Friday, November 23, 2007

Outreach at the Disco...




The Chai nights are starting to become a regular event. It's an outreach opportunity where we set up a table and hot chai or coffee and serve it for free. The goal is to build relationships and create a bridge for sharing the gospel. We normally have our table set up by the center market, but this time I felt inclined to try something different. Where would we go, I was asked. Let's go where the youth are! Let's go to the disco! A couple of those who were with me were intimidated and said no...but deep inside I felt we should do it. There are times in my life where the Lord prompts me to step out of my normal and comfortable routine. Many times this is where I see God work. So, I explained that to my friends who were with me and we headed out.

We pulled my van just outside of the disco and set up the table and drinks. I opened the tailgate of my van and plugged in my amp. I started playing and soon a crowd was coming over. Playing outside when its 2 degrees is a new experience, but I thought, hey, maybe the Lord will bless it. My friends who came started talking to friends from their school and soon they invited others for a hot cup of tea. There were those that were interested in playing the guitar so I insisted they do it. I got their name and mobile number as well because it seems there is an interest here to form a group and just jam. This could be a possible bridge builder...so I am pursuing it. Looking back, I shared with my friends the importance of just stepping out. God loves these youth more than any of us could and He is wanting to work. Tonight was another example of that. We left encouraged in our faith, and excited for what future doors will open.

ps...Check out how we spent our Thanksgiving on the Footes blog.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

A baby at 10 weeks



Today, Karie shared at school #2. Later, we found out that this school has the highest percentage of pregnancies and abortions in Kaharlyk. After Karie's presentation, we opened it up for questions to be read from a hat; questions that the students posted. They asked very challenging questions and desired real answers. As we answered their questions, it was like the Lord gave us the perfect words to share for each question. Ukraine has the 6th highest abortion rate in the world, so Karie addressed the issue head on. What really challenged the students was to see an actual baby model at 7, 8, 9 and 10 weeks. To hold it, touch it and see what the baby looks like. I am excited for the impact Karie is making on these youth, and the opportunity to follow up as I see them around town. Please keep this area in your prayers. I can see major doors opening up to minister to the hearts of these kids in a deeper way in the future.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Karie's new blog



The presentations in the schools are going awesome! God is at work here and we are so excited to be a part of it! We stayed up until midnight last night getting Karie's cool new blog site up and running. Please check it out to hear her thoughts...

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Sharing Abstinence Education in School

Today Karie shared with 2 classes about the message of staying pure until marriage. As far as we know, this is the first time abstinence has been taught in schools in Ukraine. Please keep her in prayer as she will be sharing the rest of the week to over 500 students!

Monday, November 19, 2007

Karie is here!



Our friend Karie is here now and is adjusting to the different climate and time change. She will start her teaching in the schools about abstinence today. This is so exciting for all of us and we can't wait to see what God will do! Please keep Karie in prayer, that God would speak through her and that kids' hearts would be changed.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

"Ouch"

Our puppy, Emily, is very playful and has quite a bite. My sister-in-law told me that it is better to tell the dog, "Ouch", instead of "No", because it is less confusing. So, I have been trying that with her lately and for some reason, Justin finds that word hilarious. I just had to get it on video because it is just too funny!

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Snowfall





We woke up this morning to snow. Last week it snowed, but it didn't really stick, so we consider this our "first snow" of the winter. The kids and the dog couldn't hold in their excitement, so we let them out first thing in the morning to play in it.

Friday, November 9, 2007

Lord, Your will be done....



This is a call for prayer. We have an opportunity here in Kaharlyk to present Abstinence Education in the schools. This is a huge ground breaking opportunity. We know Ukraine is suffering and struggling because of the extreme promiscuity and poor choices in this area. We have been asked by the mayor's assistant to present this "awareness talk" in schools. In America, I have a friend who would be perfect to do this. Her name is Karie Hughes. She founded Passion and Principles, an organization that teaches Abstinence Education in school and promoting "saving sex" till marriage.

We are praying that the Lord would open the door (if it be His will) for her to come to Ukraine next week (Nov 13-19). Please pray for funding and costs involved to fly her from America on such short notice.

http://www.classervices.com/kariehughes.htm