ART & ART MINISTRY BLOG

Greetings from sunny Ukraine.  This is just a reminder that there is another blog you might enjoy.  It is my art ministry I do with ladies and children.  You can find it on the side of this blog or you can access it here:  www.vintageterrace2.blogspot.com.  It would be an honor if you chose to follow there.  Blessings, Coleen

#CARDS FOR #CHRIST

I travel about 45 minutes to our northwest where I do a monthly class with some ladies.  As you can see we don't have a big space to work in this tiny church, but that does not stop them from creating lovely things.

This is Oxana and Vika, mother and daughter.  Vika is a school teacher.  These two always do such lovely creations.

Of course, Vika's little dog Archie had to be part of everything.

Natasha always does pretty work.  She was an orphan growing up.

Though they are not often with us, these two youngsters are Natasha's children, Ivanka and David.  I've been giving them clothes because they don't have a lot.  A young girl needs some nice things.

Thank you to those of you who send pretties and supplies.  I couldn't do this without you.  These were Easter cards that the ladies will give to the elderly in homes.  So your blessing of supplies will bless others for Christ.  Despite the threat of war with Russia, we try to continue life as normal.  Pray for peace please.

#SUNDAY SCHOOL IN #UKRAINE

This is crafts with the eight to ten year olds.  They love doing crafts.  I wish it were a better picture, but kids this age are moving all the time.  At this age they don't understand the politics of the country they live in, but we do all we can to keep things normal for them.  Despite the prospect of war, life goes on.  Would appreciate your prayers for Ukraine that we can continue to minister to these dear people.

CRAFTING IN UKRAINE ~ ALTERED BOOKS CLASS

 I'm a bit behind in blogging, but this is one of the classes from September.  Crafting are L-R, Lyuda, Ericka, Liza (back right) and Valentina.

 Each Saturday we do a craft that they can include in their altered books.  Here Ericka was feeling the part of Indian princess with her new feathers in her hair.

 We also did "Twinchies."  Twinchies are mini pieces of art on 2x2" pieces of paper.  Perfect for including in a book.

I have to say that I love teaching and have come to just love these girls.  This class is being done in English (not my usual class) and came about as a result of our English camp this past summer.  It really is another form of small group ministry but simply around the form of arts and crafts.  My thanks go out to all who have sent supplies to serve this ministry.  It is a blessing.

LAST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL, BUCHA, UKRAINE

 Last Sunday was the ending session of our Sunday school season.  The excitement of the kids was palpable as they anticipated the fun.

 Such a coquettish age.  Aren't they cute.  I couldn't resist showing you.

 And as you can see, we have very little ones too.   And sometimes tears....over a balloon.

 Each child got a gift bag of toys and Christian books.

 Cousins investigating what they each got.  This is Matthew, Dasha and Angelina.  I love doing crafts with all the kids, but this is my favorite group.

 Ending prayers and group picture below.  Please be in prayer for our upcoming kid's camp that will be held the 17th of June.  I'm already preparing crafts.  We shall do mini-albums with old CD disks as the base plus a variety of other crafts, one of which are decorating miniature gourds sent by friends in the U.S.  Thanks to those who send things.  I love doing crafts with the kids.  And they call this a job?

MAKING CARDS AT LADIES CAMP IN UKRAINE

I had the recent joy of leading these lovely ladies in doing cards at their weekend camp.Oxana, front row left led the ladies.  I'm in the blue next to her.

 They did such pretty cards   Everyone needs cards so this is a most appropriate craft.

 Husband and wife team, Vitaly and Larissa kept everyone well fed for the weekend. What a blessing they are to all.

Oxana spoke on the top of dealing with offenses.  A good topic for everyone.  I'm grateful to those of you who send materials.  I couldn't do it without you since I bring everything to these events.

HANDMADE FANS

This is a sampling of some fans that went to a group of Texas ladies.  One of the ladies had seen what we did with the kids this summer and thought it would be a nice idea for her group.  So 25 of these pretties flew off to Texas not long ago.  I know it seems late for fans, but things stay hot in Texas a lot longer than in most other places.  They all have Bible verses on both sides so they will be a nice witness.  And another benefit is that they really work well to blow  the heat off your brow.

MISSIONS TO RUSSIA

 Pavel (Paul) and Tanya Gerashenko are Ukrainian friends of ours who became missionaries and are now living in Russia working in an enclave of Turkish (Muslim) people.  Below is Tanya's letter.

 She has started a children's club. I"m sending her craft materials to work with the kids.  So happy to be a part in helping this mission effort get started.  Please pray for them and their 3 boys.  The littlest is there at the table.

Hi sister!
I want to share that today was the first day of the home club for the girls, there were five girls. We have made ​​some very interesting crafts: jewelery made ​​from beads and a rose and candy. I bought gifts for all the colored balls are in the waters swell and become big beautiful balls, and we were talking about a rainbow and how it all started. Noah and God's promise. They first heard the story of Noah. Of course, thank you for some of the parcels, they are very helpful for the club (do crafts). And if you still want to tell you that it for this ministry, I would be very grateful, as there is still a need. Also, please send ideas. I want to carry out twice a week for girls, and twice for the boys. Therefore, ideas and different ornamental material very much needed.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
With love your sister Tanya.
Sending photos.

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH KID'S CAMP

 Isn't she a cutie.  She liked getting her picture taken.

 Beautiful butterflies. Each craft goes home with a Bible verse on it.

 Our craft team helpers. Some Americans and some Ukrainians. I thank God for helpers.

The older kids making their CD case craft with a verse and pictures. We had so much fun.
Please pray for our camp this week.

UKRIANIANS MAKING CARDS

Last Tuesday I met with these ladies to do cards.  We rotate from working to set up their prayer journals and cards.  They are almost done with their journals.  This past week we did cards and you can see they are doing very well.  Go to my other blog (click side panel) to see more of their cards.  I am very grateful to the ladies who send me supplies that we cannot buy in Ukraine.  When I put out something new I get lots of ohhhs and ahhhs and they get so excited.  It is truly a joy for me.  Bless your heart for those of you who contribute.  I couldn't do it without you.  Love & Hugs, Coleen

TECHNOLOGY AND CRAFTS IN UKRAINE

Not long ago I got a surprise when I opened the door into the Sundays school class of the 3 and 4 year olds. I was going in to do crafts with them. You can see the craft laying on the table. At that age they mostly just glue things down and we put a Bible verse on all our crafts. As you can see from this picture I was surprised to see the computer which had their Sunday school story playing. Little kids nowadays like cartoons and computer games so this is a natural. It was new for me.

GIVEAWAY FOR NEW FOLLOWERS

We are American missionaries living in Ukraine. We've been here for 17 years. My husband travels many surrounding countries training pastors and missionaries in how to start new churches in new places. I work with children and ladies in an arts ministry. It's a lot of fun. I'm hoping for some new followers on my blog so I've done a little giveaway that will be open for only 7 days until April 5th. Being only a week gives you a good chance to win this pretty little vintage tag I made. Just follow on my blog to be entered. And if you want two chances to win, follow on my artsy blog as well: www.vintageterrace2.blogspot.com. Be sure to leave a message so I know you saw this posting. Blessings, Coleen

CRAFTS WITH THE LITTLE ONES

This darling pictures shows you why I love what I do. These little ones are so thrilled to do crafts. It was so simple, just some recycled Christmas cards glued into Styrofoam plates like a frame and hung with a piece of yarn and a Christmas verse glued to the lower edge. Of course, their great satisfaction is taking it home and presenting it to mom and dad. They are so cute.

Glitzy Castle

A glitzy castle for a castle lover. Click on this picture to see all the pretty sparkle I put on it. So fun to make something that one specifically loves....theme being castles. It was a long process of glitter drying.

CAMP AT VORONKOVA, UKRAINE

We had a lovely time with the girls at a weekend camp in Voronkova. They heard different speakers, they did girl stuff, crafts (my part, along with speaking) and even had a beautiful tree guest that many fussed over and took pictures of. You just know these were city girls.