Ode to a piano

Hi there, Yes I am possibly the most pathetic blogger amongst you. So since I've last blogged, I have eaten dog at a Korean restaurant, filmed a short movie for the Chernigov church in which I was very silly, nearly broke my tooth on a huge rock that was in the beans I cooked and shopped for pianos. Shopping for anything makes my head hurt, but shopping for a piano is especially difficult. First there is tracking down the pianos in ads and such, then the phone calls and then the visits. Maybe it could be compared to buying a car except that once you buy a car you can drive away with it and don't have to coordinate 5 of your strongest friends to help lug the item up three flights of stairs. Anyway, I remembered my good ol' piano in Chernigov - pictured here. Jake and Anya, I hope you are using it and letting Maia and Gavin play it :)

Since I'm actually posting, I just want to take the time to say to my friends in Ukraine that I really miss you and love you all. Pray that I can visit in May/June. Also, pray that I can get a new piano soon. 

Inductive Bible Study Seminars

 Last week, we had some guests from Russia come to teach the inductive Bible study method to the church. It was a great encouragement to see people growing throughout the week in their desire to read and study God's Word.  The main teacher, Igor, emphasized the goal of drawing close to God and hearing from Him through His Word. In conversations with people during and after the seminars, it was clear that they have a new excitement about the Bible. Many people come from churches where they made outlines of Sunday sermons and yet never read the Bible themselves. Starting this Wednesday evening, people will have an opportunity to practice what they've learned by teaching for 15 minutes through a section of scripture. Pray for our church as they grow in the Word, that they would rely upon Jesus, His Word and the Holy Spirit. 

Conference

                 

Hey All, 

I've been positively delinquent about keeping up my blog this summer. Here's a new post finally. Our church had it's first conference at the end of this month. It was a lot of fun to fellowship with people and get to know them better. I was greatly encouraged as I saw God changing people through His Word and His Spirit. A large group of people in the church are coming out of a different church which left them hurting and confused by bad leadership and legalistic doctrine. The time at the conference proved to be healing and freeing for many. This last Sunday service, I really sensed a difference in our church. The love of Christ and freedom of the Spirit was evident. Praise God for how He generously and actively works in our hearts. I feel privileged to be a part of it all. 

Youth Group Birthday Trip

It's true, I chaperoned a youth group trip to the mountains on my birthday. It was a lot of fun and will remain one of my more memorable birthdays for sure. Thanks to Katie and Jonathan for asking me to come along. Here are a few pics and a video of some of the kids trying to put Romans 8:1-2 to the tune of Happy Birthday (which had nothing to do with my birthday.) 

Cold Gas Water in Bishkek

I could really do a series of posts on the interesting drink stands here in Bishkek. Most of the street vendor beverages are of the fermented milk variety and are just in cooler jugs with taps. The cold gas water stand however is more exciting. I saw a lady go to her stand in the morning, unlock the side of the gas water box, hang her purse up inside it and then get the glasses out to set up for business. Wow. Here's a little video of the gas water machine in action. Notice that she "washes" the glass before getting it ready for the next customer. I should also add that you can have different flavors of syrup in your gas water, but this particular machine only offers orange flavor. Yum Yum. Look for my next post on marshrutka life here. I need to get brave enough to get a photo of that one before I post about it.  

What did Dorthy say when she landed in Oz?

I can't remember that line - something like "we're not in Kansas anymore." Well, I'm definitely not in Ukraine anymore. It's so different here. There are mountains, there are lots of diverse faces all around me, there is extremely crowed public transportation, there is HOT weather, there is amazing food and there are tons of people who don't know about Jesus. SO far the transition here has been good. I hit the ground running and have been involved in kid's ministry, worship and a Bible study at a women's rehab center for former prostitutes. We've also been hit with various colds and German measles (Melanie's boys). It's good to lift one another up in prayer. I need it and my need for it reminds me to pray for you! Oh, I'm taking Kyrgyz lessons too. I can't believe how long the words are here! Singing Kyrgyz songs at church is quite a challenge at this point.

Well, I'll try to post a little video of the local mosque here. This is about a 10 minute walk from my apartment. 

10 days

In 10 days, my flight leaves for Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Obviously, my heart is full of various emotions. If God so leads you, please pray for this transition time. I was looking through a poetry book and was encouraged by this excerpt by the English believer William W. Walford (1772-1850) which has been turned into a hymn. May these words move you to prayer for all that concerns you and strengthen you as you think upon His faithfulness and grace.

Sweet Hour of Prayer (stanza 3)

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!

Thy wings shall my petition bear

To Him whose truth and faithfulness

Engage the waiting soul to bless;

And since He bids me seek His face,

Believe His Word and trust His grace,

I'll cast on Him my every care,

And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

My mom is home

Hey All,

 Thanks for praying for my mom. She is home from the hospital as of today. I'm thankful. Thanks again!

My mom's surgery

Hey all, I have been delinquent in blogging. Other things have taken precedence. I wanted to ask you guys to pray for my mom, Rita. She is scheduled for exploratory surgery on Thursday the 20th. The doctors aren't sure what or where the problem is exactly. All they know is that there is a growth (possibly around her appendix). So, please pray. There are so many near and dear ones to pray for. I'm thankful that God hears our prayers and always answers in His wisdom. My mom will probably not be happy that I selected this photo- but I'll risk her wrath and comfort myself with knowing that you all are praying :) I'll post when I know more. Thanks for your friendship and prayers. 

My Kind of Town

There is a song about Chicago that includes the lyrics "my kind of town." I love diversity and in particular, I love the diveristy of Chicago. Obama pop art, Chinese New Year's celebrations and Ash Wednesday worshippers were all featured in this morning's paper. Sure, there are lots of other American cities that showcase and celebrate their diversity, but none that hold the same affection in my heart. Why does diversity make me so happy? I'm not entirely sure why. Maybe because it ultimately points to the manifest wisdom and beauty of our Creator God who also delights in our varied forms of expression. May we honor God in our lives and delight in the way others do so as well.

Visit to Kyrgyzstan

Recently, I went to visit my missionary friends who are church planting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I left on the 10th of January, thinking that I was just going to see my friends and the work that God is doing there. I returned on the 17th with a confidence that the Lord is calling me to join the work there. Throughout the week, my heart changed and for many reasons, I see that God is leading me to move there sometime this year. It will be difficult to leave my brothers and sisters in Christ here in Ukraine, but it's my prayer to see the family of Christ grow as I participate in God's work to transform lives in Kyrgyzstan. I consider it a great privilege to be able to share the name of Jesus with people who have never heard it, in hopes that they would know the Joy that He is. One day, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. May the day of salvation come quickly for those in Kyrgyzstan who do not yet know His name.