What a glorious whirlwind day!!! Someone said we saw 200 Children, between the two Orphanages.  There were minutesa that it seemed like 2000!!!  The Clowns always get hit with the first wave, then Face Painting, the ladies paining the little girls nails, and they run a cluster of excited faces over to the Cameras so that each child can have his own personal photo made.  This year we gave each child a Journal, that begins with a color group-photo of all of us on this Mission Trip.  Then their own photo slides into the plastic sleeve beside it.  An excelent tool for them to remember the events of today, and materials to help them focus on the message.

We started our day shocked as the orphanage Staff litteraly rolled a Hospital bed out in the courtyard, complete with a young boy.  Has sad, we thought, but also haw good for him to be allowed to be involved.  Then it was an “oh my” moment as we saw a second bed coming, then a third…the a few on crutches appeared.  There is no telling how many “live wires” were running circles around us…but God kept drawing us, one by one, to the four laying on their stomachs watching the fun and then the program.  The business at had moved on, but I wish you could have counted the tears of this Mission Team, as Dr. David Young scooped up little Victoria from her bed, and carried her in his arms up to the front so she could see.  We haven’t the space to tell you a dozen other stories that were sharred tonight.  I wish each one of you could somehow be linked into the nightly worship times we share, after Supper.

One of our hillarious FHBC Clowns led four teenage boys in the Sinners Prayer.  Oh my, again.  We prayed for seed planting, and God suddenly sent us a little harvest.  Saved by His power divine, they were saved to a new life sublime!!!

We’re refreshed, and re-motivated, and we push on down river to Kherson for Day Four.
- Bob Crawford -

Jessie Young and Children

Tuesday has been a travel day, down river. Just before Noon we gathered outside, in the beautiful sunshine, to watch our Ship pass through one of the Dneiper River Locks. Locks are an amazing River & Canal concept as one travels up or down the waters elevation. Today was the first time many of us had seen such an adventure. It was amazing to watch our Ship squeeze in between the giant concrete walls, guided so gracefully by the Master Pilot.The water lowered our vessel some 50 to 60 feet.

Ron and Svett greeted by children

We stood almost breathless as the huge wall in front of us slowly began to open. We were literally down inside the dark walls of the Lock. But just beyond that old stained barrier began to appear the bright sunshine, the glistening river, and the lush wheat fields beyond. It seemed for a minute that time stood still. Can you imagine what it will be like to watch Heavens Gates of Pearl swing open for us someday? Our Captain will have so masterfully guided us home!!!

That’s the message we’ve come to share. There IS hope, and eternal life, beyond this world’s old barriers.Pray that the tender hearts we’ll share this with, in tomorrow’s two Orphanages.

- Bob Crawford -

Day one and two gatherings of precious children.  While we thought that today might be a good Dress Rehearsal, both orphanages turned out to be a test of our ability to adapt.  If nothing else we know our Teamwork is in place!

A few showers may have driven us inside, but what rained down was God’s message to the young souls we saw today.  The message of the Song we sang in their language:
He knows my Name,
He knows my every thought.
He sees each tear that falls
And he hears me when I call.

Won’t you sing that Chorus with us this Week?
- Bob Crawford -

On the ground and All-Aboard the Boat, in Kiev.  And the best News is that 100 percent of our Bags and Suppies arrived!!!  We’ve had a real Meal, had our Team Meetings, and are looking forward to a good nights rest.

Monday brings TWO Orphanes, in the Kiev area.  Then we sail South.  God is so good… and Monday is already dedicated to His glory!!!

A year of planning, 45 days of focusing on language, learning music, and gathering supplies.  For three weeks we’ve been packing.  And now we’re off like a herd of Turtles!!!  All that’s left is prayer.  You will never know how much we are each glad that you are on the other end of that Prayer Line!!!  Isn’t it exciting to see what all God has in store for our preparation.

Departure time at Nashville’s airport,
- Bob Crawford -