Ukraine As We See It

If you'd like to see a whole display of pictures depicting Ukraine "as we see it," then go to this link. These are photos Jeff has done and they are lovely:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=253613&id=629022637&l=55b63cb037

Sergey and Vica in Oleksandrivka

Jeff returned on Sunday from Armenia and we are grateful for the Lord's loving protection in bringing him home. Tomorrow he leaves again to go from our area of central Ukraine to western Ukraine. He will be visiting our BMA missionaries Sergey and Vica in the village of Oleksandrivka. They have a ministry to children that is spreading well beyond the borders of their village to surrounding towns and village. It is my privilege to be able to send them craft materials for this work that is lovingly supplied by the folks at First Baptist Church of Carthage, Texas. Please pray for Sergey and Vica's ministry and for Jeff's protection as he travels to and from there in what is still freezing winter weather. We are ever grateful for you who lift us up before the throne of grace that through your prayers we are enabled to serve with joy. Thank you for your love and kindnesses.

Western Ukraine's Influence

Catholicism is dominate in western Ukraine. These little monuments dot the roadsides and are even in people's yards. As one pastor said, talking about his efforts to evangelize, they answer him: "We go to church on holidays, we confess sins, we ask the priest to pray for us, what more do you want?" Western Ukraine was at one time dominated by Poland out of which came strong Catholic influence. Though that was many decades in the past, that strong influence still prevails today.

The Lord's Gift

Sunset on the river of a sleepy village. We were blessed by this scene and had to stop to record it. May you be blessed as well.

Cathedral Skyline

On the road as we left our visit with the Skripnik family. This is a typical Ukrainian village home with a Orthodox church in the background at sunset

The Skripnik Family

BMA missionaries to one of Ukraine's least church populated areas. The Lord provided support to bring these missionaries on and move them to this needy area of Ukraine. They are supported by First Baptist Church of Carthage, Texas. We were able to see them at work with children and view many pictures of their camp events done this summer in their village.

Missionary Vist

Left to right: Luba (Sergei's mother), Coleen, Little Julia (a neighbor child), Jeff, Vica, Tema (4 yrs. old), Sergei and David (9 months). We had a wonderful visit along with the typical sumptuous Ukrainian dinner.

Haystacks

Hay has been stacked the same way for centuries here. And it keeps into the winter. Notice the tiny church in the background village.

Western Ukraine's Beauty

September is here, but we have had beautiful traveling weather through the Carpathian Mountains of western Ukraine on our way to see missionaries.