This month has been a whirlwind.
At the beginning of the month, we found out that we needed to relocate our office. The new space will have some advantages, but we will also be paying office rent for the first time.
On the 15th, I had the opportunity to visit with Mt Carmel Christian Church in Cincinnati. The reception was wonderful. The generosity of the congregation was eye-popping. And, the personal encouragement was priceless. (I sound a little like a MasterCard commercial.)
Finally, I just received a note from Kostya about new children in our ministry. Two have been added to foster care and two more are entering transitional living. If you've been keeping count, that is plus eight over the last four or five months. Keep these children and the parents in your prayers.
Don't grow weary.
Charles
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Finances, Finances
I just received a note from Ukraine. Someone has done a calculation and told the Ukrainian people that their economy is 40 time worse than the US. I don't know how you would measure something like that. I do know that I believe the Ukrainian life is at least 40 times harder than life in the US. Prices for basics like food and transportation are skyrocketing while jobs and income are disappearing.
We received an extremely generous gift this week that will allow us to continue the next phase of construction at Dyetski Dom, our foster home. At the same time we have made the decision to sell some assets we hold in Ukraine and use the proceeds for construction. This will require us to change the way we are doing some ministry, but we feel the construction is THAT important.
My April trip is close now. I'm getting anxious to see families and friends that I miss. So far, I've received about 200 pounds of "gifts" to deliver. The airline only allows me to take half that much, including my clothes. Sometimes, I get antsy to see how God plans to get me through the situations I get myself into.
Don't grow weary,
Charles
We received an extremely generous gift this week that will allow us to continue the next phase of construction at Dyetski Dom, our foster home. At the same time we have made the decision to sell some assets we hold in Ukraine and use the proceeds for construction. This will require us to change the way we are doing some ministry, but we feel the construction is THAT important.
My April trip is close now. I'm getting anxious to see families and friends that I miss. So far, I've received about 200 pounds of "gifts" to deliver. The airline only allows me to take half that much, including my clothes. Sometimes, I get antsy to see how God plans to get me through the situations I get myself into.
Don't grow weary,
Charles
Monday, March 2, 2009
Boxes for Ukraine
Several groups collected clothing for our kids around Christmas. Those are always a treat when they arrive in Ukraine.
I got a note this past weekend that two more boxes had arrived. The number of children visiting daily is approaching thirty and the staff could offer warm clothing to all. We always ask the children to turn in their old clothes. That way we can launder, make repairs and recycle for the next group. This time, we had to burn their clothes because of lice. In case I haven't already said it, thanks to all of you who make the effort to send us clothes.
Last month the government actually went through with their threat to interrupt monthly support payments until the 2009 budget is approved. Several families we work with are affected.
Still, we know that God is in control. Sometimes, He waits until there is absolutely no other alternative before He steps in. We may be getting close.
Don't grow weary,
Charles
I got a note this past weekend that two more boxes had arrived. The number of children visiting daily is approaching thirty and the staff could offer warm clothing to all. We always ask the children to turn in their old clothes. That way we can launder, make repairs and recycle for the next group. This time, we had to burn their clothes because of lice. In case I haven't already said it, thanks to all of you who make the effort to send us clothes.
Last month the government actually went through with their threat to interrupt monthly support payments until the 2009 budget is approved. Several families we work with are affected.
Still, we know that God is in control. Sometimes, He waits until there is absolutely no other alternative before He steps in. We may be getting close.
Don't grow weary,
Charles
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