Where else but Here?

"The same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" ~ Romans 10:12-15

I think this passage beautifully sums up the direction and atmosphere of my life right now. Several years back, during the time leading up to my decision to stay in Ukraine permanently: I struggled, wrestled, prayed, and had a real hard time of it. But when the moment of the decision came, it was easy. Because I care for this country and these people; and I wan to continue ministering and evangelizing, as long as I have breath. Besides, this place has become my home more than any other. My wife is here. My daughter will be born here soon. I feel more alien in America than in Ukraine!

And even now, as we, as a family feel the itch to step out again and further fulfill the great commission and expand the Kingdom of God, we know that it will be here in Ukraine. We also know it will be away from Kyiv. We are excited, but we also feel helpless. So, we seek guidance and wisdom. We again, wrestle, struggle and pray. We know our calling, it's the details that are fuzzy.

So, I feel a little like Jesus' disciples in John 6, after many left Jesus, he turned to his close ones and said: "And you also." They answered: "Lord where else can we go? You alone have the words of life, and we believe you are the holy one of God!" How beautiful are my feet that run to bring the good news in Ukraine? That really doesn't matter, because, where else could I go? 

Incite a Riot

I do not agree with Rob Bell on everything but I do agree with this statement: “Missions is less about the transportation of God from one place to another and more about the identification of a God who is already there. It is almost as if being a good missionary means having really good eyesight. Or maybe it means teaching people to use their eyes to see things that have always been there; they just didn’t realize it. You see God where others don’t. And then you point him out. Perhaps we ought to replace the word missionary with tour guide, because we cannot show people something we haven’t seen.”

I Love my Church

It is Tuesday morning, and I am multi-tasking. I am in our church office, packed in a room with all the other leaders and pastors. We are discussing The Word, and soon we will pray. I say this to make this point: I love it.

I love my church! It's strange for me to identify it as my church. I used to call it my "Ukrainian" church, or my church "over here". But now, it is simply "my church". Somewhere along the way I realized that I have been at New Life for more than twice as long as I was a part of Rock Harbor, my church "in California".

And... truly this church is my home. These people are my people. I work with some of the best pastors and leaders I can imagine. We are not simply co-workers, we are friends. More than that, they truly consider me on of their own. It dawned on me this summer after our baptism, when I realized that I was listed not as "missionary" not as "youth pastor" but simply as "pastor"... I am considered one of them! To have this not only in words but in action and attitude, is a hug thing in a native land, but in an adoptive country, it is almost unfathomable. Yet, it is!

Besides all that. I love our church. I love our people. I love our vision and where we are heading. I love the freedom to serve and to seek God for direction. I love our commitment to growth and evangelism. I love my ministry. The point of all this is that at nearly 7 years here, and a lifetime to go... it could be easy to get complacent and/or depressed... and I will not always be here, as even now, my wife and I hear the beginnings of the call to step out in faith... but God has blessed me! We are not a perfect church, and we probably get things wrong more often than right. That's the problem with God using men to accomplish his work. But we move forward, and... I LOVE MY CHURCH!

Today my daughter was born. After 7 hours of labor my wife brought Amanda Joy Brown into this world.She is 7 pounds 11 ounces. I am in love with her already. I am so glad this adventure has begun

When Trials Come

“God is keeping careful watch over us and the future… I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime.” 1 Peter 1:5,6

“No matter how many times you trip them up, God-loyal people don't stay down long; Soon they're up on their feet, while the wicked end up flat on their faces.” Proverbs 24:16

Another version of this passage states that a righteous man will fall seven times in a day, but will still get back up. So many times I heard that this passage is referring to “sin” when it speaks of falling. I do not think this is the case. I believe that it is speaking of trials, of situations beyond our control which trip us up and land us on our faces. But unlike other men, we get up, because we have reason to get up. When a wicked man falls to the ground what reason does he have to pick himself up? His end is himself, and so with himself he will wallow in his misery. But no so for us, for when the difficulties of life trip us up we look beyond ourselves to the majesty of God. We get up, because we have reason to look up.

“Fix your eyes on Jesus… so you will not become weary and discouraged.” Hebrews 12:2-3

10 Rules for Preachers

Today I am preparing a sermon. So I thought I would offer a few thoughts on preaching. So here they are! Please don't believe that they are original. While all these lessons were learned personally from over a decade of preaching. Others have said it before, and have said it better, so I have stolen words whenever possible. Still these are the rules I live by:

Scriptural Foundation: We start with scripture and it inspires our sermons, not the other way around. We do NOT start with a “cool” idea and seek to find scriptures that say what we want it to. We may want to have a series of ideas, but scripture dictates where those ideas go, not us.

Clear path: If we ask someone the point of our message, they should know, and it should be clear how they got there. The path from hello to goodnight should be clear and understood.

Clear response: Information is good, but information without application is useless. Make a response to the message clear, and if at all possible make it something that can be started right then.

Truth in your life: If it doesn’t matter to you, then it doesn’t matter. If they can’t see how the message relates to your life, they are less inclined to listen and almost certainly won’t be changed.

Preaching from the center: There are many topics of theology that are wonderful to discuss but which cause argument and division. As a service should be unifying, we choose to focus on those things that are central to our faith. We have enough to worry about with trying to understand and live the Christian life, that we don’t need pet doctrines. As Paul stated: “Christ and him crucified.”

Time: Preaching should be minimum 20 min. and maximum 40. Preaching too long makes it hard to remember and east to distract, while too short makes it easy to disregard as unimportant.

Style: I recommend the 1 point sermon, while you may want to preach on so many things and give a lot of information, sometimes that is all it will become: information. We prefer to give them one idea to focus on and that would be a catalyst of change.

Something for everyone: Remember your audience. Too often we make the mistake of making our sermons too shallow, only appealing to one group. We want to remind you that there are believers and unbelievers and we should preach accordingly. Give hope to those unbelievers and life to the believers both those that are new and know little and those that are old and know much. A good sermon includes this all. The cross includes this all.

Make it memorable: Studies show that people remember less than 10% of what they hear when it is delivered in lecture form. So do whatever you can to make it stick in their mind: props, pictures, videos, stories, interaction. The more they remember, the more it has a chance to change them.

Not all are called to be teachers: Remember you speak as the oracle of God. Your opinion doesn’t matter. It is a fearful thing to be a preacher, and we are accountable for much. This thought must go into all preparation. The goal is lives being changed by the power of the Holy Spirit, and you being faithful to do your part in accord with him, not to be known as an awesome preacher.

It's Nice to know!

So, I try not to be a very prideful man. But every now and then it rears it's ugly head. This is not one of those situations.

I found out that in a meeting with all the main pastors, they were discussing me... or my preaching to be exact. Apparently I am the favorite preacher of most the young folks at our church, whether they attend the youth services or not (as I often preach on Wednesday nights as well). One pastor told me that I'm pretty much the only one his son will pay attention to while at church. Why? Because apparently I talk about myself a lot. Not that I'm it's just that I don't think anyone will listen to what you have to say unless they see that it is a truth of your own life. So I talk about my own life and how God has revealed these lessons to me, often humorously. But then it's all part of my personal rules for preaching... perhaps I'll post that later. So while I'm not going to let this give me a big head, still it's nice to know!

Jesus Be the Center

For some time I have noticed a trend in the church: "Paul-ianity". Don't get me wrong. I love Paul. He wrote a good portion of the new testament, but... well... he is not the basis of our faith. Yet we dutifully interpret scripture and faith through his lens. And we have a very well-rounded respectable faith, that is logical, robust and somewhat disconcerting.

I just have one question: where does Jesus fit in? It seems that he gets relegated to the margins, as a figurehead, the ultimate martyr of the faith. He provided the pizazz and power of salvation. Now we leave it to the expositors to parse out our faith.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not getting on anyone's case, it's just that I think Jesus should be the most re-visited topic in the church. I personally feel that a sermon with no direct reference to Jesus, his work and his words, might be somewhat lacking. One thing I have always respected the Orthodox tradition for is their belief in the pre-eminence of the gospels over all other Scripture.

All this to say: last year for 9 months all my preaching texts have stayed firmly in the gospels. I even spent 3 months preaching on the character of Jesus. I've been enjoying it immensely. That's all.

Happy New Year!

He who sits on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” ~Rev. 21:5

As we head into 2012, life is in a never-ending hustle and bustle distracting us! Let us not forget our hope: that we alongside all of creation, can be made new by Him who sits on the throne! There are many worries in our world at present: finances, politics, wars, the end of the world. But his words are trustworthy and true. His words are the rock we clutch in tough times.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

New Eyes

“Let ME fix your eyes so you can see, really see!” – Revelation 3:18

6 years ago I had eye surgery, and in thinking back I couldn’t help but see the whole situation in a spiritual light. The day before my surgery, I left my job and my sustenance. The day of my surgery was the day I stepped into a new calling as a full-time missionary and a new provision. The one came from the work of my own labor. Now I labor for the work of another. My provision is no longer based on my performance, but on Providence. The day before I knew that He was Jehovah-Jireh, “God, our Provider” and today I must live in that knowledge. Why? I saw it differently before. Just as on that day I removed my glasses and had to lay down to the healing of the surgeon’s knife, so I did lay down my heart and all it’s crutches. Friends, family, church, they were all a boon to me; they all helped me to SEE my savior. But He has given me new eyes, and I see on my own. I no longer need anything but what He has given me… and that is: all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:2).

“At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized Jesus.” – Luke 24:31

“But GOD didn't give you an understanding heart, or perceptive eyes, or attentive ears until right now; this very day.” – Deuteronomy 29:4

“Having your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is He is calling you to do, grasping the immensity of this glorious way of life He has for you.” – Ephesians 1:18

"Pay attention! Watch this wonder that GOD is going to perform before you now!” – 2 Samuel 12:16

Merry Christmas!

I want to encourage you today, as I have been encouraging our youth and our church: Remember, our hope on Christmas day, and every day is that he is “Immanuel” - GOD WITH US! He may bless us, He may heal us and deliver us… But, He is also WITH us! When he came into the world , he brought with him salvation, peace, joy, and his presence: the greatest present of all. Last night we had this as a theme for Christmas Eve. It was a church service. It was a party. It was an evangelistic outreach for University students during the holiday season and we asked them to bring friends... and they did! We had about 150 people & some decided to become followers of Christ on His birthday! Amen!

The Cup of Salvation

Today is Thanksgiving in America, a celebration of all life's blessings, a nations' hope, and overeating; This year I am in America, eating at a Mexican Buffet with my wife, mom, and sister. although I did eat turkey, I ate it with pumpkin flan. I celebrate my gratitude to God for his goodness, and that unlike most years I didn't go to the office today! I was reading scripture and came across this passage:

"How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD." ~Psalm 116:12-13

How do we respond to the goodness, of God? We receive his goodness and lift it up for others, so they may partake as well. In the spirit of lifting the cup of salvation, I'd like to share a story with you. I've done much during my tenure in Ukraine, and truly enjoy sharing what God has done through me, but sometimes, some stories need to be put aside for awhile and told later. Some stories will never be told, to protect others from shame, some eventually need to be told, like this one:

I met a young girl on the street. She was offering her body for a nominal fee. Her John had used her, hit her, and left her without payment. She was trying to makes some fast cash so her pimp would not "show his anger". So, she propositioned me. I declined, and started to move on, but I sensed desperation in her voice. I proceeded to tell her that I was a pastor and tried to explain why it would be wrong on so many levels, but I never got past the word "pastor". Her eyes filled with shame. I wanted to console her but in truth, I didn't want to be see with her, this "kind" of woman. Still, I knew that I needed to do something, so I offered to buy her a cup of coffee, and then we sat down in a cafe and began to talk.

She shared her story with me. She was 18, and had been offered a "modeling" job in Kiev. They put her on a train and sent her off. When she arrived she was forcibly put in a car and taken to a flat in the city, where they took all her documents for "safe keeping". They informed her that she was in debt to them for her travel, housing, and safety. she would have to "work off" her debt. That started an endless cycle. The "Investor" already takes 80% for her earnings for setting up appointments and holds the rest of the money to pay for her "expenses": clothes, room and board, taxi to clients, and even the condoms she has to use. Her debt simply increases and she will continue to work for them until she is used up and unprofitable. This is a common story here.

My soul burned with indignation, and my heart with sorrow. I asked her how much she owed at this point. $3000. An insurmountable amount for someone in that situation. I made a decision. I would help. I had just over $3000 in my bank account, and from that time, I have never been able to replenish any amount of savings in my time in Kiev. I had the phone number of her "service". I took me 6 days to withdraw the funds. I met with her "investor" and offered to buy her debt, to be honest I didn't think he would go for it. But after a fat lip (mine), a few bruises (mine as well), and a couple of heated conversations later; I had her documents in my hand and was leaving with her at my side.

With the little remaining money to my name, we took the metro to the train station and I bought her a ticket back home. We waited through the night for her train. She asked me a one word question: "Why?" I told her of the grace and rescue I had received in my own life from God. I told her of my debt to this grace... That is was a fee gift, but it cost me my life, that my world was no longer my own, but belonged to all the others in need of mercy, rescue, and salvation. That grace is not received unless it is given back. I told her I simply had no choice. She was in need, and if I tuned my back one her I was turning my back on my own salvation and condemning myself. For me it was a moment of clarity, seeing my mission and life through unfiltered eyes.

For her it was salvation. She prayed with me in that train station, thanking God for her already given rescue and offered her life as a service to him. She left on her train. with no money but the 50gryvna ($10 at the time)I gave her , no phone, no belongings, but her documents, her life, and her hope.

I returned home on my remaining metro token, penniless, and filled with joy.The next two weeks I ate what I already had in the house, but not even wanting more. I was content with every bite knowing that my meager meals were the cost of her redemption. That was quite a long time back. I have not spoken to her since then. I wouldn't know how to contact her if I tried. But, in that moment I was living in gratitude for my own salvation, I had lifted up the cup of salvation to another, at cost to myself.

Don't think that I am some great holy guy. I am selfish, and crass. Most days my life is lived for myself. I know that's an odd thing for a missionary to say. Aren't missionaries selfless ones who live to serve others? That's what we should be, but we are stricken with the same plight of humanity as all others. Most of my days aren't spent rescuing young girls from human trafficking, but all my days SHOULD be about lifting up that cup of salvation to the world, and calling upon the name of the Lord.

This holiday season, remember what scripture says about how to show our gratitude, and lift up the cup of salvation, even in the small ways. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

How Should I Feel Today?

It's a funny thing. Today is a day of remembrance. I should feel something. People expect me to feel blue. No one expected me to DO anything today. No meetings. No counseling. No work. I guess that as an American they expected me to look upon this solemn occasion with longing and sadness. But I can't.

Don't get me wrong, 10 years ago today was a bitter tragedy. I remember where I was when it happened. I was listening to AM radio while driving a '91 Toyota pick-up truck to Work. I was just about to turn and pull on to the 55/405 freeway on ramp on Fairview in Costa Mesa. They made the announcement over the air. Almost everyone heard. You could tell because the light turned green and we all just kind of stayed put, idling our vehicles. Slowly, finally we started driving. But the freeway moved a little slower; we were all just a bit more cautious as we simultaneously drove, listened to the news, and craned our necks to the sky. I arrived at work and with mutters we greeted each other while heading to the front office that held a small black and white TV used previously during the first Gulf war. Eventually we began to work. What else could we do? I started steam cleaning an V8-92 Detroit Diesel Engine block. I spent all day doing that, though it is normally the work of two hours. After work I went home. We had a Tuesday night college age small group at my house. A few people showed up. We mostly watched the news, and prayed.

But that was a lifetime ago. A decade has passed; and in that time we have been through so much: war on two fronts, political scandals, national scandals, natural disasters, economic crisis, and the election of our fist black head of state. These are just some of the highlights. We feel old. We feel tired. We are weary. And it feels so long ago.

For me personally, it feels not so much like a lifetime ago, as simply another life. I was twenty-one years old. My entire life and ministry was ahead of me and full of possibility. I was going to write books, and be a world-renowned preacher, and in more than one way I was living a lie. It is 2011. I am just shy of 31. I have spent the last 6 years of my life living in Eastern Europe, concerning myself with color-coordinated revolutions, political instability, and the threat of Russia, and front row seats to its war with Georgia. I have been beaten, threatened, robbed, cheated, and mocked. My daily life is conducted in the Russian language, and I live 63 miles from Chernobyl. I married this year, my wife is pregnant. I made the decision to tether my life to this place indefinitely, and am hopeful of the future, though dark as many things seem to be. It feels like another world, another time, another life. I have elections to worry about, will the Current president and his party who poisoned the last president and bombed his headquarters, after rigging the election, remain in power? Will the economy strengthen before it hits historic lows not seen since the failure of the Soviet Union? Will I be able to raise sufficient support to stay? Will we lose a generation of young people to problems of the everyday? This is my life.

I don’t know what I feel today. I don’t forget. But, what should I be feeling today? "

This is the verse I happened upon in my reading today: The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." ~Hebrews 1:3

"Сын - сияние славы Отца, точное подобие самой сущности Бога. Он поддерживает существование всей вселенной своим могущественным словом. Очистив нас от наших грехов, Он сел по правую руку Всевышнего на небесах." ~К Евреям 1:3

Intern #1: Jenny

It's been a dream of mine for as long as I have lived in Ukraine: to provide a place for people to come and "learn" missions. A place where they could learn from my experience and "try-out" missions for a year to see if it is a good fit for them, and along the way we would guide them, helping them learn and grow, all while they immerse themselves in culture and language. Basically: Missions Discipleship! Well, Last year that dream became a reality. I got the green light from our Senior pastor here in Kiev, and we got the word out. I talked with nearly a dozen people considering this opportunity and helped them unpack their desires and futures. After prayer and consideration we 1 young man and 1 young woman to be our very first interns and guinea pigs!

This week intern #1 arrived! Say Hello to Jenny Mack. She is 22 and from Colorado. She has spent the last seven summers going to Belarus and helping with Evangelistic English camps. We met her at a youth pastors conference in October as she was here seeking God about where to go, who to serve with, and what to do. It was an almost immediate fit. She will be working with the youth ministry for a year, and taking part in all activities and leadership. She will have a special focus on discipleship and mercy ministries. She is already planning for a second year working with one of our partners loving the unloved. She is excited to continue her Russian Lessons and waiting for Josh, intern #2 to be here one month from today! We are excited to have her here with us!

Wedding Details

Well I just wanted to let you all know that we have a final date for the wedding: April 2nd, one month from today. And we want you all to participate, so we have decide to have the ceremony "live" online. Here is your digital invite:

On Saturday April 2nd at 6:00PM Kyiv (8:00AM California, 11:00AM Florida) Joel Sterling Brown & Kateryna Ruslanivna Vlasenko will be joined in marriage. We invite you to share this wonderful occasion with us as friends and family.

For those of you in Ukraine, Join us at Ilinska 9 on the 2nd floor of Mogilanka Akademii, in Kyiv. You may also join us for photos at 1PM in Peregova.

For those unable to attend in person, we invite you to share this occasion with us online for a live streaming of the ceremony. you can view it at: www.reformat.kiev.ua/wedding.html

As we are a "missionary" family and live oceans away from most of you, which makes the cost of shipping gifts prohibitive; in lieu of a wedding registry we invite you to donate to our work in Ukraine, our new life together, or our upcoming visit to the states in the New Year.

for tax-deductible donations, you may visit: click the "donate" button on this site. Or you may send checks to: MDI Brown, 204 Burnt Leaf Lane, Nashville, TN 37027. For non-tax-deductible gifts, please send your cash or checks to me at: 8091 Bestel Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92644

2010 Update - pt.2

In personal ministry, I have seen both victory and sadness. I have helped some street thugs stop their violence and become participating members of society. I have seen a club manger refuse to also act as pimp for his strippers, but still work at the club. I have had many conversations with several students involved in prostituting themselves for spending cash, and have seen them choose to continue their ways. 1 of them is nowhere to be found and I fear may be dead. 1 was severely beaten just a month ago, and still she refuses to quit “the good life”… I pray that this New Year the Holy Spirit will be able to reach her. I was rear-ended by a man in my region and he was so full of fear and anxiety, he was sure that his life was falling apart and this was just a part. I was able to pray with him, release from any obligation to me, and directed him to a church not far from his home. I saw him on the road last week. He had just been baptized, and was full of joy and peace. I saw a runaway take refuge in my home, and a drug addict quit his habit and reunited with his family. He now serves in church. I broke a toe at 3AM while walking the streets and fighting off 2 would-be rapists from attacking a young girl. I’ve gotten lost in the “wrong” part of town just because an old lady with great faith prayed that God would send her a miracle. I was that miracle she needed. I’ve helped to disciple young people and led small groups. I have seen so many drawn so close to God and seen my share of them that walk away or simply lose interest in the things of the kingdom of heaven. I have been humbled by a friend who just lost his daughter as his wife was giving birth. His faith is this: she is with God and God is with us. He is Immanuel!

But… honestly the most amazing thing this year has been with my heart. I met the woman of my dreams, and am engaged! That’s right; I am getting married this year at one of our church services (details to follow). Her name is Katya and she is perfect! You are all invited to the wedding! While I don’t expect you all to fly to Ukraine, I hope you will join us online as we will be broadcasting live (www.reformat.kiev.ua/wedding.html). And if you are thinking to yourself what is the perfect gift for a missionary and his foreign bride? Well, remember you can donate to the cost of the wedding and honeymoon. As usual any donation that is given through MDI is tax-deductible and would go a long way to helping this missionary and his bride to have a beautiful wedding that is not only special but is being used for discipleship and evangelism. But I would love to personally share with you our story and so… I will be in California from January 20 to February 18… I would love to talk with all of you!

Speaking of donations, remember this: YOU are the reason I can do what I do! WE are Team. I can minister through your faithfulness! You are making a difference in the kingdom through your prayers and generosity. To give, make check to: MDI Brown, 204 Burnt Leaf Lane, Nashville, Tennessee 37027... Or for credit card and PayPal, click “donate” on this site.

2010 Update - pt.1

What an amazing year it has been here in Ukraine! In just 1 month I will celebrate my 5 year anniversary here in Kiev. Looking back I see what an amazing journey it has been. I came here with no knowledge of the Russian language and a 3-year exit strategy. I now speak and preach in Russian and have committed to stay here serving until I die or God tells me to leave. This year I officially became part of the regular pastoral staff here at New Life. They know I’m not going anywhere, and consider me one of their own as I am now more Ukrainian then American… at least it’s what they tell me! This year I also launched our internship program for Americans and other foreigners who are considering missions and would like to serve in Ukraine. It has been incredible helping people unpack their experiences and guiding them through the decision process: seeking God’s will, if foreign missions and Ukraine is for them. In March the first of 2 interns will be arriving and will be with us for at least a year. We always have room for more! :)

The youth (17-30) and teen (12-16) ministries are growing! We average about 200 people together with those 2 services. While we know that numbers don’t mean much, we also know that for us it is a sign of what God has been doing, as students have invited friends and classmates, and people are hungering for truth and life. At this rate we may have to rent a new hall come next September, this is a good problem to have, but we would definitely appreciate your prayers that God would work out the details and see us through any unforeseen problems.

We’ve made partnerships with wonderful churches and have seen people commit to the Lord through our services, outreaches, camps, after-school clubs, and through the straight-forward presentation of the gospel. This year we have been spending six months on the “Sermon on the Mount” and have seen amazing results as we just soak in the words of Christ and strive to follow him and in his example. We look forward to what this year will bring!

Karpaty Video

Just wanted to post a little photo montage of our mission trip to the Carpathian mountains with our youth. What a great time we had. Oleg and I took 12 young people and partnered with "Hope for Orphans" for 9 days of serving God. We helped run a kids camp. Brought food and hope to widows and elderly. We had almost 100 kids from several villages come to our day program. We played, baseball, football, and even soccer... watch the video, there is proof I played. We had an evening program for kids with videos projected on an outside wall. We played with orphans and ran programs for them, and yes... they even gave me the gift of "mono"... all in all it was a great trip and we will definitely be doing it again!

Prayer Update

I wanted to update all of you on my last few prayer requests:

The 16 year kid that was staying at my house, had spent time with friends, and when his welcome wore out he spent some time on the streets. He is now back with his parents. There is a much longer story to all of this, but suffice to say: he is home. He is safe. He wants to change his life. He has been clean for a week now. I've had a few opportunities to talk and pray with him and would appreciate your continued prayer as he is in a precarious state right now. I want to see him succeed. But more so, I want to see a revolution in his heart from God.

As for the girl who was attacked. I have not seen her, nor have I seen her attackers on the street. I ask that you would continue to pray for her well being, and that these men would have an encounter with the living God. I continue my walks throughout my region... and yes, the toe, it broke...

Miraculously we have worked out a deal with our landlord. We do not have to leave our home for the month of July. God taught me a lot through this because I wanted to be bitter and angry, I wanted him to curse her and break her teeth. But God wanted me to trust him. I'm glad I did because he did amazing things. I had given away my rent money and didn't know how i was going to pay and he provided. I am not homeless and I have food to eat. I even had propane to power my little car. I was amazed and humbled by the body of Christ and their willingness to serve me on Christ's behalf. I even had a young girl offer me her family's empty home for the month.

Why do I ever doubt God. He is always faithful. always. Thank you all for your prayer in these matters.

Summer Baptism

This Saturday we had our annual summer baptism. We baptized 33 people... 13 of them were youth. This was a notable baptism in that not only was it the first time Oleg preached in Ukrainian and Not Russian, but I am now officially listed as a pastor at the church. I love baptisms. I love the symbolism of transforming from life to death. Each person I baptize I feel a personal responsibility to care for them and hep them grow and succeed. I love my job, each day my call to be here is more fully realized!!!