1. Swine flu has hit Ukraine hard, and the government’s solution has been swift and strong: all schools are shut down for three weeks, and public gatherings of all kinds are outlawed. It is a form of “martial law” declared against disease. Kiev is like a ghost town, with many businesses closed and very few people on the streets. For a city of millions, it is quite eerie. Most people who do venture outside have surgical masks or scarves covering their faces.
Our seminary is, of course, closed. Please pray for our students, many of whom are ill. Our upcoming Great Commission Conference is postponed. These are discouraging days in Ukraine.
2. On a brighter note, last week in Hungary I was able to lead two workshops at a conference on Emerging Missions Movements in Central and Eastern Europe. I was encouraged to learn that God is beginning to awaken Romanian, Estonian, Hungarian and other regional believers to world missions. This parallels our ministry in Ukraine of motivating and training local cross-cultural missionaries. The church in Eastern Europe –contrasted with Western Europe–is spiritually alive, and growing more excited about Christ’s great commission.
3. I begin teaching Hermeneutics when the seminary reopens, and will appreciate your prayers as I prepare. Please pray that we will continue to PRAISE the Lord in these uncertain days.
Warmly,
Rich and Cheri
Personal salary monthly shortage: $463.97
Ministry funds monthly shortage: $733.33