Today, we’re celebrating Victory Day – like all good Ukrainians do on May 9th.  We’re going to Yalta before we fly to Kiev this evening.  Tomorrow morning, we fly back to NYC then Nashville.

We “pulled a double” yesterday and really are happy about the work that was completed this week.  It’s easy to see God at work on the jobsite, considering the tasks that needed to be finished and the conditions (and tools) we had to work with.

It’s also easy to see God at work in the relationships that are being developed.  That has been even more inspiring than the blue roof and the cement floors we finished yesterday.  Proverbs 3:5-6 has come to mind over and over and over.

Last night at dinner, Yuri told us a little about how Hope House has arrived to where it is today.  It is clear that he has not been making all the decisions on his own.  God has been directing the path of Hope House, and we’re just along for the ride by being open to His call.  Again, Proverbs 3:5-6 has come to mind over and over and over.

Several times on this trip, we’ve discussed what we think would be helpful to further Hope House.  It has been a very interesting conversation.  Still, Proverbs 3:5-6 has come to mind over and over and over.

I’m sure we all will have a lot to think about on our flight home tomorrow.  Most of which will have nothing to do with the beautiful scenery we have been surrounded by or that we take in today.

Pray for safe travel.  Spaseeba. – The Four Tops

Hello all,

Wednesday evening here and we’re back at Yuri’s.  We had a great start to the day this a.m.  Before we left for Max’s house a truck pulled up and we proceeded to unload sixty 50 kilo (110 lb.) bags of cement.  When we got to Max’s house here comes the same driver with sixty more to unload.  !3,200 pounds of concrete…Good Morning!  Now we’re ready for work.

We had another great day of work and fellowship.  Our little group moves right along from task to task encouraging, laughing and joking with one another…the banter is constant and lively.  Today we finised the drywall work and most of the plastering.  We got one bedroom floor poured and intend to finish the kitchen, bath and other bedroom tomorrow.  No lost time accidents today!  We will put up a sign in the morning proclaiming “1 Day On the Job With Zero Injuries”!

Once again I am blessed…What an awesome opportunity it is to serve.  Isn’t it cool that the God of the universe allows us to serve Him, His people and His Kingdom.  He doesn’t need us and we’re certainly not worthy but He uses us anyway. 

Thank you all for keeping us in your prayers…we love you and will see you soon.

Ty

The gash in my head is healing nicely.  Ten minutes into day one, I ducked a piece of falling angle iron that put a nice dent in my forehead.  The “bloody American” was my name for the day.

Several of us have nicknames.  Sergei is “John Belushi” thanks to looking like the Samuri warrior character from Saturday Night Live.  Maksim is “Gonsheek” (race car driver) because he drives very fast.

There are a few things that have struck me.  One is Maksim’s optimism and appreciation for having life.  His reply to me about having a big family is that God has given him life and that is reason enough to help others and that is why he is adopting two more children (he and Sveta have two already).  When he prayed at dinner the other night, his first sentence was simply “thank You for life”.

Maksim’s approach is so different than the other eastern European immigrants I know that live in America.  He is not jaded.  He is not pessimistic.  He is not pre-occupied with “getting ahead” as the world would interpret.

Maksim has been very refreshing for my own perspective and my own faith.  Well worth the knot in my head and the scar to remind me that simple faith is all that’s needed.

Poka. – Anthony

We just arrived back at Yuri’s place from our second day of work on Maks’ house.   The house was not as far along as we had originally thought.   We are putting up inside walls (masonry) as well as dry walls and plaster.   For the construction neophyte it has been on the job training.   I might actually know what we are doing by the end of the week.   We ended our day today with a tour of the mission house in Eagle Village and the beginnings of two house condos in the same town.   We are all prayerful that we are making an eternal differnce in the lives of Maks and his family as well as all of those we meet throughout our day.  The Bible says that we are to be salt and light as well carry the Gospel of peace on our feet.   Presently, the four of us are being salt and light in Eastern Europe.   We are continuing to covet your prayers.   More later.

The Four Tops

 We arrived in Sevastopil yesterday after a 17 hours on the train.  We have met Maks and his family and seen the house we are to work on today.   We’ve met our interpreter, Ira, and her family.   Her husband, Edward, is a local pastor.   We will head out for Maks’ house about 8:30 today.   All four of us are looking forward to begin our work.   I am amazed at how quickly our team has bonded.   I pray that our days are not just about the labor, but mostly about being the eyes, hands, and feet of Jesus.  We are coveting your prayers as we are keeping ourselves before His Glorious Throne.  

Shalom,

Lee