January 2012 Update

Greetings! Great things are happening with the team and Youthreach International. Even as I write this entry our mentors Arthur Kazaryan, Nastya Skovorodnykova, Violetta Alimova, and Elvira Sharipova are wrapping up the January birthday program at the Detskyi Dom in Simferopol. This was probably more challenging than in past visits as there is a blanket of knee-deep snow in Crimea. i know they blessed the children there with their visit.


Here’s a quick team update for the last month.

• Christy Blazer and I went to Beaty Swamp Community Church to provide a report on the December camp. BSCC is Christy’s home congregation in gracious and growing Monroe, TN.
• Linda, Christy, and I presented to the Donelson Church of Christ combined Bible class. Linda and Christy told those attended about how they were led to go. They each said that they felt their main role was to be there for the children, play, hug, love and support the efforts of our 12-3-1 mentors.
• June 2012 team is registered. Haley Harrell (Nashville) and Jordyn Harry (Panama City Beach, FL) will join me in June.
• Joel and Haley attended the YouthReach International team leaders retreat. Funding efforts are well under way and team meetings will begin soon.
• Haley and I in addition to all team leaders will be participating an “Read, Pray, Obey” scripture study as a part of our spiritual preparation.
• Nastya Skovorodnykova visited the kids at the Detskyi Dom to deliver some cards and gifts
• 250 pairs of socks and girls tights were collected and shipped to the Detskyi Dom from one of the home church groups at Donelson Church of Christ.

Please continue to pray about these things:

• Read, Pray, Obey: Team preparation begins this week. Pray that God will give us eyes to see, and ears to hear what his word will reveal to us - May we have the desire to read His word everyday, pray about what we have read, and then do what it says.
• Mentor Retreat: Our team mentors (Nastya, Marizza, Masha, Violetta, Elvira, Arthur, Anya and Vika) will be attending the YouthReach International - 12-3-1 Mentor's Retreat at the end of February. Led by Tony Morrow and Rob Browne, the retreat will be held at Commonwealth International University (CIU). Many of the mentors from team ministering in the Donetsk region will be traveling to Simferopol. Tony Morrow (Dir.-Ukraine Operations) is leading them in a "Read, pray, Obey" in a 5-week study of the book of James.
• Team Funding: Always this is probably the most stressful part of what we do. Not only that but it makes us uncomfortable to ask. Pray that God is preparing the hearts of those He has chosen to be generous and that we are able to meet our funding deadlines of 50% by March 1 and  100% by April 15. May God reveal the blessing to those sending us.
• Soil preparation: We are a seed-sowing ministry; one that does not predetermine which kids or mentors will be most receptive to the message before sharing it. We will share the hope and love of Jesus Christ with all those that the Lord puts in our path. Pray that the hearts and minds of the Chidren, our mentors, the orphanage staff personnel and those we meet on the way will be receptive.
• Travel: This year one of the most popular professional soccer tournaments worldwide will be hosted in Ukriane - The European Championship or Euro-Cup. A huge influx of travellers and soccer enthusiasts will be flowing into Ukraine at the same time we are. The demand for air and ground transport (trains, cabs, etc), lodging, etc will be challenging. On the bright side....there will be a festive atmosphere throughout Country. pray that God will make our way smooth and straight.
• Central orphanage: Please continue to pray over Anya G. and Vika V. working in the Central Orphanage for Girls. They are in need of funds to purchase fire extinguishers, light bulbs and many other physical needs at the orphanage are required or else heavy fines will be imposed. Drunkenness, fights, promiscuity among the girls living there is a daily occurrence.
• Georges & Laverne Carillet @ Commonwealth International University: Georges and his wife Laverne have been serving the kingdom for many years in Simferopol. They have been sharing the gospel of Christ through student organizations and Bible degree coursework at CIU. Currently they are struggling with obtaining long-term visas and land-lease issue with the university. Please pray that these are resolved.

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