Refreshment: Worship and Weather

Last night we found some pictures on the Internet of trains, airplanes, cities and airports to start trying to explain to the boys (Nick) what is coming next week.

Kharkov had plenty of rain, thunder and lightening overnight, but less coughing for John. I was up around 7:00, John just after my shower. It was much cooler this morning. John was able to wear one of his long-sleeve shirts and I used my jacket for the first time. The jacket was as much for the threat of further rain as for warmth. We left early enough to stop at the Kodak store and order some prints. We also had a cup of “mochaccino” out of the Nescafe dispenser in the building where the congregation meets. We were again greeted by familiar faces and made to feel welcome. Today Alec sat next to us and translated. The service began promptly at 10:10. Hymns during the service included “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling”, “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”, “Just as I Am”, “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” and “Blessed Assurance”. Pastor Ganadi shared that his father-in-law died last Sunday. His funeral was Tuesday. After many years of many prayers, he had become a Christian just in January, and he was at peace.

Natasha, who knows just enough English to greet us enthusiastically each week, had the children’s message. First we sang “Happy Birthday” to Greesha, who is the pastor’s son and very happy to be five! He had to stand on stage and lead us in two children’s songs: “Who Created flying birds . . . the stormy sea . . . blinking stars . . . you and me: God on high” and “Teach me to Pray”. Natasha said our tasks as Christians are to get to know God and learn how to love. To love those who love us is easy, what we need to learn is how to love those who hurt us and are mean: our enemies. This is not possible on our own. It is only through the Holy Spirit who gives us the strength to live as Jesus commanded.

Victor, the pastor from Light of Salvation Church in a nearby village, was visiting with his wife today and shared a message. He said he thinks about the people who used to live 900 years, and now we live 70 or 80 years. Were those people from ancient times closer to God, or farther away? Adam and Eve were bathed, surrounded by the light of God. Satan came and when they believed the lie the light was shadowed. Sin wants to separate us from the light, to make us think only of ourselves. It is always around us but we must rule over it. He gave the examples of Jacob and Esau and Solomon. He said how ever many years we have, Jesus is enough, just ask.

Pastor Ganadi read from Matthew 10:28, 42, Luke 12:22 and verse 29, and 3 John verse 2. Clearly our flesh (physical bodies and well-being) is important to God, but even more important than our temporary flesh is our spirit/soul and we must be sure to seek God and his kingdom first.

At the end we sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Naya (?). I had a lovely chat with Katya, giving her a photo and our address in case we do not come next week, and John had a good talk with Denis, her father. Katya said she will continue to pray for us, and when I asked she shared a special prayer concern, too. Dima, Pastor Victor’s grandson, visited with both of us. He is a first-year chemistry student at the University here in Kharkov. We also had some fellowship with Sveta and Victor. They have the happy prospect of moving into a remodeled apartment soon.

We picked up our photos while Alec and Nadya visited her grandmother nearby. They took us to see their shops and workshop. Their candy bouquets look both beautiful and appetizing! We had lunch at a cafeteria on an upper level of the large department store “РОСТ” (pronounced ‘roast’ and meaning ‘Growth’).

We stopped at a specialty candy shop that sells their bouquets on the way to their home, and at a market where Alec bought fresh strawberries. They said it is too early for strawberries in Ukraine, so these likely came from Egypt. Correction: These were really early Ukrainian strawberries! We had a tour of their lovely home. We enjoyed seeing the photographs of their travels during the past year. Then they filled a table full of food ranging from the exotic (Marmite on toast) to the exquisite: fresh strawberries with sour cream dipped in sugar. Ooh-la-la! Our time with Alec and Nadya was lovely not only for the hospitality of sharing their home and sumptuous table, but also for the edifying and pleasant conversation. It is evident that they seek God’s will in all things, from business decisions to purchasing souvenirs. We expect to see them again – perhaps at church, perhaps only next week Monday to meet the boys. Sasha called to check in just as we were getting ready to leave, everything is fine.

They took us to the Metro and we had an uneventful, but satisfying trip home using the Red line for the first time and transferring to the Green line.

Back to the boys tomorrow!