March Update

Kiev is a memorial to those who lost their lives in the protests

First of all, I want to thank all of you who have been praying for Ukraine. It's been an emotional time, as well as a time of uncertainty. Every morning, when I first awake, I check the news to find out if Ukraine has been invaded by Russia. I never would have thought I would be in a situation like this. How can I pray and what needs to be done is based on the daily situation. Ternopil is in Western Ukraine, so those of you who have been concerned about our safety, please know that we are far from areas currently under threat, and feel quite safe at this time. The protests have been peaceful and the city gathers together for prayer, as is happening all over the country. I have purposely chosen not to focus on politics and to pray for truth to be revealed. My mission is to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ and the hope we have in Him. The current situation has caused people to pray and gives us many opportunities to share the love of God. 

In February I had the privilege of traveling to Kiev to help out at the prayer tent that Calvary Chapel Kiev, together with other churches in the city, have put up to minister to the protesters and anyone who comes to Maidon (the square in Kiev where the protests and killings took place). When I saw the city center of Kiev torn apart and covered with flowers and pictures of those who died in the protests, it broke my heart. It was definitely a privilege to serve tea and coffee to those who are living in tents and to share God's love with them. Many are hurting and affected by what they witnessed during the violence. I'm so thankful to our brothers and sisters in Kiev who are counseling and praying with them continuously. The second day I was there, I handed out Bibles in Ukrainian and Russian, whichever language the people preferred. So many were very thankful for the gift of God's Word.

Along this walkway is where many of the protesters were shot and killed.

Many have committed to staying on Maidon in Kiev until the presidential election on May 25th

March 8th is International Women's Day in Ukraine, as in many parts of the world. This year I was invited to teach at the celebration with Calvary Chapel Vinnytsya.  The theme was "Cast your Burdens Upon the Lord" It was very appropriate during this time of uncertainty, and I really sensed the Lord's encouragement that only He can truly bring peace into our hearts, no matter what we are going through.  We had a wonderful time of Bible study followed by fellowship with food prepared by the men in the church. Now that was a blessing! I also had the extra blessing of being able to play flute with the worship team Sunday morning there. It was a reunion for all of us, since I had served on the ministry team with Daniel Carter in Poltava, Ukraine and Tim and Christina Emerson in Ternopil, Ukraine. I also want to thank Janette Carter for taking such good care of me at their home. It was a much needed time of encouragement. As usual, as I went there to serve, I was the one feeling the most blessed. 

Sharing at the Women's Day Celebration at CC Vinnytsya

The men in the church made traditional Ukrainian salads and sandwiches for the ladies

The construction on the new church building is on break until the weather warms up a bit more, but we now have two children's ministry rooms, a kitchen, bathroom and a large hall that we are able to use. It is so amazing to see how the Lord has provided and all the work that has been done in such a short time.  Please pray for finances to complete the work and for the construction and remodeling to be completed before next winter. 

The main hall in the new church building

After being in Kiev, Pastor George had the vision to set up an Interdenominational prayer tent in our city square in Ternopil. Volunteers are there daily between 4 and 7:30pm. to talk and pray with people and also to hand out Bibles and other Christian resources. At 7pm we gather for group prayer at the tent. It has been a great opportunity to share with people in the city as well as some of the protesters who have their own tent in the center. 

Roma and Pastor George next to the sign for the Prayer Tent

The prayer tent, right after we set it up. Yes, there were people there :)

As with every mission, the goal is to hand over the ministries to the nationals in the church and move on, if necessary. I have found myself once again in a place of watching my purpose of being in Ternopil changing. I am still busy with the "Kicha" study which ministers and provides bread and grains to pensioners.  The Friday night Sisters Bible study continues, but it is in it's last year, as the girls will be graduating from Medical University in June. One of the projects I am still working on is the church library which I hope to be finishing up soon. Pastor George has asked me to step aside from the hospitality ministry and the organizing that I have been doing in the church in the hopes that people will see the need and step up to serve. Please pray for leaders to be raised up and servants to come forward with a joyful and ministering heart. Please pray for me that I would hear the Lord clearly as to my next step in ministry. I could stay in Ternopil, as there is still much to do in teaching Bible studies,mercy ministries, and English ministries, or the Lord may move me to another city.  My heart is open to wherever the Lord would lead. I believe it is good to lay this out before Him and to trust that He will have me in His perfect place in His perfect timing. 

Khristina and I working on the church library.

Thank you again for your prayers and financial support. Both are much needed and deeply appreciated. I am so blessed that you read my updates and pray for my personal prayer requests, along with the needs for Ukraine. We will rejoice together in the Lord's presence for all of the mighty works He has done.

God bless you!!!!!!!
Marilyn

Prayer Requests:

In regards to the current political situation in Ukraine, please pray for truth to be revealed and for the people of Ukraine, that they would put their faith and hope in Jesus Christ.   

For the prayer tent in Ternopil, that we would have opportunities to share and truly minister to the people of Ternopil during this time of uncertainty. 

For the new church building. Praise God for all He has done and provided for. Please continue to pray for the finances to continue the building and remodeling and for the church to be completed before next winter.

For the Sisters Bible study, that it will bear much fruit in the lives of the girls. In June, they will graduate from Medical University and return to their home countries. Please pray they will use their medical skills to glorify God.

As we are seeking to hand over ministries to the nationals in the church, please pray for me that I would hear the Lord clearly as to my next step in ministry. I could stay in Ternopil, as there is still much to do in teaching Bible studies, mercy ministries, and English ministries, or the Lord may move me to another city.  My heart is open to wherever the Lord would lead. I believe it is good to lay this out before Him and to trust that He will have me in His perfect place in His perfect timing. 

Please pray for good health and financial provision to meet all of my needs. The Lord is so faithful and I trust that whatever He calls me to He will provide in His extraordinary ways.