It seems as though preparation is the theme of our lives right now. I (Andy) suppose that with any kind of preparation there are mixed feelings. One the one hand, preparation often brings with it a certain level of stress because there is so much work to do. Yet, on the other side, preparation leads to a certain goal which at least in our case is exciting. We are thankful that the Lord of the Universe is with us each day granting us grace and strength in the midst of our preparation. So what are we preparing for? Glad you asked!
Moving: We have been blessed this past year being able to live in another missionary family’s apartment (they were on furlough). This has greatly eased our transition. But the time has come to move to our own apartment. This has not been without difficulty as some owners will not rent to families with kids, and others not wanting to help us with our legal needs that our new visas will require. Yet God has provided. We will be moving this week to a place just around the corner from where we live now. Please pray that this move would be a joy for us, and not a burden. We are looking forward to making a place our own.
Visa: We are also preparing to begin the long process of obtaining new visas that will enable us to live here. Ukraine changed their laws this past year making it far more complicated. We will be traveling to Poland at the end of this month to receive a temporary D-visa. Upon returning to Odessa, we will need to get officially registered. This is a difficult and bureaucratic process, yet we are thankful that we know other missionaries who have gone through the process (and survived), and can glean from them.
Camps: We are looking forward to hosting two weeks of EEMN’s language camps in the beginning of July. Planning is being done on both sides of the ocean for this work. We look forward to welcoming the EEMN team as they seek to share the gospel to many children. There are certainly many other camps that the Youth Center is preparing for this summer. Please pray for the camp leaders and students.
International Bible School: Last but not least, plans are continually being made for the opening of the International Bible School. Many exciting things have been happening over the course of the past month. We are more confident now than we were a month ago that this school will begin in the fall. There have been many presentations in Ukraine and Russia to congregations, Bishops, and other key leaders. Doors are opening and it seems as though people sense the need for this project. We are still praying that the Lord would continue to call and confirm those whom He desires to attend. We have great news in this regard. From the Odessa congregation alone, we have a few students who are very serious about beginning this fall. Pastor Gross knows of perhaps 3-5 from Russia who also have expressed interest. This is very exciting and we continue to trust in the Lord for his provision.
For more about setting our eyes on the eternal goal, read the entire newsletter here.
