Prayer Requests

Thanks again for your prayers while we were overseas. We ask that you continue to pray for the Spirit of God to work in the hearts of those we met.

1. Pray that God will give the orphans who stayed with us for 2 days special encouragement as they go back to their orphanage. Pray that the peace of God and the presence of Christ abide with Alla, Tanya, Julietta, Rosilyn, and Yuro.

2. We have been able to witness to several people throughout our travels. Pray that God would open their hearts to know Christ.

3. Pray that God would let us know more of his heart.

4. Pray that God's hand will direct the team selection, the plan, and the preparation for the upcoming Spring trips to the Ukraine and Mexico.

Answers to Prayer

1. Request: Safe travel and easy border crossing into the Ukraine
Answer: We arrived safely and did not have to pay any duty fees at the border.

2. Request: Pray that God would use our prayer day to prepare our hearts for the week.
Answer: We all sensed the presence of God. The Lord used all of us to speak words of encouragement into each other.

3. Request: Pray that God fill and direct Paul & Greg as they preach Sunday morning.
Answer: There were clear evidences in both services that the Lord used the preaching and prayer time in a profound way.

4. Request: Pray that God will give us wisdom and leading to encourage the workers of the orphanages. We have been led this week to purchase gifts specifically for the workers and teachers within the orphanages.
Answer: It was apparent that they were very pleased with the gifts that we gave them.

5. Request: .Pray that God will work through the mentoring with Ukranian Christians and orphans.
Answer: It seemed that our relationships stirred people to a deeper walk with the Lord.

6. Request: Pray for the orphans who are staying with us overnight at the Nehemiah House: Alla, Tanya, Julietta, Rosilyn, and Yuro.
Answer: Each of the kids had a delightful, memorable visit that stirred their heart and soul. Several of the kids gave their hearts to Jesus Christ.

7. Request: Pray that the students would have strength and endurance as they interact with the orphans who are staying with us at Nehemiah overnight. It has been draining to not have any rest since they have been here.
Answer: Our idea for sledding allowed the students to interact in a large group without struggling with the language barrier or the difficulty of generating ideas to interact. The team was energized through the fun and the openness of the orphans generated through sledding.

8. Request: Pray that God would open each up the hearts of each of the orphans who are staying with us at Nehemiah. Pray that they will begin a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Answer: When we went sledding on Wednesday, the hearts of the orphans opened up. The kids went from being reserved to being open and eager for our love.

10. Request: Pray that God fill and direct Paul & Greg as they preach Sunday morning.
Answer: There were clear evidences in both services that the Lord used the preaching and prayer time in a profound way.

11. Request: Pray that God would let us know more of his heart.
Answer: We all sensed that we got a glimpse of the Father's heart as he opened our eyes to the compassion he has for the orphans and street kids. Even so, we want to know him more.

Intinerary & Pictures for Each Day of the Trip

Friday, Feb 20: Teams Arrive in Budapest and Travel into Ukraine

Saturday, Feb 21: Prayer Day with Nehemiah Team

Sunday, Feb 22: Ministry in Churches & Special Services

Monday, Feb 23: Visiting the Orphanage at Domboki

Tuesday, Feb 24: Visiting the Orphanage at Mukatchevo

Wednesday, Feb 25: Visiting the Orphanage at Perechin

Thursday, Feb 26: Ministry with Street Children

Fri-Sat, Feb 27 & Feb 28: Debrief in Budapest

Sunday, Feb 29: Ministry in Churches in Budapest

Monday, March 1: Travel Home

February 20 Report from Greg

We departed from Logan International Aiport on American Airlines at 7:00 p.m, Thursday February 19, EST. The flight over the Atlantic was long. It was tough to sleep from Boston to London. We ate breakfast at the airport and then caught another plane from London to Budapest.

Upon arrival in Hungary, we had a quick tour of Budapest and had a wonderful dinner at a 100 year old restaurant. The food was really, REALLY good. After dinner we took a long train ride from Budapest to the Ukraine. I shared a train car with a couple who were attending the Hungarian University. When we got to the Ukrainian border everything changed. It took a while to get across the border.

After passing through customs at 2:00 a.m., we met a bunch of Ukrainian Christians who brought us to the Nehemiah House in about 7 cars. We finally got to Nehemiah House around 2:30 a.m. Wow is it beautiful! After going through culture shock upon entering Ukraine, we went through re-entry shock when we stepped into this place. It is really, REALLY nice here.

It is now 3:18 a.m. so I have to go. Tomorrow we will start our prayer day at 11:00 a.m. and then attend a special church service in the evening.

Partnering with you through your prayers,

Greg

February 21 Report from Greg

We woke up around 11 am and were quite groggy from our day of travel. We had a quick breakfast with all the youth that were eager to meet us for the first time. We then spent a couple hours in the prayer room. The presence of God was very, very evident. All the youth from our team had profound things to share. We ended the time praying for each youth one by one. We prayed for God to "awaken His love" in them so they can be a spark to ignite the youth of this region for Christ. It was encouraging to see the kids step up and bodly prayed for one another.

Later this evening we went to a program that was held at Slavics old church. The believers put on a very moving program. When the congregation sang together, there was incredible passion. I was drawn to befriend an elderly couple sitting behind me. I talked to them for most of the night. As they were leaving someone told me that they were visiting for the very first time. I was so thankful that the Lord led me to talk to them.

All the students were wonderful. They are eager to intermingle and encourage the Ukrainian youth. We were especially excited because a few of the kids from the Perechin orphanage attended the service. We are praying the Lord really our seeds of love deep into their hearts.

We are back at Nehemiah now. This is such an incredible respite you almost feel guilty coming back here. I mean it is really, really nice. The kids are hanging out enjoying the ping-pong table and a bunch of guitars that the previous group left here as a donation.

Tomorrow morning we head out to different churches. I will be preaching on the love of Christ. Pray that God will use my preaching in a powerful way. I want to speak with the fullness and power of the Spirit. I pray that God will make His love real to the folks, will heal their wounds, will save their souls, will encourage them to keep going...whatever they need. Pray also that the Lord will weave the kids into the services in special ways.

Keep praying…our stories have just begun,

Greg

Ministering in
the Ukrainian Churches

February 22 at Church of the Living God Report from Greg

When we woke up this morning, it was evident the jet lag was starting to take its toll. Since most of us slept only a couple hours, it made our morning prayer time a bit less lively. We made a conscious decision to trust in God’s Word, not in our tired bodies. “Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”(Eph 3:8)

For Sunday morning worship, the team split up in two for the first time. Paul took the team with him to the New Testament Church and I went to preach at the Church of the Living God with two visiting missionaries staying at the Nehemiah House.

The congregation at the Church of the Living God immediately burst into praise. It was evident that the people had a keen appreciation for their freedom of worship. Half way through the song service I ran out of gas. The hour and a half of sleep I got from wrestling with jet lag caught up with me. I got down on my knees in worship and prayed the only prayer that one can pray at a time like that, “O God”.

I stood up to preach and spoke from Eph 3:18, “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ”. There seemed to be a deep stirring among the people when we discussed how God wants to love us in the deep troubles of life. We thought about how Christ wrestled with unanswered prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

After preaching, they asked to have a time of prayer. I had one and only one plan at thas point…for God to show up. We split up in prayer groups and invited those who needed a touch of God’s love to come forward. The worship team continued to play “Jesus, Lover of my Soul” in Russian as one-fourth of the people came forward for a touch of God. The Spirit of God was faithful to minister to each person. Most cried as God ministered to their deep need, speaking peace, hope, and love into their hungry hearts. Imagining all they had been through in their life, it was especially moving for me to watch the Lord minister to several of the older ladies. My heart is full of thanks for the Living, Loving God working in our midst.

Greg

February 22 at Church of the Living God Report from Beth

The other group went to the New Testament Church where Julia led worship. We didn’t know some of the songs but God’s presence made up for the language barrier. The songs we did know, “Breathe”, “I Worship You”, and “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever”, we sang out with all our hearts.

During worship I got an incredible picture of heaven. I saw that the language barrier will not be there. I also realized it will not be an “American Heaven”. After the service we got a chance to talk with children that came up to us at the end. They were so excited to talk with Americans.

We then walked through the town of Uzhgorod and went out to lunch. We were treated to an afternoon of sightseeing at an old castle that was converted into a museum. It was really cool…we got great pictures!

In the evening we went to Sergei’s Methodist church. Once again, the worship was amazing! The passion the people have is so refreshing. They worship the same God that we do and have such a love and devotion to Him. Josh Locke and Katie Berube went up and said “Hello” and gave a short testimony. They both talked about special memories when they came last year and the vision they have for the Ukraine.

Pastor Paul gave a message about moving forward with God in “simplicity of devotion to Christ”. Afterwards, people were invited up for prayer and our youth team had the opportunity to lay hands on them and pray. God was faithful and touched many lives, bringing deliverance and restoration!

To Him be the glory!

Beth

February 23 Report from Sarah

This morning the team visited an orphanage in Domboki. As we took the bus ride through the city I was looking out of the window and saw many houses of Ukrainians that looked not more than a shack…it really touched my heart how poor these people are. When we arrived at the orphanage I was excited to see many kids come running out to greet us. The orphanage consisted of many buildings and houses with old rooms. I was so excited to get to see all of the kids.

As I walked through the courtyard of the orphanage, I saw all of the kids looking through their windows at us, waving at us. We walked to a little gym where all of the kids were waiting for us. Josh Locke had brought his guitar and so we sang two songs to them. One song was “King of Kings, Lord of Lords” and “Alleluia…Praise Ye The Lord”. The kids were so cute singing with us.

After we sang to them we split into groups and played games with them all. It was very evident that all of the kids needed love and care from us. I went with one group and played duck, duck, goose with some kids. It was sooo fun!!! We were having a great time. Many teenagers from our team brought digital cameras with them and were taking pictures of the orphans. This was an OK thing to do, but the orphans went wild when they saw the cameras. They immediately all wanted to have their pictures taken. I had a digital camera with me also. As soon as I took a picture of someone I was attacked by little kids wanting to get their picture taken and then look at the picture.

The orphanage really touched my heart and the number of kids there really overwhelmed me. The orphans just needed to be hugged. Even though they couldn’t understand us and we couldn’t understand them, their faces just lit up when they saw us. It was amazing. Many of the teens had two or more orphans in their laps or on their shoulders and you could see the joy in their faces. I was so happy to pour out God’s love on them. We only stayed at the orphanage for an hour, but you could definitely tell that we made a difference in their life. Leaving the orphanage, I felt awful that had to see them and play with them for awhile and then leave them. I just pray that God will bless them abundantly.

After the orphanage we prepared to go back to the Nehemiah house. As I was looking out of the window of the bus I couldn’t help but think about the orphans and how blessed I was. As I was thinking that the bus went past a gypsy village. My heart went out to those poor and oppressed people. The village was just made up of some straw and mud houses. Horses were roaming freely around the houses and you just had a sense of filth in that village. I felt so awful. Katie Berube and I were talking about the village and how those people don’t have a choice of how to live. My heart just goes out to them.

What I thought was really cool was that after our visit to the orphanage we were able to bring 5 or 6 girls and 2 boys back to the Nehemiah house to live with us for a couple days. I was so excited about this and am excited to see how we can bless these orphans. Right now they are playing games with girls from our team. Soon, we will make groups consisting of a American teen, a Ukrainian Christian teen, and a Ukrainian orphan. Most of the Ukrainian Christians are also translators. I’m watching my friends Emily and Beth playing a game with some Ukrainian orphans and I think that it is so cool that even though they don’t understand each other they are still having so much fun. :-) I can’t wait until I can see what God will do in this next week. Hope all is well in America and that God is working in your lives also!

Expecting God To Do More Than We Could Possibly Imagine,

Sarah

February 24 Report from Emily

Today was the first full day that we had to spend with the orphans from Domboki living with us at the Nehemiah House. They were kind of nervous in the beginning, so we tried to make them feel as comfortable as possible. Soon they were following us everywhere we went…and I mean everywhere! Very quickly we learned the pantomime for “you stay here; I will be back in one minute.” :)

Before lunch we played some relay games with them which helped to break the ice. At lunch, some of them started to teach us new words in Ukrainian. When they heard our terrible pronunciation, they all burst into laughter, which was a welcome sound.

After lunch, we shared our testimonies with the orphans. Many of them were touched. Three of them actually gave their lives to Christ!

In the afternoon we took a long bus ride to a baby orphanage in the mountains where Hunter was adopted! Once we got there, we found out that many of the babies had gotten sick and were quarantined. We took a short tour then got back on the bus. The director was proud to show us the new equipment Grace Fellowship purchased for the orphanage. Katie, Beth, and I stayed behind to talk with the director about some new equipment. We decided to give the orphanage $850 to buy some equipment to help teach the babies to walk correctly. He was so excited to receive the money.

On the way home, the orphans and translators continued on to the Nehemiah House and the NCA team was dropped off at a small Jewish historical museum. We watched a quick video about the Jewish charity fund and how it supports the local Jewish community. Pastor Paul talked to the administrator of the museum about developing a relationship with the Jewish community in Nashua. We are going to take a video back to Nashua to share their needs with some Jewish friends.

Well, it’s 11:15 here, and time to sleep.

God’s amazing!

Emily

February 25 Report from Rhys

Greetings to All,

Today everyone woke up to a beautiful snowy white outside. Like every morning, once breakfast was done, we had prayer. This has been a great way for us to start each day because it allows the Holy Spirit to touch us in anyway possible way, preparing us for what God has in store. After prayer, we split up into groups of three. We each sat with a translator and a guest from the orphanage to explain Psalms 23. We wanted to know if it touched them or spoke to them when we read it.

Our morning activity was to take them all out to use our awesome gift of beautiful white snow. We unpacked our countless snow tubes and started blowing them up. We then all ran outside and went sledding on the Nehemiah property. Just being able to see the smiles and laughter on their faces and how they were just becoming a part of us and opening up to us was so awesome to see.

After the fun in the snow, the whole team headed to yet another orphanage in Perechin where the team did more sledding as our outreach to the kids. Part of the team directed the kids at the top of the hill while the other part of the team caught the kids once they reached the bottom. Since the hill dropped off so quickly, without the guys stopping the kids at the bottom, they would have crashed into the buildings or run into the roads. It was so much fun to be the stoppers at the bottom to catch these kids flying down the hill with great smiles and extreme joy just shining from them.

After we finished playing in the snow, we were able to hand out the Christmas shoe boxes prepared by GFC members and NCA students. It was extremely touching for me see the joy beaming from his face as he opened the gifts inside. Emotionally it hit me hard because I have been doing those shoeboxes for years with my family, yet you never know where they go or who gets them. Then to actually give one of these many boxes to a child and see the reaction…it was an incredible blessing. When we saw one special girl, Niki, open her box, we found a note Carolyn Bourque had written her in Russian!

Later this evening we held a church service at the Nehemiah Center. Julia and her worship team led worship. It was touching to hear them sing many of the same songs we sing in English. Watching them pour out their hearts to the Lord was inspiring.

After worship, we prayed for several groups of people. First we prayed for all of the orphans who have been living with us. We invited them all to sit up front as we gathered around the entire group. Many tears were shed as we cried out to God on their behalf. After this, we prayed for the Muldovan pastors that traveled two days to come here and see us. Amazingly enough, their car broke down when they were only half way here and they pressed on to see us. They were so determinded they left their care and took a bus the rest of the way.

Finally, one of our special guests, Alla, seemed especially touched by the service. After finding out that she wanted us to help her pray to Jesus, we gathered around her, talked to her about the love Jesus showed to us through the cross, and then prayed with her to receive Christ in her life! She was so happy.

God has been so awesome during this time here. We have been able to spend time with orphans and the local people. I hope and pray that through our time here God has used us to be a blessing in the smallest way to someone. To all of you out there that have been praying for us while we have been here, we can feel it. Thank you all. God is just doing everything in his awesome timing.

GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!

Blessings from Ukraine,

Rhys

February 26 Report from Katie

This morning we woke up knowing that today would be a very draining day both emotionally and physically. As with every day, we started off with an hour of prayer, which has become such a necessary preparation in order to get through the day.

Today was the day that we all dreaded; we had to say goodbye to the orphans. So we can keep in touch, we exchanged addresses with those we cultivated relationships throughout this week. After packing for their long ride home, and after lots of tears on both sides, we saw them off. I can’t even explain how hard it was to say goodbye to someone who you have lived with for a week, knowing that you will never see them again. Sending them back to what they had before after seeing all that we had seemed wrong.

When faced with someone in such desperate circumstances, it really causes you to question why. Why does God allow things like this to happen? Why have these children have such a difficult life? And finally, why am I lucky enough to have the life that I live? Through all of this, God has continued to show Himself faithful. Many of the kids at different points in the week have asked God to be their friend. Our prayer now is that He would visit each of them with such an intimacy and closeness that they would be lacking nothing. Keep their hearts in your prayers.

After our very emotional goodbye, we were taken into a local outdoor market by taxi. Here we experienced Ukrainian culture to the fullest. Let me paint you a picture: tall sophisticated women wrapped in furs standing next to a weather-beaten babushka selling flowers, and trying to make a customer out of everyone passing by. You turn a corner and run into a pig head staring you in the face. All I can say is that I love this country!

Tonight we had the privilege of ministering to the local street kids. Some of us served them while others ate alongside them. Most, if not all of them, end up sleeping in a bus or train station to escape the cold weather. With them being between the ages of two to eighteen, it is difficult to imagine how they survive. The small portion of food that they were given and the miniscule gifts they received meant the world to them. At the end of the dinner we prayed for several to be healed and others to receive Christ.

When we returned to Nehemiah, the wonderful staff surprised us with a goodbye party consisting of many of the local delicacies. We were blessed to have such a deep heart connect with the staff, and thank them for all that they have done to make our stay comfortable.

As for now, it is nearing 11:00 p.m. and tomorrow will be an early morning. We have to wake up at 3:00 a.m. in order to catch the 6:00 a.m. train to Budapest. So in ending, thank you for your prayers and please pray for a smooth border crossing tomorrow and safe travel.

God Bless!

Katie

February 27 Report from Greg

We woke up at 4:00 a.m. and left for the train station in Chope, Ukraine. We made it back across the border without any problems and then found a pleasant surprise. The train we boarded was full of modern-day comforts. Paul mentioned it was the nicest train he ever rode between Ukraine and Hungary.

Once we returned to Budapest, we settled into our hotel and journeyed downtown. Budapest is a beautiful city, full of historical and cultural attractions.

Friday evening the team divided into two. Paul took the adults and attended a special prayer meeting. Greg took the teens and visited a YWAM coffee house ministry. It was exciting to see how the YWAM team used creative means to reach out to the youth of Budapest. They were also committed to prayer. Each night of ministry they have at least two people in their prayer room at all times. Our team joined them in the prayer room and helped with dishes. By 9:00 p.m., after a long day of travel, sightseeing, and ministry, we were ready to head back to the hotel.

February 28 Report from Greg

Saturday morning we began the day in the prayer room. The Lord ignited our hearts in intercession once we realized we were praying in the same room once occupied by Nazi and Communist party members. “We claim back this land for Jesus Christ.” We finished the morning praying for team members. It was wonderful to see the students step up interceding for one another like never before.

The remainder of the day was dedicated to discovering the sights and sounds of Budapest. The first part of our day was spent at the “House of Terror,” a sobering museum displaying the horrors of persecution experienced by the Hungarian citizens.

We were ready for a breath of fresh air once we completed the museum tour. We walked to the Citadel at the top of the “Pest” side of the city. It was good to see the students playing, laughing, and enjoying the city. After a week of intense ministry, it was refreshing to laugh.

We finished the evening at one of Paul’s favorite restaurants located downtown. The Lord’s hand was in the timing of our dinner. We were able to take part in a 50th birthday celebration for one of the missionaries hosting us in Budapest.

February 29 Report from Greg

On Sunday, we attended the International Church of Budapest. Sarah V., Josh Y., and Linda S. gave testimonies and Pastor Paul preached. The Spirit of God had a special message for that church family. Paul was filled with a unique degree of boldness as he challenged them to consider their call as a “house of prayer unto the nations” and as a ministry base reaching into Eastern Europe.

March 1 Report from Greg

We began our final day in Budapest with another special time of prayer. The students continued to step out and intercede for one another with special insight and zeal. We then took one last whirlwind tour of “Vaci Utz” and headed to the airport.

We were reminded of the Lord’s faithfulness as he kept us safe on our flight home, “Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens; Your faithfulness stretches to the skies.”

All in all, it was an amazing twelve days of discovery, ministry, and fellowship: discovering the heart of God like never before, being used in ministry like we never expected, and bonding in fellowship like a true family. His word rang true with each step of our trip, “For the Lord is good, and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Ps 100:5)