SHATTERED ILLUSIONS by Jeff Franks

As published in the Baptist Trumpet, Little Rock, Arkansas,  Photo:  Nikolaevka, Crimea on the Black Sea



I will admit we were caught up in a dream of sorts.  Here we were, living in a peaceful Ukraine where churches had the freedom to preach the gospel publicly and train their leaders in seminaries.  Though the Baptist churches were relatively few, their pastors and leaders could continue to pray and work toward their visions of multiplication.  I really didn’t see it coming, that in November of 2013 our idyll of a peaceful future here would shatter.

Throughout the winter Maidan square in central Kyiv became both a protest site and a battleground.  The Yanukovich administration sent in riot police and introduced draconian laws which restricted the public’s freedom of movement and speech.  The citizens pushed back, reinforcing their number of protesters.  Nationalist, right wing elements, though percentage wise were few, took full advantage and led a more violent resistance.  As missionaries, Coleen and I were shocked to hear that we were now required to register as “foreign agents” and display those words on our official documents.   Our illusion of a peaceful Ukraine had been shattered, but things didn’t stop there.

After the change of power in Kyiv in February 2014, Russia craftily engineered a takeover of Crimea in March.  Then Russian armed forces amassed on Ukraine’s eastern border.  Eerily reminiscent of the seizure of Crimea, armed men in unmarked uniforms began to take over government buildings in the eastern Ukrainian provinces of Kharkiv, Luhansk, and Donetsk.  

Throughout April and May we have witnessed the largely feeble attempts of the new Ukrainian government to wrest back control militarily.  Civilians who are brave enough (or in some cases paid) to go on the street take videos of these clashes and post them on Twitter and YouTube.  They are hard to watch because of the civilians’ extensive cursing, shaming and name-calling of the Ukrainian soldiers, the most common of which is “fashisty,” meaning fascists.   

Yesterday, on Sunday, May 13, the pro-Russian separatists held an illegal referendum in the Donetsk province, seeking to call themselves independent and autonomous from Ukraine’s Kyiv-based government.  This was also a repeat of the Crimean scenario, and we fear a similar outcome eventually in Ukraine’s eastern provinces.

It is not clear whether Ukraine will be able to defend its territorial integrity, but even if that is the case, many changes will take place in government and society because of the deep divisions between Ukrainian citizens.  At some level the new government will need to account for them.  Moreover, the new government will have to deal with Russia’s long-range plans and strategies from this point forward.  Much has been written about Putin’s Eurasian game plan, but I will summarize the current Ukrainian conflict with one phrase: Russia cannot tolerate a pro-Western Ukraine.

The crisis in Ukraine means different things to different people.  For some it is East vs. West, the reinstatement of the cold war between Russia and the USA.  Some say it is the revival of the old USSR.  For those who live in the conflicted regions who have bought into Russia’s propaganda  it means a choice between civilization with strong executive power and reasonable salaries (Russia) or being under the boot heels of an oppressive neo-Nazi junta, as Russia characterizes Ukraine’s interim government.    For those who know better it means an opportunity to build a new nation state on transparency and rule-of-law.  

But for Christians this crisis means a call to prayer, to greater dependency on God, to greater unity among believers, and to standing for the truth of the gospel.  We must remember that even if the worst possible outcome should occur, nothing in this conflict could change the God-given mission of even a single local church!  Our marching orders come from the Lord Jesus Christ who has all power in heaven and on earth!  Therefore, our dream remains for the success of the Ukrainian churches, only now unfettered by our former rosy illusions!

Coleen and I are praying to know God’s will during these troubled times.  We ask you to join us in praying for peace for our Ukrainian friends, not the idealistic kind, but the kind that involves compromise, understanding, and a willingness to listen to one another.  Thank you for your prayers!

GRATITUDE ATTITUDE

CHOOSE to practice gratitude!
When our hearts are filled with gratitude,
we find contentment, even joy.
Practicing gratitude can transform your experience of life. Try it. Make it a habit. It's not something you would ever regret and you have so much to gain.

My take on the subject.  Hope it blesses you.

#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.

"YOU ARE WORTHY"

By Jeff Franks


“You are worthy, O Lord,To receive glory and honor and power;For You created all things,And by Your will they exist and were created.” (Rev 4:11)

As the 24 elders cast their golden crowns over a crystal sea, I worship with them joyfully. Yet one thing puzzles me. Why do we say that God should receive power, when we know that he is eternally omnipotent, and there is no power that did not come from him in the first place? Why should we want him to receive something he already has? Can’t the same can be said for glory and honor?

Truth is, God does indeed bestow glory, honor, and power on the sons of Adam. But throughout human history they have stolen, killed, and waged war in the effort to either obtain power or to keep it. Pharaoh once asked, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? (Ex. 5:2) Nebuchadnezzar challenged, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” (Dan. 4:30) Yet others happily acknowledged their power came from God, such as Joseph, Daniel, and King David, who in his last breath returned his earthly glory, honor and power to his heavenly maker:

“He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” (2 Sam 23:3)

Those who do not will repeat the tragedies of history. Let us therefore cast our crowns at his feet and say, “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things, and by your will they exist and were created!”

#Russian Troops Surround #Ukraine

As Russian troops amass on the borders of now Russia, Crimea, Belarus and Transdniester(Moldova breakaway republic) there is much thought that Russia will take all of Ukraine. All night prayer vigil in all denominations across Ukraine last night. Also a huge "disinformation" campaign in Russia. Don't believe it. There is no chaos here, no robberies, no armed bandits running the streets. Life is normal with the exception that everyone is on edge about Russia. Putin is a liar, that you can believe. There are no right-wing Fascist running the interim government.  As a matter of fact, the interim president is a Baptist Pastor.  Can you believe that?  We'd never have that happen in America.  Please pray.  Prayer can turn the tide.

VALENTINE'S DAY IN THE CHURCH, BUCHA, UKRAINE

 We had such a nice time last month.  It was before all the worries of the current situation in Ukraine.  People were still smiling and war was not the topic of every conversation.  Here the men are about to run and find candy for their wives.  The white head in the middle (green sweater) is my Jeff.

 We had a nice dinner and lots of goodies and games.

 With speakers talking about family values.  Always a good topic for couples.

Add caption

A nice turnout for a holiday that has not been a Ukrainian holiday, but as the world becomes more global such things spread around.    A good excuse for a nice time. 

Please be in prayer for Ukraine now as we face the possibility of invasion by Russian troops.  Everyone is concerned about losing their freedoms and taking a step back in time to an old Soviet culture of fear and control.  God knows all these things and I know he has a plan.  It just may include war.  Pray.

#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.

THE PROPAGANDA WAR OVER UKRAINE! by Jeff Franks

“Now we see through a glass, darkly . . .” (1 Cor 13:12)!



The Russian TV and press have been presenting the Ukrainian revolution as a brazen coup

d’etat led by “neo-Nazi nationalist thugs”. Because Ukrainian nationalists were present and

could be more easily seen at the forefront of violent clashes with riot police, certain producers

have filmed documentaries, complete with interviews, which purport to show the all-

encompassing “true nature” of the anti-Yanukovich protests. “Who do you hate?” asked one

Russian interviewer. “Russians, Jews, and Poles,” answered the activist. Therefore, goes the

line, the Ukrainian revolution was of the exact same spirit as Hitler’s Beer Hall Putsch. Only

unlike Hitler, these Ukrainian neo-Nazis who gathered “in mass” on Maidan square in Kyiv,

actually forced Victor Yanukovich, Ukraine’s “legitimately elected president”, from power.

How accurate are these Russian media accounts? Whether true or not, they are

overwhelmingly convincing. I have been in several discussions with Russians who can see it

only this way. When ousted President Yanukovich spoke in Rostov-on-Don, he said Euro-

maidan was the work of “right wing thugs”. “We will not let these fascist bullies from Maidan rule

our lives!” cried the fully equipped soldiers in masks and unmarked uniforms who raised the

Russian flag over the government buildings and airports of Crimea. Naturally, their cry finds

resonance in the majority ethnic Russian population of Crimea, many of whom welcome

Russia’s invasion with open arms.


What is wrong with these so-called “anti-Maidan” presentations?   Three things.


First of all, they employ emotional hot-buttons which rouse nationalist hostility and resentment.

“All Ukrainians are so-and-so’s.” Similar arguments were sometimes employed during the

protests to provoke anger against Russians: “We will not be ruled by those Russian so-and-sos

(fill in the blank)!” In order to sound more reasonable, one Russian Christian told me, “You are

like MOST Ukrainians who think such-and-such.” Of course, people who think “such-and-such”

are always wrong-headed, aren’t they?



Secondly, these arguments ignore the factual account of events as they occurred. In November

2013, when President Yanukovich rejected the associational trade agreement with the EU,

“who” first came down to Kyiv’s Maidan to protest? Go back and review the videos and news

accounts. You will find that they were mostly university-age students. Where were the Nazi

symbols? Where were the nationalist slogans? Why were there so many young faces and so

few middle aged people with families? When the riot police attacked them in the pre-dawn

hours, did they offer resistance? Who then came to Independence Square to protest, almost a

million strong? Were they at all concerned about Europe or were they angered at the violent

attack on young people from their own government? “Euro-Maidan” was a convenient label at

the start, but pro-European or anti-Russian sentiments had already given way to the larger

issues of theft, corruption, and abuse of power in the current administration. These are factual

issues which burst the hot-air balloons of propaganda. Nevertheless, the propaganda continues

on both sides and sadly, it seems to work.


Thirdly, these arguments employ a common device used in media and politics, the “straw man”

fallacy. You take your opponent’s legitimate issues, in this case anger at Yanukovich’s

corruption and abuse of power, and present them as ridiculous, obviously absurd, and evil.

“Look at these neo-Nazis who hate Russians and Jews. Is this the kind of government you want

in Ukraine?” That is a classic “straw man” fallacy. “Regardless of the facts, regardless of the

true nature of things, if you hate Nazi’s then you should hate the new Ukrainian government.”

I do not have to convince people of the “true nature” of things, which are always more complex

than I can fully understand. Lord grant that we remember to love our enemies and pray for

those who abuse and persecute us. May we remember to dress in the “full armor of God”,

putting on the belt of truth. May we never find comfort or justification in false accounts, because

they never bear the good fruits of love, peace and liberty, but rather provide a covering for

abusive control, corruption, and theft. As you pray for peace in Russia and Ukraine, forgive in

advance any remarks made in anger by those who have bought into the propaganda of one side

or another.

WHAT RICHES YANUKOVICH LEFT BEHIND

From living in a Kiev apartment to riches beyond imagination.  Here's what Victor Yanukovich, past President of Ukraine stole from the people. Please continue to pray for this country as it wades through the muck and mire of setting up a new government.  Pray that the country does not split and that Russia does not interfere. 
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/ukraine-president-yanukovych-abandons-lavish-3172943

MERRY #CHRISTMAS FROM #UKRAINE

Merry Christmas to all our friends out there.

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.

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.

WILL TIME "BE NO LONGER" IN HEAVEN? By Jeff Franks

I used to think that in heaven we would be "beyond time" because of the wording of one

verse in the KJV "that there should be time no longer" (Rev 10:6). However, many

years ago I heard a sermon based solely on this phrase, wherein the preacher, having

meditated at length, concluded that the absence of time demanded the absence of

everything linear. Since thoughts are linear, so is all communication, and so is all

movement. His heretical conclusion was that all prayer, all songs, all worship, and all

fellowship will end as our souls will know only joy in perfect unity with the Godhead.

Since I knew many depictions of heaven in the Bible where people praise, worship,

communicate, hold their silence for half an hour, etc., I knew he was wrong. I

discovered that the phrase in Rev 10:6 could legitimately be translated "there will be no

more delay" as in the NKJV, the ISV, the ESV, and many other translations.

Surely one day our eyes will be opened to other dimensions of which we know nothing

now except by faith. But faith, like a true portal to the "great beyond", comes by hearing

and hearing by the Word of God, which shows us not only joy and bliss, but also great

activity in praise, worship, feasting, and servanthood all of which is linear in nature.

When Christ appeared to the disciples in his risen body he spoke and ate with them in

the humblest way, giving us joy and hope that heaven will not mean the loss of time

(blending with godhead), but rather the full enjoyment of it as redeemed souls with real

risen bodies.

DOES BIBLE PROPHECY INCLUDE THE USA? By Jeff Franks

I see the United States today leading the pack in what the Bible allegorically refers to as Babylon,

the center of world trade that according to prophecy falls in one hour. (Rev 18:17)

I am not saying that USA is Babylon, but rather that we exemplify spiritual Babylon by being the

leader in spilling innocent blood through abortion (55 million killed since "Roe vs. Wade"), and by

corrupting the morals of the entire world through our music and movie industry, especially

Hollywood "blockbusters". How are we not like Babylon, "mad upon our idols"? (Jer 50:38)

As "red-blooded American patriots" we become indignant at the anger of militant Islamic fanatics

who cry "death to America!" But we easily forget that just like Babylon we act militarily as the

"hammer of the whole earth" (Jeremiah 50:23) and flaunt our riches and decadence. So how are we

not just like Babylon? Note:

"Babylon hath been a golden cup in the Lord's hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations

have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad." (Jer 51:7)

"O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure

of thy covetousness." (Jer 51:13) Neither ancient Babylon nor modern Babylon can be said to

“dwell upon many waters”. Therefore, this prophecy points to another nation or kingdom, whether

national, multi-national, or trans-national.

Though Islamic hatred of America is Satanic in nature, perhaps we should relate to their cries more

like King David related to Shimei, the man who cursed him when David had abandoned his throne

to rebellious Absolom and was departing Jerusalem in sack cloth and ashes. (2 Sam 16:5-13)

Sadly, I see America's coming judgment as a harbinger of the eventual fuller judgment of Babylon,

for USA's economic empire will likely fall in one hour.

"And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city,

wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is

she made desolate." (Rev 18:19)



If you like what you read here, please leave a comment so we can know whether to do more of these types of postings. 

MAKING #CARDS IN #UKRAINE

These are some of the girls I've worked with recently.  We have an ongoing art class we've been doing through the summer.  I love seeing how creative they are.  On this particular day we made cards.  We've also made ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) and we are now working on altered books.  I love doing this with them.

FINAL SESSION OF ENGLISH CAMP

 This was the final session of English Camp on Sunday evening in Bucha, Ukraine where parents were invited to see what their children had learned.

 These were the teachers, along with some Ukrainians.  This team came from Texas led by Amy Pannel on the left front row.

 The children did a great job performing their new English songs they learned for their parents.

Jeff Franks and Alexander (Sasha) Kulbich announce the follow up English Club that will be held every Friday afternoon for the summer.

These are two of the three groups receiving their English school certificates.  They were happy.  Please join us in praying for these kids and pray for us as we minister to them.

ENGLISH CAMP IN UKRAINE

Lots of games, songs and fun at English camp at Bethany Church in Bucha, Ukraine.  We are having a morning session for the little ones and afternoon session for the youth.    We will go through Saturday and the kids will perform a special show for their parents on Sunday afternoon.  Please be in earnest prayer for all of these activities.

"HAS GOD JUDGED AMERICA?" By Jeff Franks

The United States of America is facing unprecedented crises along many fault lines. 

Economically we are facing the largest national debt in human history.  Politicians on

the left downplay it and those on the right speak words of warning as though pretending

that meaningful action is still possible.  Many Bible scholars however categorize our

debt as already "runaway", beyond our ability to address.  That does not mean God has

judged America, but who can deny the "handwriting on the wall?" 

Politically we have become a surveillance state, wherein every keystroke and every

phone call is being recorded in a huge data base.  Only a small minority of citizens are

unwilling to trade privacy for security, but of these only a tiny percentage have found a

way to live "off the grid", so to speak.  Anyone living in this manner is seen as a wildeyed fringe
fanatic, going without the ability to use internet and cell phones to stay in

contact with friends and family: virtual hermits who are even more vulnerable than they

can hope to realize, unwilling to see the "handwriting".

Internationally, we are mired in foreign wars, for which we are unable to pay.  Though

our actions be right, we are unable to control Islamic hatred which stems from spiritual

darkness rooted in cultures which have no tradition of critical thought.  As a nation our

vast military complex is helpless to effect real change politically, economically, or

socially among these cultures.  All we can do is keep our finger in the dam against

certain hostile groups, such as the Taliban, who are striving in every possible way to

gather momentum.  We applaud our brave service members, but ignore the

"handwriting".

Morally, we are divided over issues of homosexuality, abortion, and immigration, which

issues are reflected daily in the political realm.  Because of our history of abortion,

approved at the national level and funded by taxes, many believe that judgment is

overdue.

God has been allowing unprecedented natural disasters to warn Americans to return to

him in heartfelt repentance.  Every fire out of control, every hurricane, every earthquake,

every tornado comprises a "handwriting" that we should be able to read, not of

impending doom and disaster, but of a loving God who is calling us back to himself

before it is indeed too late.

ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH CAMP TEAM

This picture was taken over the weekend in Kiev, overlooking the Dneiper River and the city in the background.  The camp team is now with a bunch of campers in southern Ukraine.  L-R, Addison Williams, Shawn Hammontree and Justin Berg.

Rebecca Haley is so excited as are all the camp participants.

Dan and Cindy Williams of Conway, Arkansas have been doing these camps for years.  They are the team leaders.

They were blessed to do a little touring yesterday.  Crimea has some old ruins from centuries passed.

Addison, the youngest in the group admiring the ruins.  Please pray for all these people and  more importantly for the Ukrainians attending who do not know God.  Your prayers would be coveted.

COURAGE?

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24

It takes courage to be different.  Following Jesus is being different from the world.  It takes courage.  It is not the wide path, but the narrow.  Trusting in Him will strengthen you.

WHY DO PEOPLE LIVE IN OKLAHOMA....IN TORNADO ALLEY?

See what Kathi Yeager has to say about it ~

#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.

KID'S KAMP AT BETHANY CHURCH ~ UKRAINE

I must admit, I'm biased.  This is my favorite group.  I love these little ones.

The oldest group really enjoyed doing these boxes.

This is Vlad.  A bit shy, but he let me take his picture anyway.

The teachers are Natasha(sitting) and Masha. That little doll on the front is Vica.

The scrapbook paper, the flowers, buttons and ephemera were all sent from the states. So grateful.

The round disks are CDs that are covered in scrapbook paper joined with a jump ring to make a mini-album.  Each day we will post the verse of the day in the their mini-album along with pictures and lovely ephemera sent by many from the U.S. and elsewhere.  The star boxes and beads for the necklaces were also sent from the U.S.  I so appreciate those of you who have contributed to making our kid's camp experience a real success.  These are pictures from our first two days.  Check my other blog for more pictures: www.vintageterrace2.blogspot.com or just click on the link on the right of this page.  And we'd be so happy if you "followed on our blogs.