Woodland
Hills Church of Christ
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Ukraine Newsletter August 2004 Dear Friends, Greetings from Donetsk where September 1 is considered the first day of fall and all schools begin the study year. August was a hot, slower-paced month, beginning with recuperation from summer camp. On Sunday night the 15th, we invited all the campers and their parents to worship. It was teen night, so our teen boys conducted the worship service first and then Ray spoke about camp. There was a video presentation from camp and everyone enjoyed watermelon, cookies and juice. We served the watermelon behind the building and attracted a few of the neighbors. Three teenagers came to teen class the next Saturday and also on Sunday. Repairs continue on our building, at a slower pace than we would like of course, but there is visible progress and we are grateful for that. Gene spent several hours last week getting one more approval. Approvals are not easy to get in Donetsk. Last month we told you about Olga, who was baptized as a result of our Food for the Needy program. Last Sunday, her husband and grown son visited services with her. We hope this is a true indication of their interest and that they will follow her good example! Her son, Sergei, has returned to Russia, but before he left, he asked for the address of the church nearest him. Yesterday and today were distribution days for our food program. One lady asked if a couple of young men could come tomorrow morning and assist her in coming to worship for the first time. Please pray that she will want to continue coming. Many of you remember the story about the young man, Sergei Korkishko, who died a couple of months ago. Due to the love and care that so many Christians, both here and there, displayed to Sergei during his illness, his brother Vitalik began to read and study the Bible and to “check out” the church of Christ. Two months ago, he began to faithfully attend services. Last Wednesday, he decided that he was ready to obey the Gospel and we are absolutely thrilled with Vitalik’s decision to put on Christ in baptism and pray for his spiritual growth. We have a large, active group of teenagers who are growing up. In looking to the future, we have, for some time wanted to begin a program for young adults. We have made some efforts so far, without a great deal of success. A mature young man, Alexander, who is attending the Bible Institute, has agreed to lead such a group in our congregation. We are convinced this will be a good tool to help our teenagers spiritually stabilize their transition into ‘adulthood” and will benefit the church in days to come. Thank you very much for your many
expressions of support and encouragement. We are thankful to be your partners
in the Lord’s work in Ukraine. May God bless you.
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