Zhytomyr Trip!

We got up early today and drove about four hours by automobile to visit with Pat's sister Dee and her husband Bill who have established several churches and a Bible School here in Zhytomyr, Ukraine. This is a fairly large city, about 300,000 people with lots of traffic, people walking on the streets, little shops, etc.. We were here four years ago to teach in their Bible School but this time we just came to visit and to be with them. The weather was cloudy and rainy as we left but got cleared and clearer the closer we got to the city. Had we taken a bus to get here it would have taken about eight (8) hours driving and we would have to transfer buses in another city.

Bill and Dee picked us up and we drove to their house which is a little outside the city; quite and peaceful with lots of flowers blooming and buds on the apple and apricot trees. Spring has just begun here; plentiful sunshine and temps about 55-60 degrees. We visited their new Bible School under construction and shopped at the grocery market. You can buy about anything we can in the USA but prices have increased drastically as the dollar is falling fast and can see the effect of their Western European Culture in the furniture and the clothing fashions. I didn't know this but Moscow, Russia and Kiev, Ukraine are two of the most expensive cites is the world; even more expensive than New York! We had a home-made dinner of real roast. Kevin, I understand how you felt my brother as the meat did taste mighty good along with vegtables, lemonade and home-made apple pie for dessert! Thanks to the Lord for this blessing.

Last evening, I watched the God Channel on TV as the Outpouring of healing in Lakeland, Florida was broadcast here in Ukraine. As I watched what the Lord is doing, listened to all the healing testimonies from around the world, I felt His Presence and healing power so very strong. Yes, revival is here and revival is coming! Pastor Denny Cline from the Albany Vineyard Church was in attendance and was interviewed by Todd Bentley, the evangelist as Pastor Denny testified that he had felt a major increase in the intensity of God's presence in just several days. These meetings are now being held in the Lakeland Stadium which holds about 10,000 people! Please comment if you have any other information about this outpouring of Holy Spirit power and healing. Or if you have been here I would like to know more! Thanks and will blog again one more time before we leave.

Last Day in Kremenets, Ukraine

On Friday, Pat and I finished our final day of teaching here in the Bible School. We began the day with lots of worship from the students singing their Russian worship songs which were really upbeat and wonderful! There is something so pure, so refreshing about songs sung in another language that you can't understand with your mind, but can feel in your spirit! The female students then did an interpetive dance with candles that were very holy and uplifting to the group and the Lord. They had practiced all week and did a wonderful job. They students and Pat danced another dance unto the Lord that they had practiced all week and it was also beautiful. Some had tears in their eyes as the Lord spoke to the hearts of these students and staff alike through this dance. Then, two young students danced an interpetive dance they choregraphed themselves to the song "Holy Love" sang by Robert Stearns. There is so much talent in these young ladies and we are excited about them going further in the dance.

We then began the final day of teaching by focusing on Consecration; Gary ministered about "Moving Forward - Fully Consecrated" and Pat concluded the teaching by giving practical biblical truths in "Consecrated for a Purpose". We then spent the next hour praying individally for each student and staff. These students have had little or no individual prayer over themselves as the Lord spoke loud and clear to each one; encouraging and exhorting them to stay wholly committed to God's Holy call on their lives.

Luda then presented Pat and I with two coffee mugs and a scarf for Pat that represented the class and their thanks to both of us for coming to their bible school. We were humbled and honored by this gift and received it with joy. We both feel we imparted a large deposit of God's love, God's Word, and lots of practical biblical teaching and examples. Luba, our great cook here at the school made Russian Hamburgers for lunch. Wow, a real treat indeed; Ukrainian soup, beets, and tea were also included in our final lunch at the school.

They asked Pat to dance again; this time they video recorded two dances for the students and future students at their school. Pat was very honored at this request as there is a true hunger for genuine worship and dance. Luba, the school's "house mother" is a teacher and worship leader who will really help these students draw closer in their worship. Thanks you Lord for this gift!

We took a bus back to our hotel room about 5:00 PM - tired but filled with deep satisfaction of doing God's will here in Kremenets! We then spent some time packing our suitcases for our next adventure tomorrow morning. We look forward to posting again tomorrow.