Back in Ukraine
We arrived back in Ukraine in time for Christmas here with Katya’s family. But after that, my time has been consumed with getting things ready for my class next week. I had to compile lecture notes, powerpoints and handouts so that they can be translated. I’ve finished enough for the first week but I will still be working on the second week while I’m teaching week 1.
Be praying for me as I teach this class. It is a writing and critical thinking class that we have not taught before. So I have had to design it from the beginning. This has been very time-consuming but it is the only way to do a new course. The class teaches students how to interpret and analyze literature make biblical applications. It teaches critical thinking skills that will help pastors in biblical exegesis and exposition. I try to have a biblical connection in every day’s lectures. There is always a bit of trepidation whenever I teach a new class – I have a lot with this one! Thanks for praying!
Christmas in the US
We had a wonderful time over Christmas in the United States. We began by arriving in New York. We spent one whirlwind day in the city seeing the trees, lights, and major sights (Katya’s first time ever!) before heading by train to visit friends and supporters in Connecticut. Connecticut was wonderful! We had three receptions with friends while there … at the MacKenzie’s, the Ong’s, and the Elovecky’s. Each was different but all we very precious to both of us. We also were able to worship at Shepaug Valley Bible Church in Roxbury and were blessed to see Rebecca Stinson home for the holidays from Cambodia.
Then we headed to Arkansas to be home in time for Christmas with my family. It was wonderful having all my children and grandchildren together for nearly two weeks! We ate, played games, watched a couple of movies, talked (and talked) and ate (way too much). It was great.
On the weekends, we were able to worship at my two favorite churches in Arkansas. The Sunday after Christmas, we worshipped at the Bible Church of Cabot and the Sunday after New Years, we worshipped at Cornerstone Bible Fellowship (in North Little Rock). We loved seeing everyone and only wish we could have spent more time with every person we saw.
Grateful for so much!
As we started the new year, we talked about the things we were grateful for from this past year. There are far too many to mention in this brief update… Friends and family are at the top of the list. The apartment we were able to get here in Kiev has been a wonderful blessing (we not only got a great location with lots of space, but we were able to buy all the furniture and appliances from the previous tenant for only $400.00!). Katya and I have often talked about how amazing it has been that our relationship has grown to the point of marriage. Neither of us expected to be married at this point and we still cannot believe all the ways God put things together for us! Most of all, we are thankful for Jesus: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
Thank you too for your prayers and support … we could not be here doing this ministry without your help!
Teaching Resources International 