This Sunday, September 10, we leave for Ukraine. As I was preparing to go, I was thinking about how Mike was planning to
make this his first trip to Ukraine. More, while I am in eastern Europe, the anniversary of Mike's death, his new life in
Heaven will come on September 21st. I have been trying to read things that would put my heart in the right place.
The following was written by Amy Carmichael, a pioneer missionary to India. This excerpt is from her book "If." This truly
challenged me, so I hope it blesses you.
"If, I put my own happiness before the well-being of the work entrusted to me; if, though I have this ministry and have
received much mercy, I faint, then I know nothing of Jesus' Love.
If, interruptions annoy me, and private cares make me impatient; if, I shadow the souls about me because I myself am
shadowed, then I know nothing of Jesus' Love.
If, I ask to be delivered from trial rather than willingly face it, to the praise of His glory; if, I forget that the way
of the Cross leads to the Cross and not to a bank of flowers; so that I am surprised when the way is rough and think it
strange though the Word says, 'think it not strange, count it all joy,' then I know nothing of Jesus' Love.
If, the ultimate, the hardest, cannot be asked of me; if, my friends hesitate to ask it and turn to someone else, then I
know nothing of Jesus' Love."
Please pray that the entire team will focus on the Cross so that we can share the power of Jesus' love with the children of
Ukraine. Please ask God to call many of these children to faith in Jesus Christ.
This is our proposed schedule in Ukraine with one change. We have a problem and we need you to pray. Please pray for
Sept.20-22. Sevastopol government hates all foreigners. They canceled our shows at schools. Most likely we'll go to
Zaporozhie, big industrial city on the way to Crimea. Please pray!
Ukraine Show Schedule
Date
Day
Activity
Sept. 11th
Monday
Arrival
Sept. 12th
Tuesday
Zhitomir: 3 shows
Sept. 13th
Wednesday
Zhitomir: 3 shows
Sept. 14th
Thursday
Zhitomir: 3 shows
Sep. 15th
Friday
Travel to Donetsk
Sept. 16th
Saturday
Donetsk: 3 shows
Sept. 17th
Sunday
Donetsk: a church service and 2 shows
Sept. 18th
Monday
Donetsk: 2 shows and a training
Sept. 19th
Tuesday
Travel to Sevastopol
Sept. 20th
Wednesday
Sevastopol: 3 shows
Sept. 21th
Thursday
Sevastopol: 3 shows
Sept. 22th
Friday
Sevastopol: 2 shows and a training
Sept. 23th
Saturday
Travel to Simpheropol and 2 shows
Sept. 24th
Sunday
Simpheropol: a church service and 2 shows
Sept. 25th
Monday
Simpheropol: 3 shows
Sept. 26th
Tuesday
Travel to Zhitomir
Sept. 27th
Wednesday
Departure
Love in Jesus,
Linda for
Sam
Katie
Hannah
Oksana
September 12th, 2006 Arrival in Ukraine
Dearest Friends,
We arrived in Ukraine yesterday 11th September. We had no lost luggage, praise God!!!
Pray for us today as we do 5 shows in villages and we have 4 tomorow.
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam
Hannah
Katie
Oksana
Anna
Pastor Sasha
Alex
September 13, 2006 Ukraine
Dearest Friends,
FOUR VILLAGE SCHOOLS
Yesterday in four villages, Romnamvka, Broniki, Tupollsi, Nesolon, we saw God do
wonderful things. The children stared in wide-eyed wonder at every part
of the program. They had never seen puppets before or so many people from different places at one time.
More, for most children and teachers, this was their first opportunity to hear about Jesus. Though, we were not allowed to pray with the children, we
explained very clearly how they could trust Him. They really listened!
Most amazing was that in all these places the directors invited us to come again. They said that they would wait for us. One director said 'You have
brought love from above to these children.'
At one school, we received an armload of flowers from the children. They were so grateful we had come. We are most grateful for this wonderful opportunity.
We love working in these villages!
KARINA
Last night after a show at a church, a little girl came up and spoke to me. Her face was radiant. In English, she kept saying 'thank
you very much'. I felt like there was more she wanted to say, so I asked for a translator.
Karina told me that she had never been to church before that night. She introduced me to her older sister Ira, who had also never visited church. Best of
all, she told me that she had prayed to receive Christ as her Savior that night. However, I had already guessed that from the look on her face.
Please pray for Karina to come to church and learn more about Jesus. Ask God to call her family to faith.
PRAYER
Today we are in four more villages and tomorrow we go to new places. Please ask God to hold open these doors and pour His Spirit on this
work.
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam
Oksana
Anna
Hannah
Katie
Pastor Sasha
Sasha
September 14th, 2006 Ukraine
Dearest Friends,
VILLAGE MINISTRY
In the villages, time moves backwards a 100 years. You see more horse drawn carts than cars. The bathrooms are usually outside. Most
people can only travel as far as they can walk. Many are bound by superstition and go to a local witch for advice or solutions to problems.
It is a simple life where people work long hours in the fields, doing most of the work by hand. In one village, many children did not come to our program
because they had to help in the fields.
In the Zhirtomir region, there are 1400 villages and small towns. Only 120 of those have a church, a light, a place to hear about hope. In 2 days, we did 9
shows, 6 in villages where the work is very new or only in the planning stages. They received the stories about Jesus with such enthusiasm. For so many, it
was the first time to hear.
I keep thinking about the verse in Romans 10. "How are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard?" Many of the children that we are sharing with
are hearing about Jesus for the first time.
Please pray for God to call more Ukrainians to village ministry. There are Christians here who could do the work. Ask God to convict them of the need to be
involved.
THE FIRST TIME
Today, we drove for 2 hours to reach a group of children at a school in Bezpechue. There is no church in their village and it is a very difficult place to
reach. The roads are terrible, sometimes they made a path beside the road to avoid driving on the real road. The roads are full of holes, really big holes.
All were amazed that we would come so far. Again we heard teachers ask us to come again. Only prayer opens the door and only prayer will keep it open.
Please pray!
These children listened with their hearts. You could see the hunger and the joy in their eyes. Many come from homes that are torn apart by alcohol abuse.
They are very poor, very needy, but for a little while today they laughed, smiled, and clapped.
Please ask God to help them remember the story that they heard about Jesus. Please ask Him to send others to share with them. A local pastor has begun a
work there, but he needs workers. Pray.
SMALL CHILDREN
I dread doing shows for very small children because they are often frightened by my English, the puppets, and the story sound effects. This afternoon, we
had over 100 small children, ages 2 to 6. They came in the room crying, but as soon as we began the program, they did not shed another tear. Praise God!
They truly listened, to the amazement of their teachers.
So many parents crowded into the doorway and hall to watch the show. Our friend, Pastor Sasha was so wise. I had told the story of Jonah who wanted to run
away from God. He challenged the parents not to be like Jonah and show their children the way to God, the way to Jesus. We were given a double blessing.
PRAYER AND PRAISE
In Pisky, Stanishivka, Ivankov, Lechin, Krosnopol, Chudniv and more villages, we have spent the last 3 days telling so many children about Jesus. Twelve
shows made us very tired, but very happy.
Tomorrow, we have a 12 hour drive to reach Donetsk where we will work for the next 3 days. Go ahead of us with your prayers. This will be our first time
in this place and it is known as being a very hard place for the Gospel. We plan to train and equip a team in this place. Pray!
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam Shaw, Assistant Director
Anna McIlwaine, French Puppet Team Director
Oksana Pyvovar, Ukrainain Puppet Team Director
Pastor Sasha
Sasha
Hannah Sager
Katie Humfleet
September 16th, 2006 Ukraine
Dearest Friends,
AN AMAZING PLACE
We are staying in the most incredible place! Many years ago during the years of communism, the government built enormous cultureal centers in all of the
villages and towns. They were so big that they could easily contain several small church buildings.
Today, most crumble from neglect, but we are worknig with a group of people that is using one as a church. They have done so much work, but so much more
remodeling will be necessary.
The building has endless possibilities because of the grandness of its space. Huge domed ceilings, hung with crystal chandeliers, awe you as you enter the
rooms. When you come in the front door, a great staircase (like the one in Gone with the Wind) rises from the center hall and goes up to a large landing
where it splits to the right and to the left. Our rooms are upstairs. A 12 foot tall painting stretches across the top of the stairs depicting "the Communist
worker's paradise."
How ironic that today people come to this place and hear about the true paradise! Once people used this place to teach that there is no God and now people
come here to hear about Jesus. More, during the reign of Communism, these people's grandmothers and grandfathers were brought to this place and put on trial
for loving Jesus. God is redeeming this place! Through the Communist's passion to teach lies, God now uses their building to teach truth.
DONETSK
A 12 hour drive, across very bad roads, has brought us to Donetsk. Harvest is almost finished, so we drove past many burning fields. More, we passed through s
o many villages where there is no church, no place for the people to hear about God's love. As we drove, I prayed, begging God to send Ukrainian workers to
these places. Please join me in prayer for these villages.
This area is the industrial heart of Ukraine. It is famous for its coal mining and brick making factories. Metal processing plants stretch an unbelieveable
12km in length. Many people have left this area because the air is bad. They travel to Kiev or immigrate to Argentina searching for jobs. There are no air
quality standards or requirements here.
In Zoryane, a little village outside of Donetsk, we set up a program outside beside a store. A crippled little girl walked very far to come to the show.
The store owner was very kind and got her a chair. The weather was perfect and a good size crowd gathered from several villages.
At first all the children could do was stare in shock. They had never seen such things. Slowly, they began to smile, then laugh, and clap. Best of all we
heard them praying in soft whispers, putting their trust in Jesus.
When we finished, a lady stood up and announced that tomorrow a Sunday School will begin in this place. There is no church here, but they can grow one.
CULTURE CLUB
Surrounded by communist built 14 story apartment buildings, we did a puppet show outside!Children, teenagers, and adults gathered to hear about the
"Christian culture."
This is a major city and the jobs in the mines pay well so the children and young people have spending money. Older children often smoke and teenagers
become addicted to video and gambling games. They skip school and run out of things to do to entertain themselves.
Though they are comfortable by Ukrainian standards, they have no hope. Please pray they find their hope in Jesus.
THE PARK
Even though we had permission to set up in the park, a man strongly complained about our presence. He demanded we leave, but allowed his children to stay
for the show. More, he stood and listened with his back to us. Some laughed at us, but many gathered and listened. The children all received free balloons
and were very happy. Most wanted the Christian literature that we offered.
A man began conversation with me. He asked me why I had come to Ukraine. I told him that when I was a little girl, I found my hope and love in knowing
Jesus. Since He changed my life, I wanted to offer His hope and His love to all the children here. Satisfied, he asked another question.
He said, "What has He done for you this year?" In light of all that has happened in the last 12 months, it was an incredible question. I told him about
Mike's death, the pain and the peace that Jesus is giving me. He listened intently and admitted to me that he did not know what would happen when he died.
I told him that this was a question he could answer with certainty if he put his trust in Jesus Christ. Then, I asked my translator, Oksana, to share her
testimony. He continued to listen and asked more questions.
Finally, he stood there in the park and prayed to receive Christ! We gave him the nearby location of a good church. Pray that he will attend and ask God to
deliver him from his desire for alcohol. Ask God to show him what it means to live for Jesus.
PRAYER REQUESTS
On Sunday and Monday, we have 7 shows, a training session, a missionary report, Sasha sings, and Sam preaches. Please hold us in your prayers.
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam
Oksana
Anna
Hannah
Pastor Sasha
Katie
September 17th, 2006 Ukraine
Dearest Friends,
GRAVEYARD KIDS
The people in a small village noticed movement around one of the graves. It was a very old grave, shaped like a large mound. Together with the police,
they made a wide circle around that place one night.
Slowly, they closed around the grave. They found 9 children there living inside of an old grave that opened on the backside of the mound. They
were very wild and the police knew that they would not survive in a government orphanage. They would not receive what they needed, so they decided to
start a Christian orphanage.
These children had been living as beggars on the street. They had come from homes where their parents were alcoholics. Many had been physically and
sexually abused. Some had watched their parents die in their homes. With no one to bury them, they had laid there and decayed. Then, the children left.
Somehow, surely by God's hand, they had all come to live together in that grave.
Tonight we did a puppet show for these children. Stripped of all this world tells us is dear, they listened with their souls. We heard them praying in
soft whispers and in some clear sentences. They smiled and laughed. We gave them balloons, candy, and something about Jesus to read. Desperate for love,
we hugged them all so many times.
If you prayed for us, you stood there with us as they prayed, trusting Jesus as their Savior. If you gave, you made this story and all the other stories
in Ukraine possible. Thank you! Praise God for the difference you made in these children's lives. Please pray for these children to grow strong in their
faith.
A GIFT
Sunday morning, Sam preached. Through the story of the Good Samaritan, he challenged people who say they love God, to show His love. Pastor Sasha has an
amazing voice, Anna played the flute, and Hannah and Katie did a great job with the puppets. I told a Bible story and shared missionary stories. I also
talked about God's mercy and goodness to me, my family and friends, as we have walked through this year without Mike.
We all felt God's spirit, but were shocked at how the service ended. Pastor Igor was very moved by what had been shared. He thanked us repeatedly for our
good work with the children in Ukraine and around the world. Suddenly, he announced that they were going to take up an offering for us. He told the
people to invest in this work so that when they received the equipment, they would have ownership.
Do you know what its like to receive a gift from people who have so little? I cannot tell you how humbled we were and how overwhelmed. I want, we all
want, to have the spirit of giving that our Ukrainian brothers and sisters modeled for us this morning.
CENTRAL PARK
I am driving past a field of sunflowers that never ends. It covers both sides of the road as far as the eye can see. It is a beautiful site, but not near
as beautiful as what we just saw God do in Central Park. A crowd of 150, including many parents, gathered to watch the puppet show. They were delighted,
had no bad words for us, and accepted the literature that we offered.
One lady smiled at me through the entire program. Afterwards, I went to thank her for her kindness. She said that the program had touched her heart and
accepted a New Testament. Please pray for her to read and understand God's word.
Some believers from another church came to the park and were so thrilled that we were there. They thanked us for sharing Christ in Oogledar (it means a
cold present) where they have so few believers. More, they came to the pastor and asked what they could do for us. How amazing! These people decided to
take up a love offering for us. May God make me as grateful and kind as these dear people!
JEWISH MONUMENT
After we finished all of our shows, our friends showed us Donetsk! Downtown is very western. Its 1 ˝ million people enjoy shopping in stores that offer
very fashionable clothes.
The biggest businessman in the city is a Moslem and so opposed to the spread of the Gospel. They say that mosques are popping up in this area like
mushrooms in a forest. Almost all of the people here favor a closer relationship with Russia and favor Communism, despite their love of all things
western. Many do not believe God exists.
Still, none of the incredible sights we saw in the city are what we will remember. They showed us a Jewish monument where during WWII 120 Jews were buried
alive by the Nazis. They said the ground moved for 3 days.
What do you say in the face of such evil? How do you stop this from ever happening again? Simply… tell people about Jesus Christ. When men's hearts are
changed, they change. There is so much that we cannot do, but this we can and must do. He is the answer!
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam
Oksana
Pastor Sasha
Sasha
Anna
Hannah
Katie
September 18th, 2006 Ukraine
Dearest Friends,
TWO DIRECTORS
At one school, the Director was very unhappy with us. She knew before we came that we would do a Christian program, but she was very
displeased with what she saw. She complained loudly to Pastor Igor, but her real problem was that she had not expected her students to like the program
so much. She could not speak to the children against us because they were having too much fun, so she left. The teachers were thrilled and compliment us
on the wonderful job we did!
After the program, 3 teenage girls came up to me and said, "Clasna." This means "cool." Then, they all hugged me. Anytime teenagers are this excited
about Jesus, it is awesome!
At the second school, the Director was delighted and gave us all candy bars as a thank you present. The teachers were amazed at how the children listened.
They thought we were really good, but we knew it was only God's Holy Spirit that caused all the children at both schools to listen. Praise God!
A NEW TEAM
All of us were especially excited by the new team that we left behind in Donetsk. Their enthusiasm was a blessing to all of us. The youth leader of the
church will lead the team and we all believe that they will do a great work. This is the same church that took up the offering for us on Sunday. They
cannot believe that people they have never met would care so much for the children of Ukraine. That would be all of you. Thank you!
We have done 3 shows in different locations today, trained a team for 3 hours, and separated the equipment that we will leave. So, goodnight!
Tomorrow, we will travel to another city and begin again. Please pray!
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam Shaw, Assistant Director
Oksana Pyvovar, Ukrainian Puppet Director
Pastor Sasha Morgun
Sasha Pochapsky
Anna McIllwaine, French Puppet Director
Hannah Sager
Katie Humfleet
September 20th, 2006 Ukraine
Dearest Friends,
FOUR ORHPANAGES
Today, we did four shows in four different orphanages. One was especially for mentally handicapped children, some placed there only
because they were so gentle. Children who are not strong and abusive and who yield to other children's abuse are also labeled as mentally handicapped. Many
of the children become more handicapped by the surroundings in which they live. Hundreds of boys welcomed us, helping to carry our equipment, and smiling.
They were very happy we came and even happier to hear the story of Jonah, the man who tried to run away from God. Ask the Father to help them understand
who He is and how they can know Him.
At another show, the children suffered from a variety of mental illnesses. Two little boys rocked the entire time, stopping only when they heard Anna's
flute music. When we arrived, two ten-year-old boys told us that they had asked God to send us to them. It disturbed all of us that one boy had two black
eyes and others had so many health issues. There is a smell unique to orphanages, that is not pleasant, but is always present at every one. The children
live in places that you would find uncomfortable to visit. Our hearts broke… not just here, but four times today.
The other two orphanages had "normal" orphans, which means that many have parents who cannot or will not care for them. Alcohol and drug abuse and extreme
poverty have placed many of these children in the system. As we left, they called out, "Take us with you'.
RESPONSES
All of the Directors and most workers were very happy with the program. It was impossible for them to deny the children's joy during the program. One
Director came to us and expressed her disbelief at how well the children had listened. She had never seen them behave so well and continued to stress how
unusual their actions had been.
I told her that we always pray before a program and ask God to help them listen. She stared at me in complete shock. Clearly, she had never considered that
possibility.
My favorite response was the gratitude of the children. They hugged us, tried to speak their few English words, laughed with us and thanked us endlessly.
Praise God! When I finish with my story, I always give the drawings to someone. At one show, I gave them to a little boy whose smile was my treasure for
the day. He thanked me and then tucked them under his arm. He had no left hand.
NO PRAYER
The authorities would not allow us to pray with the children at these four orphanages. However, we could tell them everything about Jesus, including how to
pray. It is so foolish of them to think that they can prevent what God plans for these children. At a couple of the shows, several of us had a strong sense
that some children had trusted in Jesus. Their faces reflected His glory and their thank yous were so intense. They had received more than candy, a balloon
and a tract.
PRAYER
In the next two days, we will share at a shelter, a church, six orphanages, and train and equip a new team. Please pray.
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam
Oksana
Hannah
Katie
Pastor Sasha
Sasha
Anna
September 21st, 2006 Ukraine
Dearest Friends,
MIKE
One year ago today, Mike was killed. I wanted to spend today in a special way, something that had
eternal value, something that would have made my husband smile. I loved his smile! So today, we told children,
teeenagers and adults about Jesus at a shelter, 2 orphanages, and at a village street show. We were all smiling as we saw
God's Spirit move among the children and teenagers. Even some of the adults were touched. The Babushkas (older ladies) at
one show were especially happy. Best of all, some trusted Jesus today! God was very good to us today, but the day was not
without its battles.
Again, we were told that we could not pray in 2 places. Our program was shortened to 35 minutes by one Director from its
normal hour length. At 2 places, young people mocked God by pretending to pray. However, they would not continue when we
got to the place where they had to call on the name of Jesus.
My friends have gathered about me today and prayed for me. They have been so kind, doing so many small things to show their
love. I received a bouquet of flowers, hugs, and abundant patience. I even had 2 quiet hours alone despite our 4 shows. Sam
even arranged for me to call my family.
God has also been very good to me this year. I have been comforted each day by the Father and changed by His love. More,
my heart is healing. I still cry... maybe I always will, but my pain does not keep me from seeing the needs of others. This
is God working in my life because you pray.
It's strange... I am struggling to find words. That is an odd place for a storyteller to be, but some things are just hard
to say. How can I describe to you my joy, my pain, my hope, my fears, my peace? How can I thank you for all you've done?
How can I put into words the blessing of 32 years of marriage?
These days, thoughts of heaven often fill my mind, but I am also consumed by a strong desire to be obedient, to be a blessing,
to be light in the dark. Please continue to pray for me, my dear family and friends, as we walk this walk.
In Jesus,
Linda
September 22th, 2006 Ukraine
Dearest Friends,
CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
This particular hospital specializes in children with TB. We did the show outside and our team helped
roll many children in their beds out into the yard. One used a walker and many were on crutches. Some were able to bring
themselves. When we finished, a blond-headed boy in a bed wanted to see me, to say good-bye. He also told me he was in
pain. Many of these children have bone disease and are really suffering.
Remember their pain as I describe to you their response to the show. They smiled, laughed, helped make sound effects for the
story, clapped for the puppets, and truly enjoyed themselves. They were really happy, at least for a little while. That's
a lot when you are a child in a hospital. More, as they put their trust in Jesus, they have a hope and a joy that surpasses
their present hurt.
The Director was particularly happy. He publicly thanked me, told his teachers to teach the way they had been taught today,
and kissed my hand.
I had an opportunity to share with the English teacher and 2 other teachers after the show. I told them that I hoped they
had seen joy in my face as I told the story. They said they had and asked many questions. I told them about Mike's death
and how Jesus heals a broken heart. They really listened. Later, the English teacher got me alone and told me about her own
husband's death. She began to cry and said, ‘In you, I see joy. I don't understand.'
Please pray for this lady to find her joy in Jesus. Please pray for all of these sick children, asking God to heal their
hearts and their bodies.
FREE SHOWS
There are puppet teams that occasionally come to the schools and orphanages, but there is always a charge. Since the
children cannot afford to pay, most have not seen puppets. Constantly, teachers tell us that they are amazed that we would
do this for free. This is your gift to the children of Ukraine and the world.
GOOD TEETH
At one village, a babushka (grandmother) came up to me. She was very excited and got someome to help translate. She said,
‘I like your teeth. You have good teeth.'
A teacher spoke to me today and asked how old I was. I told her 52. She shook her head and said, ‘You look like you're
eighty, but you move when you tell a story like you're much younger.' I smiled and thanked her. I think it was a
compliment...?
NEW TEAM
All of us are extremely excited about our new puppet team led by Uri (George) and Ludmilla. They have a wonderful team of
young people with several translators serving as puppeteers. Their enthusiasm is boundless. They were already working with
small puppets and being faithful. We cannot wait to see what they do with so much new equipment. Please pray for these new
friends and partners in ministry.
Tomorrow, we travel 4 hours to our last location for ministry in Ukraine. Please hold us in your prayers. Everyone is
very tired, but very happy.
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam
Oksana
Hannah
Katie
Pastor Sasha
Sasha
Anna
September 25th, 2006 Ukraine
Dearest Friends,
AMAZING REPORT
Yesterday children in a village prayed out loud, asking Jesus to be their Savior. Today, we have 3 shows. Tomorrow, we drive 17 hours,
meet with a new team and we start home on Wednesday. We overnight in Frankfurt and we arrive home Thursday afternoon.
Please pray for children to come to know Christ, wisdom, strength and safe travel.
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam
Hannah
Katie
Oksana
Anna
Pastor Sasha
Alex
September 27th, 2006 Ukraine
Dearest Friends,
TATIANA'S STORY
Tatiana is the cook at her church in Simferopol, but there is so much more to tell about this lady. While serving as a nurse in the
Soviet army, she was wounded twice and shot down in a helicopter over Afghanistan. As the helicopter spun out of control, she called out to a God she did
not know asking Him to save her, the helicopter at the last minute stopped spinning and crashed flat. Then she spent 8 years in a hospital recovering from
her injuries and finally returned home paralyzed.
Unable to move, she never liked to sleep in the dark. She was not a believer and very fearful, but one night her husband was drunk and he turned
off the light. She pleaded for him to turn on the light, but he passed out and never came. Suddenly, a bright light filled her room and a figure in a
long robe stood in the light. He spoke, commanding her to take up her bed and walk. He said, "Follow me." She had never read a Bible and did not know
the story of Jesus healing the man in
Matthew 9:1-8.
She argued with the man in the light that she could not walk because she was paralyzed. Early the next morning, her neighbor came and told him what
had happened. Immediately, he called his wife, and together they told her about Jesus. They read her the story from Matthew, she trusted Jesus Christ as
her Savior, and was completely healed. After years of being paralyzed, she got out of her bed and walked.
Today, her husband has put his trust in Jesus and she says that I am the happiest of all women. Together, they work in a village sharing with very
poor children who are hungry to hear about Jesus. She feeds them and loves them into the kingdom. More, they are busy encouraging the young people in
their church and use their big yard to reach neighborhood children with the Gospel. I want to be like this wonderful woman! All of us were so happy that
we were able to help with teaching materials and supplies for her village work.
THE MEMORY – SEPTEMBER 26, 2006
One year ago today, we buried Mike. As we spent more than 17 hours traveling today, I had a lot of opportunity to think and remember. So clearly,
I remember your love and comfort at that time. I treasure the memory of my sons standing with me as I stood to speak at Mike's funeral. I remember
calling on Jesus at that moment and the deep peace that I experienced. My heart broke and today it breaks again.
So many children in Ukraine will live their lives in orphanages because their parents cannot or will not care for them. Their futures are often
bleak because of lack of education and opportunity. Many will sell themselves turn to alcohol or crime to survive.
But none of these things are why heart breaks! I could not have survived this day a year ago or walked through the pain of this year without Jesus
Christ. More orphans do not know Him and too many know nothing about him. I ache for them to hear about Jesus! Please pray that these 3 new ministries
that we have planted will be blessed with opportunities, vision, wisdom, and strength. They all plan to target orphans and other unchurched children.
Pray.
This has been as especially blessed trip to Ukraine and I think that that is God's special mercy. Please continue to pray for my family and me.
We need your prayers!
GERMANY
We are safely in Germany, despite some problems in Ukraine at the airport. The customs officials came and got Sam, told him they were concerned
about knives in his suitcase (he juggles knives) and said that he might miss his flight. This was a checked bag, so we could not understand the problem,
but they insisted that they might need to call the police. All of us prayed, they released Sam and he made the flight on time. Praise God!
Lufthansa overnights their Ukraine flight in Frankfurt, so we leave early in the morning for home.
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam Shaw, Assistant Director
Anna McIlwaine, French Puppet Director
Oksana Pyvovar, Ukrainian Puppet Director
Pastor Sasha
Hannah Sager
Katie Humfleet
