Redeeming the Time … (November 2016 Update)
“Time is man’s opportunity to accomplish the work for which he is living.” So says Richard Baxter in his A Christian Directory. Through the years, people have often asked me what I needed the most prayer for and I have often responded, “time.” Time goes by so quickly and there is so much to be done for the Lord. We need to “redeem the time” so that we can do the most for the Kingdom while we are here.
Time is my greatest need this month too! Or at least the wisdom to use the time wisely that the Lord gives me. November will be my busiest month this year with teaching 3 classes, getting ready to return to the states for Christmas, and trying to get everything arranged and set up for the workers so work can continue on the house while we are gone.
Teaching Time …
On Saturday, I leave for Lviv for a week of teaching there. I will be teaching Worship and Prayer to the students at Ukrainian Baptist Seminary. I have really enjoyed the times teaching at this school and I’m looking forward to seeing their new class for this year. Be praying for me as I get everything ready to go and as I try to teach practical and biblical lessons about Worship and Prayer.
After Lviv, I return for 1 week and then teach again at Kiev Theological Seminary. I will be teaching Church History there. Again be praying for me as I teach this class.
House Update – Time is Flying! …
We are continuing to build our house and we are getting closer each month. All the walls are completed and painted and we have started on floors. We think all the upstairs floors and bathrooms will be finished by the time we leave for the states. Over Christmas, they will finish the first floor floors and install the sinks. When we return, we will need to order cabinets (takes about 1 month) and appliances and we might be able to move in as soon as April. We are hoping and praying.
We are continuing to sell whatever we can to get money for building materials and we are praying about our needs for finishing the kitchen. We are waiting on this because we don’t have enough money to purchase the cabinets and appliances. If you want to give a gift of any amount to help us, just designate it to 1700–Housing and we will use it for completing our house in Ukraine. Any amount would greatly help us out!
The weather is turning cold here already (down near freezing at nights) and we have already had our first snow. We are really enjoying being in the country after living in the city the last 6 years. We have already had our first snow and temperatures are regularly below freezing. The girls enjoyed their first fall playing in the leaves that we raked up!
Time for Christmas in America …
As we mentioned last month, we will be returning to the states for the holidays for my son’s wedding. We will be spending time with family in Cabot and in Fayetteville. Our time will be short but we hope to see many of you then, even if briefly.
Time to pray for America! …
As the election draws near, I have never been more concerned about our country and its leaders. We need to be praying for the United States as this election draws near!
Time to pray for Ukraine …
Thank you for your prayers and support! It is a blessing to be able to serve here and to touch so many lives. The war continues here in Ukraine and believers here continue to share the gospel and help refugees who have lost everything in the war. Please continue to pray for Ukraine.
And pray for us too! We are grateful to have this time in our lives to minister to and prepare many who will be serving the Lord in Ukraine for many years to come. Without your support, it would not be possible. Thank you again for allowing us to minister in Ukraine!
By His Grace,
Jim and Katya
Kristina and Nadia
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