I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR SO LONG
Hello dear friends,
Many of you are wondering why is Jacoby’s wife emailing you? I know I usually let him take over the keyboard and write about the details of our life as missionaries, but this time I got to hold it. As many of you know Jacoby is currently fishing in Alaska. He’s got about 2 more weeks to go. He is working very hard.
CURRENT MINISTRY
While he is taking a cold adventure there I am taking an even colder adventure here in Odessa, Ukraine. I’ve been here in Ukraine for 2 months now and got a chance to serve our Lord and people here and to meet my family. Oh I missed this place and my family but even more I missed being used by God for these people. This year all missionaries that also helped with the ministry we do, had to leave for a furlough. I’ve got a chance to lead the girls’ bible studies and young adult’s discussions and meet with people that I had discipled before we left for the US. As we mentioned in many previous updates discipleship is a very big part of our ministry.
Jacoby in Alaska.
My brother and I celebrating his birthday with his favorite food. By the way, an interesting fact: Sushi in Ukraine is not considered to be an expensive food. It is very affordable and very good. You should come and try it 😉
During girls’ studies and young adults’ discussions we have a great time discussing the Attributes and names of our beautiful God. It is so unbelievable how little we know about God. What do I believe about God? Is it a real true God of the bible or some other god that I made up in my head? So often I think of God as someone who just takes care of me and loves me and provides for me. Less often I think of God as Just, Holy, Infinite and even less often I like to think of Him as Sovereign. Sovereign for me means I don’t get to control my life which is not fun and not easy. But God is always teaching me about His Sovereignty and He is being so patient with me.
Our girls’ bible study.
Young adults’ discussion on GOD IS HOLY
Young adults’ discussions on Attributes of God.
A new friend Vika
My old friend Galya. While I am in Ukraine she is being kind to have me stay with her. It’s been a lot of fun to spend time with her.
One of the missionaries Randy in our church leading the talent show for his music club.
People from our English club were invited and some attended it. It was very nice to meet them.
UKRAINE IN THE NEWS
Something very amazing has happened here in Ukraine. Some of you know that recently Russia accepted the law against evangelism outside of the registered church buildings and now it’s not that easy for missionaries to enter this country. Well at the same time Ukraine welcomes Protestant Churches. The next year is officially called Reformation Year. I don’t know if our president just decided to show that Ukraine is better or something, but, oh how good it is for us Christians. That means that our Orthodox country finally will look at all Christian Protestant Churches as actual churches and not sects. We are welcomed in schools and Universities and many other places. That means this is the greatest time and opportunity for missionaries and all Christians in Ukraine to take this year as a very serious tool in showing people the most amazing and only God we have. This year is definitely going to be one of the busiest for Jacoby and I as we are coming back in December of this year. We will be able to take part in this year long event.
Here is the link for those of you who wants to know more about the Reformation Year in Ukraine:
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko supported the initiative by the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and signed the Decree on Commemorating in Ukraine the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation.
PRAY FOR US
- Jacoby’s health issues
- Lera’s interview for naturalization
- People of Ukraine and their revival
- Our last preparations before we come to Ukraine this year
Probably my oldest friend and disciple Alena. I know her from when she was a kid. This girl shows me how you can have sever sickness and be joyful at the same time. She has a multiocular sclerosis. Please pray for this very young girl.
Great job Lera! We'll be standing with you in prayer.
Thank you so much!