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

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.

UKRAINE SPRING

Though there are still some big mounds of snow in the shady spots, spring has popped up with all it's joy and exuberance in our yard. Much to our surprise it was not too early for this fellow to be ravishing my crocus. My sweet husband Jeff captured him with his fancy dan camera lens that takes great close-ups.

BABY BOOKS FOR BUCHA

For a number of years now our church has engaged in the western tradition of baby showers. Several years back when I was first invited to these showers I saw that each lady would write out their congratulations on a piece of paper. Then they would go around the room speaking these and eventually give the pieces of paper to the expectant mom as a keepsake. It didn't take me long to realize those little flimsy pieces of paper would end up in the back of a drawer and eventually be thrown out. So, what you see below is an example of the little keepsake I make for each one now. Mind you I am not a "scrapbooker," but I am preserving a memory for these ladies. Just another one of the fun ministry things I do.

SAMARITAN'S PURSE FOR DISABLED IN UKRAINE

Every year our church does a Christmas holiday for the kids of our town and a separate one for all the disabled kids in our region. We pass out Samaritan's Purse Boxes to everyone. These pictures are from the group we did on January 14th for the disabled kids. CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO SEE MORE PICTURES.

Our Sunday school staff that made this all happen. Our Sunday school director, Lena is kneeling in the front in the gray suit and I'm in the green jacket.

THE SPARROW

EUROPE, OUR MISSION CONTINENT

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.

CRAFTY UKRAINIAN LADIES

This past week I had the privilege of speaking to and leading a group of ladies in card making. I spoke to them mainly about heaven and the hope of our future that God has waiting for us there. I spoke for about 20 minutes and the Lord blessed in that it was all in Russian. Then we made cards for them to give away to someone when they need a card. I went away rejoicing in His faithfulness.

KINDNESS MAKES YOU HAPPY

LITIN, UKRAINE TRAINING

Pastors and missionaries gather for training and a prayer retreat with the topic of starting new churches in new places. Jeff Franks led the group teaching the program from Dynamic Church Planting International. Concurrently I worked with the ladies which you can view by going here: www.vintageterrace2.blogspot.com or clicking on it to the right. Our deep thanks to all who help make these conferences happen with your prayers and support.

CHRISTY NOCKLES, "HEALING IS IN YOUR HAND"

ARMENIAN TRAINING IN GEORGIA

The first run of the Armenian translation was fantastic, and Gegham, our translator, took many notes for editing the final version due in January. Our training location, Akhalkalaki, is a totally Armenian town of 5 or 6 thousand people in an Armenian enclave in S. Georgia. Six men including Gegham took the training, and get this, it was the first training seminar the Georgian Armenians have ever attended! They were so encouraged, having been essentially forgotten in their isolated corner of Georgia. Too far from Yerevan (5 hour drive plus "3rd world" border crossing) and 3 hours by car from Georgian Baptists in Tbilisi (with whom there is a great language divide). They took copious notes and participated with great enthusiasm. Times of prayer and worship were moving and at times I thought maybe the building would shake. They now have firm plans to plant two daughter churches among Armenians living in strategic locations in Georgia. Gegham, our materials translator, took the training for the first time. Asatur Nahapetyan trained and taught for certification. Both traveled with me from Yerevan. Asatur, the General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Armenia, is a gifted teacher who is very excited to have a fully Armenian version of the CPE training. We have planned our next training in the Spring, where we plan to certify at least five more Armenian brothers. We have made some long range plans for more training in Armenia. Thank you so very much for your love and prayer support! God is so good! Much love in Christ and Merry Christmas to all of you! The mountains we traveled over to get to the Armenian settlement in Georgia.

Asatur teaching classes so he can be certified to teach the program (multiplications).

Student notes in study books newly translated into Armenian and Armenian Bible

Gegham, our materials translator, Valera and Sassun, participants

GEORGIA TRAINING

Jeff was in the country of Georgia in November for a Church Planter's Training with pastors and missionaries. They had 3 days of classes and prayer with 11 men in attendance. Jeff wanted to give them more time for prayer and rest, but always they said they wanted time in the Word. They wanted him to continue in study with them. Praise God for such hunger and devotion to the Lord. The picture above is the small mountain village where they met. Little has changed there in 50 years.

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.

BRACELET MINISTRY IN UKRAINE

Just a couple shots from a birthday party where I made bracelets with Ukrainian girls...well, one boy and some moms too. These were Nativity bracelets generously provided by The Mark and Rhonda Kilsby family in Texas. They all just loved making them and all wore them home. Thanks to all the folks who help me do this ministry by the things you send. I am so blessed by having this small part of giving joy to others. You can see more shots by going to my artsy blog. Just click on VintageTerrace2 over on the right panel.

THE WINDS OF UKRAINE

Ukraine in the recent past has not been so negatively affected by the world economy, but as it moves more and more to a world market economy it will be more so. That's not to say it hasn't been a poor country....it still is, but things have improved considerably in the 18 years we've been here, economically and politically.

Speaking of political....there has been a growing wind blowing across this land. The president, Yanokovich is leaning more and more to the east (Russia) in his political moves. UkrianianJournal.com quote: KIEV, Nov. 24 – "President Viktor Yanukovych on Thursday failed to deny a media report that he was going to join a meeting in Moscow December 19, skipping an EU-Ukraine summit in Kiev the same day." He is the man who was defeated in the Orange Revolution. Now, purely a political move, he has managed to imprison his major opposition rival. Her sentence is for 7 years and no politics for 3 more after that. The EU sees this as a scandal and has asked for her release. Quoted from UkraininanJournal.com, "The U.S. and the European Union have sharply condemned Tymoshenko’s sentence last month as politically motivated." It has put Ukraine many steps backwards in the issue of European integration.

Ukraine is now making visa issues more difficult and more expensive for westerners, something Russia has already done. Many left Russia as a result, some coming here to work. Today people are leaving Ukraine for this very same reason, as we said goodbye to a friend last week. For now we are fine, but you can see this is something that needs prayer. After almost two decades in this country we see the open door beginning to creak on it's hinges. We thank you for standing with us in prayer for His will to be done.

FINDING YOUR PASSION

HORSE DRAWN WAGON IN UKRAINE

For some in Ukraine this is the only mode of transportation. I snapped this in September on our road just across the street from our home. I always think it is quaint when I see a horse and wagon, but I am also reminded of how difficult the life is here for many. In 17 years in Ukraine we see less and less of these wagons, but it does not mean life has gotten easier. Their's is a life of toil and difficulties. All the more reason for the need of hope, the need of understanding a future in heaven. It is why we are here. We thank God that He has given us a small part to play in spreading the Hope of his Word to the nations.

TRAINING IN WESTERN UKRAINE

I am writing you now from western Ukraine. I have had the blessing of accompanying Jeff on this training because it is in Ukraine and we drove, arriving a couple days early. I"ll be updating this week. The topic for this week is "Prayerful Planning in the Christian Life."

This is a lovely spot we traveled to before our first day of training. The tiny folks in the picture is part of the class.




If it weren't so cold we'd hear the sound of this river from our hotel that is across the street. Fortunately for us, they are heating. Cold here in the mountains, but beautiful. These following pictures were taken on a morning walk before all particpants had yet arrived for the training.




A pretty spot. This was at one of those touristy places that are too expensive for our group, but that didn't keep us from walking and enjoying their grounds.




Vintage Ukrainian gem we spotted on the way.




Check out another vintage item.

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS UKRAINE?

Ukraine, isn't that Russia? No, it used to be part of the former Soviet Union, but it was always Ukraine. My geography got a lot better when I moved from the U.S. to this part of the world. Ukraine is just below Russia on right side of the page. How do I feel about it? I love it here.....in our 18th year now. Does that mean I don't miss the U.S.? I do, especially family and friends, Starbucks and the public library, but God gives the grace and as long as He gives us no other directions, we are here. So come visit.

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS BY FERNANDO ORTEGA

This is one of the ways I worship. He was a favorite of a cyber friend, Lindy in Indiana. That's how I found him and I'm so glad. You can find his music on YouTube. Wonderful! Thanks Lindy. Hope you like it.

GEORGIA MISSION COMPLETE

Last night I couldn't talk to Jeff through Skype because there was no electricity where he was (message via sms). And today no response to my sms so probably his phone is dead. He did manage to send me a note last night to let you all know that the total number seen for this mission was 307 people. Of that number 77 prayed to receive Christ. Were that many saved? God knows the answer to that, but Jeff is just doing what we was assigned. Witness to everyone he could. Praise God for the harvest.

Today the team will tour a bit and everyone will leave for home tomorrow. Please pray for their safe travel. They are now back in Tblisi, the capital. And I thank you for your faithfulness in holding them up before the throne. Jeff says he can feel those prayers.

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.

UPDATE ON GEORGIA

I was only able to speak to Jeff for a few minutes last night. It was late and he's very sick (prayers, please). They saw 75 folks yesterday and 10 prayed a prayer of repentance. Please continue your prayers for today being the last day of mission. Then for Friday please pray for their safe return to respective homes. Thanks, you are a blessing to me. Leave a comment below and let me know you are there. Coleen

REPORT FROM JEFF IN GEORGIA

Saturday
Greetings from Kazreti, Georgia, where we are doing a medical mission with BMMI. Coleen and I do know that you pray for us, and this is never more appreciated than when I am far away from our home in Ukraine, and she remains there alone. After the first day of our clinic we have seen almost 50 patients and I have had the pleasure of leading 10 of them to accept Jesus Christ! Please continue praying for the next three days in the Georgian towns of Kazreti, Bolonisi, and Demonisi. God is greatly at work in the hearts of the beautiful Georgian people.
Sunday
We really had a full day, with our morning services in Bolonisi and afternoon services in Kazreti. We enjoyed good fellowship with all the brothers and sisters of both churches. They were all full of smiles and Georgian warmth. Everywhere were ripened grapes hanging from trellises and fences. Between services we visited church members and their families who needed medical attention. After our last medical reception we went to Bro. Vepkho's place and enjoyed fellowship with his family. It was touching.

THIS WILL PUT THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE FOR YOU TODAY!

Do our worries and concerns really amount to that much?

BAPTIST MEDICAL MISSION INTERNATIONAL IN GEORGIA

This week my husband Jeff is in the country of Georgia along with a medical team of four from America. Saturday was their first mission day and he was able to speak to 16 people about Christ. Praise God for his work in their hearts as 10 of them prayed to receive Christ. Please keep the team in your prayers this week and all those whom they will come in contact. Pray for God's working this week.

Today Sunday they will be worshipping with the Georgians.

SEEING THROUGH GOD'S EYES

TAKE MY HEART CAPTIVE BY GWEN SMITH

I saw Veronica last week at the rehab hospital where she's been getting therapy after laying in a bed all summer long. Unfortunately, for lack of funds, that has come to a halt. She broke her elbow and severed her spine last May 1st. The elbow is healed and the spine is slowly healing. Many doctors stated she would probably never walk again. I have attached a photo that was taken by me at the rehab hospital last week. She can now get herself in and out of a wheel chair and wheel herself around. That is so much better than all summer in bed. While we were there, as you see in the picture, the therapist had her standing. She has not yet taken a step and and is a long way from that. If you look closely at the photo you will see she is hardly standing on her own volition, but is propped by ropes and slings to hold her in place. Nonetheless, she is standing and for that we now have renewed hope. No doubt the prayers of many have been heard by a loving God. Please share this picture with others and continue to pray.

Jeff is in the background on this shot talking to Veronica's grandmother who is her primary care giver since her mother works.




This is the young therapist who was working with Veronica for the last month until this past week.



Please also be in prayer for Veronica's mother. She is not a believer and is so distraught over the situation and without hope that she told Veronica "it would have been better if she had died." We were shocked to hear her tell us the same thing one day when we drove her home from the city. That is when we later understood she said the same to her daughter, to her face. So sad, but fortunately she is being cared for by her grandmother who is a believer.

BRAVE GIRLS CLUB

We all have problems in this life, yet we walk around like everything is fine and we look like our life is all put together. The fact is, behind that mask often is great hurt, some tragic event or some challenge we think will engulf us. So, I've left here a link for you to read. It's not long, but will take you a few minutes. Believe me, it is worth the time: http://bravegirlsclub.com/archives/5832

Go there, you'll be glad you did and you'll look at people differently.

Blessings, Coleen

SUMMER'S ABUNDANT BEAUTY FROM MY GARDEN IN UKRAINE

5 questions Christians should ask themselves before logging on

5 questions Christians should ask themselves before logging on

AMAZING ISRAEL 2011

In June of this year I was able to accompany Jeff on one of his trips. In 17 years I've rarely gone on any of his trips because we had children at home and for reason of the extra cost. Besides, I like being at home in my art studio and I have an active ministry here. In our 8 days in Israel we were able to tour for a couple days and we got a lot in. This shot is overlooking the city of Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean Sea.




A beautiful church. So much great architecture. This is Tel Aviv.




Church steeple and some pretty amazing vegetation in Tel Aviv.


Church of the Nativity looking heavenward. So much beautiful architecture.




Overlooking Israel from our hotel in Bethlehem. Notice the water tanks on the roof below. It was a very desert-like place.




Dynamic Church Planters Internations (DCPI) group shot. A wonderful native meal.


Stained glass window in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.




Colleen (Centeio) and Coleen (Franks) doing the tourist thing in Israel. Colleen came from California. For us it was only 3 hours from Ukraine. Not an expensive flight and no jet-lag. Yay!




Bethlehem in the evening taken from our third floor hotel balcony.




Two steeples, one Islamic in the foreground and one Christian down the road behind. They are located in the Bethlehem not far from where we stayed.