While I’m in America, ministry in Ukraine never stops. Our faithful team continues to spread the love of Jesus in orphanages, boarding schools, dorms and wherever they go. As most of you have heard, we had an extremely tough winter this year, with temperatures lower than we’ve seen in a long time. It was difficult to keep warm for many living in apartments and homes, but even more difficult for those who are homeless. Recently one of our team members met this young gypsy lady living on the streets with her baby. She bought her some food and hot tea, and offered her help with finding a place to live.
Please continue to pray for the homeless and those in need. Our team encounters situations like this often. Pray for us, that we would have the wisdom, favor and resources to help with their physical and spiritual needs and that the eyes of their hearts would be open to see the goodness of a Father that loves them.
I’ve been having a great time in America so far seeing old friends, meeting new ones and sharing about the amazing things God is doing in Ukraine. For those interested, here is my traveling schedule for March. If you are in one of these areas and would like to talk or meet up while I’m there please give me a call at 763.276.3068.
March 1-10 Portland, Oregon
March 12-14 Kansas City, Missouri
March 16-21 Ramsey, Minnesota
March 22-28 Halifax, Nova Scotia
March 29-April 2 Toronto, Ontario
Recently, I was at my church in Krivoy Rog for a meeting when I ran into my pastor. He greeted me and invited me to come see him in his office when I was free. I had no idea why, but I gladly and curiously agreed. I walked into his office where he was meeting with a few other ministers and waited to hear what he had on his mind. He turned to me, asked a few questions and then said, “Max, I’m a couple of years late in doing this, simply because you’re always so busy, but I believe it’s about time that we made you a pastor.” I was shocked! So right then and there everyone prayed and laid hands on me and I was ordained as a pastor with Church of Praise.
Although the new title won’t change much, since I’ve been ministering inside and out of the church for several years now and will continue in that, it was such an honor for me to know that my pastor, who is an amazing man of God, sees and acknowledges the call of God on my life.
True Hope now has a car! In the past couple of years, the ministry has expanded so much that we desperately needed a more efficient way of traveling to all the places we needed to get to. Earlier this year we started praying and raising money for a car and God has miraculously supplied! I can’t tell you the difference it has made already, especially now during the winter when public transportation slows down. We are so thankful to you for your prayers and support and to our Father who supplies all of our needs!
A few weeks ago, on January 8th, we held our annual Christmas Celebration for kids from all over Krivoy Rog. Like our Back to School Celebration, we invite kids from orphanages and other churches to come and take part in a special program created just for them. Our program this year was very different, but incredibly awesome. We all knelt before the new born King of the world, and as a gift to Him we prayed to give Him our hearts – so cool. The kids loved it and we did too! I believe God is taking us to a new level in our children’s ministry.
This winter we’ve had an unusual lack of snow. We all know that kids love snow, so this was a big deal for them. They had been praying for God to send it. As a special surprise we rented a snow machine! I’m sure you can imagine how excited they were to get something they didn’t have but really wanted. Even the small things like that can show kids how much God loves and cares about them.
Thank you to everyone who took part in praying for the celebration and giving to help provide gifts for the kids. You helped us create a special day that I’m sure they will never forget.
Uncategorized | admin March 1, 2012 | 
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