MARRIAGE AND FAMILY CONFERENCE

Two Ukrainians, One American and 11 Russians spent last weekend in Kharkov, Ukraine praying and listening to what God was saying to them through His Word.  Jeff, my husband,  the American, was richly blessed and greatly encouraged by each and all of them.  Please pray for these folks who recently went through the pain of a church split.  Jeff is on the far right.     

HANDMADE FANS

This is a sampling of some fans that went to a group of Texas ladies.  One of the ladies had seen what we did with the kids this summer and thought it would be a nice idea for her group.  So 25 of these pretties flew off to Texas not long ago.  I know it seems late for fans, but things stay hot in Texas a lot longer than in most other places.  They all have Bible verses on both sides so they will be a nice witness.  And another benefit is that they really work well to blow  the heat off your brow.

LOVE FROM NORTH PLATTE, NEBRASKA

This is a touching bit of history from North Platte, Nebraska.  I found it very moving.  You will too.

CAR ACCIDENT IN UKRAINE

For those of you who didn't see this on Facebook.....August 26th Jeff had an accident one block from home where he was hit by another driver running a red light.  In the U.S. this would be a no-brainer as to fault, but this is not the U.S.  Jeff was sited as not yielding to oncoming traffic (we think there was a pay-off from the other driver, common here).  Jeff was not hurt other than minor bruising and we praise God that it was only a mini-van and not a semi-truck as so often travel that road.  The following was written by Jeff during one of his morning devotional times just a couple days ago:

Devotional Thoughts from my SOAP devotional this morning, based on the following verse:

I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit,  that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.  For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,  who are Israelites. (Romans 9:1-4)

The unfairness of being struck at an intersection by a driver who was running a red light, only afterward to hold in my hands a citation from the militia, which found me at fault for the accident, causes me to see Pauls words in verse 1 in a special light.  His subject matter, the salvation of his fellow Jews, was different (and glorious at that!), but whereas before I was enamored with his subject, today, because of these recent events, I am enamored with his passion for truth.  I think it is a special, blessed occasion, a moment of true grace, when someone can speak the truth and his concience bears witness in the Holy Spirit of God.  Today, I have this grace.  I am glad that amidst all the lies surrounding the accident that I can say, "I was partially at fault for failure to anticipate a car running a red light at the intersection."  All the while I know that the greater guilt rests on the violator.  I am also speaking the truth, and I am not lying, and my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I would pay for this accident and accept guilt ten times over if only it would lead to the violator, Andrey Aleksandrovich Yakimovich, receiving the mercy of God, and coming to repentance, being born again in God's Holy Spirit.  Therefore, on September 11, 2012 I go to court with peace in my heart, not worrying about the outcome, and leaving all in God's holy and righteous hands.


I write out my morning devotions (using the S.O.A.P. method), and shared it with Coleen. I didn't intend for it to wind up so public on Facebook. Thank you all for your prayers, for which I am all the more sure that the Father's will will be done on Earth as it is in heaven.

Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer = SOAP, in case someone doesn't know this method. You select a passage and ask the Lord to lay one or more verses on your heart. Then in your journal (or computer) you write the verses (S), your thoughts (O), what you will do in obedience (A), then write out your prayer (P). I share this with church planters and with every person who seriously wants to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

MISSIONS TO RUSSIA

 Pavel (Paul) and Tanya Gerashenko are Ukrainian friends of ours who became missionaries and are now living in Russia working in an enclave of Turkish (Muslim) people.  Below is Tanya's letter.

 She has started a children's club. I"m sending her craft materials to work with the kids.  So happy to be a part in helping this mission effort get started.  Please pray for them and their 3 boys.  The littlest is there at the table.

Hi sister!
I want to share that today was the first day of the home club for the girls, there were five girls. We have made ​​some very interesting crafts: jewelery made ​​from beads and a rose and candy. I bought gifts for all the colored balls are in the waters swell and become big beautiful balls, and we were talking about a rainbow and how it all started. Noah and God's promise. They first heard the story of Noah. Of course, thank you for some of the parcels, they are very helpful for the club (do crafts). And if you still want to tell you that it for this ministry, I would be very grateful, as there is still a need. Also, please send ideas. I want to carry out twice a week for girls, and twice for the boys. Therefore, ideas and different ornamental material very much needed.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
With love your sister Tanya.
Sending photos.

ROMANIA TRAINING FOR PASTORS & MISSIONARIES

My husband, Jeff Franks took this picture.  He was part of a team of three who trained these men in Romania this past week.  From Little Rock, Arkansas were Larry Barker, the tall guy on the left and our Director, Jerry Kidd in the light shirt, front row middle.  The rest are all Romanian pastors and missionaries who were very encouraged from the training.  This is what Jeff usually does on his own, but he said it was nice to do it in a team.  We love being a part of God's work in training and encouraging men from around the world to expand God's Great Commission.

BOTANICAL GARDENS, KIEV, UKRAINE

 Not long ago my husband Jeff and I did something we so rarely do.  We took a full day off and away from home.  We went to the botanical gardens in Kyiv (Kiev) where we'd been once in spring and once too many years ago.  In the spring there was a wonderful sculpture art exhibition.  It wasn't wonderful because I loved the art so much as I was so happy to see something like this going on.  There were so many people walking around the park and enjoying the pieces.  The botanical garden in Kyiv (one of two) is very big with a lake and many different kinds of gardens.  It's too big to explore in one day.

 Looking at the city across the river from the gardens to part of the city in the distance.

 This church is on the edge of the park. They had a beautiful garden on their grounds as well.

My sweetie, Jeff, doing his thing.  He loves photography and diligently studies it for a hobby.  See his Facebook page for lots of beautiful pics:  Jeff Franks Ukraine, to find him.

One of the sculptures.  Rather Stalinesk, but interesting to see how people's minds work.  You can see there are hills in the park too.  Come visit and we'll take you there.

CHRIS TOMLIN

Chris Tomlin: God Of This City from southpacificband on GodTube.

A missionary song if I ever heard one, but it applies to your town too.

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH KID'S CAMP

 Isn't she a cutie.  She liked getting her picture taken.

 Beautiful butterflies. Each craft goes home with a Bible verse on it.

 Our craft team helpers. Some Americans and some Ukrainians. I thank God for helpers.

The older kids making their CD case craft with a verse and pictures. We had so much fun.
Please pray for our camp this week.

MISSIONARY TRAINING

Please pray for my sweet husband Jeff and all the men who have just completed a new discipleship course at the missions office in Little Rock, Arkansas.  I am so thankful for Skype as we can communicate everyday.  He expressed his enthusiasm for what he just went through and expects to put it into action in Ukraine, and beyond as he trains men.  Please also pray for his safe travel home on Monday to arrive on Tuesday.  It is a long trip.

TENT CAMP IN MORSHUNE, UKRAINE

This week is fun for families at the Belichi Bible Church tent camp.  They are located in a beautiful thick pine forest just north of a small lake about an hour away from the capital, Kiev.  Dan and Cindy Williams (first pic) of Antioch Baptist Church, Conway, Arkansas, have come from Conway as they do every summer to teach Bible and English.  They are such a blessing to the camp and we are so grateful for all the people that help make it possible for them to come.  The next picture is my sweet husband, Jeff who goes out and participates with the camp each year too.  That's his quarters for camping.  The last picture is the mess tent, sewn by one of the Ukrainian ladies.  This is not only where they eat, but where they view evangelical films each night.  Please be in prayer this week for those who will trust in God for salvation.

"THE DINER"

UKRIANIANS MAKING CARDS

Last Tuesday I met with these ladies to do cards.  We rotate from working to set up their prayer journals and cards.  They are almost done with their journals.  This past week we did cards and you can see they are doing very well.  Go to my other blog (click side panel) to see more of their cards.  I am very grateful to the ladies who send me supplies that we cannot buy in Ukraine.  When I put out something new I get lots of ohhhs and ahhhs and they get so excited.  It is truly a joy for me.  Bless your heart for those of you who contribute.  I couldn't do it without you.  Love & Hugs, Coleen

UKRAINIAN MISSIONARIES TO RUSSIA

Meet Ukrainian missionaries Pasha and Tanya Gerashenko. We've known them for many years so we understand their hearts.  They have three young boys and surrendered to missions some years back.  They left their home country of Ukraine, their families and friends to serve the Lord in western Russia among Turkish people there.  They were back in Ukraine for a visit in April and we got to spend some time with them and catch up on their lives in Russia.  They are living and working right alongside the Turkish people.  They have asked for prayer as they adapt to life there.  Please remember this bright, gregarious couple and hold them up before the thrown of Heaven.

33 MINUTES THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Ray Comfort is outstanding in his interviews with young people.  Watch and share further.

JOSH GROBAN AND THE AFRICAN CHILDREN'S CHOIR

WHY WE ARE HERE

The Gospel with Russian subtitles.

HUMAN TRAFFICING IN UKRAINE

PLEASE PRAY FOR UKRAINE

Human trafficking in Kiev, Ukraine will run rampant at the Euro 2012 soccer tournament June 8 - July 1.   ReachGlobal's team in Kiev is calling for people to pray against this evil and take part in fighting it.

When people come to watch and cheer for the sporting events many come expecting to buy sex and participate in the sex trade.  In the past decade more than 400,000 women and children have been sold.

Would you pray for a Spirit of hope and freedom and an aggressive proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who are enslaved and those who are ensla

ving.  Ask that Christ would be glorified in these days and the days to come.

 Click below to watch and please pray.
http://vimeo.com/43569948 

Ukrainian Folk Music

For anyone interested in knowing more of Ukraine here a site you might enjoy checking out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UkrainianFolkMusic I went there and they even have some of the most interesting old Soviet pictures from times long passed. Enjoy, Coleen

Young Women's Retreat

I had the privilege of being invited by another missionary, Carol Laughlin, to speak with this group of young women. They came from various places in our region. They had a lot of fun over the weekend. Most were young married women, some with children. Carol and I got to share about family traditions. It is such an important issue for young families to develop this idea of traditions so they actively took note. The little guy below was one of their decorations.

EVANGELISM IN BUCHA, UKRAINE

A drama group of young people from another church performed a play with a strong evangelistic message. It's one of the things I appreciate about the churches here is that they share their talents with surrounding churches. Our adult choir has done the same by performing in other churches. We just never know how the Lord can use people to share His message.

TODAY'S HELPING OF JOY

BAPTISMS IN UKRAINE

Most churches in Ukraine do not have an indoor baptismal pool. Therefore, most baptisms are done altogether in the a lake in the summer time. Our church in Bucha is blessed to have a pool so in March a church from a neighboring town, Irpen, came to have their baptismal services with us. It was such a blessing to be a part of this time and with so many people. And, the church looked so beautiful.

TECHNOLOGY AND CRAFTS IN UKRAINE

Not long ago I got a surprise when I opened the door into the Sundays school class of the 3 and 4 year olds. I was going in to do crafts with them. You can see the craft laying on the table. At that age they mostly just glue things down and we put a Bible verse on all our crafts. As you can see from this picture I was surprised to see the computer which had their Sunday school story playing. Little kids nowadays like cartoons and computer games so this is a natural. It was new for me.

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.