IMPACTING UKRAINE BY IMPACTING INDIVIDUALS

Where else but Here?

2012-01-17T15:30:00.001+02:00

"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. A few 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, this city, these people, my church and my youth, 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!

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?

Jesus Be the Center

2012-01-09T12:39:00.001+02:00

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!

2012-01-01T10:12:00.008+02:00

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!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T09:54:00.003+02:00

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!

Joel's 10 Rules for Preaching

2011-12-01T13:26:00.001+02:00

Today is December 1st. I am back in Ukraine and preparing a sermon. So in honor of the first official day of winter I 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 must dictate 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 able to be 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.

The Cup of Salvation

2011-11-24T22:19:00.001+02:00

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.

2011-11-15T08:39:00.000+02:00

Intern #1: Jenny

2011-03-06T11:27:00.000+02:00

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

2011-03-02T11:17:00.000+02:00

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

2011-01-15T11:07:00.000+02:00

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

2011-01-10T10:29:00.000+02:00

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!

I Love my Church

2010-09-09T09:53:00.000+03:00

It is Thursday 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 Proverbs 26, 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 almost five years here, and a lifetime to go... it could be easy to get complacent and/or depressed... 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!

Karpaty Video

2010-08-29T11:25:00.000+03:00

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

2010-07-10T01:04:00.000+03:00

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

2010-07-06T10:57:00.000+03:00

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!!!

Prayer Requests

2010-06-26T00:58:00.000+03:00

I just wanted to check in and say hello, and right now would love your guys’ prayer on a few thing:

I had a 16 year old kid staying with me for a while since I’ve been back, he has a drug problem (both selling and using) and his parents asked if we could help. Last year he was on the right track and was even serving with us. Long story short, it only worked for so long and although we offered to have him continue to stay, he chose to leave rather than abide by our rules. No one has heard from him in a few weeks and we are a little worried. We not only want know he’s alright, we want to see him changed.

Last night I went for a walk to clear my head, and I came upon 2 guys attacking a girl (I’m assuming rape)I ran over there to stop it, and started to fight with the guys, and the girl ran off. This girl has just experienced unbelievable trauma and I hope she has someone to talk to, and that God will bring comfort. This was in my area of the city, near my neighborhood, so I hope this doesn’t have any repercussions for me, because I like walking at night. Also I may or may not have broken a toe in the scuffle.

We have had some difficulties with our landlord as of late and well basically… we need to find her a flat to live in for the month of July in the next 2 days or we’ll have to gather our stuff up and stay with friends until August. I really don’t want to have to do this.

Summertime

2010-06-01T10:22:00.000+03:00

It is June 1st. Summer Has officially started. It's going to be a busy one. We have 2 day camps, 1 tent camp on our very own campground, a missionary trip for our youth to the Carpathian mountains, and a discipleship camp! Plus, we have a team from America, lots of planning, picnics, baptisms, events and so much more! I will try to post as often as possible to keep you updated. But remember, you can follow me on facebook, to get daily updates: facebook.com/jsterlingbrown.

2 Months

2010-05-31T23:41:00.000+03:00

So, it has been two months since I left the states to go back home to Kiev. Here are some of the highlights: I have seen God do amazing stuff in the lives of people I have been ministering to, and he has used me to be a part of it. I was able (through the generous donation of a dear sponsor) bless a family with an alto saxophone. Now their son can continue with his lessons. God has used your donations, through me, to bless many people. One such time there was an old grandmother that had been praying through the night for some help, and through a series of "accidents" I ended up in her region of the city and was able to be the answer to her prayer.

I was able to buy a car despite giving away over 1/3 of my car funds in the last 2 months, and it is a huge blessing. I have been preaching a lot and seeing God use it, it is amazing the stories that I hear of how God uses his word to touch peoples hearts and lives. I started a very sustainable diet and exercise program and have already lost 33 pounds. I have been totally blessed by 2 guys in our church that live near me: Dennis and Genna, who have taken it upon themselves to fix all the little things in my flat that I neither have the tools or steady hand for. Just this week they fixed my kitchen faucet, hung a mirror in my bathroom, and put a peephole in my front door. This is a huge blessing as my home is a huge place of ministry and there are always kids here hanging out, and talking and since I live in a the most populous region of the city, it is very close to a lot of people with easy access.

I am loving working with Oleg Magdych as our new "lead" youth minister. We have had two months of great services, and this Saturday will be off the hook! I have also been doing more work for the main church, their trust in me totally blesses my heart. I have formed so many new relationships with young people and am anxious to see what God will do! I'm going to try and post on many of these things individually.

For now, there is a lot of work on my plate. I have 4 camps and a missionary trip with university students planned for the summer! We have a team from Northland church in Florida coming to help us with our annual "Seech" camp and we have several churches participating in this camp. I really hope they will return next year, along with New Life City, and Paradise Hills Methodist in Albuquerque.

Right now I am planning our next year of sermons: We are planning to do a year in "The Sermon on the mount". Planning the layout of the series is tricky but I think it's going to blow peoples' socks off! We have another 4-6 weeks of services before we break for summer (camps and trips) and will resume at the end of August, these next weeks as the numbers start to stall will be more intimate but really intense, at least that's what we are planning on. We have been on a series: "Practical Perspective on living a NEW LIFE" since the beginning of the year. Last week was THANKFULNESS, and a few weeks ago I got to preach on the Theology of Loving your Enemy.

One thing I could use your prayer for: an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, this lat Wednesday, 3 of us pastors taught on the holy spirit... and I've been realizing how we undervalue Him. We can work hard, and plan long... but it is only the Holy spirit in our lives that has any effect. It is only the Holy Spirit working in the lives of others that brings fruit. I want to see the Spirit of God just fall on this place, that is my prayer.

Well that's all for now... tomorrow I will write more!

New Year Update 2010

2010-02-01T03:43:00.000+02:00

Blessed Be the Name of the Lord

2010-01-23T03:29:00.000+02:00

Disappointed (With God) from David Tate on Vimeo.

So I found this video on another website, and I simply love it! I love when people are honest with God. When in the midst of frustration we actually tell him how we feel. All relationships need honesty, and our relationship God-ward is no exception. There are times when we are frustrated, tired, hurt, angry, and broken; times when we want nothing to do with God. But, just like a relationship with a friend or spouse, we must communicate our feelings to Him. Lately I've been tired. I've been traveling around, for a month watching over some foreign keeping them safe; watching my father's health yo-yo in the hospital; watching as m home, the adopted country I love is spinning farther into depths through politicians, economics, and elections; watching the poor decisions of friends and family, watching my support stagnate while I'm supposed to be fund-raising. I watch it all, and then I come to the cross, to bring it to Christ. We can't unload our burdens if we can't name them to the ONE we love. HONESTY!

Remember the words of Job: "The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord!"

Tired, but Truckin'

2010-01-11T17:51:00.000+02:00

OK, So Andre and I, along with our 2 other Ukrainian cohorts, made it safely to the States on the 13th of December. We arrived and hit the ground running! Besides all the "business" aspects of our trip: meetings, partnerships, funding, etc; I came home to my father in the hospital, with more congestive heart failure, heart attacks (yes, that's plural) kidney failure, collapsed lung, pneumonia, and infections... needless to say when I wasn't "working" I was there with him. He got quite a bit better until this last week, when he had new complications the had him incoherent, today he is a little better. It's a roller coaster.

And... for the last week and a half we have been traveling around the "South". We started in Jasper, GA to take part in a youth camp, and from there to Passion Conference in Atlanta. Then we headed to Birmingham, AL to have a few more meetings, Tonight we are in Pensacola, and tomorrow will be our final leg, Orlando. From there we will drive back to Georgia, and fly back to California on Tuesday. We have meetings for the next few days, and then on the 16th, Andre and I will be going to camp with Saddleback Church's youth ministry. At that time, Andre and I will be alone for the remainder of our trip, as our friends will be flying back to Kyiv, and about 2 weeks later starting a new season of youth services.

We miss Ukraine, but we know we need to be here now to be equipped for our work: mentally, spiritually, and financially. We look forward to seeing you all. Be sure to check your in-boxes, because an important update will be coming, and it's easy to read with only three points!

In about a week or so, I should have a little more time, as the first "lightning" leg of our trip will be finished, and we will start talking about individual encounters on this trip, and stories of what God has done!

I have a goal!

2009-12-05T02:44:00.000+02:00

On my impending trip stateside, I need to raise funds. I have a goal to get 100 people to donate $10-15 each a month. It's totally doable. And, of course I will accept larger donations as well.

So what do you all think, can you help me out on this? Can you connect me with churches and friends, friends of friends, small groups, and others that would be willing to part with 2 Starbucks' coffees a month to further the kingdom in the former Soviet Union? God is my provider but he uses men and women just like you to bring his gospel to the world and do his work on earth. By partnering with a missionary you are actively partaking in the great commission. Together we can make a difference in the world!

All I want for Christmas

2009-11-19T01:24:00.000+02:00

So, it's been a couple of months since I announced my decision to make my stay in Ukraine indefinite, and as many of you know I will be visiting the states at the end of next month to, among other things: see friends and family, attend some conferences and trainings, and find new support for me and my work. Well, if you didn't know, know you do. I will be back in the states for 3 months. In the upcoming week I will be sending out an email update and posting, about that trip and letting you all know the ways in which you can help me on my endeavors.

But that's not the real reason I am posting. No, I was thinking about being "home" for the holidays in the wake of a forever life altering decision to stay in a foreign land, and it made me realize just how rich my life is, full of love, hope, and grace... and I feel absolutely blessed! I have everything a person could desire for the holiday season, so what do I want for Christmas? To give love back, to share life, and love, and grace with others. What do I want? I want all of you, to see you and share my life with you. I stumbled across this song, and it kinda fit my mood, so give it a listen!

	The Rescues - All That I Want For Christmas .mp3

How Great is our God!

2009-11-04T12:56:00.000+02:00

This is a note From Andre.

I was approved for my Visa!!!

I was so nervous... First my pants ripped before I arrived at consulate, and it was snowing; -7 centigrade. Then one of my documents had a problem, the bar-code did not print right. I had to wait for almost hour in line to use computer and make new document. At that time I was the last person to receive a number. They asked many questions this time, but it was in Russian, so it was much easier to answer. Then told me to sit and wait. All the people at the consulate looked at my documents for more than 15 minutes, while Joel and I were praying. Then they called my name and gave me a paper so I could have my visa delivered!!!

I'm not sure what helped the decision. Maybe it was all the new documents. Maybe the shorter trip length, or maybe the pastor clothes I wore (like in the picture above). I just know this: I am totally amazed. I know that it is totally God. Thank you all for your prayers and advice. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I know a lot of people were praying. I really understand how big my God is. This time I knew they can say no. I trusted God, and said what he wants should be, but asked him for it because I really wanted it. In the Bible it say that "all promises of God are made yes, and then Amen!" I feel that today! I will see you all soon!

Refresh Conference pt.2

2009-11-02T15:50:00.000+02:00

Refresh Conference pt.1

2009-11-01T16:02:00.000+02:00

Happy Halloween Mr. Flu

2009-10-31T13:26:00.000+02:00

So It's Halloween, and here in Ukraine we have something a little more scary than ghosts and goblins. We have the swine flue. Known as the the "California" flu here in Ukraine, we have already had 34 flu related deaths in western Ukraine. Th e countries leaders have shut down all schools and universities until the end of November, banned large public gatherings, and limited travel in certain parts of Ukraine. Everywhere you go you see people in surgical masks and lines at the pharmacies. It may turn out to be a scary Halloween yet.

Re-Fresh Conference

2009-10-29T13:07:00.000+02:00

So Oleg and I brought 11 members of our youth and teen team to a youth leader's conference called "re-fresh" today. With the 8 or so other folks from our church working the conference including Oksana, Oleg's wife, that makes our group more than 2o, and definitely the largest team time at the conference. So far it has been good good. We are looking forward to spending some tme togaher and allowing this new team to coalesce. Although I think Oleg and I will be spending most of the workshop time, actually working int he foyer! :)

My Hope is Built on Nothing Less...

2009-10-25T14:16:00.000+02:00

This is a note from Andre:

I did not receive a visa! But I still have hope! For as the sang says: "My Hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness!" Joel told me about a preacher named G. Campbell Morgan. Who 100 years ago was being interviewed himself. He wanted to be an official preacher. He was denied. He sent a telegraph to his father with one word: "rejected". and his father wrote back: "Rejected by men, accepted by God." I feel this way right now.

I will call for a new interview appointment tomorrow. I was very sad, but also had peace. I know that what God wants will happen. I even see how God used this for me. I see how he is teaching me and my heart. Not long back, I would be very angry at this thing, but now I have hope in what God will do. I also now know how much I want to come and visit.

I ask that you will pray with me for this. I can keep trying and keep doing interviews until the time of my trip. Yes, it costs money each time, but I have a God who uses all things for his glory, and what I receive from being a part of his work and from him teaching me, is more than any cost. I believe I will eventually receive my visa, and that I will see all of you in face, but I also know that my God is in control. Thank your for your prayers. Please remember to keep praying.

A Note From Andre

2009-10-05T14:30:00.000+03:00

This is a note from my flatmate, friend, and ministry cohort Andre Kolbovsky:

Please pray for me. I have a visa interview with the US consulate on Friday October 25th. I truly believe that the Lord wants me to go on this trip and share my story and ministry with you all. I have seen him work miracles, providing Joel and I the money for plane tickets, and providing people that we to hear what I have to say. I need another miracle. So please remember to pray. My interview time is at 8AM. That means that it will be Thursday night at 10PM in October 24 in California. Thank you. I trust in the Bible where it says that: "My God will provide all your need!"

Meeting Mr. Magdych

2009-10-01T14:36:00.000+03:00

Well, it's been a little bumpy since summertime. We were informed that our fearless leader Yaroslav Lukasic would not be returning as our Head Director for youth ministries. He returned from his three months of training in Western Europe and realized that while he loved working with the youth, it was stealing time away for his ministries he brought with him from Belarus. So we were left without a lead.

The Pastors and us other youth pastors got together to decide a plan of action. We wanted something different, something drastic. We had a name: Magdych.

So after being invited by Anatoly and several long conversations with him myself. I am pleased to announce that Oleg Magdych will be joining our team as leader, and together he and I will plan for the next few years. Oleg is 32, married to Oksana has 2 boys, and was the Camp director for Radooga for many years. He is a great guy whom I respect and immensely look forward to working with him

I'm a Rocket-man

2009-09-18T14:45:00.000+03:00

So, as I have decided to stay in Ukraine, it became clear to me that there was work to be done. The first order of business is to visit home. So that being said, i have decided to come stateside at the end of December and will be there for about 3 months, seeing family, reconnecting with friends and my church, and finding new funds and sponsors. I want to meet with all of you, see all you, have you cook me home-made meals, share stories of god and his dealing here in Ukraine. There is much more to say But I will leave you with this:

This time I am planning to bring a real live Ukrainian with me. (No, I am not getting married, don't worry, I'll let you know) His name Is Andre Kolbovsky, he is my flatmate. He runs a Youth Ministry called Freeway that ministers to at-risk teens. So lets make hi m feel welcome, and pray that all the details work out: money, visa, etc.

It's Nice to know!

2009-09-15T13:14:00.000+03:00

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 recently found out that in a recent 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 pst that later. So while I'm not going to let this give me a big head, still it's nice to know!

The Search for Joel

2009-09-14T02:15:00.000+03:00

At one of our tent camps this summer, Seech, we had to make team videos. This was the video from my group of kids. Our team was called: “13 Friends of Joel”, a play on the Russian title of “Ocean’s 13”. This is our video: “The Search For Joel”.

How Should I Feel Today?

2009-09-11T19:42:00.000+03:00

the contrast of today with my announcement to stay last Sunday at our teen service

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, 8 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. Less than a decade has passed; but 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 2009. I am just shy of 30. I have spent the last four 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 have recently 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 Russian Puppet whose party poisoned the current president and bombed his headquarters, after rigging the election, come to power again? 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

Labor Day Announcement

2009-09-07T20:46:00.000+03:00

Standing in front of "Lenin" Mt. on the Crimean Peninsula

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: after nearly 4 years serving in Ukraine, and through much, counsel, prayer, and considerable thought:

I HAVE DECIDED TO MAKE MY STAY HERE IN UKRAINE PERMANENT AND INDEFINITE!!!

There is a lot that this decision will entail and I will keep you updated. More information to follow in the next few days.

In the mean time, enjoy your Labor day and may God bless you, your loved ones, and all your endeavors this coming season!

"Level Up" Camp Video

2009-09-05T20:43:00.000+03:00

Impacting a nation by impacting it's youth!

2009-09-04T17:33:00.000+03:00

Kiev, Ukraine

Seasons

2009-08-31T21:26:00.000+03:00

Andre and I at the train station in Simferopal... after a very long train ride

It is August 31. I have just returned from the Black Sea. When I stepped off the train and on to the platform I was greeted by a bunch of youth that were waiting to see us. Hugs and jumping quickly ensued. They helped us trek our luggage back to the flat, and we discussed life and the future. You see, tomorrow is September 1. Everybody of school age returns to classes tomorrow. And the big question is how do I do things better than last year. How do I avoid the mistakes of before. How do I allow God into my everyday. It truly blesses me to know that not only am I entrusted with these questions, but that their lives have been influenced to the measure that they genuinely want to know the answer. Everyday I come to the conclusion: my work here is far from done. So as I enter the new fall ministry season tomorrow I leave you with these words:

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” ~Philippians 3:7-16

Words for any season!

A Little Rest

2009-08-22T20:56:00.000+03:00

"Sudak" - The city in Crimea where we are headed. 15 hours by train, then 2 by bus

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says that if we come to him he will give us rest. If we are tired, he is our source of refreshing. And, folks, it has been a great summer, but exhausting. In the spirit of Christ's words I seek refuge in him, or more literally in his great and marvelous works. This work in particular is "the Black sea".

Tomorrow, a few friends and I will hop a train to the black sea, to soak up the sun, explore the Beauty of His creation, and refresh our souls as we have the time to reconnect with our Lord, while we prepare for the fall ministry season. I'll be back in about a week.

Hello from "Level Up" Teen Tent Camp

2009-08-18T20:38:00.000+03:00

One Last Camp

2009-08-15T08:17:00.000+03:00

I am heading off to camp on an island with about 60 teenagers this morning, it's a long hike, then wading through the river to get there. Be back in about a week and a half. Please pray that it goes well. I am doing the morning program and discussion. Talk to you all later.

Herson Camp Video #3

2009-08-13T17:28:00.000+03:00

Herson Camp Video #2

2009-08-12T17:27:00.000+03:00

Herson Camp Video #1

2009-08-11T17:22:00.000+03:00

Summer Newsletter

2009-08-10T22:51:00.000+03:00

My current newsletter. Click on each page to open a full size version.

Feel free to print this and give it to others to share about the work here in Ukraine. And, as always, feel free to give! :)

Summer Update

2009-08-06T17:09:00.000+03:00

The shirt says (in Ukrainian): "Thank you God, that I am not Moskal"
(a person from Moscow) Yes, that's how Ukrainian I've become!

So Summer is nearing it's wind down. I've participated in 4 camps already, countless picnics with kids and trips to the beach, preachings, trainings, meetings... and I've got a little more to go... This weekend is a leader's retreat for our teen ministry "Lightside". End of next week is Lightside's tent camp... we are expecting about 60 young people for that. Then comes our last ditch efforts to plan for the upcoming year... both for the teen ministry and "Platforma" the youth ministry. Plus we are working on restructuring our club ministry: "Freeway", as well as several new opportunities that I will share as time progresses and I work out the details!

If all goes well, In about 3 weeks, I might be able to get some rest. I'm hoping to take a train down to the black sea for a few days with some friends, but I have a feeling that we will either be too exhausted or simply have no funds... still It's been an epic summer so far, and there is still more to come! I'll talk to you all soon! :)

Hello from "Radooga" camp in Herson

2009-07-22T17:49:00.000+03:00

Hello From "Seech" camp on the Dniper river

2009-07-10T17:45:00.000+03:00

Gone But Not Forgotten

2009-07-09T20:52:00.000+03:00

It's been 5 years since my big brother John passed away. I still miss him dearly. Even now when I get a call in the early morning hours a sense of dread comes to the surface, as I remember that morning. His death was very hard on me, and officiating his funeral was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. In a very real and tangible way, his death changed the very course of my life, made me a better person, and gave me the life I have today.

But today is not about mourning. Today is about remembrance. To those of you that knew him, raise a bottle of Corona in his honor, and tell stories about him to others. My bottle is cooling in a hole I dug in the sand. After our time of remembrance I will fill the bottle with sand (as he used to do) and then I will insert a picture of him and send it down the river. I love you John, you are gone but are still in my heart.

this note was handwritten on July 11th, and was put online July 15th and postdated.

I thought I would post this notice from the Birmingham News: KANADY, MR. JOHN BENTLEY, age 28 of Hueytown passed away July 9, 2004. He is survived by his parents, Joe and Leelane Brown; sisters, Autumn Jones, April Brown, Emily Brown; Brothers, Joel and Adam Brown all of California; brother and sister in law, Aaron Brown and Karrie Jackson of Michigan. John considered his friends Shawn and Hope Davis and their children to be his local family. Chapel funeral services will be conducted Monday, July 12, 2004 at the Brown Service West Chapel Funeral Home at 2:00 PM, Rev. Joel Brown to officiate. Visitation will be held Sunday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 at the funeral home. Brown Service West Chapel directing.

Happy Independence day!

2009-07-04T17:51:00.000+03:00

From all of us here in Ukraine. We want to say Happy Independence Day America. May all your citizens come to know the hope of all mankind, may we all become citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Don't forget to pray for the nation and it's leaders!!!

Hello From Camp in Barishevka

2009-06-30T17:42:00.000+03:00

Hello From "Flip" City Camp

2009-06-14T17:34:00.000+03:00

LIBRE

2009-05-05T15:39:00.000+03:00

“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Therefore, “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out (God’s) precepts."

“…repented and did what is right in (God’s) sight, proclaiming freedom to (our) countrymen.”

“…that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay, and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

John 8:36 | Psalm 119:45 | Jeremiah 34:15 | Romans 8:21

John Stott

2009-04-29T18:56:00.000+03:00

“Love without truth is hypocrisy and the truth without love is brutality.”

...saw this on another blog

2009-04-28T19:02:00.000+03:00

Somehow I think this represents me very well. I need to find me on of these!

That's so Sad

2009-04-02T01:05:00.000+03:00

So I know that I am posting this thing tonight at 1am, but...

Tonight was the World Cup qualifier between Ukraine and England. Ukraine lost 1-2. I have only one question: Ukraine losing to England in Futbol, isn't that like ANY COUNTRY losing to France in a war?

Don't Be the object of His Pity

2009-04-01T00:40:00.000+03:00

It's April 1st... watch out!

SAUNA...

2009-03-29T04:54:00.000+03:00

Seriously, could ministry get any better than this? Getting out of the city with a bunch of guys, free use of a sauna, songs around the fire pit, and good food! Good times! Here in Ukraine, we like our sauna extra hot, and then we like to jump in an extra (almost freezing) cold pool. It jump starts the heart. Men's ministry differs in different countries. I think we got a good thing going here.

2 Thoughts from Kierkegaard

2009-03-25T05:36:00.000+02:00

I think these two quotes pretty much sum up much of my philosophy:

“If I know that twice two is four, this knowledge is in the highest degree impersonal. Once I know it, I know it, and I need not struggle continuously to make it my own. But the truth of religion is not at all like that: it is a truth that must penetrate my own personal existence or it is nothing; and I must struggle to renew it in my life every day. A learned theologian may be in possession of all the so-called truths of rational theology, able to prove and disprove propositions and generally hold his own dialectically with the best; and yet in his heart God may have died or never lived. On the other hand, an illiterate peasant who knows nothing of formal theology, who may not even be able to state correctly the tenets of his creed… nevertheless may succeed in being religious. He is in the truth, as we say, and people who know him can recognize this fact from his presence, his bearing, his way of life.”

"The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand we are obliged to act accordingly. Take any words in the New Testament and forget everything except pledging yourself to act accordingly. My God, you will say, if I do that my whole life will be ruined. Herein lies the real place of Christian scholarship. Christian scholarship is the Church’s prodigious invention to defend itself against the Bible, to ensure that we can continue to be good Christians without the Bible coming too close. Dreadful it is to fall into the hands of the living God. Yes, it is even dreadful to be alone with the New Testament."

Pirate Party

2009-03-22T05:29:00.000+02:00

personally, I think they are quite fun!

Strategy and Such

2009-03-10T05:04:00.000+02:00

So just got back from a little town outside of Kyiv called Irpin. 14 of us went there for a mini leader's retreat, where we did a little strategizing and planning for the rest of the year. As with most ministries that work with young people, teams grow and swell, and in the process new people come and old people go, this was a good chance for the team as it is now, to bond. Plus it was a lot of fun.

Oh, Those Potatoes

2009-03-01T01:13:00.000+02:00

In the midst of a worldwide financial crisis... Ukraine has been hit hard. But, I just realized something, with all the economic problems, I have actually gained a few kilos! I have Identified the culprit: Potatoes, quite possibly the cheapest of foods... and faith.

When the security net of a nation is pulled out from under it's people, when banks shut down, and people lose jobs, when the national currency plummets and wages stagnate while prices increase... when this happens, after the shock, and after the denial, comes a longing for HOPE!

I would not wish financial troubles on anyone, but it creates a ripe field for ministry. Both to share the gospel, and put the gospel in action. When people are hurting and scared they are open to listen. And when we are hurting and scared, we are obligated to live our faith with that much more fervor.

Many people feel that generosity and giving comes from abundance. "I have more so I give." But God has always asked for the first fruits. It is from need and deficit that out generosity must flow. When I have less and I give it shows my commitment to generosity. When I have need and I give it shows my faith in God's provision. It is simple when our beliefs our tested it is then we can show them to be true.

As a missionary... trust me, the crisis has hit me hard. I have seen my support drastically fall, and at the same time God has upped the ante; asking me to give more, sacrifice more, live with less, and be a bless those around me. He has called me to go beyond convenience and feel the weight of my neighbors, so that I may help to lighten their burden. It's not easy. I'm selfish. But... I find myself glorying in the test... seeking to faithfully live what I preach. I also find myself eating A LOT of potatoes.

The Mountains

2009-02-25T04:21:00.000+02:00

Every 5 years the Staff of New Life Church gets on a train and goes to a very old, very Soviet "Resort" in the Carpathians mountains. After the 13 hours on the train, and the 90 minutes in the back of an old military truck on the way up the mountain, there we are: Tisovets. We relax, we eat, we sing, we play volleyball, we sauna, we ski, we simply get to be together enjoying the company of those we serve with daily arm-in-arm, for a few days with few worries. We recharge.

To those of you that support the work of this church, and specifically this trip, thanks here are some photos: (if you click them, they get bigger)

A Life Without Failure

2009-02-23T05:43:00.000+02:00

Seriously this has got to be one of my favorite promises from scripture. That we have "everything" we need for life and Godliness, and that if we are faithful to this, then there is no failure that ends with us falling and not getting back up. Lord thank you that though we stumble you are there to help us up and keep us pressing on until the end!

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

2 Peter 1:3-11