Bucha Church in the Cold

Dear Friends of Bucha Church,
I'm writing this to ask you to pray for our church. We no longer have an operating heating system and thus we are worshiping in coats, gloves and scarves. Sometimes it is even colder in the church than outside. The church has been in need of a new heating system for several years, but without the funding. It is estimated that they need about $5000 to replace the current system. In addition, we have 48 old wooden windows that are in need of changing to modern energy efficient models. Those windows run $300 each. Maybe your Sunday school class would like to sponsor a window or give to the furnace need. Our furnace really is our priority as we need the heat. We have a mighty God who is capable of taking care of this need in no time with your loving prayers of petition. Please join us in calling on Him.
Jeff and Coleen Franks

Communion Sunday in Ukraine

In Ukraine they celebrate communion on the first Sunday of every month. The church is always more full on that day. Sadly, some come to get their monthly fix like a good luck charm and wouldn't miss it for anything. Then they don't come the rest of the month. Several years ago when we first came to Bucha a communal cup was passed around. That tradition stopped when there was a tuberculosis epidemic in Ukraine about five or six years ago. We now have the little cups, but there are those traditionalist that still want to drink from the cup. Fortunate for them there are not many.

Bucha Church Fall Break Camp, Ukraine

Bible time and movie time.

Recharging with a bit of lunch.

This little elf is holding his CD Mini-Book the kids did with the theme "You Are Special." Each child made one.

Some of our youth leaders. Even they had a great time.

Hand painted in preparation for poster print.

First group, the big kids.

Second group, the little ones. See story just below.

Bucha Camp Story

Kids were on school break last week so at the end of the week, Friday, Saturday and Sunday they did a short camp. The leaders asked me to do crafts for the camp on the theme of "You Are Special." We had 20 kids, most of which were children from our Village of Hope orphanage. Our daughter Leah, along with about 7 other young people led this camp and did a terrific job with the kids. They did sports, songs, bible lessons and crafts. We made a CD mini-book covering old CDs with pretty scrapbook papers and their individual picture plus group shots. Theme of the book was also "You are Special" with their picture right on the front. I think these little orphans went home feeling real good about themselves after three days on that theme.

Harvest Day in Koresten, Ukraine

Last week I wrote about "Another Kind of Ministry" when we went as a choir to sing in a distant church. It was their 120 year anniversary as a church and it was also the holiday called "Harvest Day." That is the day when they give thanks for the year's harvest along with everything the Lord has provided. Not so different from our Thanksgiving, though they do not have a set day and thus pastors do it anytime in September or October. The decorations in the church were so marvelous I had to share them with you. A holiday service is usually a long one. We sat for over three hours and 8 preachers. Usually our services are two hours and three preachers. We had a feast of a lunch afterward in only the style that Ukrainians can do. Again, much like Thanksgiving, but with much more variety. It was not a day to be on a diet and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Crafts in the Church

This is a picture of Oxana, Liza and Leah. This was a time of our doing crafts together. I am so thankful that the Lord gives me opportunities to minister to some of the young people of our church, to be an influence of his love. These three girls are leading a pre-teen choir so they also have influence to pass on. Soon we will be meeting with these pre-teens for crafts as well. Some do not understand the value of doing crafts with kids/youth, but it is a concentrated period of time when you have the ear of these young people, you can be an example, be a friend and share God's love. I have the greatest job in the world.

Jeff and Missions in Yablonka, Ukraine

Jeff was asked to be the speaker at a missions breakfast today in Yablonka. He is speaking to young people hoping to inspire them to consider missions. For many years we did not understand why God sent us to Ukraine instead of Russia for mission work, given that Jeff was trained in Russian. In more recent years we have come to see clearly the wisdom of the Lord in sending us here. Of all the former Soviet countries, Ukraine has had the most growth in churches and is the greatest sending country of missionaries of the former Soviet Union. We have been so blessed in our 15 years of living here and seeing the desire of the people to know the Lord and share his Word. We have learned much from these people and we thank the Lord for the experience.

New Missionaries in Turkey

Tomorrow Jeff returns home from his visit with our new BMA missionaries, Pasha and Tanya. They have their three little boys with them ages 2-9. Tanya is homeschooling them with her Ukrainian text books while she and Pasha are getting settled and looking into language school. Please pray for their adaptation and Jeff's safe flight home.

BMA Missionaries in Ukraine

These are our good friends and BMA missionaries who we invited over for breakfast not long ago. From left to right: Jeff Franks, Nick Dikterenko, his wife Lena and the short one is me, Coleen. Nick was for many years discipled by Jeff and both say they were saved under his ministry in the church. They have two daughters, one which is still in school and one which works in ministry. They are active in several surrounding areas developing ministry that they hope to make into churches. We have helped them with camp in the last two summers with a team from Antioch Baptist Church in Conway, Arkansas. Pray for this family that God would encourage and keep them in His loving grace.

A Different Kind of Ministry

Today our choir is going to help celebrate the 120th anniversary of a church in the town of Korosten, which will be about an hour and a half drive west from here. Jeff and I have been singing with the adult choir for about a year now which sings in both Russian and Ukrainian languages. It is a fair size choir so sometimes we travel to other churches. We enjoy the blessing of being led by the top music director in all of Ukraine so he actually makes us sound pretty good. Jeff has prepared to preach as that is just part of bringing well-rounded ministry to another church and is expected. Afterward, churches generally give us lunch so it becomes an all day affair. We ask your prayers on our choir and for travel safety. May the Lord use us to bless others.

Bucha, Ukraine Summer Camp Video

I am so excited that I just got hold of this video of our kid's camp to share with you. It was done by one of our talented church members, Edward Malashkin. I had left the church early today and then felt the urge to return so I could give out some books. It was then that I had a conversation with Edward and found out the video was on YouTube. I'm sure that was the real reason the Lord brought me back to the church. Please pray about the possibility of the church having it's own website (another topic we touched on). We are always grateful for your willingness to hold us and the church up in prayer.
Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej3rcb71n2Q

Camp in Bucha, Ukraine

I am so excited that I just got hold of this video of our kid's camp to share with you. It was done by one of our talented church members, Edward Malashkin. I had left the church early today and then felt the urge to return so I could give out some books. It was then that I had a conversation with Edward and found out the video was on YouTube. I'm sure that was the real reason the Lord brought me back to the church. Please pray about the possibility of the church having it's own website (another topic we touched on). We are always grateful for your willingness to hold us and the church up in prayer.
Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej3rcb71n2Q

Istandbul, Turkey

I haven't been able to connect with Jeff for the last couple days, but he wrote and said class was going well and that he is thankful for the prayers. Today was his last day so I haven't yet heard the outcome, though he said that yesterday's class went very well and God was blessing. Please continue to pray for Jeff's safety until he returns home on Monday. He will be home for 5 days before he leaves again.

"Angels and Demons" Illuminated

Check out this video for yourself and see the truth: http://www.worldslastchance.com/view-video/238/angels-demons-illuminated.html

2008 Georgia/Russia Conflict

Russia flexing muscle over Georgia still continues with great tension as Russia has essentially taken over South Ossetia and Abhazia. It would be like Mexico coming in and occupying Texas and the southwest states and California. Yes, we would still call them American states, but you couldn't go there freely and you would be cut off from any relatives you still have there. Read what "Time" has to say on a recent article: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1927033,00.html

Istanbul, Turkey Mosque

Spoke to Jeff, my husband, by phone last night on Skype. For those of you who do not know what Skype is, I will say that it allows us to talk through our computers over the internet without cost. Which is great because with all the traveling he does it helps us to stay connected over the absence of sometimes weeks.

Yesterday the Bible Conference participants arrived and Jeff was able to have dinner with them. Today is the first of three days of "Worship" seminar. Please be in prayer for these people (some of whom have already been imprisoned and tortured for their faith) who are hungry for Bible teaching and cannot freely gather in their own country. Please also pray for Jeff as he leads this conference that God would give him what they most need to take back and continue to grow the underground church where they live.

Underground Church

Monday Jeff leaves for a country to the south where he will meet with folks who are coming out from their country for a Bible Conference. Please pray for Jeff as he prepares to lead this group starting on Wednesday and going through the weekend. We do not mention the country or the people because there has been persecution and some of the attendees have even experienced imprisonment and torture. Please pray for the safety of all in coming, attending and then returning home. We are grateful that you lift us up before the throne of heaven. It is hard to imagine how it would be without you.

Call2All, Kiev, Ukriane

Today Jeff finished an exciting conference held in Kiev. What has now become a worldwide movement was started by the late Bill Bright, past president and founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. I took the following from their website:

Call2All is a worldwide movement calling the church to a renewed, focused collaborative effort to fulfill the Great Commission.

Jesus' heart that "all be saved" still reverberates through every syllable of the Great Commission, just as it did over 2000 years ago when he spoke them on that dusty Jerusalem day to his disciples:

"...All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28 v 18-20

Call2All is about all nations, all spheres of society and every unreached person everywhere in the world. It is a strategy-centered, action-oriented movement focusing on where the Church is NOT, rather than where it is. It's purpose is not to replace existing ministry but to network, train and focus the body of Christ to fulfill the Great Commission.

This has been an event for Kiev. We shall see what the Lord does with it. Jeff already has come home with a new spirit of enthusiasm.

"Creative-Access" Country

The tickets are bought and we have Ukrainians Pasha and Tanya getting ready, with their three boys (ages 2 to 9), to move to another country to live for at least the next three months. I say three months as they are going on a tourist visa and may be able to do a two month extention, but then will have to leave for three months before returning again. Tanya has been diligently studying the language and they will continue there. Please keep them in your prayers as they leave September 19th and there will be many adjustments to adapt to this foreign culture.

River Baptism in Armenia

As you arise this morning, if you are reading this, then please pray for the baptism that is going on now in Armenia. Three people who became believers about three years ago have asked to be baptized. This is a special joy for Jeff to be a part of their immersion in a river outside of Yerevan.

Yerevan, Armenia Second Day of Seminar

Again, a great second day. I woke up barely rested, nursing my developing cold. No voice at all. Still, I knew the Lord would not be limited by my weaknesses! When I arrived at our location, I walked in the room, and found strength, spirit, joy in fellowship, and taught (conversationally/inductively) all day.

I am so grateful, but all that's just peanuts. God is revealing himself! It is awesome and I just don't have the words to express how glorious it is to gather with people who have a hunger to know and serve Jesus. Amazing! What a joy and what a privilege!

Now I'm back at the hotel, exhausted but happy, nursing my sore throat and getting ready to hit the sack. Tomorrow is culmination. After lunch I have the privilege of baptizing 3 believers, all saved about two years ago. For this we are driving out to a special location on a river. After the baptism we will have a time of worship together before we part.

This is a letter I received from Jeff. Please continue to hold him and the group up before the throne for the last day, tomorrow. Then, the following day, on Thursday he will fly back to Kiev where I will meet him and bring him home.

Yerevan, Armenia

There were 21 attendees from a "no-access" country for the first day Bible seminar on Monday. Jeff said it was a wonderful time for all filled with much praise. There are new people who have come to be baptized which is always a special joy for Jeff to be able to do. Please pray for them, but also for Jeff who came down with a sinus infection over the weekend. He sounded pretty bad last night, but he still will do the seminar, of course, so please pray for his health. May these dear souls grow rich from the feeding they will have over 'the next few days.

Letter from Jeff

Thanks so much for praying. We enjoyed very exciting times as we discussed praise and worship of the Lord with the Armenian brothers. I just love being with them. They also expressed some sadness on completing the training.

I am feeling very confronted and needing prayer for the 21 friends(from a "no-access country")arriving Sunday. Our 3-day conference starts Monday morning. Some are seekers, others new believers needing pure milk, others meat. Only God can meet these needs, but I tremble before him for the sacred trust of teaching. Please ask your church families to remember their needs and mine before the Father. I know you will and so thanks in advance.

Yerevan, Armenia Worship Seminar

This is Mount Ararat in winter. Jeff took this picture several years ago, but he said that even now it still has a lot of snow up there. A country in great poverty, but rich in beauty.
Khor Virab Temple
Y-10 stands for 10 pastors startig 10 churches in the capitol city of Yerevan. As you can see, there are always more than 10 as some bring along their disciples. Jeff is back row, second from left in purple shirt. He has been teaching the module on worship this week, but has been working with these men for a couple years now and they have a good close relationship. Tomorrow is the last meeting and he has asked for prayer. Then next week, in this same location, he will start another seminar with a different group on "The Meaning of the Gospel" and worship.

Evening in Yerevan, Armenia

Though the scene is lovely, Armenia is a very poor country. Jeff has the privilege to train pastors and missionaries there who are starting new churches in the capitol city of Yerevan. Please hold them all up in prayer this week that the material Jeff will give them will not only be accepted, but put to use for bringing many souls into the kingdom.

Gratitude

Today I am thankful for the life God has given me and my family. It is something, in my wildest dreams, I never would have imagined. Part of that is because, though we went to church some, I was not raised in a Christian family. My salvation came after knowing my husband, Jeff. For that I am ever grateful that God has made me one of his children and for my husband who gently brought me along and relentlessly prayed for me.

Today Jeff leaves for two weeks in Armenia where he will have a Y-10 (Yerevan 10) conference with 10 Armenian pastors from the capitol of Yerevan who want to start 10 new churches. The following week he will conduct a Bible conference with 16 believers and some new prospects from Iran. Jeff teaches them to study the Bible by the inductive method so they are more equipped to go home and study on their own. Please pray for these two events and for Jeff as he leads them.

In the meantime, Leah and I will be here at the house. Though I miss Jeff when he leaves for these periods, it is a time that I will spend in preparing for the start of our Sunday school year in mid-September. These are not usually difficult times as we have become accustomed to this life and I am thanful for it. There is much I could say about how I am thankful, but let it suffice that God is good and we are happy.

Youth Girls Sing

It was as if someone had opened the window and in flew angels to sing to us. The piano is being played by the pastor's wife, Luba, who also directs these girls. She is a real blessing for the church.

Baptizing in Bucha

These are the people recently baptized in our church. It is the tradition that they are baptized in the lake or river in Ukraine. Then everyone returns to the churh where the new people get to take their first communion. After a joyful service we all have lunch to further celebrate and all the new people are given flowers and a Bible.


Elders of the church praying for the people who were baptized on this day.

Last Camp for the Summer

Sorry I have been so silent, but I have been doing kid's camp this week. It takes a lot out of me. In addition I've been doing it with quite a painful back, but pain meds help. We are in a little village west of Kiev called Gorenechi. Each child is crafting their own scrapbook of their camp experience. I keep thinking they will finish and we will do another craft, but they just want to keep working on their albums. Many are truly beautiful. Pray for a strong finish today, Friday.

Jorge in Mariopol, Ukraine

Last night Jeff and Jaime were in Mariupol which is a city way south on the Azov Sea which adjoins the Black Sea. This is also the furthest most south they will be and have now started back north.

The church was packed and they kept bringing out more chairs 'til there was no more room. Their choir sang in the choir loft and it was a lovely scene. There were many from the local music school and about 20% of the crowd was there for the first time. One family of 6 children all enrolled in the school said the teachers didn't want to go home. Some even brought their own violins. It is certain the Spirit was moving.

At the end of the concert, Jaime called for people to acknowledge Jesus as their Savior and accept Him into their hearts or to repent of sins. There were several that responded. An older lady, late 60's, came up and cried asking God's forgiveness. She had gone away from God and was done with wandering. Life brought her to the end of her rope and she wanted to come back the Father. Another older lady had always prayed the Lord would grant her the opportunity to hear a real true violinist. She was besides herself with joy and tears for her prayer had been granted.

Afterwards, the senior pastor invited Jeff and Jaime for a meal. There was another man present who was a pastor in Donetsk. He couldn't be at that concert when it was in his town, but his daughter was. She insisted he drive the long distance to hear Jaime in the next city. This man had been the best man at the wedding of this pastor 30 years prior so it was a good time of fellowship for all and he was glad he came.

This church is very old and will have it's 120th anniversary in 2012. They have asked Jaime to return and be a part of this celebration. Already God is working in various circumstances for Jaime to return to Ukraine. Honor and Glory to Him.

Jaime Jorge Tour

Tuesday night concert was in Kharkov where they had a full house exceeding capacity of 500 people represented by 8-10 churches. The sales of CD's went well and they were left with only 10 out of 70 at the end of the evening. Not that we want to focus on numbers like this, but it helps to pay Jaime's plane ticket to come over so we are happy.

Jeff and Jaime are staying in people's homes as they travel. Different from the western half of Ukraine, the eastern part is populated more widely with Russian people than the rest of the country. That seems to lend a bit of a different atmosphere that Jaime noticed. He says, "The Russians love music."

Wednesday night wasn't as full, but God blessed nonetheless and there was a very good response. Many young people came to talk after the concert. One young man who was an orphan had played violin and was impressed to pick it up and use his talent for god's honor and glory. His English was good and he said he doesn't usually talk much but he was excited.

Another man from a prison background had trouble talking, he prayed for salvation and to be faithful. Jaime said it seemed like he was burdened or struggling, yet seemed honest and heart felt in his desire to overcome a sin of alcoholism that he is struggling under. Let us pray for this man. Though we don't know his name, God does.

Monday Night in Poltava, Ukraine

Last night Church of the New Birth had just finished a week long evangelism of all Poltava churches. They nonetheless, had a good crowd for a Monday night and a fairly full house. Jeff noticed that they were very emotional with tears and their reactions. Jeff sensed that people tuned in and listened with heart-felt pleasure. Jaime commented that "People here love music." My response was that maybe that is because they don't have as much access to good music being away from a large city.

Jeff and Jaime are both very pleased with the response. Though there were no professions of faith, there were many signs that Jaime's message was received on a deep heart level


Sales of CDs has been good. They have been staying in people's homes so Jaime is getting a real cultural experience. Continue to lift them up. They are in concert now as I write. Praise be to Him.

--

Friends

Touring in Kiev, 2008, standing in front of Iron Maiden.

Music on CD/DVD

Since there is no charge for the concerts Jaime sells CDs and DVDs to help finance his flight and expenses. Here Leah, our daughter helps with this. Picture taken 2008.

Jaime Jorge, Zhitomar to Kiev, Ukraine

Sunday morning Jeff and Jaime had a wonderful reception at the Zhitomar Church. Even though the pastor said many were away on vacation, the church was packed and people were standing so they were thankful for such a good turnout. This is one church where they did a concert last year and the pastor insisted on their return.

Before the service Jaime said that he prayed asking the Lord what to say and what to play. Jaime felt that in the past he had been too passive in regard to asking people to come forward and commit their lives to the Lord. "So this time I asked people to come and four were saved," Jaime, said as we talked on the phone.
He also noticed men wiping tears and the pastor commented that there was much more sharing from the Word and that moved people. All glory to God.

Many were in church Sunday for the first time as a result of concert promotion and one Babushka (Grandmother) came up very excited and said she had experienced much of the same things as Jaime's mother and that she was very encouraged. It was her first time and she said she would attend again. Hallelujah!

Sunday evening was a Kiev church concert where they had been last year. Despite a strong appeal, no one came forward, though it was a large gathering. The pastor talked to several who were there for the first time and said they would return. One pianist said he was so encouraged to be faithful with his talents and to use them for God's honor and glory. Jaime has a really moving testimony about his talent as a musician so what he shares is great for other young musicians to be inspired. Please continue to pray for their nightly concerts.

Jaime Jorge touring Ukraine

Zhitomar Church, Zhitomar, Ukraine morning service.
Jaime, morning service/concert

Evangelism team L-R, Jeff Franks and Jaime Jorge. Today Jeff and Jaime, along with Leah, our daughter went to the town of Zhytomar for a morning church concert. Tonight, starting at 5 p.m. they will be in Dom Evanglia in Podol, Kyiv. Tomorrow starts their tour through Eastern Ukraine.

Jaime Jorge Coming to Ukraine Again.

Ukraine Schedule for Violinist Jaime Jorge

Sun, Aug 9
Morn 10 am, Central Baptist Church on ul. Vatutina 10a, Zhitomir
Eve Kyiv, 6 pm, Dom Evangeliya, ul. Shchekavitskaya 2/8

Mon, Aug 10, Poltava, 6 pm, "Vozrozhdenie" Church, Prosp. Mira 26/13

Tues, Aug 11, Kharkov, 6 pm, "Preobrazhenie" Church, ul. Yaroslavskaya 28

Wed, Aug 12, Donetsk, 6 pm, "Gethsemane" Church, ul. Kazanovoi 36

Thurs, Aug 13, Mariupol, 6 pm, Central Baptist Church, ul. Karasevskaya 22

Fri, Aug 14, Zaporozhye, 6 pm, Central Baptist Church, ul. Kulturnaya 9

Sat, Aug 15, Dnepropetrovsk, 5 pm, Central Baptist Church, ul. Degtyareva 39

Sun, Aug 16,
Morn Cherkassy, 10 am, 1st Baptist Church, ul. Lesnaya Proseka 32
Eve Bucha, 6 pm, Bethany Baptist Church, ul. Yaroslava Mudrogo 1

Sunset in Ukraine

Since I wasn't up at the tent camp, but to visit and bring crafts, I drove back and forth and caught this lovely sunset. There is a beautiful cathedral in the mountains, but unfortunately barely visible with my little camera. Have to get Jeff up there some night with his more hi-tech device. This is the shore of the Kiev Sea.

River Desna Dizziness - What Fun

Camp leaders Nikolai and Lena Dikteryenko dressed in costume. Camp theme was "Africa." Justin Berg and Jeff Franks look on with amusement in the background.

Rafting on the Desna River, Ukraine

Bearing the flags as they rafted, the Americans and Ukrainians spent a week together in the woods north of Kiev in an intensive experience of friendship building. It culminated in Sunday services at the Belichi Bible Church in Belichi, Ukraine. They will all miss each other, but the Americans hope to return next year to do it again.

Dishes on the Desna

Every one gets their turn,like it or not. Here Jeff caught a picture of L-R, Dan and Cindy Williams and Glen Hoffman on Desna dish duty. They are attending camp this week on the river. Weather has warmed and we are back to Arkansas style heat. All are from Antioch Baptist Church of Conway, Arkansas.