OUR MOST RECENT ADVENTURE?

 Some of you may have seen this on Facebook.  Two weeks ago today Jeff fell and had a 2/3rds tear of his Achilles' tendon.  The doctors in Ukraine said he needed surgery within a week to maintain his mobility.  Now as expats 20 years in a foreign country we've come to understand that sometimes doctors are anxious to operate on us for financial gain.  We weren't convinced and we wanted another opinion.  The above picture is the cast we left Ukraine in. We added the duct tape with a wooden block on the heal so he could actually walk in it.  He was on 2 crutches.

Some years ago we had a very good experience with a surgery in England on Jeff.  So off to England to see a ankle specialist.  The long and short of what was quite an ordeal is that Jeff is walking in a boot for 8 weeks, no surgery.  Thank you to you who already are praying for him.  Please continue as he must be very careful not to fully tear this tendon or it WILL be surgery.  The above shows his new boot in the London Underground (the extent of our tourism).  Please also pray for the resolution of two blood clots in the same leg.  They didn't catch that in Ukraine. We are grateful for God's provision and your prayers.

ISIS! EBOLA! PUTIN!

 

You have surely noticed three names dominating the world headlines: 

ISIS! EBOLA! PUTIN! 


Tell me, which of these big three would have grabbed your attention only a year ago? That’s right! None of them. They were different, weren’t they? What will they be a year from now? Well, only the Lord knows, but there are certain forces behind them which actually do not change: death, disease, and war. Like the horsemen of the Apocalypse, we can “safely” predict that these key players, though their names may change, will still be upping their game until the Lord returns.
Knowing that, as believers how should we respond to these evil forces when they come to our neighborhood, to our very doorstep? 

Here in Ukraine, a year ago Coleen and I could not have anticipated the outbreak of war and the widespread social and economic challenges that we would be facing today with our Ukrainian friends. However, watching their response has been instructive and inspirational for us, and I hope their example will also encourage you and prepare you to face any storms on your horizon. If I were to ask a close Ukrainian Baptist friend for advice on what to do in times of national upheaval, here is what I think he would tell me. 

First, hold your inner peace. Jesus said, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass.” (Matthew 24:6) The entire country seemed to teeter on a knife-edge of suspense during the long and difficult winter of 2013-14. No one really knew when or how the “Maidan” protests in Kyiv would resolve. There were outbreaks of violence from both sides, but the Baptists who took part always did so with prayer and song, peacefully, as if to say, “It’s OK. God’s still in control.” 

Second, serve those in greater need. Throughout the long months of war, starting in the spring and continuing through this fall, the Ukrainian believers provided clothing, opened their homes for refugees, and served in countless other practical ways, not “growing weary in doing
good.” (Galatians 6:9) 

Third, keep sharing the love of Jesus Christ, no matter what happens. I was especially encouraged to see teams of young people walk into the winter conflict on Maidan Square and share the gospel with all and any who would listen. Unforgettable! 

Fourth, pray without ceasing. It seems there is nothing like troubled times to bring new life to our prayer ministry. However, just between us, don’t pray for trouble, just pray! It has been a joy to kneel so frequently with so many faithful partners in prayer, daily, weekly, continually! 

When I began to write this article I wondered which event in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict would have the greatest significance for our BMAA believers? This previous Sunday at 3 pm,

the Baptist Union of Ukraine, having received approval from President Poroshenko’s administration, invited believers of all professions to gather in Kyiv’s Maidan Square to pray for peace in Ukraine. Similar prayer meetings were held simultaneously in all of Ukraine’s major cities.
When has a nation so publicly and boldly sought the favor and protection of God? Though this event did not rate in today’s fear-laced headlines, remember that heaven views earthly events in the most radically different way, and thank God for that! So alongside ISIS and Ebola victims, please remember Ukraine’s peace in your prayers! 

Written by Jeff Franks.  Published in the Baptist Trumpet, October 2014. Photo by Anatoly Kaluzhny

#UKRAINE FOR #EUROPE

This video is women of Ukraine.  Ukrainian women who speak Russian as their first language.  We speak Russian in Ukraine.  We have for 20 years without any discriminatory problem.  Many in our church speak Russian and Ukrainian.  Many have Russian as their first language, a leftover from Soviet Russification.  Though their words are in Russian, it is translated below so you can understand their hearts.

Post by For the Peace in Ukraine.

ARE YOU LEAVING UKRAINE?

The beauty of western Ukraine shines through in this lovely country shot.  From a distance this could be any where in America or even the world.  I look at something like this and I think....why did God send us here?  It's one of those questions that lingers without an answer, but is part of a bigger plan than I can see and it's his plan.  Several people here have asked us lately if we are leaving to go back to America?  This question always surprises me, but gossip tends to fly around at high speed.  Just like the question of why Ukraine, there is no answer as to when we leave here or even "if" we leave.  Family asks this question every time we return home to the states.  Therefore it is something we've thrown around and discussed.  What we have come down to is this.  We don't know.  When God tells us our time is done then we'll know.  And he'll have to make it quite clear.  As far as we are concerned, until we get clear direction, we are here.  We are at His bidding and if he says we go, then we go.  Where?  He'll tell us that as well.  In the meantime, as God brings us to mind please pray for us that we would be faithful in what He has entrusted.  And for safety.  Know that we pray for you too and we so appreciate everyone who helps with ministry here.  God's blessings abundant to you.

#KIEV, #UKRAINE TIME-LAPSE

Kiev, the capitol of Ukraine is truly a study in contrasts.  It is an old city breaking out of the mold of it's ancient past.  We live outside the city about half an hour.  I think you'll enjoy these views.  A well-done video.

THE "WORD" AROUND TOWN

No, we are not looking for a new car.  In April we were in the U.S. for our oldest daughter's graduation from college and to meet the newest member of the family, our grandson from our youngest of two daughters.  I couldn't help but take this photo of a corner car lot.  I'm so glad my two girls are living in a state (Arkansas) and town that honors God.  I thought how few places would you see anything like this.  If I do ever need a car stateside I do believe I would certainly come check out this location on Oak Street in Conway.  Way-ta-go, Arkansas.

WINTER IN UKRAINE.....STILL?

 We have had the most amazing winter in terms of the amount of snowfall.  Each time I think we can't get any more??? ....it's like God wants to show me he's the one in charge. I"m sure he's chuckling.

 This is a Ukrainian style teeter totter that was here when we moved in 16 years ago.  You wouldn't know what it was for all the snow.

 My clothes line in the back yard.  The stick is twice as long as you see.

Our house from the back.  I'm afraid my poor evergreens shall never stand up normally again.  I spent a lot of time indoors this winter.  That is when I wasn't involved with functions at the church or other ministry events.  This kind of weather makes me so grateful for a warm house and all the blessings God has given me.  Have you stopped to think about that?  I know in the city of Kiev, 13 kilometers away, there are people that live out on the streets.  Many dogs too.  I wonder how they make it?  I just know that I have much to be thankful for and much to praise Him for.  I hope you think about that when you next stare difficulties in the face.  I know God has a purpose in all things.  I trust in that.

TWO WEEKS AGO IN UKRAINE

Just to give you some perspective on the crocus picture below, this is what my back yard looked like two weeks ago. Even well into last week, but suddenly it got real warm and we had melted lakes everywhere on the roads.

HOME SCHOOLING, PART OF MISSION LIFE

Found this on my sister-in-law's Facebook page and thought I'd share with you. We were homeschoolers BEFORE we came on the mission field. While here and in the states, we had support groups of other families. Plenty of socialization. Enjoy! It's funny.

THE MAGIC OF FORGIVENESS

Have you ever struggled with a deep, deep hurt that you just couldn't forgive? Do you have arrows that pierced your heart in childhood or even just yesterday? I found this wonderful video on the internet as I was visiting the blog of another artist. She was dealing with a lack of forgiveness herself. Can't get this to embed, but if you'll copy and paste in a new window you will not regret having done so and you will be blessed. (Crocus from my garden).

http://fairywebmother.blogspot.com/2009/08/forgiveness-and-freedom-of-letting-go.html#links

Life in Ukraine

We still have snow on the ground, but milder temperatures are melting some of it. This picture shows how some live here. Though the snow is leaving us, there is still plenty of heating weather left for a number of months yet (May/June). Some still heat with wood, and many, due to economic recession, have gone back to heating with wood. So much of the population here is without transportation beyond bicycles and walking. Thus explains the three men working together to bring their wood back home. Another unfortunate outcome of this situation is that more and more trees are being cut. Whereas many roadways were lined with trees, they are thinning considerably. All I can say is thank you Lord that I have a car and a warm house. Let me not take these things for granted.

Fishing in Ukraine

In America fishing is done mostly for sport. This shot was taken last fall as we traveled west. You can see by the fur had and heavy coat that it is cold out there. Fishing here is done for sustenance, for living. In the winter it changes. They do ice fishing as everything freezes over so they cut holes in the ice. And sadly, sometimes fishermen fall through and drown. This is life in Ukraine.

Thanksgiving, Overseas Missionary Style

Thanksgiving always brings images of family and close friends sharing all that we have to be grateful for and celebrating with a wonderful huge dinner. Though we miss having family around, nonetheless, we all come together to share that tradition that makes us fellow citizens not just of America, but of God's kingdom. Several families from around the Kiev area gathered together at Pine Branch Lodge in Kolonitsi, Ukraine, which is about and hour out in the forest. A lovely place for a gathering and the same place we held the women's conference just two weeks prior. We all had a lovely time and thankful that God gives grace when family is so far away.

Creative snacking tree done by Leah and I. You know we have to put artsy in there somewhere.

Like any real Thanksgiving dinner there was also football. We got to watch the Houston Oilers play the Buffalo Bills. Oh, you say you didn't see that game? Well it was a 1993 game downloaded from the internet. Maybe not current, but nostalgic of American Thanksgiving celebrations nonetheless.

The crowning glory was the real turkey we had to eat with stuffing and all the trimmings. Oh, and the desserts were the best of variety. But most joyful was to have the time to sit back and relax with friends, some old and some new. Cutting the turkey for us was William D.(Dai) Wysong, Kiev Christian Academy director and principal.

Day-to-Day Humdrum

Check email, answer letters, make calls, meet with missionaries, meet with church members in need of counseling, meet with small groups, go to choir, fix the car, work on the house, shovel the snow, do more email, answer more calls, meet with more people, etc., etc. etc. There is so much to our daily life that we don't write about because it just isn't interesting, yet like everyone, the daily humdrum makes up a very large part of our lives and is important.

Today Jeff is in the big city of Kyiv(yes, that is how Ukraine is now writing the city name). Jeff is doing the grocery shopping, stopping at the drug store and other errands all on his way to the travel agency. We've come to see that is often how it is on the mission field as the man is the one out running around so this is not uncommon among missionaries.

To get downtown he parks at Petrivka which is the outskirts of Kyiv and takes the subway. It is much faster than trying to fight the traffic. The main goal today is to get his plane ticket to the country of Georgia where he will meet with our missionaries and do some counseling and future planning. Then he will get home after dinner time and do .... you guessed it, check email and answer letters, etc. Life is always exciting, even in the ho-hum events.