Arrived

Here in Odesa, Ukraine, this morning, I went to exchange my American dollars for Ukrainian currency. My accent was obvious, so the lady asked me where I'm from. I told her that I'm from America. Almost in disapproval, she asked, "What are you doing here?" I told her, "I'm serving at a church here." She said, "Aren't you afraid to be here?" I said, "Well, I know that God will help me through anything." She said, "No, He won't help." I could only respond, "I know that my God will help me." She gave a shake of the head, and I said goodbye and went to the church service.

Yes, I have finally arrived back in Odesa, and yes, God has been helping me step by step already. On October 17th, I flew into Timisoara, Romania, and stayed at the church about three weeks, which was one and a half weeks longer than I had planned (but exactly what God had planned). I had to take my car into the shop before I left, and the repairs took much longer than expected. But I believe God knew that I needed the time there - time to fellowship with good friends, time to encourage and be encouraged, and time to share the gospel. In the end, the repairs on my car never finished, so I and my friend Daniel from the church in Timisoara drove 18 hours through the night to Odesa, and then Daniel drove back alone. (Thank God for Daniel; his willingness to take me into Odesa, his encouragement for me, and our fellowship on the ride were a blessing from God).

I've only been here three days, but already God has shown His goodness. Brother Mark (the missionary pastor here) already had a nice apartment ready for me and has helped me get set up here. Thankfully, I haven't had loss of power in the apartment yet, so I've been able to stay warm. The first night I was here, the air raid alerts began (indicating a rocket is headed towards this region of Odesa). When I'm in my apartment for these alerts, I will have to stay in the corridor area of my apartment where there are no windows. On my first night, I was so exhausted from driving through the previous night that I just dragged my mattress into the corridor and slept there instead of waiting for the alarms to end. Praise God that He reigns while we are sleeping. Every night so far has had rockets hitting down in the city. Sometimes I hear them, and sometimes I don't. Driving through the city I've seen some buildings that have been completely destroyed by the rockets. Please pray for those who have been wounded in these attacks and for the families of those who have died. Pray that even this would bring them towards a relationship with God.

Friday morning was prayer meeting, and I was so glad for the opportunity to meet some of the church members and to pray with them. I was surprised at how many of them remember me from my short visit a year ago. Both Friday and Saturday night, I went out for the food distribution. Both nights I gave my testimony of salvation, explaining how God first showed me that I was a sinner and that Jesus died for my sins. Friday night, I gave my testimony in English with Brother Mark translating, and Saturday night, I told it in Russian. I'm glad that I was able to get through it, but I still need a lot of improvement in Russian, and I plan to start studying Ukrainian as well.

Church services this morning were also a blessing. The auditorium was packed, and it will take me some time before I remember everyone's name and even longer before I feel that I know each of them deeply. But there are some old and good friends there that I was glad to talk with, and I already had opportunity to fellowship with a number of new people this morning. Over lunch, I talked with Brother Mark about some plans for my part in the ministry both immediately and in the future.

If you can pray for me, here are my greatest requests:

• That God would knit my heart with the church people

• That God would make clear what ministries I should begin and give me boldness in them

• That I would improve my Russian and Ukrainian in order to speak to people more effectively

• That God would show me what car to buy (I am having to sell my car in Romania and buy one in Odesa)

The lady at the money exchange building wasn't the only person to ask me if I am afraid to live here in Odesa. And she may not believe that God will provide and sustain me, but I believe it. I am always grateful for your prayers for me, and more than anything, I am grateful that God can be trusted.