Who Would Have Thought?

It was a year ago this week that I came to visit my friends here in Bishkek quite unsuspecting that God would call me to join them here. Yikes. Who would have thought? Well apparently my mom and Chris Zurbach knew. I for one did not and am amazed by God's gentleness and faithfulness in leading us. I've been pondering that verse from 1 Thess 2 lately that this is God's will for us: our sanctification. Year by year, He takes us into deeper waters, urging us to cast our net out into the deep and surprising us with the abundance of joy that comes with obedience. So, here's to God's goodness and trustworthiness as we follow Him wherever He would lead us.

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.