Home Away From Home

Tim and I are on our last day in Nikolaev (down south).  We've loved being with our friends, Mary Ellen and Dan.  We've been busy and we've seen some really exciting things.  Let me give you a quick overview of the last 3 days.

1)  Tim and I left home about 6 pm Sunday with 1 suitcase and 2 carry-ons and took the Metro to the train station.  Got right on our train.  Wasn't as nice as we had been on before, but ok.  I'm reading a great book, but had to stop because I only brought one for the entire trip.  I need to have something to read on the 14 hour trip back.  The train was not very smooth and we didn't sleep well.  Had a funky toilet that we never learned how to flush!  We arrived in Nikolaev at 5:55 am!

2)  We visited Kherson and met with 2 men who have started a Christian Business Club (group).  They are dear friends from Central Church.  Pavil took us out to a piece of land they have a 50 year lease on.  They have a vision to create a "truck stop".  It's the old airport and it's charming.  Great potential!  They're currently storing farm equipment on it that they rent out to create income.  They are an example of the creative believers here advancing the kingdom.  (Watch for photos later,)

3)  Met with the head pastor for the Nikolaev oblast.  Business people helping churches is a new idea for him.  The meeting was a good start.  Anybody ready to come and help do business seminars?

4)  Heading out shortly to meet with another pastor at a recent church start.  Back to the village we go!

Tomorrow we head to Tsurupyns'k where we meet 2 businesses just funded by BTPN and I get to go back to one of my favorite churches.  We'll have lunch and a short ladies planning meeting and then head for Crimea with Kostya Bakanov.

Thought for the day (something the Holy Spirit has reminded us of while we've been here) - God is at work everywhere!  We may not be able to see what He's doing, but He's working.  He doesn't need us to join Him - He loves us and He invites us to join Him!  When we begin to think the work is dependent on us - we've bought into the lies of the enemy.  The work is dependent upon God alone.  I think all of us are in jeopardy of feeling "a little too important" at times.  Praise God that He forgives us when we think that way and He restores us completely when we repent.  "I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh". (Galatians 5:16)

Check back later and I'll update you on the week!