The Lord really provided me with a wonderful birthday yesterday, but then how could it be otherwise when so many brothers and sisters in Christ lift your name before the throne? Add to that the messages and e-cards I received via e-mail and "skype" and it was truly a blessed day!
By far the most delightful part of the day was our visit to a women's shelter in the Aleksayivka region of Kharkov. We were told by the director that there are 3 or 4 shelters in all of Ukraine (not certain if this is correct or not) as she walked us through the 4 large rooms of this "Detski Sod" (kindergarten) they were given for this purpose. The shelter has been operating for 7 years and is "home" to 15 or 16 women at this time. As Amanda and I walked through the center, we both looked at each other with anticipation and excitement....the possibilities for ministry to women and others through small groups are awesome.
The most significant part of this is how the Lord is walking before us, and we are seeking to follow His path. Aleksayivka is a region of the city we prayerwalked for the first time 2 weeks ago. At that point, none of us had ever seen the region "up close and personal," so we "randomly" selected a block of apartments to begin our prayerwalk emphasis. Imagine our surprise (and delight) when we drove to the middle of that block of apartments yesterday to look at the shelter. We had no idea 2 weeks ago that it was located in this old school, yet the Lord knew as we walked past the building and prayed that we would go through the door of that same building very soon!
We do not yet know how we will be involved, or what the Lord has planned for us in this region, but there is no doubt He is working! For the first time in the 4 years I have lived here, pastors and Baptist leaders from different churches in different regions of the city have a desire to see work begun in Aleksayivka. We can hardly wait to see what He is going to do in and through His people in the weeks and months ahead.
Thanks to all who sent birthday greetings. Just so you know, my team made me a wonderful lunch complete with chicken and dumplings, mashed potatoes, and a heavenly apple/berry pie. I was also the recipient of some great John Piper books and new winter "Crocs", along with handmade birthday cards. Couldn't ask for more, and yet our Father always gives "more than we can ask or imagine." I even asked Him for a little snow for my birthday, and while we didn't have a blizzard, every flake that I saw was a reminder of His faithfulness to give us the desires of our heart. I've decided this next year is going to be the best year of my life so far, and I look forward to sharing with others how the Father causes it to be just that!
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