SCHOOLS AND ORPHANAGES:
Thank God for growing respect and gratitude that Principals/ Head teachers have expressed for the health and happiness of young people the church have cared for. Thank God that in this terrible season, that His protection, provision and enabling of the church young people has been so clearly recognised. (ALL GLORY TO GOD). Thank God that this has prompted many new requests to church to recieve children when they can. (There is currently a waiting list of at least 12 who would like to come to live with the church family.) Although we thank God for this wonderful dynamic, we also need to seek Him about the future and again rest in his provision. It costs £30 or so a month to sponsor a young person. If you are interested, opportunity to help will be here much sooner than expected (for which we give Him praise). There are currently 28 young people living with church.
Of course the new building (if complete) would increase capacity.
generation of gospel hearted servants.
Thank God for Lodik and Iras' dedication, hard work and love in this ministry.
Continue to pray for God's protection and continued outpouring of blessing as they lead this vital ministry.
Praise God, Slava Bor !
BLOGSKI
A word from our sponsors:
"Be a LODIK - keep going for the gospel
On and on and ......."
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