#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.

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.

BETHANY CHURCH YOUNG MARRIEDS GROUP

In 1994 we came to Ukraine as missionaries for the Baptist Missionary Association of America (BMMA).  We lived a bit more than three years in the Crimea region of Ukraine in the very south of the country before we realized we needed to be closer to an airport for Jeff's work in other countries.  In 1997 we moved to Bucha, located just outside the capital.  We joined the Bethany Church and this lovely group of young people at that time were all young kids.   It's been our joy to watch them grow up for the last 17 years that we've been in this church.  This was a recent meeting (September) that they do monthly.  Jeff spoke to them that night about conflict, a topic of importance for all people.  As we approach our 20th year (2014) we don't know how long God has planned for us here, but we do know that we are so privileged to be a part of the lives of this group.  This is the future of the church and I know they will make a great future for Bethany Church.

I would like to think every church has "unsung heros", who labor faithfully in their calling, regardless of whether anyone notices.  Don't you know Jesus has some surprising rewards in store for such as these?  We all know the parable of the talents, where Jesus rewards those who were faithful with what little was committed them.  ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’  (Mt 25:21)  What an encouragement to work faithfully!

Some rewards for the faithful, though, come sooner, in this life.  A few days ago I was training our small group leaders and our numbers were down, probably due to severe cold and bad roads.  I must admit this discouraged me a bit.  Then Natasha shared how she and her husband Sasha, answered God's call to lead the teen ministry in our church.  Because of certain conflicts and troubles this last year, many of our teens quit coming:

"We only had two teens coming to our meetings in August.  The same two kept coming every       week and we continued to work with them in September, October, and November.  Each time we had to drive all the way from Kiev we began to wonder about the time commitment (45-60 minutes).  Nevertheless, we kept praying for all the teens. Finally, in December several more teens returned, and now in January we are averaging fifteen at every meeting!  I am so thankful we did not give up!  God is so good!"

 I repeat, what an encouragement to work faithfully and not give up!  Please pray for Sasha and Natasha as they lead and pray for this teen group that it may grow and prosper with more teens coming.  Small group ministry is growing in our church and for that we are excited.  Natasha is seated in the center (blue sweater).