РУССКИЙ ПЕРЕВОД: Блокировка возможностей, что вы с этим будете делать? Гидромассажная ванна или горячая линия?

 

Итак, сын мой, укрепляйся благодатью во Христе Иисусе.
2 Тим 2: 1

Перед приближающейся смертью Павел не отступил, а устремил взор на неизмеримую, несравненную силу Христа. Бог не ограничен изоляцией, на самом деле, из-за настойчивости моей маленькой и ограниченной жизни, из того, что я вижу сейчас ... Он делает неизмеримо больше, чем я могу думать или вообразить в течение этих последних нескольких недель.

Как вы будете использовать блокировку? У вас есть два варианта ...

ВАРИАНТ 1: Откиньтесь назад как христианин и ищите утешения. Наслаждайтесь одиночеством в собственной компании, смотрите больше телек.

Судя по всему, в последние месяцы продажи гидромассажных ванн и диванов резко выросли. Люди потратили в B&Q целое состояние, чтобы сделать свой дом безупречным. (Прибыль DIY GROUP взлетела так сильно, что они почувствовали необходимость вернуть правительству свои отчисленные средства.) Https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/sep/22/bq-screwfix-covid-furlough-pay- Зимородок-акции-продажи-прибыль

Что это даст? Во временном здесь и сейчас липкий пластырь потворства своим слабостям заставит вас чувствовать себя намного лучше ... но действительно только на очень короткое время. Комфорт ... ужасный кумир. Это никогда не удовлетворит вас или меня. Все, что у вас останется, - это гидромассажная ванна, которую нужно очистить, увеличенный счет за коммунальные услуги, немного морщинистой кожи (которая все еще стареет), ощущение, что все время, которое вы потратили на отдых и развлечения, никогда не вернется. Когда вы подойдете к своим последним моментам (2 Тим.), Как Павел, вам не захочется, чтобы вы провели больше ни секунды в горячей ванне. Если вас разбудило это время года, чтобы увидеть реальность смерти, конечную природу нашей жизни («мы как трава», которая прорастает, сохнет и умирает, «здесь на время»), тогда вам захочется используйте каждую секунду до того момента, пока вы не стоите перед Богом.

ВАРИАНТ 2: Смотрите в будущее и полагайтесь на Его силу, когда вы служите Ему.

а) Напомните себе (см. последний блог), что ...

Потому что Иисус Христос воскрес из мертвых ...

Слово Божье не сковано.

(2 Тим. 2: 8-9)

Поэтому вы можете жить и молиться с уверенностью, прося Бога расти в вас и во всем мире, когда вы будете сотрудничать с другими людьми.

Б) Увидеть вечную перспективу. Страдания, которые мы испытываем в Великобритании, сильнее, чем в течение некоторого времени, но все еще в перспективе незначительны по сравнению с прошлыми поколениями, массой британской истории (две мировые войны, предыдущие вспышки заболевания задолго до того, какими медицинскими услугами мы пользуемся) и другими Теперь христиане сталкиваются со всем миром. Затем ... если мы еще не убедились ... мы думаем о том, что Христос пострадал за нас. Конечно, поэтому сейчас не время жалеть себя, но, как говорит Пол (и моделирует)

Присоединяйтесь ко мне в страданиях, как добрый воин Иисуса Христа… 2 Тим 2: 3

Это время использовать наше одиночество для плодородия, использовать наше ограничение, чтобы молиться за тех, кто страдает за Христа по всему миру. Молиться о распространении Евангелия, зная, что Бог всегда могущественно действует. Тогда с этой горячей линией можно попасть в рай - быть прикованным и в то же время веселым (прочтите Филиппийцам, особенно главу 1 (стихи 13-14)).

Чтобы способствовать этому ... каждый день в течение следующих 4 недель мы будем делиться новостями о наших друзьях и партнерах на equip4good. Мы хотели бы, чтобы вы присоединились к нам, поскольку мы поддерживаем друг друга и вместе молимся, поскольку мы стремимся сделать это время плодотворным. Обновление и молитва должны занимать не более 5 минут вашего дня, нажав «подписаться на этот блог», вы получите уведомление. Да, вы можете сделать это в джакузи, если хотите, лично я бы предпочел сэкономить деньги и поддержать некоторых из наших друзей. Молюсь за тебя и твою плодовитость в это время,

БЕЗОПАСНО,

Оставайтесь плодотворными,

БЛОГСКИЙ

Itak, syn moy, ukreplyaysya blagodat'yu vo Khriste Iisuse. 2 Tim 2: 1

Opportunity Lockdown - How will you use it? Hottub or Hotline?

 

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 Tim 2:1

 In view of his impending death, Paul didn't shrink back but fixed his eyes on the immeasurable, incomparable power of Christ. God is not confined by lockdown, in fact from the persective of my little and limited life, from what I am seeing currently... He is doing immeasurably more than I can think or imagine during these last few weeks. 

How will you use lockdown? You have two options...

OPTION 1: Shrink back as a Christian and seek comfort. Enjoy the solitude of your own company, watch more telly.

Apparently sales of hot tubs and sofas have rocketed in recent months. People have spent a fortune at B&Q making their home a taste of perfection. (DIY GROUP profits have rocketed so much they felt the need to give the government their furlough funds back.) https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/sep/22/bq-screwfix-covid-furlough-pay-kingfisher-shares-sales-profits

What will this achieve? In the temporary here and now, the sticking plaster of self indulgence will make you feel so much better ... but only for a very short time indeed. Comfort ... is a terrible idol. It will never satisfy you or me. All that you will be left with is a hot tub that needs cleaning, an increased utilities bill, some wrinkly skin (that is still getting older), a sense that all the time you spent relaxing and indulging will never be got back.  When you come to your final moments (2 Tim) like Paul, you will not wish you spent one more second in the hot tub. If you have been woken up by this season to see the reality of death, the finite nature of a our lives ("we are like grass" that sprouts, withers and dies, "here for a season") then you will be wanting to utilise every second up to the moment you stand before God.

OPTION 2: Look to the future and depend on His power as you serve Him.

a)  Remind yourself (see last blog) that...

Because Jesus Christ is raised from the dead... 

the word of God is not chained. 

(2 Tim 2:8-9)

Therefore you can live and pray in confidence, asking God to grow his kingdom, in you and throughout the world as you partner with hus people.

B) See eternal perspective. The sufferring we are experienceing in the Uk is greater than for some time, but still perspectively miniscule compared to past generations, the mass of British history (2 world wars, previous outbreaks long before the kind of  medical services we enjoy), and what other Christians face around the world now. Then.. if we are not yet convinced ...we think of what Christ sufferred for us. Surely, therefore this is not a time to feel sorry for ourselves but as Paul says (and models)

Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.…2 Tim 2:3

 This is a time to use our solitude for fruitfulness, to use our confinement to pray for those who are sufferring for Christ accross the world. To pray for the advancement of the gospel knowing that God is mightily at work at all times. It is possible then with this hotline to heaven - to be chained and yet cheerful (Read Phillipians especially chapter 1 (v13-14)). 

To encourage this... every day for the next 4 weeks we are going to share some news of our friends and partners at equip4good. We'd love you to joiu us as we encourage one another and oray together, as we look to make this a fruitful time. The update and prayer should take no more than about 5 minutes of your day, clicking subscribe on this blog will notify you. Yes you could do it in the hottub if you want, personally I'd prefer to save the cash and encourage some of our friends. Praying for you and your fruitfulness in this time,

STAY SAFE,

STAY FRUITFUL,

BLOGSKI

 

Choosing what to remember.

PSALM 32

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
    whose sin is covered. 

 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
    and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

A time of reflection:

Over the last 6 months many of us have done more thinking and pondering than ever before. With restrictions in place (and a reduction of new places, experiences, adventures to explore), many of us have been reminded of past times and remembered a life more fully "lived". 

This week I spoke with two friends at opposite ends of the "lived" spectrum. A friend has her 21st birthday today, and is eager to live the life ahead of her when restrictions will not be in place (and she can finally celebrate with all friends). At the opposite end of the spectrum is a women I admire greatly. She acted with extraordinary ability and heroism in the 2nd world war, covertly charting the flight path of many enemy planes. In my eyes - listening to the reality of her efforts... she won the war for us, and is the reason I have freedom in life today. Now in her late 90's, conversations with her often return to the same memories, and are content to settle on recollections of the life already lived. She knows in the context of restriction (both covid and physical ability) that the cup of life is nearly full, and she is content with it, not least because she knows her life is hidden in Christ. 

In her own words "eternity, and when I see Jesus, is when I will really start lving".

 The bible teaches in many places that what we chose to remember and what we don't ...has a profound effect on our lives.

What not to remember.

Naomi says in Ruth 1:20. "Don't call me Naomi, Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter." She can only remember in that moment that death has covered her life, and the loss of loved ones. Her only memories are that God took away everything that defined "life" for her. She is a reminder that bitterness is a destructive bramble, choking every Joy, making life a cul-de-sac to revisit past dissappointments. Satan loves this... he loves to recycle death and sadness, which is why Hebrews wisely reminds us not to have a root of bitterness.
"See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." We're reminded that as we grow older we either get bitter or better, In the company of others we either become a fragrence of God and grace (the sweetness of life  - Psalm 34:8), or a taste of sharp acidity. 

The Christian should never have a root of bitterness or be stuck on the slow motion replay of past hurts. Why? Because of the way God has treated us...as the psalmest says 

"If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? 

 But with you there is forgiveness,"

    so that we can, with reverence, serve you."

  (Psalm 130:3&4).

What to remember. 

Heart revival, true spiritual life  and freedom comes from the foundational disicpline of remembering God's grace. As we remember that he hasn't treated us as we deserve but by chosing to pay for our sin in Christ and chosing to remember it no more, so we are freed to live a new day in his resurection power. This heart conviction of grace changes everything, changes every day life to be lived in it's fullness (John 10:10)

Paul often says he is writing to the church to "remind them" (Rom 15:15), Peter reminds us not to forget grace (2 Peter 1:9 cf verse 2-9) . The discipline of remembrance is so,so, important. Israel forgot God's grace (Deut 4:9, 8:11, 14:19). Joshua not only did great exploits in God's grace but set up memorials so that the next generations remembered God's goodness. (Joshua 4:4-7)

 Durung your times of increased reflection, start good disciplines to remind yourself of God;s goodness. 

Maybe today you can take a moment to thank God for the past. Thank Him for the great things he has already done. As a team today we are praising Him, for ecery success is from Him. We're thankung him for homes, built, churches born, lives transfrormed, children rescued, the hungry fed, those forgotten in war - remembered, fed, loved, provided for. 

Pray today for those who are turning 21 and leaving the immediate care of church families to live a life on the foundation of God's grace.

Pray today for Pastor Sasha, who was inudcted this weekend to the new church plant in Uman (Donbass), that  

• The church will be full of grace, a city on a hill, shinning brightly for the Glory of God. 
• That many will see their good deeds and Christlikeness, and glorify their Father in heaven.
  
• That many will come to know the God of grace there, and come to maturity in Christ as they grow in grace.
  

Whatever age and stage you are today, may God bless your memory and fill it with his goodness.

(Ephesians 4:30-32)

 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. ³² Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

 

Big encouragements and how best to use a washing machine

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.  

Romans 8:28

One of the recognisable hallmarks of an authentic Christian, is that we live in the certainty, joy, and assurance of who our God is. Becuase we know him relationally and experiencially through Jesus Christ we know not only that He is unimaginably GOOD, but that his purposes are persistently only good. We know that our lives are safely entrusted and guarded in Him by his love. 

And so... by his grace, can say "WE KNOW" not in an arrogant or self confident way but full of breathtaking gratitude that he has spoken to us and assured us of this life changeing reality. By his love HE has met with us and dealt so compassionately with us -with our sin - given us the undeserved certainty of salvation in Jesus Christ. 

There are times however... when we say "we know", more in faith and prayerful relliance than in a tone of fearless confidence. When everything is falling down around us, circumstances suggest to us that everything feels out of control and our cry of dependence on God is one driven by the help of God's Spirit. He assures us that we know the truth, that what is unseen is ultimately driving what we can see in front of our noses. (2 Cor 4:18).

GOD IS STILL GOD - He has it covered.

For many of us the season of lockdown was a time to cry out to God this way, depending on him in faith, without a knowledge of how practically things would work "together". We were more aware of what was dysfunctional than operational. Perhaps this is still your experience. In these times it is tempting to be vaguely assured that God has a macro plan (out there somewhere), but that the micro plan has been somewhat lost in the detail. Just because we can't see what God is doing does not mean that both his macro and micro plan are not both faultlessly meticulous and synchronised, perfectly executed and at all times 100% successful. His plan is to globally, eternally, cosmically, provide and accomplish salvation in the lives of indiviudals and so display his glory. (Rom 8:29-30), To this end he has covered every eventuality, atom, person and circumstance (whether unexpected by us or not).

It is only now as we start to come back to some normality, that we as a family and team are realising how God has been astoundingly answering our prayers. Here are 3 short examples of how God's good purposes have been outworked.

1) A time when 8 young people find a certain home of grace and healing.

Due to your wonderful response, compassion and help, we can share that we are on track for 8 additional young people to join grace houses 1 (girls) and 2 (boys) in Kremenets. The date we have been planning for as "moving in day" is September 1st. There has been a huge amount to do both practically (inital rennovation work at grace house no 2) and administratively (planning further education and follow up assistastance/ pastoral care for each individual). How good is God !! When covid appeared many of us could not see in the micro detail, how on earth this could be accomplished... our team. materials, etc etc were all on hold. We thank God so much that he has answered our prayers...

• THANK HIM FOR THE GENEROSITY of THOSE IN THE UK Through 6 indivuduals / families/ church groups in the Uk the young people will be sponsored, and know the faithfulness of a loving God in a practical way. There is still more to accomplish in this regard (we would like to provide clothes, gifts etc, and some shortfall is still apparent later in the process) but praise God we are with certainty able to say in many ways "we KNOW" God is with us. If you would like to help please don't hesitate to get in touch - it helps in the micro details so much, and would be perfect timing.
  

• THANK HIM FOR THE DILIGENT HARD WORK of THOSE in KREMENETS. Praise God for VLODIC and his family, Pastors VIKTOR and POLIKARP
  
  and the amazing church team, which includes the many years and hard yards Elijah and the schools teams have "put in" to get to this point. 
• Pray for each of the young person, especially the 8 newbies. 
• Thank God for them and how he has guided them to this point.
• That they will grow in the certainty that God provides, and that their lives will jofully grow on the sure foundation of his provision in Jesus Christ.
  

2) A time when many are coming to Christ. We are hearing a similar tale from many pastors and gospel workers in many situations...

• Massive increase in people "tuning in" online to hear the Good news of Christ preach in their indiginous language. Paul reminds us that the gospel is not bound or chained (2 Cor 2:9). Circumstances have not stopped the spread of the gospel accross Eastern Europe and Central Asia, in fact many (from other religions and no religion) have sought out Christians asking them for reason for the certain hope that is in them. This pandemic has revealed the truth about the reality of what we build our lives on and whether it gives ultimate security. assurance, freedom and joy.  There is only one true hope for all people.
  
• Praise God for the 11 preparing for baptism in Kremenets
• Praise God for the huge opportunities our friends in Central Asia are experiencing where the church is relatively small but growing so fast. Please also pray for their well-being and recovery. Many of these precious, faithful people have been sufferring with Covid symtoms for protracted periods (28 weeks and counting). They do not enjoy the infrastructure or basic medicines (paracetemol) we do. (Note to self: please don't complain about our NHS or Government too loud... it is all relative). However, at this time of severe trial they are enjoying so many opportunities. Pray for recovery, stamina, ongoing compassion and clarity as they plan the future in an environment of confusion.
• Praise God for the increasingly strategic nature of the church as it works together in unity. 
• Thank God for the way he has wonderfully answered our prayers to increase the union of Gospel churches in the unreached Ternopil region, and the recent addition of a further churches to the union. We welcome these churches, and their unity with us to church plant, train the next generation of gospel workers and church leaders. This is a game changer for us. The scales have tipped on the critical mass and mometum has forwarded the process from ininital passion and prayer to realistic planning.
• Thank God for the extraordinary provision of individuals coming forward to offer themselves in church planting and gospel work. At such a time of practical pressure we thank God that he is moving hearts and minds to see the spiritual need. Pray he would do this all the more. The harvest is plenty but the workers are few.
  

3) A time for compassion, when the church is shining brightly.

 For many in some parts of the world; death, grief, suffering and isolation have been the acute norm for a lot longer than we've experienced in the UK. This is particularly true of the Donbass "war" region and the area that has been so ravaged and forgotten about. This is true human isolation (when no-one wants to come and help). In the darkest of times however the church shines brightest (Phil 2:15, Matt 5:16). It has been amazing to hear how the gift of bread and humanitariam aid in this area has reached so many, and been such a source of encouragement in their journey of finding hope in Christ. When the delivery van comes, the masked men walk out, their language is love not hostility, and with the gift of bread comes a word of encouragement, that there is certain hope and a reminder that in Christ "we know" God is for us. Sometimes when there is desperate need for human compassion, protocol is abandoned and an embrace communicates the love and steadfast, faithful grip of God. Is it any wonder that this is changeing lives, that churches are emerging and growing. It is our great privelege to help and be apart of this work in a small way. 

HOW BEST TO USE 2 WASHING MACHINES

 

One beautiful story emerges from this dark situation of a group of young people in a fledgling church. They prayed about what they could do to help in such a gigantic situation of overbearing sadness, devastation and grief. As a church they became part of the humanitarian aid prgram and God provided them with 2 washing machines. The Young people promptly engaged and  invited many locals   (paraphrase).. "If during this time of struggle you are in need of clothes, or unable to wash your clothes we would love to do that at church for you... just place your request / clothes / blongings in the box and we will do the rest". Needless to say the response was overwhelmingly positive. A box mountain was washed, and with other encouragement, messages and gifts redeilvered to the sender. This makes a huge impact on a village, town or location, when they know that the church is for making the locality a better place, for people's good and not against them. These young people are shining brghtly in God's purposes and not unexpectedly the church is growing quickly. It is such a privilege to partner with these church families, and we look to do more. If you would like to help please do so.

So there we have it.., further evidential examples, reminding us of what we already KNOW... that GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME, and therefore we trust him and look to him for what is to come.

 Be encouraged,

BLOGSKI

Ready to fit in with his plans.

Hi Friends,
Firstly, a huge thank you to those who have been in touch to say that you are praying with us and increasing your support in one way or another for this next critical phase. As soon as we are able, many things will happen in a concentrated period of time. Thank you for helping us prepare for this. A number of folks have asked for general timescales and approximate plans reagrding the projects they are interested in, and these we've been able to mostly answer.  We are geneuinely so encouraged by your interest.
However,  some folks process things more like "master craftsman" or "fine artists" with an exceptional passion for detail before they are able to remotely offer help. It got me thinking... and is the reason for this blog. I guess you could call it a clarification of our ethos... keeping the main things - the main things for our future.

In all the privileges we've had of God using us as a team, we've rarely known much detail before getting going. It has always been an inital step of faith, which has led to many more steps of faith. The only certainty often is the awareness that we must offer ourselves to God's service, then after we've discovered something more of the task in hand. In my simple understanding of the bible and personal dealings with God, this seems to me to be the normal way He works...  the economy He uses. Yes we bring only a little to the table - the central issue is never how much resource, gifting or qualification we have to serve him with, but rather... whether we want to do it wholeheartedly or not. In God's economy - a little lads packed lunch can go a long way (feed thousands) (Matt 14:13-21) . The issue is not what we have to give but the one who recieves, and out of his grace includes us in his plans, delighting to make us part of what he is doing in his multiplied goodness.

So what are our plans ?

Our plan is to fit in with his plans. If this season of Covid has taught us anything it is to not over plan, or try to rely on our own strategy / manipluate or drive the future. Ultimately this is not our task. The world and the details of our lives are driven with his hand on the tiller - and for this we are exceptionally thankful, and at peace. 

Proverbs 16:9 

The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.

There are 3 Things we are sure of in our planning - at the heart of what we do as a team.

1) We want to be a helping hand.

 Part of what we do will always involve practical help and graft.  Yes, there are many practical needs in our world, many feeling like they face insurmountable hurdles. In a fallen world with all the consequences and ripple effects of covid, this is more so than ever. Can we microplan to allevaiate all the issues? No that is an unrealistic goal this side of heaven. What we can do is be willing to help in a small way... those who are doing great things on small budgets to share the good news of Jesus Christ. What we can do is be ready to roll up our own sleeves and give up some "me time" in order to do something more useful which will impact others for eternity. There are critical moments when every gospel pioneer or compassionate new initiative needs the help of the wider church family. We follow the servant King. Before we ever offer a cheque we will consider the more costly option of going ourselves, knowing that this is also part of God's economy. Because He has loved us first we are ready to offer help to others. This is where we delight to fit in with his plans... do you have a willingness to offer the hand of help? Are you up for coming with us ?


2) We want to be an arm to lean on. 

Quite often when the church is working in difficult places with significant socio-economic challenges, war, or in sutations of desperate need for humanitarian aid, the main expense of the church is not financial but the burden they bare of sufferring and compassion around them. We don't pretend to have unlimited resources as a team. Very often we feel our inadequencies, insignificance and frailties. We do however know one who never gets tired and loves us to call on him with our struggles, and anxieties. He is not only custodian of our issues, but that of the whole of creation. There is unlimited provision in His capacity, immediate access to his attentiveness, and total protection in his safe keeping. This is why the bible emphasises one word in 1 Peter 5:7

"casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."

Our role is a simple, but a huge privIlege then. Remind people who have grown tired and spent in their love for others, that God is with us - especially as we do what he has called us to do in his name. It is a huge honour to witness first hand how this energises and moves people on. What a difference this makes to people, when they are refreshed in his love.
Is your arm available? Are you leaning on Him, yourself ? or doing things in your own strength? If you are "a good leaner", and ready to encourage others to lean on the everlasting arms we'd love to include you in our little supporting ministry.

3) We want to be a heart to share the vision with. Gospel work, loving people, church planting, pioneering in dark spiritual places, counselling the hurt, giving out without cut off, is exhausting on the heart. We can get compassion fatigue, feel alone in the daily battle. We can inadvertently  lose the big prayer, the desire for gospel expansion as we start to desire a more managable, less risky, day to day existance. We need like Abraham in Gen 13, to have our eyes lifted, see God's bigger plans, purposes and provision. We need to see that with a word he created more planets than we can count, and that his family will one day be with him forever, plan accomplished, a family bigger than we can count.  Interestingly wherever you go on the globe the night sky is always a reminder that God is building his family from every part of the globe, outnumbering our capcity and comprehension, and one day it will be complete.

Our desire through conferences, spiritual encouragement and good ole fashioned friendship is to rekindle the heart... refresh the gospel goal. We don't offer "rocket science", new technique or great oratory. Our role as a team is remind of eternal reality, the unthwartable plan of God, the directives in the bible that give us wisdom for fruitful livig and above all the beautiful and refreshing presence of the Holy Spirit. We want to be available to share the dream, to see God remind us together of the beautiful simplicity and privelege of living for him. 
I'll not forget a pastor at a conference who came to say "thank you" at the end. He said I am amazed at 3 things. 1) How simple this conference was. 2) How clearly I see my life going home and the priorities I must give focus to. 3) What a privilge it is to spend our lives for God and be included in his plans.
 When we are close to God, life is seen through a much clearer lens. Are your eyes tired of looking at this world with all its malaise of issues? Do you need to put on your gospel specs to see things more clearly ?  If you are a gospel worker and looking to encourage other gospel workers in the greatest of comissions, we'd love to include you as we share the heart of God and "dream the big dream" together.



 We are certain of these things, the rest we leave to him.
Praying for you as you look to serve him wherever he has called you to.
Much love,
Blogski.

We need all the help we can get.

Hi Friends.

Firstly an apology....

 I said I would update in 48 hours, but although things were typed up and ready to go, sadly we were in a fast developing situation and I was very wary of giving you practical detail that would be obsolete moments later. My sincere apologies for the frustration I know this causes. I hope you can forgive / give some leeway knowing the situation we are in.
Hopefully you were able to gather from the previous blog, that during the last 12 weeks  - opportunites to encourage the global church have increased. We will update many of you privately on the amazing developments in a number of locations. Thank you for your contiuued interest and prayer for Southern Ukraine, Central Asia and the green shoots of church growth in the needy area of Northern Ukraine especially.
One situation we desperately need to share with you though as priority, is the situation in with young people needing a home in Ternopil region (Northern Ukraine). .

The story so far:
 In October 2019 a UK team went to help a dynamic and beautiful innitiative. For many years Vlodic, Polykarp, Viktor, and Elijah (with their families and an ever growing the team) have been trying to share and show the love of Jesus Christ with young people, in camps, schools, boarding schools and orphanges. Through their tireless hard work, kindenss and compassion, they have not only earned the trust and respect of many, they have made friends with many staff,  children and young people. Some, in fact many of these young people have become followers of Jesus Christ. We are very exercised to help some young people especially. They live at boarding school for a variety of reasons, but in short need to be taken care of becuase there either is nowhere to call their own home or being with birth relatives is not the best place for them (their wellbeing/ health/ eductaion/future would suffier if they did).The Church with a base in Kremenets built a "grace home" to help such young people aged 16-19. A place where young people can transition from school/ institutional care to looking after themselves. A place where they can receive care, encouragement, nurture, stability and most importantly  love. A home is more than a place we live, it is where we are accepted for who we are, and unconditionally helped. This "grace home " is the place many have come to call "home" in Kremenets.

Sadly the need for this help outweighed facilities and so the team completed 2nd floor church accomodation in late 2019. The boys who had been helped by the church family (and previously lived downstairs) , displayed how much they had grown in stature character and grace. Firstly, they gave up "their place", their "home" for us to rennovate it - to take in a new large family of girls. This was a very Christlike, servant hearted thing to do. Secondly they worked hard in rennovating and updating the property with us. Thirdly they did an amazing job, (outside rendering and insulation, building/ welding fire escapes, and tydying up all the mess / our uncompleted work) so that the girls were welcomed, cosy, and nested in time for Christimas 2019. The girls are doing incredibly well, showing great care to others during the covid season, and are a great credit to this wonderful, transformational church project. This work is astonishingly fruitful and rewarding for us to even be a small part of.
The reward for the boys however, was to move into temporary rented premises until a more permanant situation could be sorted for them. We had the privelege of a number of gifts come in at the end of 2019 and were able to help purchase a property (downtown) with a plan to rennovate  for their accomodation 1st half of 2020/ Our plan was for the team to refurbish this property primarily in Spring 2020. The team was organised and booked. It was all systems go, but then the coronavirus came.

The Present Situation.
Sadly Covid 19 imtroduced itself without warning, and all our best laid plans were superceded. This has impacted the boys situation severely. Not only have many folks lost work in this area, but the ripple effect of this is that those who are trying to help these young people are also impacted. Due to this (and the complex needs of covid developments) it became apparent that the boys could not continue in their rented situation. Together it was decided that the boys would move into the property in its undeveloped state and start to make the property good as time, funds and opportunitity became available. 

Thank you to your generosity, we were a few weeks ago able to send a gift to get the property working with electrics, water and some basic materials to make the property safe and liveable/ functional. It is far from ideal ! The boys had previously lived in one unfinished home are now essentially a further step back from where they started. On top of this the church planned to help / foster at least 8 young people (both boys and girls) after our team had worked on the property. Extensive and well organised plans are well in place for this. Had we done what what was planned in Spring, there was enough capacity for this (extra space at church for the new girls and a new property downtown for the boys) Pease pray for these new young people and how this situation has impacted them, after so looking forward to a new future.

Our plan as it stands and how you can help.
1) Sponsorship scheme:
In the present financial crisis there is concern about the monthly ability to provide basic provision for many young people (essentially food, heating and general utilities) and what the church should commit themselves to in expansion of this ministry, We have been praying hard about this and believe God will provide for the plans he had led the church to - these 8 precious young people continuing to come and live with the church family.
 
Our specific prayer is that we would be able to provide around £30 per month, per young person to secure their imediate future (make a minimum provision commitment for the next 12 months).

A number of individuals connected to the team are pledging / seeking to help in this way. It may be that your group (coffee morning, young church, lunch club, home group, church or family) would like to encourage this gospel initiative in this way. We are so grateful for those who have already expressed a desire to help. At present we are about half way there !


2) The completion of downtown building.
We are hoping (and praying hard) that we as a team can go and do what we planned in April as soon as is possible and appropriate, Becuase the urgency to complete is greater than ever, our need for a bigger team than ever is also apparent. We really do need all hands to the pump so that the building can be used ASAP. As it stands we are praying hard about what can be done in October / Autumn 2020. This will coincide with the churches many plans for its anniversary. Please pray. Pray that casulties of covid will decrease in this region and that the spread will be curtailed. Please pray for those who had booked flights for the April trip. At present Lufthansa are planning to homour opur tickets for a later trip (for which we are v grateful,) but their future even as a big airline is less than certain at this juncture. Maybe you or your group would like to help sponsor those who could come out on a working team with us, help partially fund travel which may be more costly than previous trips. With so much to do in such a concentrated time, anything you can do to help would be appreciated.

3) More than a building. 
The development of these outstanding young people is the dynamic behind lots of regeneration for the church and gospel in this region. Those young people already transformed are returning to impact other schools/ orphanges and young people on a regular basis. They are the same young people who now clean churches, provide meals for others and do many valuable, caring and loving things for others and the glory of Jesus Christ in this covid season. This initiative is a dynamo of energy to church revitalisation in the region, an army of young people energised by grace, for multiplied acts of gospel love. Pray that they will impact many, and that our relatively small task to encourage them will soon be completed.

There is much more we could say. We continue to help many other situations and will update you soon as appropriate. Please contunue to pray for the outstanding work carried on in Odessa and the expansion of those being welcomed into transition house there. There are needs, and we will update shortly,. Also please especially contiue to remember those helping young people in Central Asia, and in War torn environements. In a day of great challenge, medical emergency and yet unprecidented joy as many find their true hope and certainty, we see that there is a new day for the church of love and life amongst the backdrop of destruction and death. . We continue to want to encourage those in these situations and remain committed to doing so. Our goal has never been to make people reliant on our help, training and encouragement, but simply to do what we can at critical moments to encourage progress. We are at such a crossroads at this time, and so we are so, so, grateful for your sharing of the work and burden in this way. What you do in secret, God knows, and its significance - only eternity will reveal. .

10 Encouragements from covid lockdown.

Strange times ...but an appointed season

Eccl 3:1 

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven..."

It is a complete joy to say again, "Hi friends and team !" (in this format).  Over the last few weeks it has been very obvious to me that the the internet world was not short of a few more reactionary words -  from one more blog. I have been astonished these last few weeks, at how every person stuck in their manicured study (with too much time on their hands), has decided that they have so much that the world needs to hear. (Note the amount of "new books" coming out from first time authors... . Although the internet celeb dogs "Olive and Mable" have made me chuckle,.. I think there probably already was a reason why they hadn't yet been published writers. 

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scots-commentator-andrew-cotter-announces-22222345

  I have lost count of the media/ radio references to  "these unprecedented times", and the invariable grumbles that follow. Yes, this has been an extraordinary season. Its significance however is not in the curisity of the new and strange experience,  but in the one who decided it should be allowed to happen at this time and in this generation. I believe with all my heart that this was a season appointed by God, to teach us, (especially in the UK) to humble us. So I've been keen to learn to "listen and be slow to speak"...after all what God is saying to us is more important (and useful) than any perspective we might have on His world which is under His authority.
  So I hope this brief reflection is a measured one. It is my way of saying "thank you" to God for bringing us through this season as a team. The next blog (within 48 hours) will be the real detail for our way forward as a mission team and wider mission family. It will bring you up to date with the salient details of the last quarter, the reflections of the small leadership council, and the exciting things God has steered us towards.
But for here and now - let's kick off with 10 evidences of the kindnesses of God / encouragements  from lockdown which should spur us on as a church family and mission team.

1) GOD's PERFECT TIMING. When we were detail planning this years' equip4good diary (during the Christmas break), none of us on the team had any conception of what was to come. A surprise call invited us to speak at an emergency regional conference for pastors, relating to the core missional calling of the church and our role as pastors to train, equip and grow the next generation as we make disciples and plant churches. The conference itself was one of the great privileges of my life -the Holy Spirit himself putting the smile of God on our focus of strategic gospel growth. 
  Within a few days of our return to the UK the pandemic mushroomed, borders closed, and lockdown started. The first information we recieved post lockdown was the consensus that this conference was "a word from God", "preparing" this large group of faithful pastors for extraordinary times, and extraordinary times of opportunity. God is good. We didn't plan the conference in advance (we had just 3 weeks to pray hard and rely on him), but God had appoinated it all in eternity, and this "unprecedented gathering" (the first time it had happened in this relatively unreached region of >1,000,000 people who need to hear of Christ)  got everybody on God's agenda before we all seperated to work for him. Feeling isolated ...YES !, alone in reality...NO !. From the outside we were working by ourselves  in many seperate locations, but together we unreservedly knew that we were on one common agenda and goal, with the same helper whose presence was even more tangible and obvious. God is Good.
2) The CLOSENESS, COMMONALITY and UNITY of the GLOBAL CHURCH
Through the wonders of "facetime, zoom, teams" and "what's app", my communication with global friends during the last quarter, has been indistinguishable  to that with church family who live in the immediate vascinity Everyone has been struggling with the same things, we're all in the same boat. This itself has brought us closer together. I have attended regularly those churches around the globe that I partner with, and seen "live" and first hand how God is using his people in amazing ways.This is all a gift from God, something I wouldnt have been able to do before churches started "streaming" .Our fellowship has undoubtedly deepened, our communication undoubtedly more significant. We have gone through tough times together and found the same certainty, joy and hope.
3) In uncertain times we have the certaintyof God.  These times have brought to us the certainty and reality of Psalm 42. Even if everything else changes... GOD IS STILL GOD !
The environment we live in has been unimaginably different, but God's heart for His world and His mission to reach peaple in grace, fogiveness, love and restoration is equally red hot in burning passion. The reports I've heard suggest that God is doing more of this (not less) in this period of constraint. We are limited by what we can do, but God never is.
4) God has illuminated the futitility of trusting in ourselves, our ways and our means.
Those who have idolised  their own careers or health have starkly seen the fragility and transitry nature of life. Christians who have invested everything in their own way to sort out this world (a dream of a megachurch structure, a social media influence) have realised that even as Christians we are powerless by ourselves, entirely in his hands, directed by his decree, and  under the jurisdiction of his mercy. This season itself then has been a wake up call (especially I think to the self-assured western church) who trust in structure and resources above the power of the Holy Spirit at work in people and relationships. This season itself then has been an act of grace to redirect the church towards authenticty and away from the idols of dead religion.
5) God has revealled how gracious he has been to us in "normal" life. Many people for the first time in the Uk discovered that they couldnt readily buy basic foods, basic medicine (paracetemol, Ibuprufen etc) and basic cleaning products. Yet for many in areas where our team has worked this is the "normal" everyday routine and struggle. What will we do as we come out of lockdown with all the liberties, gifts and blessings God has given us ? Surely this time has taught us to appreciate that we only need the basics, that God provides those miraculously every day (not Tesco, Lidl, Aldi or Waitrose) and therefore we have much at our disposal to bless the worldwide Church with. This we must do, as a considered discipined and honourable covenant before God for all his kindness to us in our lives. Out of gratitude (if nothing else) we must use his resources for his purposes and honour.
6) God has provided for all our needs and for many others in far more difficult places. Along with lockdown came the restriction to not visit supporting UK churches, groups and those who generosly and sacrifically give. The words of a hymn come to mind... "All we have needed, His hand has supplied, great is His faithfulness." We have had opportunity to help our church family accross the world at a critical time. We haven't asked anyone for extra help, yet God has supplied through his people and we have had every resource needed to help others. Those who have lost work in the UK, have still given and felt blessed in doing so. Thank you for your faithfulness and humbling encouragement. Those who prayed thousands of miles away in desperate circumstances received the help just at the right time. God is so good. The next season will be extreemly challangeing for us. We have given to things unbudgeted, but we are ever more confident - not in our bank balance, but His ability to know and supply the needs of his children (Luke 12)
7) Many "previously unreached" people are coming to Jesus Christ. I have been praying with a number of pastors and planters in pioneering situations that God would "grow their net", that their small church plants and mission ventures would reach an increasing number of people. We didnt know how God would do it... but we knew he had the power to. Then Covid came...online services started, and so did exploratory conversations with people online, who were tuning into gospel presentations and discusssions for the first time. Expats in countries far away looked for their own language and found faithful preaching explaining the true hope in Christ. People "happened to tune in by chance". saw clearly  that what Jesus offers is ao different. A need to know for themselves / how it works was ignited in them... seeing the uncertainty of what they'd invested everything  in they  were appetised and hungry for something better. Priests of dead and established religion realise that their outward form of religion has spread the virus here and now, but left people unequipped for eternity. Reports are of hungering such career clergy hungry for Jesus Christ, sickof the fake, amazed at true realityin Him.
Other news came in of an aetheist whose life was slipping away all of a sudden accepting that there is not only "a god" but proclaiming that their own need is for "The God". Countless friends are saying the same, God is at work in ways they could never have envisaged or expected. Any strategy of our own has been far surpassed by his, and the church is growing with those added daily who are coming to know JESUS. God is good.

8) We have been more accessible to help in a time of greater need. The great irony of being stuck in one place is that everyone knows where to find you , has your electronic contact details and assumes that you are available. This has been a good thing !
 I have been available and able to pray, share, encourage, preach, send study notes, and be part of lots of struggles in people's lives. It has been an immense privilege and awesome joy. At times the burden of being "closer" to the Christian in a hostile country and feeling the same fear, or needing to cry to God for vital help in a desperate and desolate situation is a draining thing. It challanges your ability to sleep when it seems like there are more issues than days to solve them. In reality however God is still God and he doesn't sleep - so we can. Moreover, when God works and  the story unfolds the journey is a far more rich and beautiful one, when we are absorbed in gorgeous way God displays his love to many peoples lives in many locations.  We are stuck in one place but able to be part of God's solution for many. Yes we are finite, but he is infinite, we are present in the backwater confinds of a little property, but he is omnipresent and active accross the globe, without limitation.We have had a front row seat to view his love in this way.
9) Some of us have been able to spend more time with our families. I appreciate that for many, this time has been a time apart from family. Unfortunately I was not able to be with my 95 year old grandmother for her birthday or struggles with ilness. For those of us however who are often travelling and not often able to just "sit" and "be" for a long time with our families this season has been a treasured gift from God. Families are a gift from God. Many times we as a team are hoping to encourage set up homes for young people who need family. This time has reminded us of the preciousness of our own families, that we should never forget how good God has been to us in this. If you are in a good family, don't feel guilty about it, but do thank God for it.
10) Now that lockdown is being released we have greater options and possibilities to serve, not less. Thank God that we have kept in contact with all our partnering situations and in some cases renewed contact with those in extreem difficulty and hostile locations. We will need to prioritise as we go forward and start travelling again, after all there is a limit to what can be physically done. However, despite not being able to take the team to our priority project in April, we have been able to help that move on and will soon be able to get cracking again on full power. We are also looking to help specific situations for whom covid has been another devastation in an ongoing story of periless challanges. For this we do need your help, your prayers, your volunteering for a team, your clothes, your books your partnership. We have not publicly asked for money for some time, but I'm pretty sure there may be need of it given the wonderful opportunities and tight shedules presenting themselves. This season has increased urgency for young people needing a "grace home", for pioneers to be funded to continue sharing the good news of Christ in Countries where believers are less than 1%. We would love you to come with us if you can, so please stay tuned for our next blog on our priority project, and news of how you can help the global church in this extraordinary season of opportunity.

We have much to be thankful for. 
Praying that this will find you well, grateful, encouraged and open to what God has for you next,
WIth much love
BLOGSKI