Dear friends thank you for your prayers, which we are acutely aware of.
Yesterday started with chapel service at the Seminary. I always feel at home there amongst the mission minded staff and students, it was like being home from home. Odessa seminary has a great heritage and legacy. It was a delight and privilege to open the scriptures and worship together as we considered our flexibility in God's Global mission of Grace. The highlight for me was hearing from one friend who will go out to serve UPG. Pray for J as she goes to that country. After further time with the staff considering the global role and plans for the future, we headed quickly to the School where many of our young friends go. What a super school, with awesome kids and hyper gifted staff. The fact that this partnership is based on church premises is just the icing on the cake. We look forward to the development of this place. The evidence in joyful, talented and relational children speaks for itself.
From there we went to enjoy valuable time with Vlad and Lillia, their wonderful team reaching out with the love of Christ from Illinka. God has special plans for this special ministry, and we will be writing much more soon. These last 18 months have been hard for many who care for those uncared for in our world. Our world is more expensive, frightened, segregated and independent due to Covid... Some are forgotten about by humanity, but our God is able to break through all barriers. The endurance of some to love the unloved through difficult times is so inspirational to us as a team.
During the evening I had the delight of preaching to YouTube for the benefit of our friends in care homes for the elderly. This new initiative has impacted many, and although started for lockdown and covid, has now grown into a much greater and vital ministry. We praise God for the team who accomplish this and their heart for so many who until now may not have had any interaction in this way. I was so proud of the children in both singing and recitation - our theme was Matt 25 and getting ready for Jesus Christ, and the Joy that being with him will bring.
This morning started with a super opportunity to share with friends at Odessa Regional Prayer Breakfast. This great ministry brings together all strategic folk who love the city, region and country. I was pleased to spend time with a number of men and women with far greater influence, and share publicity my heart and prayer for this great city and country. God is good, and there are many in this land seeking to draw people together under the wisdom of God for the good of the nation.
My prayer as shared this morning...
1) That freedom to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ continues in this great nation - the only means to transform attitudes, hearts, morals and cultural interactions. Jesus Christ is the only hope for any nation.
2) That those spiritual leaders with influence will act in love (John 13:35) with other leaders.
3) That in all local, regional and national government there will be increasing compassion towards the poor. Poverty can be measured in many currencies (not just money), but ultimately 2 Cor 8:8-9 challenges us to full humility in the light of he who was rich who became poor in order that we might become rich in HIM.
4) That Leaders would champion children, those who are forgotten about and unjustly pay the price for the foolish ways of the generation who go before them.
5) That many would shine brightly for Christ (Micah 6:8, Phil 2:15) in a generation bent on destruction and depravity.
Please pray that interviews, media and conference ripples will be helpful as we seek to help this nation from hearts of deep love for it.
In all these things we feel our powerlessness, but in Christ we know with certainty that his power is limitless, his grace is unmeasurable and the best is yet to be. Ultimately this world will never fail to disappoint, but on the evidence of the last 48 hours there are many encouragements that GOD is at work in miraculous ways, and our greatest efforts for him however poor can be used for his glory. This evenings time with children from Church families just underscored the goodness of God. In all 53 children have come to find shelter with Good and Godly parents who shine brightly. This is how lives are transformed, this is the smile of our loving God. Our world is broken, leaders are limited, just men and women like us... but those who walk humbly before our God witness his great power at work in the lives of many.
It's great to relax a little after a busy few days. Please pray for us as we preach tomorrow and look to encourage our dear friends who shine so brightly.
Speak soon,
Much love and sincere appreciation,
P
Paul, it is even hard to imagine all the different ministry activities that you had to encounter here. Blessings and it is great to have you in Ukraine!
ReplyDeleteBless you Ivan for all your encouragement and strategic help. The trip was like a gift that kept on giving... a huge part of this was the high calibre of team Ukraine who at every turn display the heart and generosity of GOD.
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