The Lord is Faithful: Ending the Year in Mukachevo

Children's Ministry in Gypsy Village of Zapszony

At the moment, I am writing from California, as the Lord has blessed me with a 5 week trip to be with family for Christmas and to attend the Missions Conference in Murrietta. It was so wonderful to celebrate with my brother's family, since it's been years since I have been in the states for Christmas. I hope one day to be able to celebrate with my sister's side of the family in Illinois. She is in need of prayer right now, as her home was flooded yesterday and they have lost everything. After talking with her, it was so apparent that the peace of God was walking her through this. I look forward to hear how God showed His grace, mercy and provision in Dianne and her husband Roger's lives through all of this.

Currently, I am still adjusting from jet lag and getting some very needed rest. After the Missions Conference, I look forward to meeting with friends, old and new, as well as sharing with whoever has an ear to hear about what God is doing through our ministry in Ukraine. I'll want to take this opportunity now to recap the last 3 months in Mukachevo, Ukraine.

In October, we hosted a team from the Missions Training Program (MTP)  at Calvary Chapel Ternopil, Ukraine. They had the opportunity to lead the children and youth programs at a Gypsy Church in a village named Gat. They also shared their testimonies at Calvary Chapel Beregova and painted the doors and windows of the Gypsy Church in Kisvigany. It was so exciting to see these 5 women from Ukraine and 2 from Kyrgysztan minister to the Gypsies. I know that many hearts were touched. We pray that all of these women will continue stepping out in faith to serve the Lord wherever He calls them. In the future, I pray the Lord will lead Ukrainian and Hungarian brothers and sisters to come help with ministering to the gypsies in our region.

MTP students teaching Youth Bible Study in Gat

Missions Training Program Team 

Gypsy church in Kisvigany with freshly painted doors and windows

At the end of October we were able to give out bags of clothing to each family in the small Gyspy Village of Zapson to help them prepare for winter. It is such a blessing to witness God's provision.

Notika handing out clothing bags

 In November, after one of our Women's Bible studies in the village of Pavshyno,  some of the women began weeping because they were fearful they wouldn't have enough food for winter. They worked so hard all spring and summer growing vegetables on a piece of land given to them by the government, but the harvest was very small. That day we were studying James 1: 2- 3 " My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." We prayed for patience, and abundant wisdom from the Lord as the the women were truly seeking God to help them though this trial. I pray for the Lord's provision for this village to have enough food for all of the families this winter. With the funds I had available, we were able to put together small bags of food for each family in the village. It was an amazing testimony, because apparently when aid is distributed, it is often given only to church members in the village. The Lord led us to give food to every family and it really touched the hearts of the people of the village. Many spoke to the pastor later about how thankful they were that all were included. We are not able to do much, but I am so thankful that God was glorified. I pray the whole village will give their hearts to the Lord through this and future testimonies of grace.

Women's Bible Study Pavshyno

    

    

Distributing food in Pavshyno

In addition to teaching Women's Bible studies in 3 different villages, I have now been asked to begin a study in another village, Kisvigany. This is a huge answer to prayer. Over the last year, my prayer has been to build relationships and trust among the gypsy community. Being asked to come into another village means they have been talking about the Women's Bible studies in the Gypsy community. I've also been asked to pray about teaching music in a Gypsy camp in Mykachevo. This last month, I was also able to share at a church service in the village of Veri and I hope to be able to return in the future. All I can do is trust the Lord for His leading and provision, and be obedient to where He calls me.

I was very encouraged at our last meeting with the Women's Bible study in Lychki. After our study in James, one of the women stood up and asked all of the women for forgiveness. She confessed that she has caused problems among the families in the village and that she was sorry and wanted to have peace. It was such a beautiful testimony to witness, but also very encouraging for me as we're seeing changed lives and fruit from the studies. May the Holy Spirit continue to change lives and bring glory to God as we meet together to study His Word.

Lychki Women's Bible Study

I want to once again thank the Sewing Klatch at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa as they provided winter vests, scarves and hats for the Gypsy children. We were also able to purchase socks for 120 children and babies, so we have been distributing these items at several villages. Last year we distributed coats and boots, so we have been able to provide help for the little ones to stay warm. If you are interested in helping provide for these items, please let me know.

Another prayer request is for English to Hungarian or Ukrainian translators. The gypsies speak Hungarian, and dialect, but many understand Ukrainian. This is quite a challenge as some of the Women's Bible studies need to be translated into two languages, especially if we don't have a Hungarian translator. Since we are in Ukraine, it is hard to find English to Hungarian translators. I speak Ukrainian, but not nearly well enough to teach, and especially with the local dialect. God has been faithfully providing translators as we go into the different villages, but we are praying that if anyone has a heart to minister to Gypsies and can help with translating, please contact me. 

I want to thank you for your prayers and financial support. This hasn't  been an easy year, but it has been a year where I have clung to the Lord and survived on His faithfulness and grace. I look forward to this coming year and all the new things the Lord is going to do. May the Lord bless you richly in His love and grace. Happy New Year! Jesus loves you! He is coming soon!!!!