Monday, July 14, 2008

Hello all!! 

This is Heather the hippie reporting for Team Ivtcha (which used to be Team Giradisha and Gromatska). Today was the first day for Stephen and I in this village, but I think everyone else had been here before. Ivtcha is a larger village with a very prominent orthodox church. In past years, the orthodox priest has threatened the people to keep them from coming to the Baptist church. When we first got to the village, there were no kids there, so we split up into a couple of groups and walked the village inviting kids to come to camp. We didn't see too many, but within an hour, we had about 25 kids. But these kids were completely different than the past two villages!! This group was so quiet!! It was quite a startling change, but I pray that we'll be able to communicate effectively with them.  

For lessons, Stephen taught the color gold and Chance taught black. They had to ask questions a couple of times before any of the kids would give an answer. Jasmyn helped out in crafts after that, and she said that it went great. Since we had such small groups, crafts didn't take long, so Jasmyn used her extra time by talking one-on-one with some of the kids and going more in depth about the themes of the day: gold and black.  

We're praying that God will bring more kids tomorrow and that the kids will continue to pay attention during camp. We have lots of Ukrainian helpers this week, and they are doing a great job with the kids.  

Till later,

Heather

2 comments:

Mom Lachowitzer said...

HI HEATHER AND CHANCE!!
Ty says, keep pressing on!
Katie says, I love you guys, and you are howler monkeys!
Logan says, GREAT JOB! Great pictures.
Momma and Papa say, WE love and miss you, we're so proud of you.
Still praying for each team and all the lives you touch.
We will pray for understanding for each team.
Lori

genevieve said...

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ, I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings, just as I passed them on to you. 1 Corinthians 10: 31-33; 11:1,2

Hola to everyone, especially mi hijo :) As for the priest intimidating their people God has a better plan in that threat. There is surely no fear of God in the mist of your teachings but the presence of a Father who wants to hold them. We will continue to pray for your comfort, strength, and grace. God is before all things and His will be done. A song comes to mind these lyric were written as a processional hymn for children…..Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before. Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe; forward into battle see his banners go! …...

Stephen, you have been raised with Christ, and I know that your heart is set on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. This comes directly from Colossians 3:1, we are very proud of you. Each of your team members has the same foundation and God is smiling on each and every one of you. Stay focus on your goal, stand firm on your faith, and keep your eyes on Jesus there is no other way.

con carino tu papa y mama