SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: UKRAINE BEAUTY

7/8/12  Scripture prayer was the focus of my time in Ukraine. It was my “prep” for the Lord’s work. Praying John 10:10 for my devotional times for the leadership, that the ladies could know the fullness of Christ in their lives so that a life of abundance would be theirs. Also, I prayed “my dance” verse for them, that all their hard places/struggles could be seen as blessing as they saw the Lord’s strength and sufficiency. (Psalm 30:11)

My “babies” team and my small group of Ukrainian women especially touched my heart during my week with them at Kompas Park. Several of them had shared their stories with me and I was drawn to pray for them. As with so many women, approval from others keeps us prisoners to what others think so I prayed for all of us to seek only God’s approval. But, I truly wanted the Lord’s words from scripture to become my prayers. I would encourage this method of prayer as one prays for others----whether for a day, a season or a lifetime, as God leads. It’s praying His words---His word according to Isaiah 55:11, that produces “fruit”.

so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Katya (l) and hubby, David, that their Kreativity ministry would continue to be a joint effort and bring glory to the Lord. “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” (Psalms 34:3)

Luba (R) Praising the Lord for her “joyfully expectant” news and that she would see children as a blessing from the Lord. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalm 127: 3)

Tanya---As we share a similar struggle, & I know the value of Christian friends who listen and pray, I pray for such a friend for her……”but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)

Masha (l) my traveling buddy, who gave of herself continuously for to those involved in ministry, especially to the Bute children---freeing Katya and David for the Lord’s work. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Gal. 6: 9-10)

Ira (R) A beautiful wife and mother who gave unselfishly of her time to tend the babies of all the moms at the camp A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. (Proverbs 33:10-11)

Diana---That she will not only continue to sing God’s word (Psalm 119:72) but that she will see her true self as one beloved by Him and be all that He created her to be. “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. “(Psalm 139: 14)

Valya---Strength in ministry for this beautiful one who always had time and energy for kids---even those who cried “Mama” at first. “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (I Corinthians 15:58)

Liza Col. 3:12-15---especially v. 12, that she would continue to daily clothe herself with the godly attributes which were so evident to me. “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;”

Oksana(L)---my translator, who also serves as a pastor’s wife, I Timothy 1:12 “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,”

Alena(R)---God’s direction for her, who with her husband is seeking the Lord’s will about a mission assignment in Germany, “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” (Psalm 33:20)

Inna---Praying God’s best as she raises her son and seeks God’s peace “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” (Psalm 119:114) May she filter all knowledge thru His Word.

Nastya---Praising the Lord that she seeks God’s priorities for her life, I pray that seeking Him first will give her needed direction. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

Dancing in the Rain: An application

7/5/12 My morning devotionals for the leadership team in Ukraine dealt mainly with living a life of abundance (John 10:10) in the midst of a struggle. A hard place. A storm. Living a life to the fullest was labeled a dance. The dance steps were given that could offer a universal approach to answering those struggles. All humans have similar problems, especially women----they just take on different forms.

One of the quotes I wanted to share “left” me as I was speaking. I see it every day at home but was unable to retrieve it from the recesses of my mind.

So….this picture is for the Ukrainian women who are choosing to dance in the storms of life by choosing to learn the steps and applying them .

FREEDOM BIRTHDAYS

7/4/12 Today in America we celebrate our country’s birthday. A day of independence and freedom. Freedom comes at a great cost. There is often a battle so warriors need to continue to be honored and "founding values" need to be upheld.

Flags adorn storefronts and homes. Neighborhood’s have parades. Patriotic color abounds in our red, white and blue decorations and dress. It’s indeed a celebration.

Last week in Ukraine we too celebrated a birthday. Every Christian has a “spiritual birthday” and for one of our campers, it was her first. (John 3:1-7) An event worthy of celebration. A celebration of freedom. Freedom from the penalty and power of sin.

A gift is given. A gift of God’s peace for the present and assurance of life with Him in eternity.

At camp we honored the event with a cake and “happy” candles as we celebrated this spiritual birth of a sister. We celebrated her freedom.

Humili-TEA: a cuppa worth pursuing

7/2/12 Being a tea gal in a coffee world has its moments---many of which are disappointing. However, one of my most affirming moments in my last-minute decision to go to Ukraine was the revelation that tea, the hot variety, would be available 24-7. I’m sure that revelation seems pretty insignificant to most folks, but to me it shows just how personal God can be in his care for us.

Today's morning cuppa  jogged that memory for me and I spent time praying for my “new-found” Ukrainian friends. I thanked God for the privilege of being found faithful and put into ministry at Kompas Park  by Him.  In Ukraine, which I first considered uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8) because it was so far from my Memphis address, I felt at home---a home full of good neighbors---always reaching out and caring for you.  Neighbors of joy, unselfishness and love, united in Spirit and bound together by a single purpose: to know God better.

I was humbled by God’s goodness for me during those 12 days abroad. I was humbled by the acceptance of “hard places” by many of the women at the Mom and Me Camp. I was humbled by the generosity of time and energy that the Ukrainian leadership "babies team" used to benefit me. I was amazed at their “humility” reservoir.

HumiliTEA, needs more than just a sip or two. HumiliTEA is the cuppa all should drink deeply from because our Savior was humility personified.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:3-5)

I mulled over this scriptural definition of humility with my  cuppa at my fingertips. I encourage you to do the same!

As Isaiah 57:15 reminds us: God dwells with those who have a humble and contrite spirit and revives both the repentant heart and the spirit of the humble. Glory to God.

Слава Богу!   (For Ukrainian sisters) When I hear you praying this, it sounds like Slava bohja----but regardless of the language, may we all choose to glorify the Lord.

Glory to God who showed me more of Himself, through the humility in your lives, which I saw so clearly last week.

Humili-TEA---a great cuppa for us all!

Sabbath snapshots: Kompas Park

I’m back. I’m blessed. I’m “bushed”--- Bed Beckons. 

Will post Sabbath Snapshots: July 1 2012 soon. SORRY IT'S TAKEN SO LONG!
7/4***No Matter how hard I tried to put these PIX in order, the computer would not let me reposition. I numbered them for anyone who cares that there is an order.
So many pix that I am dividing entries. Today's are a partial overview of a camp day---Days always began with my "Dance" devotionals, exercise and breakfast and campers' room checks. Kids crafts and classes began while mom's had a spiritual message from Shirley followed by their craft times and master classes of cooking or massage lessons. Lunch and quiet time then small groups for the ladies while children were tended. 4:00 snacks of fresh fruit. YUM! More master classes on some days, supper and then "fun time" of skits and songs for moms and kids. 9:00 snacks of the BEST yogurt!
Not sure when "lights out" actually occurred because I was always in bed after our 9 pm "recap the day" leadership mtgs. while others continued on.

#9 Dima practicing sneezing a block off of his head after I had just sneezed it off of mine. Sneezing and laughter---universal in language

#4 Morning exercise at 8:30am. Participants from 14 mos. to 70+ enjoyed this "kick-start" to our day.

#5 Morning groups sectioned by age. Guess who was "blessed" with the babies (0-2)? Matthew was our youngest camper.

#6 Room ck for the campers----Oskar (age 18 mos.) and mom, Stacy, shared the bottom bunk.

#7 Neatness is essential when 4 families share the same room---with 4 bunk beds.

Dima learns the joy of the "sneeze" game.

#3 Back to the house with the day's pickings.

#2 View from my room--early morning gathering of the day's sustenance.

First rule I learned in Ukraine---Always remove shoes at the entryway of a home.

Ukraine sunset at Kompas Park. Nothing quite like it! Note scarecrow on right still keeping watch on the "necessary" garden.

Shirley's lecture on living under God's umbrella and organizing life's priorities accordingly.

Mom's small groups--- recapping truths and sharing insights from morning message.

Leaving our worries at the foot of the cross and praying for each other. Thanks to Pam Seymour for the button and a great "pre-camp" haircut.

SIDEWALK CHALK SAYS IT ALL!

Next Sabbath snapshots (7/8, if I have wifi in mtns.) will be of Ukraine Beauties. I met so many beautiful ladies. I can only share their faces but their hearts are beautiful as well.

Sabbath Snapshots: A World Away

Pix to follow on Mom's return
6/24/12 Pix of first 3 days in Cherkasy, Ukraine to offer a glimpse of the city in which Katya and David Bute minister. Ministry projects organized by Kreativitiy include English and Russian youth groups, Translator Club, Teddy Bear Club for young mums, and mission impossible – a project to motivate young people to get excited about missions.
David and Katya also run a camp for Ukrainian youth every summer called ‘Mission Impossible’!

My first "view" of Ukraine.

Serious about their "football" (soccer) as they hosted, with Poland, the EURO 2012 championship. BTW, Spain won 4-0 over Italy. 

View from my window at the Bute home---where son Tim gave up his room on my behalf.

Produce and brooms from a vendor who wanted me to take her picture.

Shopper purchased his needed bread and pasta for the day.

Hay wagon on the road to the campgrounds.....one of the better roads. Lots of cows, goats and chickens shared the road with us.

Watching the world go buy---though not much traffic goes by on this dirt road near camp entry.

Ukrainian women in traditional babushka. Note well behind them---all water outside city limits comes from wells so you see them in every front yard.

Ukrainian team extend warm welcome.

 

Psalm 133:1

6/23/12 So much to say----so little time----we're headed out the door to drive 1 1/2 hours to the camp at, Kompas Park where we will assist the Ukrainian women in hosting a Mom and Me camp for children 2-8 years of age. Shirley, our team leader, will provide a Woman and Her World "talks" from God's word. Small group follow-ups based on the morning lecture will be headed by Shirley & me & 2 other women on our team---April and Graziella. I will provide (8) daily devotionals for the leadership teams' morning meeting and prayer time. "All Aboard" and here we go......loaded with every imaginable supply we could think of and armed with the prayers of the saints from 4 continents.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1) 

....only part of 2 bus loads---more for our stuff, than the number of people. It's why each member on our team brought a large suitcase filled with 50 pounds of camp supplies.

There is a fellowship among believers---a unity, a love connection shared among followers of Christ. Praises for that fellowship.

GREETINGS from Cherkassy, Ukraine

It's Friday morning (June 22 here in Ukraine & son Buddy's 42 nd birthday!) Doh-brah-yeh oo-trah! (a phonetic good morning) So rested and ready to share the love of the Lord with Ukrainians! Campers. We go to set up tomorrow. Campers arrive before noon on Sunday or Monday. No longer having to lug around the (7) 50 lb. bag of supplies that the team brought for the camp, which will start tomorrow. Katya had prepared a lucious dinner for us and their lovely home is housing 5 of us til we leave for camp tomorrow. What a blessing this ministry is......(Philippians 2: 3-7)

Kiev arrival

The Ukraine Team arrived in Kiev safely and were met by David Bute and Jordan Fichthorn. Now the drive to Cherkassy. Pray for their stamina and quick adjust to the time difference. 

Answers from the airport

Mom just called with an update. Everyone's bags were checked without any problems. Mom was really concerned (mainly because she is a Liles and we don't know how to pack light) that her bags were going to be too heavy. Well, she is happy to report her bags weighed in at 49.5 lbs (the limit was 50) and her carry-on was 17.5 lbs (the limit was 17.6). She also is happy to report she now has a confirmed seat on the flight from Dusseldorf to Kiev. This was really good news considering the agent in Memphis warned the group to not leave the international secured area because if they left the area they would be arrested and sent to prison. Mom is happy to now have confirmation (she likes her confirmation ahead of time). She wants you all to know she is rested, refreshed, and hopes to flourish (an answer to Aggie from France Psalm 92 prayer). I will keep you posted as I hear from mom, Molly