Many of you have been aware that Monica and I have been AFLC mission candidates for a few years now. Throughout our years in Seminary, we had planned to pursue full-time missions in Russia, with a Bible School ministry. Due to visa complications, that door closed. At that time, we sensed great peace in serving in parish ministry. It has been a great joy for us to serve Salem and St. Paul’s Lutheran in Iowa.
Over the course of this past year, an opportunity came before us to help start a Bible school in Ukraine. We have been praying about this open door for quite some time. In mid-May, Monica and I traveled to Odessa, Ukraine to pursue the possibility of this ministry. We traveled there to get a glimpse of the Church and the Bible School ministry, of which we have been invited to be part. God has made it very clear to us that He is calling our family to move to Ukraine to help them continue to rebuild after years of devastation wrought by an atheistic ideology.
Plans are moving forward on our end as well as in Ukraine. Our tentative timeline includes continuing to serve at Salem & St. Paul’s in Iowa at least through January 2011. During this time, we will begin a limited level of deputation and language training, as well as prepare for the arrival of our third child in December. We anticipate finishing deputation, participating in a missionary training seminar, and further Russian studies before departing for Ukraine in summer 2011. We are depending on the Lord’s wisdom, guidance and provision for these steps. Would you pray with us as we seek God’s will for our family and the Bible training ministry in Ukraine? We appreciate your prayer and encouragement so much.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Andy & Monica Coyle
