Prayer For Kharkov

Team Kharkov Is Still Working!

2013-02-11T15:50:00.000+02:00

Thank you so much for visiting our prayer blog! As you can tell, it has been a long time since we posted requests here, but our work continues in the city and region of Kharkov, Ukraine. If you would like to know more about Team Kharkov, please visit our web site at http://teamkharkov.com. While it is not up to day at this moment, my hope is to provide current information, photos, and prayer requests in the very near future.

Should you desire to come alongside Team Kharkov in prayer, please write us at pray4kharkov@gmail.com and you will begin receiving our weekly requests.

May your day be filled with SONshine!

Team Kharkov Prayer Requests November 3rd-10th

2012-11-03T01:11:00.002+02:00

"Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?" - Deut. 4:6-8, ESV

What a critical time in our history as a nation and as followers of Jesus! I had the privilege of voting early, and actually voting in person - something I had not done since the 2000 elections. How blessed we are as a nation to continue to have the opportunity to be heard through our prayers, and through our vote.

I have been reminded by the Lord that this country is still "One nation, under God," more so than any other nation on earth. Regardless of the results of the coming election, we as followers of Christ are not without hope, and not without power through our prayers!

Welcome to our new prayer partners the Lord has provided in my first 3 weeks on stateside. I have been so blessed by times of fellowship with friends old and new, and am looking forward to the plans my Father has for me the remainder of my time here. The Lord continues to impress upon my heart and mind how critical prayer will be as I, through prayer, consider his plans for the work he has for us upon my return to Kharkov in January. So, thank you for your commitment to pray!

Seeking his path through prayer.....

Please join us in praise and prayer this coming week:

- Praise to the Lord for working through the authorities in Kharkov to provide documents for the building for New Hope/Grace churches. While the documents are still being processed, it would appear that official documents will be issued before the time limit expires.

- Amanda and Oleg will meet with embassy officials on November 13th for his visa interview. Pray for all the details that must be worked out in getting her apartment packed up, furniture moved, and, hopefully, tickets bought for them to fly to Alaska within the next month upon approval for his visa.

- Pray for me as I will be traveling this weekend, sharing at a church on Sunday, and returning to Little Rock on Monday. Pray for a time of sweet fellowship with the Lord on the journey, and for great times of fellowship with others over the weekend.

- Pray for Amanda as she continues to lead The Book Club during her remaining time in Kharkov. Intercede for those who attend to have hearts and lives changed by the power of his Word as they read and study the book of Hebrews.

- Pray for me as I may travel next weekend to Springfield, Missouri for a missions celebration. Petition the Lord to grant me opportunities to cast a vision for the work in Kharkov, and to lead many to join us in prayer for the 98% of Ukrainians in the Kharkov region who have yet to follow Jesus.

As you can probably tell if you've been receiving our prayer requests for a while, I'm working on a new format and sending system. Thanks for your patience as I continue to learn and implement easier ways to get the word out to you as our partners through prayer.

I will also be working to update our Team Kharkov web site and hope to use that more regularly to post photos, videos, and other information that will help you more fully pray for the people of the Kharkov region of Ukraine.

Blessings to all of you, our co-laborers!

Team Kharkov

Team Kharkov Requests October 23rd - 27th

2012-10-24T04:16:00.000+03:00

"Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.'" (Joshua 3:5)

I realize I am really late with our requests this week, but travel and meetings over this past weekend really didn't allow the time for writing. Thank you for your prayers for my travel to meet with folks from Longview Heights Baptist Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi. An added joy to the weekend was sitting down for fellowship with most of the team that came to Kharkov in May, and beginning plans for another team to come in May, 2013!

Soaking in the Father's creation!

I arrived in the states 2 weeks ago yesterday, and as always seems to happen, I am experiencing a spiritual refreshment and peace that is not always available in the lands of the former Soviet Union. My desire is to be "consecrated" - set apart by the power of the Holy Spirit through repentance and renewal as an instrument the Father can use today, and each day to follow for his glory! As that desire grows, so too does the sense of anticipation and expectation that indeed, my Lord is going to do great and amazing things in me, through me, and "among" me!

Amanda and I covet your continuing prayers for us individually and for the body of Christ in Kharkov, Ukraine. Even as the battle for the hearts of the people of the Kharkov region continues, our hope, our faith is in Christ alone to accomplish more than we can ask or imagine!

Here are additional opportunities for prayer for the coming days:

- I haven't received an update concerning the New Hope/Grace Church documentation problems. Please continue to pray for Pastor Andre from Grace Church as he meets with authorities during this process, and for favor with those in authority. I'll pass along any updates when I get them.

- Amanda continues to meet with her friend Natalia on Wednesday for weekly bible study, and with The Book Club on Thursday evenings. Ask the Lord to cause his Word to penetrate the hearts and minds of each one who comes. Pray for Amanda as she leads the Book Club through the study of the book of Hebrews.

- I have the privilege of speaking at a fall Women's Celebration on Thursday evening at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, and at a retreat for girls/women at Camp Paron this Friday and Saturday. Please intercede for the Lord to speak through these opportunities to each of us as we gather together. Pray many will be led to come alongside Team Kharkov as partners through prayer, and as volunteers in the future.

- Pastor Vitaly Maslyanka (in picture on left) from the church start in the "XTZ" region of the city of Kharkov has asked us to join them in praying for a place to rent for their church meetings. Team Kharkov worked with them for several years in the past, and hope to work with them in the future. Ask the Lord to provide them with the "perfect" place to gather to worship and serve him in the years to come.

- I give praise to the Lord for the opportunity Amanda and I have had to work together the past 5 1/2 years. Pray for both of us as we transition over the next two months in preparation for her return to Alaska in January. Petition the Lord to make clear his plans for Team Kharkov and for Amanda and Oleg as they begin their lives together early in 2013.

As always, your prayers and encouragement mean so much not only to Amanda and me, but to multitudes in the Kharkov region of Ukraine! Thank you for being an integral part of Team Kharkov!

IMPACTing the Kharkov Region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests October 14th-20th

2012-10-14T01:25:00.000+03:00

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)

For the past month or more we have asked you to join us in praying for knowledge of his will and his plans for Amanda and I as we both begin new phases of this journey called "life in Christ." Yet as I read this passage this morning, I was convicted that if I truly desire to know and walk in his will, I must choose to let go of the the "road map" of the world so imprinted on my heart and mind to allow the Holy Spirit to continue the transformation of my heart and mind - renewed, restored, and refreshed by the power of his Word.

I'm reminded of just how difficult choosing to let go of the ways of the world might be as I become reacquainted with life in the states. I find my senses overwhelmed by the abundance of choices regardless of where I might find myself - not only those choices for which I might pay a price financially, but also the choices I am given for expending my time, my energy, and my heart. Pray for Amanda and I as we continue to walk the steps ordained by the Lord so that we might both "be able to test and approve" God's good, pleasing and perfect will.

Thank you for praying for my journey back to the states last Monday. I give praise to the Lord for his answer throughout a long, but uneventful trip.

Following are other ways you can join us in prayer through this coming week:

- We give thanks to the Lord for moving the visa process along for Oleg and Amanda. Pray for Amanda as she contacts the embassy in Kiev for interviews and continues packing up her apartment prior to a move to another apartment in mid-November, with a planned move to Alaska in January.

- Intercede for me (Linda) as I continue to prepare to share with churches in the states about opportunities to partner with Team Kharkov in the future. Ask the Lord to grant me his heart, his mind, and his plans for reaching across culture to lead Ukrainians to the cross of Christ.

Grace/New Hope Church Building

- Praise to the Lord for how he has provided the necessary funds for Grace and New Hope Churches to begin securing the required documents for their church building. Pastor Andre of Grace was to meet with authorities this past Thursday. Please continue to pray for the pastors and their churches as they continue the process. Petition the Lord to go before them as they represent their churches before authorities in the Kharkov region, seeking to walking in obedience to the law even as they obey the Lord.

- Pray for Amanda as she continues to lead the The Book Club through the book of Hebrews. Ask the Lord to move in the hearts and minds of those who attend to bring them to a knowledge of their need for a personal relationship with Christ and a desire to submit to him as Lord.

- I will travel on Friday from Little Rock to Olive Branch, Mississippi (near Memphis) to meet with past and future Mississippi volunteer team members, as well as church staff. I will also have the opportunity to share during Sunday services at Longview Heights Baptist Church. Pray the Father would speak to each of our hearts and minds as we meet, pray, and worship together.

- Ask the Lord to grant me wisdom as I continue to seek his will in sharing with churches over the next 3 months. Pray I will not miss those opportunities he is providing, but also, that I will take the time to allow him to refresh and renew me physically and spiritually.

Thank you for coming alongside Amanda and I through your prayers. Your partnership is vital in preparing not only the hearts of those to whom we will minister, but in preparing and protecting our hearts as well. Know that we do not take lightly your commitment to undergird our daily lives as you intercede for us.

IMPACTing the Kharkov region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests October 7th-13th

2012-10-06T11:48:00.001+03:00

"Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock." (Isaiah 26:4)

Pastors Vitaly Sorokun (New Hope) and Andre Rezynenko (Grace Church) want to express their thanks for your prayers and support of their respective churches this past week. They continue to seek the Father's plan, and his will, in resolving the legal issues concerning the church building. If they do nothing, they face considerable fines and charges from the government, so regardless of how the Father leads them, they cling to the promises of our Rock - the LORD GOD - alone.

Sunday, October 7th I will depart from Kharkov this morning on the express train to begin my journey to the states. My flight (23 hour journey including 3 legs and layovers) from Kiev to Little Rock takes off Monday morning at 6:40 a.m. Kiev time. As I write this, I still have some packing to do, and final preparations in my apartment. I would ask you to intercede for me on the journey - for rest along the way, but also for opportunities to share the hope of Christ with those I may encounter. Pray for me as well, as I spend time this week preparing for the opportunities the Lord has granted for sharing with churches in the states in the weeks ahead.

Monday, October 8th Petition the Father to grant our brothers in Christ favor as they meet with government officials today concerning the church building in Saltavka. Pray the Lord would grant them wisdom and knowledge of His perfect will in a situation that by man's perception would appear without hope.

Tuesday, October 9th Pray for Amanda as she meets with a Ukrainian believer today (Olga) for a time of fellowship, and as she continues going through the process of packing up her apartment. Ask the Lord to grant her wisdom in knowing what to hold on to, what to release, and favor in selling those items they do not need to keep.

Breaking Free Group

Wednesday, October 10th The New Hope Breaking Free group will continue their study tonight with different members of the group facilitating each week. Pray the Lord would continue to work in their hearts and minds by the power of his Word, and through the Holy Spirit to bring them to a place of freedom in Christ.

Thursday, October 11th The video is one of many taken during my last time with "The Book Club" english group before leaving for the states. It is hard to say goodbye even for a few months to folks who have become great friends. Pray for Amanda as she continues to guide their journey through the book of Hebrews. Ask the Lord to bring each and every person in this group into a personal and intimate relationship with him through Jesus Christ!

Friday, October 12th Please continue to pray for the cell group outreach of New Hope International Church. Some of the groups have been gathering at a nearby mall food court on Friday evenings to meet international students and invite them to New Hope services. Ask the Lord to continue to add many to the body of Christ through this church.

Saturday, October 13th Pray for Pastor Igor Zhukov and members of New Hope Ukrainian church as they gather to worship each Sunday. Ask the Lord to direct their path to find a new meeting place to rent.

Amanda and I both covet your prayers - for Amanda as she completes this part of the journey the Lord has for her in Kharkov, and for me as I transition to serving as the only person from our company in the Kharkov region.

IMPACTing the Kharkov region with the love of Christ!

Urgent Request for Grace & New Hope Churches

2012-10-01T12:11:00.000+03:00

"The Lord is my Shepherd.....He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters...." (Psalm 23:1-2) Pastor Vitaly Sorokun at New Hope Church preached from this psalm yesterday, particularly teaching and encouraging the International students who attend to not allow fear of living in this culture and facing the unknown to overwhelm them. Our Good Shepherd is in control! Pastor Vitaly and Pastor Andre (Grace Church) had the opportunity to put the truth of his message into practice this morning.

Several months ago, we shared with you that authorities in Kharkov had filed a lawsuit against New Hope and Grace Church (they share a building) stating that the documents for their building were not legal, and that the building codes were not adhered to when it was built. This occurred less than a year after the churches spent thousands of dollars to complete all the "necessary" and "legal" documentation for the building where the churches meet. In the past few months, the church and Pastor Vitaly Sorokun, who is a lawyer as well as pastor of New Hope Church, have appealed to higher courts.

Pastor V called this morning to say that this past week, the Supreme Court upheld the lower court's judgment against Grace & New Hope Church. The city government could take ownership of the building, and the churches would then have to rent at a very high cost, or they could even tear the building down. However, Pastor V said after meeting with building inspectors today, there is a possibility to get documentation done for the building utilizing a ruling that is in effect only until the end of the year, but the cost is beyond what the churches have available.

Pastor Vitaly knows we are blessed with prayer partners who lift up the needs of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, and called to request prayer for them as they seek the Lord's will. They are prepared to use all the money they have on hand in both churches if that is the Father's will, but it is not enough to accomplish the task. Intercede for the Lord to grant both Vitaly and Pastor Andre wisdom as they walk through this process. Pray for the Lord to show Himself mighty on their behalf, for His glory, honor, and praise.

Thank you for your prayers for His people in Kharkov, Ukraine!

(For those who are not familiar with the history of this church/building, our personnel and many volunteer teams have worked alongside both churches for the past 15 years.)

Team Kharkov Requests September 30th-October 6th

2012-09-29T14:44:00.000+03:00

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (Proverbs 1:7)

Roma Brothers with Joe and I

Wisdom.....often over the past months, when I have asked for prayer needs from Ukrainian believers, the primary request has been: "Please pray I will have wisdom." Even in The Book Club english group on Thursday, that was the first "need" that was voiced. According to the verse above, the root of wisdom begins with me having a "healthy" fear of the Lord. I have experienced too often the consequences of following my own wisdom, leading an undisciplined life, to not have a fear of the Lord! But it is a fear born out of the knowledge of his love for me, and his desire for me to follow so closely behind him that his plan for my life is unfolded day by day.

Friday afternoon, Joe Ragan (serving in Donetsk, Ukraine) and I met for 3 hours with Roma (Gypsy) brothers at a Roma church in the town of Merifa, just 15 minutes from Kharkov to discuss the possibility of future ministry opportunities. Shown in the picture from the left: Rustam - pastor of the Merifa church; Vova - who lives and serves in the city of Balaklaya but helps with Roma work all over Ukraine; Yan - a deacon at the Merifa church; Joe Ragan, and me. Again, as we prayed before leaving, our hearts asked for the Lord's wisdom as we consider what the Lord is doing, and how he would have us to join him. May each of us seek the Lord, and his wisdom, in making decisions that impact us, our families, our neighbors, and, perhaps, the world, for eternity!

Sunday, September 30th Pastor Igor and the members of New Hope Ukrainian church are in the process off seeking a place to rent where they can meet for services and small group ministry. The women I met with this week for a baking "class" (shown in the photo below) shared they had found a place near the center of Kharkov that they are praying about renting. Intercede for this body of believers as they ask the Lord for wisdom and knowledge of his will.

New Hope women enjoying some of the sweets they baked!

Monday, October 1st I will meet this evening with Zhenya and Natasha Molodchy (and their 3 children) to discuss plans for volunteer teams and ministry when I return from the states in late January. Our plea, again, is for wisdom, and for the Holy Spirit to direct our paths individually and corporately in the months ahead. Pray for Zhenya as he helps me to "connect" with pastors and church leaders in the Kharkov region.

Tuesday, October 2nd This past Saturday we gathered with Amanda and her fiancé Oleg to celebrate their engagement and future wedding. We praise the Lord for how he is moving the visa application along for Oleg. Please continue to pray for them as they make decisions about personal items they have from their homes. Pray the Lord will provide buyers for items they choose to get rid of before moving to Alaska in January, 2013.

Wednesday, October 3rd This will be my last meeting with the group from New Hope studying Breaking Free. Praise to the Father for those in the group who are already doing a wonderful job of facilitating the study each week. Pray they will be faithful to continue to meet and finish the study. Ask the Lord to bring new women into the group when they move to another study.

Thursday, October 4th The Book Club will continue to meet each Thursday evening in my apartment during my time in the states, with Amanda leading the group through the study of Hebrews. Pray the Lord would continue to work in the hearts and minds of each person who comes, drawing each one who is not yet a follower of Christ into that personal relationship, and strengthening and growing those who are followers of Christ.

Friday, October 5th Pray for me as I try to take care of any "loose ends" before my departure on Sunday for Kiev, with a Monday morning flight to the states. Ask the Lord to grant me his heart, and wisdom, as I prepare to share with churches in the states about the people of the Kharkov region of Ukraine. Pray for Alex, Yana, and their infant son, Hector, as they prepare to live in my home for the next 3 1/2 months.

Saturday, October 6th Last Saturday, Pastor Vitaly Sorokun and New Hope International Church led a "Welcome to Kharkov" orientation meeting for international students who have just arrived in Kharkov for study. They invited international students new to the area, with the desire to help them avoid some of the issues others have faced as well as enjoying a time of fellowship. They will continue offering these meetings every week until mid-December. Pray for the Lord to bless this outreach through bringing new students who are already believers into the fellowship of New Hope, and laying foundations of true faith in the lives of those who are not yet believers.

I am asking the Lord to grant me opportunities to see many of you face to face while I am in the states the next few months. Your prayers are so vital to the work the Father has called us to do in the Kharkov region. Thank you even now for your faithful intercession, encouragement, and support!

IMPACTing the Kharkov region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests September 23rd-29th

2012-09-22T17:37:00.000+03:00

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God......Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed." (Romans 13:1, 7)

YEAH! New Temporary Residency Cards in our hands!

Over the past 3 months all of our personnel in Ukraine have been confronted with the necessity to leave Ukraine to secure new visas, then return to go through the long process of receiving temporary residency permits. Requirements have been different in almost every region of the country, since the law is new for the Ukrainian authorities as well as for foreigners living in Ukraine.

While it is easy to be critical of how things are done when they don't necessarily conform to our cultural ideas, I have been reminded throughout this process of God's command to honor and respect those in authority - for they are only in those positions of authority by his will. Join us in praising the Father for the opportunities we had through this process to begin relationships with some of those in authority, and for answered prayer in getting our permits signed, sealed, and delivered!

Sunday, September 23rd Churches throughout Ukraine will hold "Zhatva" services on a chosen Sunday in September or October. Pray the "Lord of the Harvest" will use these times of celebration and thanksgiving to plant the seed of the Word in the lives of not-yet-believers who attend these services with family and friends.

Monday, September 24th Two weeks from today I will depart from Kiev for the states for a 3 1/2 month stateside assignment. Pray for me as I continue to make decisions for scheduling opportunities to share about the work in Kharkov with churches in the states and time for renewal with family and friends. Petition the Lord to grant me knowledge of his will in meeting with Ukrainian pastors and church personnel in these last 2 weeks in anticipation of sharing how Southern Baptists in the states can come alongside Ukrainian believers through short-term mission trips and strategic prayer in the Kharkov region of Ukraine.

Tuesday, September 25th We praise the Father for how he is impacting lives through Living Hope Baptist Church and Pastor Sergei Datsko. The church has a vision for offering hot meals and a place to get out of the winter weather for the homeless in Kharkov during the winter months. Pray for the Lord's provision for workers and supplies as they share the love of Christ with "the least of these" in the Kharkov region.

Wednesday, September 26th Women from New Hope Baptist Church (Ukrainian) continue the "Breaking Free" study each Wednesday night, usually completing only one or two days of the weekly lesson. Their desire is to not only complete the study, but to allow the Lord to transform their lives. Intercede for the truth of the gospel to bring those who are not-yet-believers into a relationship with Christ, and for those who are followers of Christ to grow more deeply in their relationship.

Amanda teaching from Hebrews 1

Thursday, September 27th "We need to know more about Jesus!" That was the response from one of the women who has attended The Book Club english group for the past 6 years when we asked what we should study next. This past Thursday, we had 18 come to begin a journey through the book of Hebrews for that very purpose. Petition the Father to change the hearts, minds, and lives of each and every person who attends.

Friday, September 28th Continue to intercede for the cell groups meeting on Friday evenings in apartments and hostels through the ministry of New Hope International Church. Ask the Lord to bring many not-yet-believers into these groups, and cause them to desire to follow after Christ. Pray for additional groups to be started throughout the city of Kharkov among the thousands of university students - both international and Ukrainian.

Saturday, September 29th This afternoon and evening, Amanda and Oleg will have an "Engagement Party" to share with family and friends the joy of what the Lord is doing in their lives. Pray for this time of fellowship to be an opportunity for those who are not-yet-believers to be filled with a desire to know Christ as pastors from several churches share. Pray for a time of encouragement and overflowing joy during the festivities of the evening.

We give thanks to the Father for the teams he is already leading to come to Kharkov in 2013. If you would like more information, I would love to share with you how you might partner with us and our Ukrainian brothers and sisters in Christ through a short-term mission trip. If you would like to know more, or meet together personally while I am in the states, please don't hesitate to write me at lgkharkov@gmail.com.

IMPACTing the Kharkov Region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests September 14th-22nd

2012-09-14T16:15:00.002+03:00

Sixty beautiful sisters in Christ!

"To you, O Lord, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me.....Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary." (Psalm 28:1-2) "Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD!" (Psalm 134:2)

Thank you so much for your prayers for our women's retreat held a week ago in southern Ukraine. We had a week of perfect weather, beautiful fellowship, and soaking in the Word of God. What a joy it was to watch as women of all ages who had never seen the sea played like small children in and around the waters of the Azov Sea!

We had the opportunity to renew and deepen relationships with the women we knew, and begin new relationships with all those we had not met before. Ask the Lord to grant us future opportunities to encourage and share with the women in the Kharkov region of Ukraine.
(A photo set/slideshow from our camp can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com//photos/37981119@N06/sets/72157631533722598/show/)

Friday, September 14th We praise the Father for laying upon the hearts of international students attending New Hope Church the desire to start new cell groups in their apartments and/or hostels. Tonight, four new groups will begin in the city of Kharkov. Intercede for those who attend to be passionate about following hard after Christ even though they are thousands of miles away from their homes and families.

Saturday, September 15th Pastor V (Vitaly Sorokun) is filled with anticipation and excitement over the cell groups being started through New Hope. A 5th group will begin to meet outside of the city at the Agricultural University, with focused outreach to French-speaking African students. Pray this ministry will provide a place where many students will come to know Christ, and grow in their knowledge of Him.

Sunday, September 16th Amanda and I will attend New Hope International church this morning to have an opportunity to renew relationships with the young women from last year's international group. Pray for Pastor V as he seeks the Lord's plans for outreach to the thousands of international students and business persons in the city of Kharkov. Ask the Lord to call out men within this church to work alongside Pastor V.

Monday, September 17th We continue the process of registration to meet the official requirements for living in Ukraine. We hope to return to the local "Zhack" (administration) today to start the last step of this process, after a "detour" last week when one of our documents was not notarized. We are thankful for Tatiana, the administrator, who wants to help us through the process when we have the proper documents. Pray for our documents to arrive this morning so we can meet with her, and for the "light of Christ" to shine through our lives, granting Tatiana a desire to know the Source of that light!

Tuesday, September 18th Pray for me (Linda) as I plan media and speaking presentations to share with churches in the states over the next few months. Petition the Lord to fill me with a knowledge of his will for future ministry in the Kharkov region, and how American churches might partner with us in his plans.

Wednesday, September 19th The "Breaking Free" group from New Hope Ukrainian church continues to meet each Wednesday evening. I praise him for giving the women a desire to continue to meet and facilitate the group on their own, and for the joy of being a part of what he is doing in their lives. Pray for Luda, Anya, and Olya - three not-yet-believers who have been drawn by the Spirit to come almost every week. Ask the Lord to cause the gospel which has been shared with them to lead to the fruit of repentance and new life in Christ.

Thursday, September 20th "The Book Club" English group will begin meeting tonight after the summer break. This will be the 7th year this group has met, and some of the members of that original group continue to come and not only study English, but also the Bible through storying. Pray for Amanda as she leads this group until January, possibly through the book of Hebrews. Ask the Lord to bring exactly those he has chosen into the group, and to draw each one who is not yet a believer into a relationship with Christ.

Friday, September 21st Pray for me (Linda) as I travel to Dnipropetrovsk today to spend time with Mike and Linda Ray, our team leader. This will be an opportunity to learn more about how to coordinate volunteer teams, work with our Ukrainian partners, and prepare more fully for my return as a single member on Team Kharkov in January. Pray for a time of sweet fellowship even as they share their "expertise" with me!

Saturday, September 22nd Please continue to pray for Amanda and Oleg as they continue through the visa process for Oleg. Ask the Lord to grant them continuing peace and knowledge of his will for each step of the way as they let go of their lives here in the months to come, and plan for their new future life together.

I praise the Lord for the opportunities he is granting for my time in the states for the next 4 months. Please continue to pray for me to have wisdom and knowledge of his will as I continue to schedule my time with the family of God, my own family, and my friends.

IMPACTing the Kharkov Region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests September 2nd-8th

2012-09-01T11:51:00.001+03:00

"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice,....(Psalm 95:6-7) "If only you would hear his voice......"

In Aramaic, the language Jesus often spoke, the word for prayer was "shela" (pronounced shalu). The word has the meaning "to open oneself" or "to listen to." The daily prayer devotional, "Connection," said "seen in this way, prayer was the very breath of His life."

As Jesus talked with his Father over many long nights, he not only spoke, but he listened. He "soaked" in the presence of his Father, and I can only imagine he came away renewed, refreshed, and prepared for the new day the Father had before him by the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray that each of us will take the time to be still before our Father, pouring out our heart when it is overflowing with petitions, but then listening for his answer.

New Hope International Church will begin services tomorrow (Sunday) at 9:00 a.m., welcoming back many of the students who have returned to study, and beginning relationships with new students as they come to the services. Pastor Vitaly Sorokun has asked us to pray for those who are being trained as leaders of small groups and other outreach ministries in the church. Their desire is to have at least 6 - 8 small groups meeting in apartments and hostels throughout the city this school year. Ask the Father to lay a strong foundation of discipleship and accountability for this church. Intercede for Pastor V to be filled with wisdom and knowledge of the Lord's will as he guides this young body of believers.

Also on Sunday, Amanda and I will be traveling with about 55-60 other women to southern Ukraine for a week-long women's camp. The women are widows and single women from the Kharkov region. Pray for safety in the journey (I will be driving), for wonderful fellowship for the women as they travel on the bus, and for a restful night of sleep after we arrive.

Would you join us each day in prayer for all of us? Amanda and I will be teaching from the book of Colossians each morning. I will teach on Monday morning, then we will alternate mornings throughout the week (Amanda on Tuesday, me again on Wednesday, etc.) We have scheduled the daily activities for the week to give each person an opportunity to rest, to fellowship, to worship, and most of all, to hear from the Lord.

Pray for each of us to be able to find that place of quiet throughout the week where the Lord might speak to our hearts individually. Intercede for those who will be there who are either not-yet-believers, or who are struggling in their walk with the Lord. Pray this will be a week when each of us will encounter our heavenly Father by the power of the Holy Spirit in such a way that each of our lives will be transformed!

We will return to Kharkov on Saturday, September 8th. Amanda and I will begin the return earlier in the day, while the bus will return later. Again, intercede for traveling safety and ease for the journey.

We look forward to sharing with you next Sunday (when I have time to write again) how the Father answered our prayers. Thank you for your faithful intercession for us, and for the people of the Kharkov region of Ukraine!

IMPACTing the Kharkov Region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Prayer Requests August 26th-September 1st

2012-08-24T22:39:00.001+03:00

"When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." (Psalm 94:18-19 NIV)

Thursday morning I woke up before dawn....not that unusual for me, but I usually go back to sleep for just a little while. This time, however, that was not to be. Over the next hour, as I prayed and sought to return to sleep (and peace) I found myself going to a place of anxiety. That feeling continued as I began my usual morning routine - walking Shadow, getting my first cup of coffee, and sitting down with the Word.
As I began reading, I got on the internet to check a Scripture reference. As the web page opened, I was greeted by the "verse of the day" which just "happened" to be Psalm 94:18-19. Immediately, I knew my Papa was reminding me that he is ALWAYS near, ALWAYS supporting me by his unfailing love. The enemy began to lose his grip on my emotions, and as the day progressed, I returned to that Word from my Father frequently. But he had even more for me, prompting a dear friend to send an unexpected word of encouragement, and her obedience to that prompting blessed me yet further.

As Amanda and I anticipate great changes in our lives over the next months - Amanda's upcoming wedding, and my return from the states to be the only one of our personnel on Team Kharkov - your prayers are used by our Father to strengthen and encourage us in ways only the Lord knows. We give him praise, honor, and glory for the constant and unfailing love that leads us to great joy as we lean on him in greater and greater measure.

Sunday, August 26th Pray for Sergei and Marina Datsko's daughter Alyssa as she is married today in Living Hope Church in Kharkov. Ask the Lord to fill Alyssa and her husband Dima's home with his presence. Pray their lives will be a testimony of his grace, mercy, and love as they are united in marriage.

Monday, August 27th We praise the Lord for the continuing assistance of Pastor Vitaly Sorokun as we wade through the new process for registration after getting new visas. Intercede for Amanda and I, along with Pastor V, as we go to the Ovir (Office of Visa & Registration) on Tuesday afternoon to submit our paperwork. We have a short timeframe to work with, and will be gone next week for a women's conference. Ask the Lord to grant us favor in processing our paperwork in "record time!" (It can take 10 -14 days)

Tuesday, August 28th Thank you for your prayers for our journey to visit the Roma church in Merifa last Sunday. We are thankful for the time of fellowship and sharing we had with Pastor Rustan (front row right with his wife Marina and daughter) and other believers at this church. Pray for our colleague Joe Ragan and I as we seek God's plan for coming alongside our Roma (Gypsy) brothers and sisters in Christ in each of our regions respectively. Ask the Lord to call out volunteers to work with us in encouraging the Roma followers of Jesus in this region of the country.

Wednesday, August 29th Petition the Lord to grant Pastor Vitaly Sorokun and his wife Anna wisdom as they develop plans for New Hope International Church for the coming year. Pastor V specifically asks us to bathe the students and the church leaders in prayer as they seek to lay a foundation of faith and unity in this church. Pray the Lord will draw many international students into this fellowship as they return to Kharkov after summer break.

Thursday, August 30th Pray for the women's retreat leadership team as we meet today for the last time today before leaving on Sunday for the retreat. Ask the Lord to give us unity of heart and mind that he might accomplish his purposes in his way in the lives of each of the 62 women who will be at the camp.

Friday, August 31st The end of the summer brings the promise of gathering many together in the months to come to share the love of Christ. Pray for churches throughout the Kharkov region to be empowered by the Spirit of God, reaching out to their communities and their cities with the love of Christ. Ask the Lord to meet the needs of the pastors in this region as many work at other jobs to support their families while seeking to pastor the body of Christ.

Saturday, September 1st The first day of September - "The Day of Knowledge"- always brings the "first bell," when children gather at each school with parents and grandparents to ring in the new school year. Many Baptist churches will start their Sunday School for children in September as well after a summer break. Petition the Lord to raise up teachers committed to Christ that they might impact the lives of their students with his love. Pray for children and their parents in communities throughout the city of Kharkov to be drawn to worship the One True God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

IMPACTing the Kharkov Region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests August 19th-25th

2012-08-18T19:56:00.000+03:00

"Call to me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3)

As I was walking to the large square near my apartment the other day, I passed person after person carrying on a conversation with someone on their cell phone. Immediately my heart went to my need to be that "connected" to the Lord.....to instantly call upon Him along any part of my journey throughout the day, and to be ready to answer his call when he desires to speak to me. May my ears and my heart be attuned to his voice to listen as he shares with me those "great and unsearchable things" I have yet to know.

Sunday, August 19th Our colleague in Donetsk (Joe Ragan) will be driving to Kharkov today to attend the Roma (gypsy) church with me in Merifa. He met with believers in a small city in his area that are asking how they might help the Roma in their city begin a church. Pray for Joe, Pastor Rustan (Roma pastor in Merifa) and I as we talk following their service on Sunday evening. Ask the Lord to grant Joe wisdom in helping the church in the Donetsk region who have a desire to reach out to the Roma.

Monday, August 20th  Thank you for your prayers for our time in Zmeeov with Pastor Yuri Poshtak and the church there. We praise God for all he is doing in and through this small body of believers. Intercede for Pastor Yuri and Olga as they labor daily in the hard "soil" of Zmeeov. Pray the seeds that have been planted in the hearts of those around the church would take root, causing many to recognize their need for the Savior.

Tuesday, August 21st  Last Sunday, New Hope Church (Ukrainian) accepted into their fellowship their new pastor, Igor Zukov. The Lord has led Pastor Vitaly Sorokun to focus his ministry on New Hope International church and the international teaching/discipleship ministry he has worked with for many years. Pray for Pastor Igor and the body of Christ at New Hope as they seek the Lord's plan for continuing ministry in the Saltavka region of Kharkov. Petition the Father to strengthen the New Hope International church and ministry of Pastor Vitaly in the months ahead.

Wednesday, August 22nd  We praise the Lord for continuing to draw 3 not-yet-believers to the women's Breaking Free study on Wednesday nights. Pray the power of the Word will penetrate and permeate the lives of each of these women, as well as continuing to strengthen and encourage all of us as we study together.

Thursday, August 23rd  Thank you for your prayers for the financial needs for the women's retreat. The Lord compelled the owner of the retreat center (who is a believer) to keep the daily charge at the same rate as originally quoted. Pray for the Lord to bless the owner even as she has blessed the 60 women who will be gathering for the retreat in September. Ask the Father to provide all the necessary funding and travel arrangements needed to get each of the women to southern Ukraine for the retreat.

Friday, August 24th Over 45 million Ukrainians today will celebrate Independence Day, commemorating 21 years of independence from the former Soviet Union. Yet almost 98% have never experienced true freedom that can only come through a personal relationship with Christ. Please continue to intercede on behalf of Ukrainian followers of Christ who seek to impact their nation for eternity with the love of Christ.

Saturday, August 25th  With only a week remaining before the official start of classes in Ukraine, we will host a picnic and softball game today for New Hope International Church, New Hope Ukrainian Baptist Church, and The Book Club English group. Ask the Lord to grant us a day when the light of the Son will shine through his people as we gather together for fellowship. Pray for opportunities for fellowship with not-yet-believers during our picnic time and beyond.

Pray for Amanda and I both as we prepare for time in the states - for Amanda as she and Oleg look forward to their marriage and to the Father's plan for their lives, and for me as I schedule time with churches and family in the states, and prepare to share with others what the Lord is doing in and through his people in the Kharkov region of Ukraine.

IMPACTing the Kharkov Region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Thank you for your prayers for our time with Pastor Yuri in Zmeeov last Sunday.

Team Kharkov Requests August 12th-18th

2012-08-11T12:03:00.002+03:00

"Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens" (Psalm 96:1-5)

For over 2 weeks, much of the world has been captivated and tuned in to the 2012 Summer Olympics. I haven't had much opportunity to watch them, but I try to read about some of the athletes when they are mentioned in sports headlines online. One in particular, Gabby Douglas, stands out in my memory this morning because she simply gave all the glory for her performance to the Lord. Others have bowed on the track, or raised a finger to the sky, or in some other way seemed to acknowledge the LORD , but her "tweet" just before the all-around competition so simply stated truth: "Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things He does for me."

I am in awe of all the good things He does for me, including allowing me to live out my life at this time in a place called Kharkov, Ukraine! As a child of the King, my task, regardless of my giftedness, regardless of where I am, or what I am doing in this moment, is to use my life to declare his glory! As I read out of Psalm 96 this morning, the words of a song by Gateway Worship called "Glorify You Alone" kept filling my heart and mind.
   "You alone are worthy of our praise forever.
   You alone are seated on the throne of heaven....
   glorify, glorify You alone....."
(You can listen to this song by Gateway Worship at http://youtu.be/iMPqi_W4x0g)

Join with us (Amanda and I) in praying that our lives would "declare his glory" among the people of the Kharkov oblast by all that we say and do! Would you also intercede for me personally, that I would turn away from any "worthless idols" in my own life, and keep my eyes fixed on the One who alone is worthy of praise!

Sunday, August 12th  We will attend worship services in Zmeeov this morning with Pastor Yuri and his church family. After services, we will discuss possibilities for working alongside them in the future. Pray the Lord will speak clearly to our hearts and minds concerning His plan for partnership in reaching the community of Zmeeov with the love of Christ.

Monday, August 13th  We will meet today with Nadia Morokovetz and the planning team for a September women's retreat for widows and single women. At this time over 70 women have made plans to attend this 6 day event. However, Nadia received word this past week that the center where the retreat to be held plans to raise the cost per person per day for the original quoted price, raising the cost for the week per person to almost $100. Petition the Lord to show himself mighty on behalf of his daughters by either turning the heart of the owner of the center to reduce the price, or provide in a way that gives him all the glory!

Tuesday, August 14th Last weekend Amanda and Oleg had the opportunity to have engagement pictures taken at an outdoor museum on the outskirts of Kiev. Their hope and desire is to have a late October or early November wedding in her hometown of Anchorage, Alaska so that they will not have to plan around the holidays. All is dependent upon when Oleg is able to receive his visa to go to the states. Pray the Lord would grant approval for the visa in time to make their desire a reality. Intercede for them as they pack up their separate "lives" (and apartments) in Kharkov in anticipation of their move to the other side of the world.

Wednesday, August 15th  The women's group from New Hope Ukrainian church continue to meet and study "Breaking Free" each Wednesday. Pray for each of our hearts to be set free in the presence of our Savior. Ask the Father to bring healing and hope into the lives of each of the women participating.

Thursday, August 16th  We praise the Lord for the ease with which we got new visas in Budapest. Pray for Pastor Vitaly Sorokun and for us as we "navigate" the offices of officials in the Kharkov region to secure registration. Intercede for those in authority as they seek to understand the new laws as well. Pray all our documents necessary for registration will be accepted without problem by those in authority that this process may be completed quickly and smoothly.

Friday, August 17th In less than 2 months, I will leave for my scheduled time in the states. Pray for me as I seek the Lord's plan for future work upon my return in January to Kharkov. Ask the Lord to enable me to articulate his vision for churches in the states to come alongside our Ukrainian brothers and sisters through partnership in prayer, in giving through the Cooperative Program and Lottie Moon offering, and in coming as volunteers. Pray the Father will raise up churches in the states with a passion for being used for his glory to reach the people of this region of Ukraine.

Saturday, August 18th  Pray for Amanda and I as we prepare to teach together from Colossians for the women's retreat September 2nd-8th. May we have a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit into and through our lives as we open the Word of Truth. Pray that even as we study in preparation that our hearts would be changed by his Word.

To God alone.....ALL glory, honor, and praise!

On The Road Again!

2012-08-05T11:13:00.003+03:00

Amanda and I will both be on the road (or in the air) again today.....Amanda taking the evening train from Kiev to Kharkov, and I will be flying to Kiev in a few hours from Budapest. We both return with new visas and will begin the process of registration as soon as possible (we have 45 days to get it done).

I am having computer "issues" - my macbook hard drive crashed after trying to install the new "Mountain Lion" system so I am working from scratch until I get home to my back up file - which is the reason for the short prayer requests today.

Please pray for us as we travel, and as we get started on the registration process. Intercede also as we visit various churches/pastors in the weeks to come to seek the Father's plan for volunteer teams for 2013.

Thank you as always for your prayer covering for both of us!

Amanda & Linda

Team Kharkov

Team Kharkov Requests July 29th-August 3rd

2012-07-29T09:34:00.001+03:00

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us," (Hebrews 12:1 NIV)

Amanda & Linda in Ouranoupoli, Greece

Thank you for your prayers for our meeting in Greece last week. The Father blessed us with great times of fellowship, renewal, refreshment, encouragement, and worship as over 1100 gathered together in one place. We praise him for inhabiting the praises of his people as we worshipped in our own language with others who simply wanted to exalt him, praise him, and worship before his throne.

It was also an opportunity for me to meet with colleagues to discuss future work in Kharkov after Amanda leaves the field to be married this fall. I came away from our time there with a renewed passion to "run with perseverance the race marked out for" me personally, and eager to return to discover the plans he has for reaching those who are not yet believers in the Kharkov region of Ukraine.

Sunset over the sea

Amanda and I have just concluded a four day vacation in an area outside of Thessaloniki, and are preparing to fly now to Budapest to renew our visas, where I will also have my annual post-cancer check-up. Please join us in praying for our visas to be processed without any difficulties, and for my check-up to be completed quickly. We need to get back to Kharkov to begin the new registration process, so we are praying the Lord would grant both of us visas and opportunity to return to Ukraine, and to Kharkov within the coming week.

While we are in Budapest, Amanda and I will be prayerfully working on teachings in Colossians for a women's retreat in early September. While we will be using some material from last summer's retreat in another area, we will have 2 more days of sharing from Colossians with the women than we had last summer. Ask the Father through the Holy Spirit to guide our hearts and minds as we prepare.

I (Linda) will continue to schedule my stateside time through the coming weeks. Pray for me to have wisdom in scheduling my time, and that I will know where he would have me to go to share about the Kharkov region of Ukraine while in the states..

As soon as we return to Kharkov, we will begin meeting with pastors in the Kharkov region in preparation for volunteer teams, and possible partnerships with Ukrainian churches when I return next January. Intercede for me to have knowledge of his will - eyes to see, and ears to hear - as I begin to build relationships with pastors and women ministry leaders in the Kharkov region.

Your prayers are so very vital to tearing down the multitudes of strongholds in Eastern Ukraine! Thank you for continuing to be partners in this labor of love through the power of your prayers!

IMPACTing the Kharkov Region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests July 15th-29th

2012-07-14T19:49:00.001+03:00

"I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20)

This verse from Galatians is our "theme" verse for our upcoming gathering in Greece with our colleagues from throughout Europe. We are privileged and blessed to have the opportunity to meet together to refresh, renew, encourage, and pray for one another.

As Amanda and I prepare to depart on Tuesday morning, we are also getting a team from Green Valley Baptist in Birmingham into place for construction ministry at Living Hope Church in Kharkov. Tomorrow they will attend and participate in 2 services - in the morning at Living Hope (Pastor Sergei Datsko), and tomorrow afternoon at New Hope (Pastor Vitaly Sorokun).

We give praise to the Father for the 12 men and women who arrived safely in Kharkov this afternoon. On Monday, 6 will work alongside our Ukrainian brothers at Living Hope on construction, while the rest of the team will travel to a children's camp to work with a ministry to orphans.

Join us in praying for the Lord to be lifted up during this week through the ministry of their hands and hearts. Ask the Father to grant them safety as they work on construction at Living Hope.

Pray for our journey from Kharkov, to Kiev, then on to Athens beginning early Tuesday morning our time. We will be in Athens for 2 days where I (Linda) will meet with other prayer coordinators from our European affinity, while Amanda will have some time to see the city. We will prayerwalk in Athens on Wednesday afternoon. Ask the Lord to grant us opportunities to share the love of Christ with people while in Athens. Pray with us as we prayerwalk, that barriers to the gospel will be demolished by the power of Christ through our prayers.

From Thursday, July 19th to Tuesday, July 24th we will be with over 700 colleagues and their children. Each day we will have the opportunity to sing and worship, as well as hear the Word proclaimed in our heart language. We will also meet with those within our own "cluster" (the Black Sea Orthodox Cluster) and in small group training sessions covering a wide range of topics.

I also covet your prayers as I (Linda) meet with supervisors to discuss future ministry in Kharkov following Amanda's upcoming wedding. Pray this time away would allow my heart and mind to focus on His voice, His Word, and His plan for the year to come.

Petition the Father to grant us a wonderful time of renewing relationships with friends who live throughout Europe. Pray for each of us to experience a refreshing through the Holy Spirit and that each of those attending, colleagues and volunteers from the states, would leave this time with a renewed passion through being "crucified with Christ."

Tuesday, July 24th, Amanda, Joe Ragan, and myself will embark on a 4 day vacation to Thessaloniki and other sites in the area. Pray for us as we travel by bus, train, and automobile throughout the day. Intercede for each one to have a sweet time of fellowship with one another and with the Lord through the days of rest.

We will return to Athens on Saturday, July 28th, then fly to Budapest on July 29th for visa renewal for Amanda and I, and for my annual check up. If possible during the next 2 weeks, I will try to share updates on our blog and/or Team Kharkov page on Facebook. Please cover us, our colleagues, and all the volunteers with your prayers for safety in travel and throughout our time together.

IMPACTing the Kharkov Region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests July 8th-14th

2012-07-08T17:33:00.000+03:00

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose" (Phil. 2:13).

Pastor Rustan of Merifa praying for new believers

Thank you for joining us through your prayers last Sunday as we traveled to attend services at a Roma (Gypsy) church in the city of Merifa. The day before, they baptized 3 new believers, and had a time of praying a blessing over them during this service. Following the prayer, the new church members were given the Lord's Supper, with the rest of the church participating after they were served.

After the service, we had a time of fellowship and visited with the pastor and his wife, Malina. The church has been meeting for 10 years, and is one of only a few Roma churches in the country. Our journey was for the purpose of discovering new places we might be able to work in the future to encourage and strengthen believers. Please continue to pray for the Father to work in us to "will and to act according to his good purpose."

Yesterday (Saturday, July 7th) we had our annual July 4th picnic - this year inviting not only our English group, but also New Hope International and New Hope Ukrainian churches. Amanda's fiance Oleg prepared Armenian shaslik (pork "chops" that are marinated overnight in onions and seasoning, then grilled like a shish-k-bob).

Over 40 people attended, enjoying an afternoon of eating, playing softball, and a relaxing time of fellowship. Pastor Vitaly shared a short devotional before we sat down to eat, casting the seed of the gospel into the lives of the not-yet-believers who came. We hope to have another picnic in August or September to bring these 3 groups together again.

(You can view a slideshow and additional pictures from the picnic at this link:
http://www.flickr.com//photos/37981119@N06/sets/72157630473858678/show/)

Thank you for your prayers for the sports outreach organized and led by the youth at Living Hope Baptist church. Pastor Sergei Datsko said they had around 600 people attend the final match and evangelical services last Sunday. The authorities were amazed with how well everything went, and how clean the park was after the events. They have invited the church to provide activities in the park in the future - a park located very close to their new church.

Pastor Sergei also shared that they have a great desire to start a small rehabilitation center for drug/alcohol addiction, but are waiting for the man called out by the Father to direct and lead this ministry. Petition the Father to work on the hearts and minds of those he has chosen to begin this ministry through Living Hope.

We are blessed to have a volunteer construction team coming from Green Valley Baptist Church (Birmingham, Al) to work alongside believers at Living Hope Church (. Ask the Lord to grant them "uneventful" flights and entrance into Ukraine as they leave the states on Friday, and arrive in Kharkov Saturday afternoon (Kharkov time). Intercede for the members of Living Hope as they prepare for a week of construction work on their church and grounds.

Pastor Vitaly Sorokun (New Hope Church) shared today that they only have 2 days to prepare the official legal documents to send to the Supreme Court of Ukraine to seek a reversal of the decision of the Kharkov courts. He asks that you would pray for Pastor Andre (Grace) and himself to have wisdom to know whether or not this is the Lord's plan. As they have studied the ruling of the court further, they now know that the ownership of the building is not in question - it is still considered as "owned" by the church. However, the cost of securing the proper documents for the church (official documents that were not gotten years ago) is so great that they may not be able to pursue them. Thank you for continuing to pray for the Lord to work in the hearts and minds of those in authority in Kharkov and beyond, as well as in His people as they discover His plan for the church.

There is so much more the Lord is doing, and for which we need to pray, but we praise Him that He already knows our needs and His plans for us! We look forward to sharing with you how He answers in the days to come.

IMPACTing the Kharkov region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests July 1st-7th

2012-06-30T20:59:00.000+03:00

"And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day the LORD will be one and his name one" (Zechariah 14:9 ESV) What a promise......and our hope! In the midst of the uncertainty of life in a world filled with multiple "gods," there will come a day when the LORD himself will reign over this earth. Before that day, we have the privilege, the authority, and the command to "pray without ceasing" for the people of this world around us.

Last week we shared the decision of the court in Kharkov that made the documents for the Grace and New Hope Church building invalid. Thank you for joining with us in prayer for the church leaders (Pastor Andre of Grace and Pastor Vitaly of New Hope) as they seek the Lord's wisdom in continuing. They have met with the "vice-mayor" of the city, and were given assurance that they would not be removed from the building. They have begun the process of redoing their documents to meet the new requirements. They will also seek to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court of Ukraine. Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ in Kharkov who are seeking the face of the Lord first, so that they might do all things in accordance with his will.

Mariupol Holy Trinity Church

Thank you for your prayers for our trip to Mariupol last weekend. We had about 50 women come for the conference on prayerwalking and spiritual warfare. We praise our Lord for the safe journey, and the wonderful time of fellowship we experienced with our sisters in Christ and our colleague in Donetsk.

Amanda teaching on Praying God's Word

The young adults of Living Hope Church (Pastor Sergei Dotsko) have been conducting a football (soccer) and table tennis tournament, as well as evangelistic outreach at a local park since Wednesday. The finals for the tournament will be held Sunday night. Please pray the Lord will work in the hearts of many of the over 140 children and youth who have come each day, as well as their parents, to draw them into fellowship with Christ. Ask the Lord to cause many to come to the services at Living Hope to hear the Word proclaimed.

Children/youth at Living Hope outreach

On Sunday evening, we will travel to a small Roma (gypsy) church in the city of Merefa about 20 miles outside the city of Kharkov. Pray for our time of fellowship with the church leaders as we explore ways the Lord might have us come alongside this body of believers in the future to encourage, and reach out into their city with the love of Christ.

Intercede for us as we host a picnic next Saturday for folks in The Book Club english group, New Hope International and Ukrainian churches, and other friends in Christ. We have encouraged each group to invite family and friends who are "not yet believers" for this time of fellowship and fun. We'll be preparing the shashlik, while everyone else will bring the other picnic lunch items. Pray for good weather for the day (last year we were rained out), and for hearts to be impacted with the love of Christ flowing through the lives of his church.

In the minds of most Ukrainians, Baptists are "lumped together" with Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and even other Protestant churches as "sects." The roots for that belief go deep in this culture, and are only "uprooted" as we go out from the four walls of our churches and build relationships with not-yet-believers living around us. Petition the Lord to grant me wisdom as I look for opportunities for volunteer teams to go out alongside our Ukrainian brothers and sisters to impact their communities through building relationships that will become eternal.

July 6th-8th will be a Jehovah's Witness convention at the football stadium in the city of Kharkov. They have inundated mailboxes in every building with fliers that invite people to come to hear "biblical truth." Literally thousands of Ukrainians will attend these meetings, and many will be seeking Truth. Pray the Spirit of Truth will open the eyes of those who attend, shining the Light of Christ to reveal the lies of the enemy. Intercede for true believers in this region of the country to be compelled by the Spirit to speak Truth into the lives of their family and friends.

Ask always, thank you for joining with us in prayer for the people of the Kharkov region of Ukraine. As you celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, may you be reminded of the billions throughout the world who have not yet heard of true freedom through Christ Jesus!

IMPACTing the Kharkov Region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests June 24th-30th

2012-06-22T17:42:00.000+03:00

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way" (1 Timothy 2:1, 2 ESV).

We have used this passage often - yet it is even more urgent that we pray for the people "who are in high positions" in the city of Kharkov, and the country of Ukraine in these days. Corruption is a way of life in Ukraine, a country that consistently ranks high as being corrupt (in Transparency International Corruptions Perceptions index in 2011 Ukraine was ranked 152nd out of 183 countries assessed - http://transparency.org/). While for most Ukrainians it is simply seen as a way of life to pay "incentives" if you want to get something accomplished, in the hands of the enemy of Christ it is more and more often being used against the evangelical church.

Almost all of you who have been in Kharkov have walked the steps to Blagodat (Grace) / New Hope church. This building was begun in 1995, and for 15 years at least 2 congregations (and as many as 4 or 5) have met here to worship. Last year the churches paid a substantial amount of money to bring all their documents up to date, and were "judged" as owners of the building and the land. However, in the past few weeks, the court has decided that those documents are no longer valid. On Thursday, the appeals court ruled that the church does not "officially" own this building or the property and it reverts back to the government. Pastor Vitaly Sorokun, who is pastor of New Hope International church and a lawyer, said they really have no recourse at this time. "They could come in today and bulldoze the building to the ground and we could do nothing."

I give praise to our Father that he is not taken by surprise, nor is he unable to accomplish his purposes in the Saltavka region of the city of Kharkov. Your intercession for those in authority, as well as for the body of Christ that meets within these walls is urgently needed. Ask the Father to grant those in church leadership peace as they navigate this time of uncertainty. Pray the body of Christ will grow even as the enemy desires to "put it to death."

We leave this morning (Friday) for Donetsk, then travel tomorrow to the city of Mariupol on the Azov sea, to lead a conference on prayerwalking and spiritual warfare through prayer. We will return to Kharkov from Donetsk on Sunday. Please pray for our time of fellowship with the Lord, with one another, and with the church in Mariupol.

Throughout the coming week:
- Please pray for our journey back to Kharkov on Sunday - for a time of refreshing, renewal, and fun on the trip.

- Intercede for Living Hope (Pastor Sergei Datsko's church) as they hold an evangelistic outreach and children's VBS this coming week at a park near their church.

- Pray for me (Linda) as I begin to schedule visits to churches during my stateside time from October to January. Ask the Lord to make clear his plans for my time there.

- We continue to teach Breaking Free (Amanda on Tuesday night with Natasha, Linda on Wednesday evening with women from New Hope church). Please pray for the women involved in this study to have lives changed by the power of the Holy Spirit - their own lives, as well as the lives of family and friends who are struggling with addictions.

- Many Ukrainian believers are anticipating problems in the economy as well as in society in general when Euro 2012 ends the last week of June. We are already experiencing changes in visa laws and registration that affect us personally. Pray as our company seeks to understand and implement these changes for each of our personnel. Ask the Lord to grant each of us favor with those in authority as we work toward getting new visas and registering in our respective cities.

Thank you as always for coming alongside us through your prayers, your giving, and your "going." I am prayerfully seeking how the Lord would desire to use volunteer teams in 2013 to go out into the Kharkov oblast alongside our Ukrainian brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray my heart, mind, eyes, and ears would be focused on our Lord and Savior, that I might know and understand his plans.

IMPACTing the Kharkov region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests June 17th-24th

2012-06-16T19:05:00.001+03:00

"Since ancient times, no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him" (Isaiah 64:4).

How often have I "grown weary" of waiting for the Father to work in His way, in His time? Even living for 13 years in a culture where waiting is just part of life, I have not yet learned to do this with joy. However, this passage promises those who wait for Him to answer our petitions in His way, in His time will see Him act in ways we as humans cannot begin to comprehend.

Do I believe the promises of Christ: "Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete (John 16:24b);" "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24). He does not instruct me to believe when I see, but to believe when I ask that he is now working to answer. Thank you for joining alongside Team Kharkov to ask the Father, in the name of Jesus, to work in the hearts of the people in the Kharkov region of Ukraine - that multitudes would enter into a personal, eternal relationship with him. May we pray, then "let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23).

Amanda and Oleg presented before the church

Sunday, June 17th Thank you for your continuing prayers for Amanda and Oleg. They have begun the process of applying for a fiance visa for Oleg in preparation for a wedding in Alaska in late October or early November. Pray for them as they wait upon the process, and upon the Lord's timing for approval. Ask the Lord to grant them knowledge of his will in the months following their wedding. (They have begun a blog of their "journey" together at http://olegandamanda.blogspot.com for those of you who would like to keep up with how the Lord is working in their lives.)

Monday, June 18th Praise to the Father for what he is doing in the life of Vika, a young woman for whom you have prayed over the past year. We (Linda and Vika) continue the Breaking Free study together each Monday. Please continue to pray for Vika to allow the Lord to reveal the places in her heart that have been broken, and for his healing to flow into her life.

Tuesday, June 19th For the past year Amanda has worked alongside youth leaders at Christian Life Church in Kharkov. Please continue to pray for Christian Life Church as they seek to strengthen and grow their youth group (some of whom are shown in the photo below).

Amanda & Oleg with friends from Christian Life Church

Wednesday, June 20th Although no more games will be played in Kharkov, Euro 2012 football tournament continues, with thousands gathering on Freedom Square in Kharkov to watch the games on huge screens. There are some evangelical groups handing out tracts and seeking opportunities to share with the fans. Please continue to pray for the Holy Spirit to work in and through the lives of his people throughout the country who are using this as an opportunity to share Christ with their communities and people from all over Europe.

The FanZone at Freedom Square in Kharkov

Thursday, June 21st The Book Club english group has ended for the summer, but I met last Thursday with two of the women who have been coming for six years. As we have waited on the Lord, we have seen him work in both their lives. Yet I understood through our conversation last week that at least one of the women has not yet chosen to accept Christ as Lord and Savior. Please pray for all those who have heard the gospel through The Book Club, as the Holy Spirit continues to work in their hearts and minds. Intercede for them that his Word would bring each one to the place of repentance.

Friday, June 22nd Amanda and I will travel to Donetsk today to meet up with our colleague Joe Ragan in preparation for a prayerwalking seminar in another city tomorrow. Pray for joy in the journey, and hearts renewed and refreshed by our time together.

Saturday, June 23rd We praise the Lord for the opportunity to share with believers in the southern city of Mariupol about prayerwalking and the power of praying God's Word today. Pray the Lord would go before us, preparing our hearts and the hearts of all who attend to encounter the Lord as we engage the enemy through prayerwalking. Ask him to grant us eyes to see and ears to hear how he is working in this city.

Sunday, June 24th Pray for Amanda and I as we travel back to Kharkov today from Donetsk. Intercede for our journey to be filled with a sense of his presence. Ask the Lord to grant us sweet fellowship with him, and with one another.

We praise God for compelling Southern Baptists to continue to give through the IMB international missions (Lottie Moon) offering! It was announced this week that $146.8 million was given to support missionaries around the world. At times Ukrainians ask how we can live here (financially), and I love to share with them how the Lord has united the hearts of Southern Baptists to give sacrificially so we can can serve wherever he leads. Thank you to all our SBC brothers and sisters for your faithfulness and obedience to give!

Impacting the Kharkov region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests June 10th-16th

2012-06-09T15:10:00.000+03:00

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

The past few months have seen many changes in the visa laws for Ukraine, leading to a lot of confusion and unanswered questions. We are so very thankful for Pastor Vitaly Sorokun as he helps in wading through all the changes so that we know what we need to do. While the new visa laws do not appear to restrict our work as m's any more than in the past, we learned Friday that more changes may be on the way.

Friday, one of our colleagues posted the link to an article on the Risu site (Religious Information Service of Ukraine) with the headline: "Parliament Wants to make Significant Changes to Law on Freedom of Religion." While the article really doesn't define what kind of "changes" may take place, we are reminded again how vital are our prayers for those who are making those laws. (Here is the link should you want to read further: http://risu.org.ua/en/index/all_news/state/legislation/48337/)

For the past week, I have walked daily around the offices that house our Minister of Culture (formerly "Minister of Religion") for the Kharkov region, and have not only prayed for her relationship with Christ, but also offered thanksgiving to the Lord for putting her in that position. Over the past 2 years, the relationships our Ukrainian pastors have with her have gotten better, and we praise Him for that favor! As I read that article on Friday, the Lord quickened my heart even more about the necessity of praying for her, and for all those in authority. Father, cause me to spend more time praying FOR those in authority to the One who put them there for His purposes than speaking against them, for You are able to turn the heart of the "king" (or President, or Prime Minister, or Congressman....etc.)!

Sunday, June 10th Tonight at Central Baptist Church in Kharkov, Amanda and Oleg Bondar will be "presented" to the church, signifying their engagement and commitment to marriage. We praise the Father for the plans He has for them as a couple united under the bond of Christ. Pray for both as they continue to seek His will and His plan. Ask the Lord to grant them favor as they apply for a fiance visa to the U.S. for Oleg so they can be married in Amanda's hometown of Anchorage, Alaska.

Monday, June 11th Please continue to pray for Vika, a young woman now going through the "Breaking Free" study with me (Linda) each Monday. Vika was recently baptized at the home of missionaries from another denomination, and is truly seeking to know Him on a deep, intimate level. Ask the Lord to grant me wisdom in leading her through the process of allowing Him to set her free in Christ.

Tuesday, June 12th Pray for Amanda and I as we meet today to finalize plans for the women's conference in Mariupol on June 23rd, a volunteer team from Alabama in July, and plan another women's conference/camp in September. Intercede for us as we seek to accomplish His purpose in His way during each of these times. Pray His Word would rise up within our hearts and minds, and that we would be made ready to be His instruments for His glory.

Created with flickr slideshow
Wednesday, June 13th Euro 2012 will continue throughout the month of June, but tonight is the last match to be played in the city of Kharkov (some of the pictures from the square Fan Zone are in the slideshow at this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/37981119@N06/sets/72157630024177799/). Petition the Lord to continue to work in the hearts and minds of multitudes as believers in other cities and in Kharkov continue to reach out to those who have come with seeking hearts. Pray we would see a "harvest of righteousness" (2 Corinthians 9:10) in many lives in the days, weeks, and months to follow.

Thursday, June 14th "The Book Club" is on hiatus for the summer, but we were blessed with a wonderful time of fellowship in our final meeting last week. Oleg joined us and "preached" a message in Russian that led to discussion. Pray the seeds planted for moving this group into a Russian/English Bible study in the future will take root. Pray for opportunities to meet with many from this group in the summer months for fellowship and encouragement.

Friday, June 15th Please continue to pray for the outreach this month in the Zalytina region of Kharkov through Living Hope Church. Plans include ministry at a nearby park, with children's activities, music, and the presentation of the gospel. Petition the Lord to draw many from this region of the city into fellowship with Him, and with this body of believers as they seek to be His Light in the darkness.

Saturday, June 16th With Amanda's upcoming marriage come changes in "Team Kharkov" once again. While Amanda and Oleg plan to remain in Kharkov, and be actively involved in ministry, I will be the only person with our company in the city. Pray for me as I seek to network with pastors, churches, and other believers to plan for future work in the Kharkov Region.

IMPACTing the Kharkov Region with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests June 3rd-9th

2012-06-02T16:18:00.000+03:00

"Listen, you heavens, and I will speak; hear, you earth, the words of my mouth. Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God!" (Deut. 32:1-3)
I love springtime in Kharkov! Months of gray skies, and snow and ice that has become the same kind of gray from thousands of journeys made by thousands of people and pets are suddenly replaced by bright blue, sunny skies and flowers of every color arranged in the multiple flowerbeds in every public park in the city. Even as the flowers come to life, so do the people of this city, walking through the park at all hours of the day and night. The blue skies have taken a day off today, replaced by the same color of gray skies dispensing a gentle rain that is being soaked up by a thirsty land.

I am reminded daily that even though most Ukrainians I know portray a hard, stoic exterior to others who happen to glance their way, many of them have hearts like "tender plants"..... hearts that have had the seed of the Word planted into "soil" that took sometimes years to prepare for the "planting." Some of the members of "The Book Club," our english conversation group, have reminded us repeatedly how long it has taken for that "seed" to take root, and to begin to grow! Six years after some in this group began to meet together to have a conversational english group, they are realizing a spiritual thirst that only His Word can satisfy. May we be faithful to continually proclaim the name of the Lord, praising the greatness of our God through our lives, that the world may know He alone is worthy of praise.

The Book Club discussing Scripture texts from "Courageous"

Sunday, June 3rd Last week we shared a slideshow from the work on the "new" church building in Zmeeov. We praise Him for the American team that accomplished so much during the 6 days of work in early May. But most of the "transformation" you witnessed through the photos to prepare the building for that week was done by Pastor Yuri and several brothers from the church, working with little or no income to accomplish the task. Please continue to pray for Yuri and his family, as well as pastors throughout the Kharkov region as they seek to minister to their church body, while also working full time when possible to support their families.

Monday, June 4th After months and months of preparation throughout the country, Euro 2012 Football (soccer) tournament kicks off this week in Poland, and in four cities in Ukraine - including Kharkov. Many European fans have chosen to either not attend games in Ukraine, or fly to the city for the game and return to Poland or a surrounding country to find accommodations. Pray the Lord would work in the hearts and minds of multitudes of Ukrainians throughout this month, revealing their only hope is in Christ alone and not in the wealth of the world.

Fan Zone on Freedom Square

Tuesday, June 5th Pray for Living Hope Church (Pastor Sergei Datsko) as they seek to use this month of football matches as an "open door" for reaching out to the community surrounding their new church building. Ask the Lord to draw many children, youth, and adults into fellowship with believers in this church, and into relationship with Christ.

Wednesday, June 6th Amanda and I are being given opportunities to lead a conference in the southern city of Mariupol (Donetsk region) June 23rd. Pray the Lord would grant us wisdom as we seek to know His plan for this time. Intercede for those who will join us for the conference, that He will meet with each one of us there, preparing us to walk in obedience to His will, and His plan.

Thursday, June 7th Thank you for continuing to pray for each person who attends The Book Club. Last week we watched the last 1/2 of Courageous, and began discussing the Word as it was shared through that film. We also talked with the group about moving into a Russian/English Bible discussion (as opposed to just English) as part of The Book Club when we resume in September. Pray for our final discussion tonight, and for opportunities to meet individually with members of this group during the summer months.

Some of The Book Club members with Amanda

Friday, June 8th Visa requirements for us have changed in the past few months, and we are in the process of trying to find out what we need to do, and when, in order to meet these requirements. Pray for our personnel in Kiev as they talk with government officials who are also "discovering" what the new laws mean. Ask the Lord to go before us as we seek to do whatever is necessary to be in compliance with the new laws.

Saturday, June 9th Today is the first of 3 matches that will be held in Kharkov for Euro 2012. Thousands of foreigners are expected to be in the city over the next week. I have been prayerwalking all around the square and Shevshenko park area of the city for the past weeks whenever possible, asking the Father to direct my steps to people with whom I can share the love of Christ. Join us in praying the Lord would pour out His Spirit over this region of the country of Ukraine even today as multitudes gather to cheer on their teams. Pray the Spirit would grant us multiple opportunities for Him to speak through our mouths the words He has chosen.

IMPACTing the Kharkov region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

P.S. on Prayer Request slideshow

2012-05-27T07:40:00.001+03:00

If you cannot view the slideshow through your email of our weekly prayer requests, you can view it at this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/37981119@N06/sets/72157629892643152/

May your Sabbath day be blessed! As always, thanks for your prayers!

Team Kharkov

Team Kharkov Requests May 27th-June 2nd

2012-05-26T13:54:00.000+03:00

"This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (Matthew 6:9-13)

When the volunteer construction/medical team arrived 2 weeks ago, my heart and mind were filled with the phrase "Your kingdom come....." Others on the team had been sensing the same desire, and our hearts united in praying for that throughout the week.

The work on the church building in Zmeeov arose from a vision planted in the heart of Pastor Yuri that he shared with Team Kharkov in 2010, shortly after buying a building that had been gutted by an electrical fire. We "toured" the property and the building with a volunteer team from Missouri in August, 2010.

Pastor Yuri, his wife Olga, and their children

Last May (2011) another volunteer team (from Mississippi) traveled to Zmeeov for 2 days to reach out to the community around the church building through medical outreach. On that trip, some of the team members were burdened with the need to come alongside Pastor Yuri to help in transforming the burned out building into a place where people could gather together to worship. From the moment they returned to their churches in the states, they began prayerfully planning for another, larger team to come in 2012 to not only do medical outreach, but to provide a construction team to work for the week in getting the sanctuary of the church prepared for services.

Created with flickr slideshow.

The slide show provided is long (86 photos) but it shows this building from the first time we saw it (in 2010) through the work of the construction team this month. I pray you will have the opportunity to view the photos, and as you do, to praise the One who moved in the hearts of His people 5000 miles away to pour themselves into this labor of love! Please continue to pray that His kingdom will come - not only to the small city of Zmeeov, but throughout the Kharkov region of Ukraine, and to the "uttermost" places of this world!

Sunday, May 27th Pray for Amanda and friends from "XTZ" church as they travel back from Kiev today following the seminary graduation ceremony for Vitaly Maslanyka. Ask the Lord to bless their time of fellowship with one another, particularly with Deena - Pastor Vitaly's daughter who has been drawn away from serving Christ.

Monday, May 28th Americans will celebrate Memorial Day today, remembering those who served and even sacrificed their lives for our country, and for our freedom. Pray for the hearts of the children of God to be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice of His Son - Jesus Christ - that we might experience true spiritual freedom, and eternal life!

Tuesday, May 29th Pray for opportunities this week to visit with some of our international students before they return to their homelands for the summer. Intercede for each one who will travel over very long distances to get home to their families. Pray the summer months will give them a time of refreshing and renewal.

Wednesday, May 30th Please continue to pray for the "Breaking Free" group meeting each Wednesday evening. The women who attend are from New Hope Baptist church, where Pastor Vitaly Sorokun has resigned as pastor of the Ukrainian congregation. Ask the Lord to raise up a pastor for this small body of believers. Pray those who are members will continue to hold fast to their faith even with the uncertainty in their church.

Thursday, May 31st Thank you for your prayers for The Book Club as they watched the first half of "Courageous" last week. We will watch the rest of the movie tonight, then discuss from the Scriptures how God works through tragedy and suffering in our lives to accomplish His purposes. Pray we would have wisdom to know the Lord's plan for this group in the future, even as we continue to meet tonight, and perhaps next week.

Friday, June 1st Preparations continue in Ukraine for the Euro 2012 football (soccer) tournament that will begin in early June. Games will be played in 4 cities in Ukraine, including Kharkov and Donetsk. Pray for churches and believers as they gather to organize outreaches in each of these cities. Petition the Lord to pour out His Spirit into the hearts and minds of multitudes.

Saturday, June 2nd Pray for Amanda and I as we continue to visit churches throughout the Kharkov region, seeking to know where He would have us to work in the future. Petition the Lord to raise up teams from the states with a desire to come alongside us in 2013 to encourage our Ukrainian brothers and sisters through helping them reach out to their communities.

May you find your hearts ignited with a passion and purpose to bring glory to God through all you say and do! Thank you for your prayers for Team Kharkov, and for the people of the Kharkov region of Ukraine!

IMPACTing the Kharkov region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!

Team Kharkov Requests May 20th-26th

2012-05-19T15:52:00.001+03:00

"Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:4) How desperate am I to see the lives of the people of the Kharkov region of Ukraine impacted and changed by the power of the Holy Spirit? Am I willing to persevere in prayer until the people of God in this area of Ukraine are "mature and complete, not lacking anything" necessary to reach their families, their neighbors, and their communities with the love of Christ?

George Müller was a man who chose to persevere in prayer, and to wait patiently for the Father to answer. Before his death at the age of 93, he said: “It is not enough to begin to pray, nor to pray aright; nor is it enough to continue for a time to pray; but we must patiently, believingly continue in prayer, until we obtain an answer; and further, we have not only to continue in prayer unto the end, but we have also to believe that God does hear us and will answer our prayers. Most frequently, we fail in not continuing in prayer until the blessing is obtained, and in not expecting the blessing."

Many of those who came to faith in Christ through the outreach of the Mississippi volunteer team had been confronted by the gospel through family, friends, and/or volunteers in the past. Most had lifted before the Throne of Grace persistently by Ukrainian believers, by the Mississippi volunteers, and by you in the days, weeks, and even months before this outreach.

Many in the photos in this slideshow are those who entered into a personal, intimate relationship with Christ. Please continue to persevere in prayer for us, for those who have begun a new life in Christ, and for those who have yet to say "yes" to the pleading of the Holy Spirit in their hearts.

Sunday, May 20th Amanda and I will travel back to Balaklaya this morning (7:00 a.m. Ukraine time - 11:00 p.m. Central U.S.) for their morning worship, and to deliver a Bible to Natasha. She is a deaf believer who comes to the church even though they have no interpreter for the services. Pray the Lord would continue to open our hearts and minds to His plans for future partnership with believers in this church.

Monday, May 21st Vika is a young woman for whom you have prayed often over the past months as she and I have met to read the Bible together. We just learned this past week that her grandmother, with whom she lives, passed away recently. Pray the Lord would pour out His love into Vika's heart and mind as she goes through this difficult time.

Tuesday, May 22nd Many of our international students are finishing up their exams and preparing to return to their home countries for the summer. Pray for opportunities to meet and pray with many of them before they depart. Intercede for those who are returning home to continue to seek hard after the Lord, and follow in His ways.

Wednesday, May 23rd The Holy Spirit continues to work in the hearts of Ukrainian women through the "Breaking Free" study each Wednesday evening. Ask the Lord to continue to lead each of the women participating into freedom in and through Christ. Pray for greater understanding of the Scriptures and of the Father's love that will compel each of us to share that love with others.

The Book Club studying hard.....

Thursday, May 24th The Book Club will conclude their group meetings over the next two Thursday evenings by watching and discussion the film "Courageous." Pray for the Lord to use this film to reveal more of the Truth of the Gospel, and how living by that Truth can transform our lives. Ask the Lord to grant each participant understanding of not only the words spoken by the actors, but the foundation established through the Word for the family.

Friday, May 25th Pastor Vitaly Maslynko ("XTZ" Church) will graduate this weekend from seminary in Irpin (outside of Kiev). Pray for Amanda and others from the "XTZ" church as they travel to Irpin this weekend to share in this occasion. Intercede for safety on the journey, and times of sweet fellowship for the body of Christ as they gather to celebrate together.

Saturday, May 26th Pray for Amanda and I as we travel to various churches throughout the Kharkov region in the months ahead to prayerfully consider future ministry opportunities. We will be talking with pastors and church leaders to seek to know how He might desire to utilize volunteer teams in the coming year to strengthen, encourage, and grow the body of Christ. Please join us in praying how the Lord might choose to use you and your church to fulfill these needs in the Kharkov region of Ukraine!

We would like to update our prayer partner list in the weeks ahead. We greatly value your faithfulness through prayer. However, if for any reason you prefer not to receive our weekly updates/requests, please send an email to us with "unsubscribe" in the subject line.

IMPACTing the Kharkov Region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!