Exceedingly, Abundantly … (January 2017 Update)
As I look back on 2016, Ephesians 3:21 constantly comes to mind: “Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” What stands out to me is that God has repeatedly blessed us with far more than we ever thought possible in all areas of our lives this past year! And for that, we are exceedingly grateful!
Giving …
Every year, we are humbled by the generosity of God’s people! This year was no exception. In fact, we have been blessed by your giving over and over again. First, after 20 years of Teaching in Ukraine, we are amazed to see that most of our support comes from the same people who began supporting me when I first started teaching overseas. Most of our financial partners have been sharing with us faithfully for over 15 years! That is amazing! God provided exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we could ask or think! Thank you for your faithfulness to support us as we train men and women in Ukraine for the gospel!
Additionally this year, we faced an almost impossible financial situation: building a house in Ukraine. The biggest hurdle was getting funds for building when loans were not possible. Loans in Ukraine routinely exceed 20% variable for housing so borrowing in Ukraine was not an option. We attempted to borrow some from various people in the states but found that most people were not comfortable providing unsecured loans to us in Ukraine. I can’t say I blame them! So we decided to pray and build as money became available. Nearly every month, we received some gifts that enabled us to keep building. Last month, knowing we needed to get our kitchen completed, we received a couple of large gifts that will enable us to finish the kitchen when we return. Again, God provided exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we could ask or think! We have a ways to go still but it looks like we can be ready to move in my April and then we will finish the work over the summer.
Teaching …
This has been a very busy year for teaching. I have taught in Kyiv and also in Lviv many times Teaching in both the bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. At times, I thought that I had taken on more classes than was realistic. But God provided the time for preparation even while I was in the process of working on our house and moving our family out of the city. I was able to teach Christology, Soteriology, Church History, Prayer, Worship, Critical Thinking, Research and Writing as well as leading a couple of church seminars. I am grateful for these opportunities to serve and looking forward to Teaching again this year. Again, God has provided exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we could ask or think! Be praying as I prepare for upcoming classes this winter and spring. I will; be teaching every month and, in May, I will be teaching 2 classes.
Family …
We really can’t say enough about our family in the states. We have been here for just two short months and loved every minute of it, even though it has been a hectic time. We were able to see friends and family in Florida, Ohio, Arkansas and Missouri. Our time with family was especially pleasant as our children (Kristina and Nadia) are beginning to really appreciate our wonderful family here in the states. Kristina and Nadia regularly talk about Joel and Alyssa and Lucas, about Joy and Shain-Shain (for some reason they call him that), Joy’s girls and Ethan. Todd just married in December but Kristina has already incorporated visiting Todd and Classie on her imaginary trips!
And we have enjoyed being with Sean and Meredith and Haven. Since Haven and our girls are so close in age, they have really enjoyed being together. Haven came home one day and could not find Kristina and Nadia and started crying for “Tina and Nadi.” Yesterday, for some reason, Kristina was sad and saying, “No more Christmas, no more presents, no more Haven, no more Joy ….” We told her we would be going back to Ukraine in a week and she is already missing family here. But we know she misses home too!
Kristina’s language skills continue to amaze us. When we came to the states 1 month ago, she understood everyone’s English but always answered in Russian. Now she is answering fluently in English almost all the time and translating for us when she uses Russian. It will be interesting to see how she makes the transition back in Ukraine.
So, all in all, we have been abundantly blessed – with a great family and with the opportunity to spend some time with them. Again, God provided exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we could ask or think!
Pray for Ukraine …
We really do not know what the new president will do regarding Ukraine and how his actions will affect Putin. On one hand, Trump seems very positive about Putin; on the other, he seems to want America to stand up to threats by Russia. Time will tell. But it might give Putin a new sense of freedom to do more to Ukraine. On the other hand, Trump’s relationship with Putin might be the missing ingredient to get Putin to back off of Ukraine. Please be praying for us, that we can continue to train and prepare ministers for Ukraine who can and will share the gospel no matter what the situation!
Thanks again for your support! It is such a comfort to enter another year of ministry knowing that we have such great partners in ministry! Again, God provided exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we could ask or think! May He do so also for you in 2017!
By His Grace,
Jim and Katya
Kristina and Nadia
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