MISSION UKRAINE: HORASHA

My son-in-law Mike asked our Nehemiah to listen for the number of time he heard the Russian word "horasha" as Rachel spoke to a neighbor. You are likely to hear it several times a minute. It is one of the first words you learn over here. It means essentially "It is fine." We said "Horasha" as we saw improvements in the road system as traveled. However, this is limited to the main highways. There were also many nice and new gas stations and stores that we never saw fifteen years ago.

"We are fine" after traveling south and meeting our Caleb who took us to Makarovo. We had a "horasha" time with the believers in our sister church there and in Sahanskoi. The fields are green with young wheat and sunflowers. See more pics on my Facebook. The believers were eager to hear how things are going and to share their burdens and blessings. We were able to encourage them them with testimonies and message on opening our eyes to follow Christ. The past fifteen years have lead us to a deep relationship with these people that we really appreciate. We made plans to send monthly letters to encourage the leaders in evangelism and discipleship. I promised to paint a church sign for them while here. Villages in Ukraine are shrinking as people move to the city but a witness is still needed there.

This past week we traveled to Odessa to be with all our adult kids and five grandkids here for family time...horasha. Caleb serves as director of the Church Ministries Institute here. Mike and Rachel came in on the train from Kiev where they work with youth ministries and teaching in seminary. We all met together for a number of meals and family events. We walked in the park (Believer me..it is not like American parks) took the kids to the Black Sea, saw a really fun water show using amazing trained seals and dolphins and had a very nice dinner out.

As a child I feared the threats of the USSR. As an adult I know God has blessed us to allow our family to have such an impact in this very needy place. I never would have imagined we would have the privilege of helping bring the Gospel of Christ here where the reformation is just starting. Horasha! Numbers of opportunities to help, teach, testify etc. have come our way this week. We'll tell you more when we return. Keep us in prayer as we minister this weekend. Horasha! -Pastor Mark