Kyiv Calling May & June 2005 ~ Russia Report

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=165 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <I><B> <TABLE BORDER="5" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="8" WIDTH="789" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#666699" BORDERCOLORDARK="#990000" FRAME="BELOW" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 157 ><NOBR><div> <I><B><IMG SRC="a4d928d0.jpg" border=0 width="146" height="141" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="3"></B></I></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="613"><div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>Wellspring of Life Biblical Counselling</B></I></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>      |  </B></I></FONT><I><B>   </B></I><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Wellspring of Life Biblical Counselling"><U><I><B>Home</B></I></U></A><I><B> </B></I></div> <div> <A HREF="help.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Helping People"><U><B>Helping People</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A 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Report </I></div> <div> <I><B>(Kyiv Calling </B></I><A HREF="id66.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="KC Archives"><U><I><B>ARCHIVES</B></I></U></A><I><B> </B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#006633" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>& link bottom of page</B></I><I><B>)</B></I></FONT><I><B> </B></I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >  <A NAME="top_kc_news_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A> </FONT></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="663" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#666699" BORDERCOLORDARK="#990000" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 101 WIDTH="318"><div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>For 8.5 X 11 printable </B></I></FONT><I><B>(better format than here)</B></I><I> </I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>e</B></I><I><B>mail me</B></I><I>,</I></FONT><I> Linda, </I><A HREF="mailto:Ron.Harris@worldteam.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Ron.Harris@worldteam.org"><U><I>Ron.Harris@worldteam.org </I></U></A><I>telling me the edition (month/year) you desire  (usually 350 KB MAX attachment) ~ </I></div> <div> <I><B>Option 2: scroll down and happy reading!</B></I><I> </I></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <I>...</I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>& for that properly formatted printable</I></FONT></div> <div> <I>You would need</I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I> </I></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>Adobe Reader. </B></I></FONT><I>For</I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B> </B></I></FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B><U>FREE</U></B></I></FONT><I> download of Reader click here: </I><A HREF="http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/re"><U><I><IMG SRC="65920200.gif" border=0 width="32" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="12cf8070.jpg" border=0 width="760" height="7" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="12" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="674" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#660000" BORDERCOLORDARK="#9999CC" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 6334 WIDTH="642"><div> <TABLE BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="637" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#660000" BORDERCOLORDARK="#9999CC" FRAME="VOID" RULES="ROWS" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 144 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="92a9d790.jpg" border=0 width="157" height="121" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="92f22600.jpg" border=0 width="290" height="96" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>May & June 2005 ~ Russia Report</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="a369d7a0.jpg" border=0 width="157" height="122" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <I><B><U>May & June Together</U></B></I><I><B>: </B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Our couple of emailed urgent prayer requests (which God answered wonderfully) and link to Orange Revolution video (still available) hopefully kept you informed yet was a reading break. Maybe I will do a Russia trip slide show when I return from Canada, then send you that link too.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" ><I><B><U>Relieved and Rejoicing! Our RUSSIA REPORT</U></B></I><I><B>! </B></I></FONT>Pinch us? Are we dreaming? One year ago this month my Kyiv Calling June 2004 included “This Saturday, June 5th, Ron and a trimmed down team go to Russia<B> </B>to teach a unique Module 1. It's a “check us out” module.” Ron, Artyom, Sergei and <IMG SRC="9e097330.jpg" border=0 width="407" height="307" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="3" VSPACE="3">Victor made that trip, surviving less than friendly Russian border patrol officers and reaching the hearts of students in spite of more controlling authoritative powers. Last week (end of May 2005), the first Module of 12 was fully taught by Ukraine Family Institute in the city of Krasnodar, southern Russia. About 70 students of various denominations were accepted and 60 actually were able to attend, a few excused since they took the introductory module 1 last June 2004. We were not looking for this but once there experiencing the students' spiritual hunger, smiles, and comments, we could not help feeling that perhaps this really was/is another defining moment in Russian religious history. Certainly it was a thrill for us all! Praise God! Part way through the first day there were sighs of relief and mile-wide smiles of joy by both students and teachers. Once again God has blessed above and beyond our expectations. Russia is not Ukraine. Though Krasnodar is one of the most impressive cities in all of Russia, old-style Soviet attitudes of control and religious orthodoxy are everywhere and still<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>somewhat restrict<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="9de7efa0.jpg" border=0 width="638" height="250" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="3" VSPACE="0"></FONT></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="630" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#6699CC" BORDERCOLORDARK="#CC6666" FRAME="BELOW" RULES="COLS" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#FFFBF0 HEIGHT= 52 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="a3b8e2e0.png" border=0 width="654" height="46" ALT="Microsoft Document" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="3" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> Evangelical Christians. In trying to cover the details of entering a different culture with sensitivity and respect yet bold confidence in scripture, our team approaches such new endeavours with nervous excitement really never knowing what to expect. It took us a full year to negotiate through their demands for only Ron and his interpreter, verses our offer of a teaching team trained by Ron and still very much closely supervised and continually being trained by Ron.  Anyone less experienced and credentialed than Ron was hard for them to accept, and that women would be part of the team was just going too far. However! it appears that patient, prayerful, perseverance was worth it!  Praise God for the wisdom and strength provided to our persevering Academic Dean Ron Harris, Operations Manager Artyom Kluchnikov, UFI president Mike Linville, UFI inaugural class student Leah (Russian) …and all our IFI staff who daily joined in prayer together in the Kyiv office. Now a few comments from our students.  </div> <bR> <div> <I><B><U>Student Comments</U></B></I><I><B> ~</B></I></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I>“I feel such joy that God has invited us here, different denominations meeting together … this is the beginning of a new movement in Russia… It is an answer to my hunger and prayers…”</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9f41af60.jpg" border=0 width="282" height="246" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="3" VSPACE="3">“It is hard but good. This module is the </I></div> <div> <I>most blessed storm in my life…”</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>“I never imagined idols in my heart, but in this module God showed me. It felt like the earth shook. I wondered at  life and Christians being beautiful but was shocked to see the reverse and realize we can do nothing on our own. I struggled in this blindness for 3 years but now I see. I feel free and wanted to shout with joy in class. Now I can help others in the groups I attend</I></div> <div> <I> and lead...”</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>“I feel a big happiness to see Christians of different denominations together … I was so angry that I did not understand but now I understand more of my heart and I have more to share with others"</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9facc590.jpg" border=0 width="460" height="345" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="2">“…such joy to see different denominations sitting together, learning together. This teaching is very important for our churches because people don't know where to go for help. Our churches say `repent' then throw the person to the bench and move on to the next person. If the person is still alive in a few years then it is time for him to preach. If he is dead then our churches say he was not born again….”</I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Times New Roman" > </FONT>Then the man gave many thanks for <I>“these priceless lessons, </I></div> <div> <I> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="460" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#EEEEEE" BORDERCOLORDARK="#996600" FRAME="BELOW" RULES="COLS" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 48 ><NOBR><div> <B>Artyom & Ron having fun with HEART of Biblical Counselling!</B></div> <div> (Church signs still up from their May 1st Easter:</div> <div> Left: last part of Christ is Risen. Right side: He is Risen Indeed)</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></I></div> <div> <I>wonderful team …” </I>and the rest of the students burst into spontaneous applause<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="a0004c30.jpg" border=0 width="260" height="195" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="2"></FONT>There were warnings and encouragements starting with students to one another about the euphoria of these days, verses the hard work ahead in their churches. Then our Teaching Associate Luda who began as just another Ukrainian UFI student 2.5 years ago, seemed like she could contain herself no longer so sprang up from her pew and proceeded to tell the group that she has a particular liking for this group. She sees the hunger in their hearts. Luda reminded them of our UFI team  prayers to serve and that<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Times New Roman" > </FONT><I>“UFI is here to serve you but you must work hard too, so God can do a great work in you and in Russia. I feel this is a critical moment for you and your country. If you commit your whole heart you may start revival in your church. We need wisdom to help each one of you. Pray for us. We are not saviours but God uses us and He uses storms.  Through storms we can move closer to God.” </I>Then Luda encouraged the students to “…<I>serve God's children. Your counsellees are not your own. They are God's children.”</I></div> <bR> <div> Artyom had to cut the sharing time short but appropriately and sincerely it was on the pleasant note that he finds the group to be particularly smiley and wonderfully helpful, hospitable servants. He said the classes, in spite of the hot summer weather in May, are joyful fellowship all day long and that he and the team are eager to return to teach more modules. (As mentioned, Krasnodar is now committed to the whole 3 years of 12 modules) Privately later our team rejoiced again at this blessing, having anticipated resistance and criticism based on our year of dealings with those in positions of authority.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B><U>Respecting Russians</U></B></I><I><B> ~</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Day one weather was sweltering heat but our team was still respectful of Russian church dress code guidelines. No short sleeves, nor open-collared shirts, open-toed sandals, earrings nor other jewellery. By week's end, following the cues of those present, we were wearing all of these and were not only accepted, but still respected. Many shared their joy at the unity of believers even though different denominations and practices were represented.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B><U><IMG SRC="a43e0a90.jpg" border=0 width="224" height="169" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="2" VSPACE="2"><IMG SRC="a4242f10.jpg" border=0 width="322" height="241" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="2"></U></B></I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" ><I><B><U>Historically Significant Scenes?</U></B></I></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Perhaps in the west females asking questions of female teachers in a church is nothing, but in Russia it's amazing! Even more amazing was when the men asked them questions. No doubt there was some testing of competence at first but eventually all were at ease.  </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B><U><IMG SRC="a4442ef0.jpg" border=0 width="322" height="239" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="2"></U></B></I></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" ><I><B><U>Tearful Team Excellence </U></B></I><I><B>~</B></I> </FONT>Well the team did not cry but Ron and I almost did. We were both extremely impressed with each and every Teaching Associate's (TA's) contribution, meaning lessons taught and questions answered. Sergei Kaplin, Tanya Sachenko, and Luda Munko were the three TAs  that accompanied Ron on this trip. (Different teams for different cities and modules). It was particularly important that the women teachers showed competence as well as clear submission to male leadership or we would likely have lost many of the students after day one and begun to develop a bad reputation in Russia. As in Ukraine, this class in Krasnodar is made up of a variety of denominations most of whom had never heard a woman teach for such is simply not permitted as readily in Russia. Some women came up to our lady TAs afterwards bursting with joy at having seen these women teach and yet in-the-same-breath expressing support of the clear male leadership. Not to boast of us but to marvel in God's work since we began the Biblical counselling training institute in Ukraine just 2.5 years ago, I was deeply moved witnessing day after day the competence, grace, and strength of the male/female teaching/translating team in action and the powerful significance to be given this opportunity in this place at this time. I am not particularly interested in counselling though fully support what Ron teaches and am honoured to minister in these former Soviet Union countries, and I am a bit of a perfectionist, so it was surprising to me that this module affected me so strongly. I felt overwhelmed with gratitude to God. That Ron and I seem often to experience marital tension or distance when doing most meaningful modules, or unique challenges suddenly beset members of the team or their families, seems to indicate a spiritual warfare both unnerving and exciting. By His Spirit, using His Word and upheld by prayer from so many of you, we press on and again hope you feel part of this pioneering work this side of the globe. Enjoy it! It's exciting! “Pioneering?” you say? “But there are many evangelical efforts are there not?” You ask. Well, yes but… nothing like what we are doing. Three years intensive Biblical Counselling teaching and training with hands-on experience throughout using a solidly Biblical curriculum taught by an ordained pastor with over 25 years counselling experience (Ron), aiming at duplicating indigenous teaching teams … is not something we have seen or heard of anywhere in these <IMG SRC="a12ffb80.jpg" border=0 width="255" height="184" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="2">former Soviet Union countries. There are courses and seminars but not a program like this. What an awesome privilege and joy that God called all of us from three different countries (with a forth from Germany tilling the soil before the rest of us discovered each other's existence and ministry gifts and goals.) Ron and I felt called at least five years before arriving from Canada (preceded by years of drawing and communication), and Mike sensed this calling probably the same amount of time or more from America (with 4 years spent founding another ministry in Ukraine as well). The Ukrainians were eager for years too, praying for the means and door of opportunity to open. Now we are hearing the same story from Russians: “We have been praying for so long…!' Again, we say TO GOD BE THE GLORY, not us. We are all merely following His leading and enjoying His blessing as best we can for as long as the doors stay open. The Christian University in Krasnodar where 4 of us slept, proceeds with the same day by day walk in faith.  (See below) </div> <bR> <div> <I><B><U>Interested University Leaders</U></B></I><I><B> ~</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Two of our Krasnodar students did the local administration enabling this module to happen. They are Leah and Anatoly. Anatoly helped build and Leah has taught at the Kuban Evangelical Christian University. They organized a meeting with the rector, public relations director, and academic dean, that all of us might get better acquainted for present harmony and possible future developments. It was a very enjoyable and mutually informative evening. The facilities and neighbourhoods under construction were all new and very beautiful; not at all like much of the rest of Russia. Ron and I, Artyom and Sergei slept in a nice modern 2 bedroom suite there the entire week.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Faith & License Lessons ~</B></I><I> </I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >These leaders walk in faith, quietly, steadily, making the most of opportunities. For ministries, expensive registration is required in both countries. (Registration for individuals is also required within 3 days of arrival in either country. We dutifully did that in Russia though my visa was not satisfactory to them so the church paid a fine and we carried on.) Unlike in Ukraine, more than registration is required for full recognition and freedom to minister. A license is required. Kuban Evangelical Christian University was started 12 years ago, yet still the government has not granted them a license. (Kuban is the river and the region in the city of Krasnodar). KECU president (rector) Dimitry Lavrov says it's about not being orthodox and Moscow (Putin government) needing to control. He mentioned the lack of license in the same quiet matter-of-fact way other Russian Christians have spoken of their work and struggles, communicating to me not resignation but a peaceful strength to carry on in faith day by day making the most of the opportunities. Sometimes I pray westerners would have the same attitude, and yet we also thank God for those who do walk in such faith and take active interest in missionary work as well. Said Jim Elliott (martyred missionary to Auca Indians) “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, in exchange for what he cannot lose” That applies personally and for kingdom work. Again … we hope you are enjoying what God is doing!</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B><U>Precious Leah & Anatoly</U></B></I><I><B> ~</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Besides instigating and helping coordinate all this (in spite of self confessed administrative weaknesses) our Russian Kyiv-class student Leah also drove us around, hosted our female Teaching Associates, has ministered in Beslan quite a few times (to survivors of Russian school massacre).</FONT></div> <div> and gave our team a wonderful “last supper” before scooting us quickly into her van and driving us to the train station. What a blessing!</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B><U><IMG SRC="a164ffb0.jpg" border=0 width="335" height="251" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="2"></U></B></I></FONT><I><B><U>Celebration Dinner Russian Style</U></B></I><I><B> ~</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > On the recommendations of locals we went to a wonderful Russian restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed the food, fellowship, and distinctly cultural furnishings. Gratitude to God filled our hearts. We shared thanks for His blessings on the team and students, the details of the module coming to be and easiness of the Russian border patrol this time, to the delights of waiters and waitresses in native costumes, and superb musicians.  Typical of Ukraine and Russia, the musicians easily expertly handled Russian folk and classics to Vivaldi and even Broadway hits. On the wall above our table hung a picture of Tzar Nicholas (nice guy in the wrong place and time. He and his family were eventually executed). In the menu was a dinnerware price list, in case we felt like doing as some Russians do: smashing a few things to confirm and complete the enjoyment of the evening. (None of us were tempted? We left it all in fine shape)</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <I><B><U><IMG SRC="a1d13ce0.jpg" border=0 width="275" height="206" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="2">The Last Supper</U></B></I><I><B> ~</B></I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >It came in the form of a surprise “Leonardo Da Vinci” presentation by students to Ron and me at the end of the last day and also a beautiful feast at Leah's for the whole team. The Da Vinci is the metal (silver/tin) art set in a simple but beautiful wood frame and done by a member of the “Ark” church where the module took place.  The same artist did smaller pictures placed in circular wood frames which were presented to each member of our team, personal thanks written on the backs. Even more smiles both ways through all of that! Inscribed in Russian on the back of ours was special thanks for Ron for his work and thanks to me for holding up Ron's arms! A group of 3 ladies grabbed an interpreter to make sure I understood their gratitude. So sweet.</FONT></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>     Linda holding church artist's Leonardo Da Vinci </B></div> <div> <B>“Last Supper” picture gift  by Leah's home, where team ate a last feast before train.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B><U><IMG SRC="a2104c30.jpg" border=0 width="260" height="195" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="15" VSPACE="2">Sweating In Our Students' Shoes</U></B></I><I><B>! (er…train)</B></I> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Well, now our team knows what it feels like many of the times that our 3 Russian students make their trip to Kiev for each module. Aaaarg! I'm sure not every train ride is over 30 degree Celsius in temperature with only some of the tiny hallway windows allowed open on the train, but every one is 25.5 to 27 hours one way. We have lost quite a few students from our inaugural class as they found the work load too heavy for this time in their lives (they are allowed to re-enrol) but our 3 Russian students have persevered and done well right through module 10. Only 2 more to go and they will be part <B>of our first ever Ukraine Family Institute graduating class! Commencement is tentatively scheduled </B></FONT></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="262" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#006600" BORDERCOLORDARK="#009900" FRAME="BELOW" RULES="COLS" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFBF0 HEIGHT= 32 ><NOBR><div> <B>One hour Russian border stop.</B></div> <div> <B>MUST stay on train ~ hot or not!</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>for </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" ><B>April 7, 2006. </B></FONT><B>What a special occasion of rejoicing   </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>..</B></FONT><B>that will be!</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" ><I><B><U>Incidental Insight into Ukrainians</U></B></I><I><B> ~</B></I></FONT> I would say just Kievites, but it seems the villagers have clothes class too. This is not a Linda presumption. It has now been spelled out to me by several Ukrainians and I have witnessed it quite a few times. So there is no air conditioning and all of the windows on one side of the train are nailed or screwed shut; the water on our car of the train cuts out for hours so you walk through a few cars to find a toilet (taking your own paper with you) or to wet your towel which seems to cool you slightly when worn loosely around your neck or over your head;  the doors stay locked at some stops so food is passed up between the cars (from under the train), payment is dropped down, change is passed up, or the exchange of food and money takes place with both combined in plastic bags tossed up to the windows from vendors standing on the platform; or the lady with the cart actually on the train refuses to stop to sell you a cold drink because you are standing in front of a tiny open hallway window in stifling heat and the hint of a breeze might make her sick; or the conductor hands you three packages of bedding with one missing a towel for which you know you will be charged because you did not spot it right away; or you find out the 20 minute stop has been reduced to 15 with no announcement and others skipped altogether; and there are packages of construction materials and other mystery items stashed in every conceivable corner of the train even under your bed and under hallway floorboards with much whispering and very organized activity going on amongst young and old, male and female, at every stop while officials are offered home cooking and vodka; … and so you notice all these things and pleasantly take them in stride if you are Ukrainian or Russian. HOWEVER, … should there be a wrinkle or smudge of dirt on your clothes when you are about to go see friends, family, or even ride the metro in public … this is cause for great anxiety! Whoah! Selective perfectionism? We arrived in our flat in Krasnodar at about 4:45 a.m. and had to get up again at 6 a.m. to face the first day of teaching. Sergei, didn't bother sleeping. He fixed himself some coffee and set to ironing his clothes. Fair enough. Reasonable I guess. Another day when Artyom saw me ironing Ron's shirts he was amazed. It's a guy thing to look after your own to make sure they are exactly right. Getting set to disembark from the train he finally decided he just could not heed our western comments but had to go change his slightly wrinkled, slightly soiled pants. Only after we got back to our Kyiv flat and Ron and I blew the black train crud from our noses did we cut Artyom a little slack on this. Maybe he was right. Luda explained the dread of many women that they would be considered poor, unclean, lacking class and good looks if not beauty. It is true that Ukrainian women are some of the most beautiful in the world (though they say they age fast) but Luda laments that many suffer inordinately trying to attain and maintain this image. Sounds like Hollywood to me, but it just seems surprising since here so many have so little materially. Much of the Ukrainian class and creativity everywhere you look we love, but like anything it can be idolatrous! Haven't we heard that somewhere before? Like in the old testament, new testament, and all of Ron's modules! Hah!</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" ><I><B><U>Canada Blip Trip and Counselling Course</U></B></I><I><B> ~</B></I>  </FONT>The bigger one is coming September / October, but it is true that we are leaving for Canada June 3rd to connect with our 3 kids and aging parents, do a few financial deeds,  and for Ron to teach <B>Biblical Counselling I: DEEP CHANGE for HURTING PEOPLE: Foundational Dynamics and</B> Process of Biblical Change/Counselling: M-F, June13-17th, 9-4.  We fly back June 18th.</div> <div> <B>Course Details</B>: Spurgeon Office : (519) 837-5486 or other attachment this email. Note lower AUDIT price!</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="a4a89270.jpg" border=0 width="393" height="295" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="2"></div> <div> <I><B><U>Orphan Update</U></B></I><B> ~</B> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >…next time! Changes in that scene but all is well.</FONT></div> <div> (Neither living here while we travel.)</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B> </B></I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Times New Roman" ><I><B>“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us , to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”</B></I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Ephesians 3:20  </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>Serving Christ … from Kyiv Ukraine: </I><I><B>Ron, Linda</B></I></div> <div> <I>from Canada: </I><I><B>Angela Marie, Dawna Laurie, </B></I><I><B>& </B></I><I><B>Noel Adam</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="a33be090.png" border=0 width="446" height="9" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Dr. Ron Harris: Founder of Wellspring of Life Biblical Counselling Service Inc.: wellspringoflife.com   Academic Dean Ukraine Family Institute:ufi_kiev@yahoo.com , <B>2004:  Ron.Harris@worldteam.org</B></div> <div> World Team Canada : 7575 Danbro Crescent, Mississauga, ON L5N 6P9,</div> <div> (905) 821-6300; (800) 610-9788, www.world-team.org <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#080000" FACE="Arial" >~</FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#080000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>International Faith Initiatives Inc. (USA) www.internationalfaith.org ~ Rev. 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