Summer Prayer Update

Dear Praying Friends and Family,


It's hard to believe that it is already the first of July!! We want to share some things with you in order to praise the Lord together, and also to take before Him in prayer. Psalm 105:1-3 says:"Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord." Please take a moment to praise the Lord with us for all that he has done in the last few months:

1) Given us faithful supporters who encourage us by their care and encouragement. Without you, we could not be here! Because you pray and give, you are a vital part of this ministry. We have seen many specific answers to requests that we asked you to pray for (especially concerning acquisition of the language and finding a local Ukrainian church with whom to partner in ministry).

2) Unbelievably our first year of language school has been completed. Both of our teachers expressed satisfaction in our progress. Our ability to understand when people speak to us also has noticeably improved. We do the best when we are together, because what one misses, the other catches (it's a team effort!!). We rejoice in God's grace and the power He has given us to persevere.

3) Our long-anticipated visit with our whole family was just completed. We had 10 days together with harmony and great joy. We were able to do a lot, and everyone was glad to see just what it is like for us here. It was also very refreshing both emotionally and spiritually. We should have pictures on facebook soon (at least Karissa and Michelle will!!)

Psalm 105:4 says "Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him." We will need God's strength, wisdom and love in the next 3 weeks as we go to Sumy to work at a camp.

Karissa is already there, working with sports, crafts, and helping for swim time. Please pray for her to show God's love to the kids, and to have good relationships with other staff members.

We leave tomorrow on the train for a six-hour ride. There will be 2 ten-day sessions with about 100 kids for each. Jerry will preach some the second week (July 8-17) to the older kids. We will be doing anything that needs to be done to help (maintenance work, cleaning, mowing grass, painting in new areas of construction). We should have meal times and evenings to interact with the kids. Please pray that we will put Jesus on display in the way we work, play, serve and worship. We also hope to really be able to use our Russian with both Ukrainian staff and campers. Please pray especially for boldness for me (Kellie) and that my love for them overshadows my fear of failure.

We will return July 18 for a couple of weeks with Karissa before she leaves for school. Please pray for wisdom for her as she makes plans for the future (she wants to go into nursing, and will begin taking the prerequisites she can at Boyce College this semester.) She also needs a car, which is a big request for this summer so she can have it this fall if that is God's will for her.

We will need to study diligently when we return from camp and for the month of August. Please pray for discipline and perseverance to keep moving ahead with Russian.

Again, we thank the Lord for you and for the ministry He has given us all. We are so glad that you are partners with us. God has blessed, and we are confident that he will continue to work out the plans He has for us. We will not be able to communicate from camp, so after the 18th, we will be back to get messages and hear from you. We keep you in our prayers, as well.

With gratefulness and joy,

Kellie and Jerry