Ukrainian
Christmas Party
For
the past nine months, we have been ministering to Ukrainians in one way or
another. It was certainly an unexpected addition to our ministry this year, but
we have all welcomed the chance to share God’s love with these hurting people. Our
last event for this year was a Christmas party for the Ukrainians still living
in our area. We had around 30 people attend, and it was wonderful to see them
again and celebrate Christmas with them, even if it was a little early. (Ukraine
follows the Julian calendar, which places their Christmas in January.) In the
end, we made a simpler dinner of schnitzel and potato wedges, leaving their
typical Christmas dishes for them to enjoy in January. We baked lots of
cookies, decorated the dining hall, and prepared some gifts for them as well. One
of the local pastors shared a short message and we took a group photo and
recorded a greeting for the missionaries that were here to help during the
spring and are now back in Ukraine.
I
will include a little note here. I know most news coverage has moved on and
many people are now focusing on rising prices and other things. I catch myself
doing the same thing, complaining about groceries and gas prices. Meanwhile,
the war against Ukraine continues, and many places are without electricity and heating.
Christmas will surely look different for everyone there, and those not at home
undoubtedly mourn the separation. Our fellow missionaries at Word of Life only
have power for about an hour a day. Please keep them in your prayers as they
continue to provide hope and light in these strenuous times. Pray for Ukraine,
for the war to cease, and for comfort for those separated from loved ones.
Deaf Outreach Ministry
During August of this year, I helped with the
European Deaf conference that was held on our property. I mostly worked in the
kitchen with two other chefs (both actual professionals), but I was also able
to build better relationships with some of the attendees from Czech. I managed well
in Sign Language, and I can tell that my abilities have since improved greatly
as I continue classes. While my goals for this ministry seem to be very far in
the future, small steps are being made. Also, something very exciting, which I
have nothing to do with, the Deaf church here in Brno has been visiting Slovenia
and Serbia to do outreach and evangelism and recently had two baptisms in
Slovenia and one in Serbia! They are looking for a location to start meeting
regularly in Serbia with the new believers there. I am so excited for this and
hope to be able to visit both countries with them sometime soon.
House
and Heart Full
Moving to a bigger apartment this fall has
truly been a huge blessing! We have rarely gone a week without someone visiting,
even spending the night, and we are so glad to have the space to do so. We have
hosted staff gatherings, Bible studies, Youth Group, a baby shower, and even a goodbye
party. The family in this picture - mom in white, dad in tan, and the two kids - are from Ukraine and spent a few months living on our
property while they looked for a place to stay more permanently. During that
time, they were offered jobs in the US and decided to move to California! We were
sad to see them go, as our staff developed friendships with them and we enjoyed
having them on campus, but we wish them all the best. Having the space to welcome
many people into our home for this and other events fills my heart with so much
joy!
Merry
Christmas and happy New Year! Love in Christ,
Adele
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