A Spirit of Thanksgiving

A Spirit of Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday. I pray everyone enjoyed good food and fellowship with friends and family.

I have been struggling with depression and oppression for the last several months and I am finally overcoming it. Please forgive me for my lack or apathy of writing and keeping everyone informed of ministry work. Today, I will write of my Thanksgiving experience, then in a couple of days I will write a ministry update.

Yesterday, I awoke with only 4 hours of sleep with lots of cooking to do. My friend and her family were coming for dinner. Her husband, Michael is an American and I wanted to treat Alyona to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

My new apartment in still being remodeled and the kitchen is the last room to be completed! What a challenge for cooking a large meal. I do not have kitchen cupboards and my dishes and spices are still packed. For those of you who do not know, I have been living in this apartment for eight weeks now! It has been a time of testing for me.

Sweet potatoes, potatoes, and cranberry sauce were prepared the night before. Cornbread for the dressing and pumpkin pie had to be baked before my 9 AM exercising appointment. Using a new stove both the cornbread and pie burned! This has never happened to me before. What a way to start the day.

When I returned home, Vika was already working in the kitchen. She is hanging wall paper so we pulled out the refrigerator and cupboard from the wall, leaving about 24 inches to cook. All my spices, utensils, and dishes are still packed in another room; it was time consuming finding the cooking utensils.

I wanted to serve a nice dinner, celebrating American holidays keeps me in touch with who I am and my heritage. With this in mind, I asked the Lord to give me peace and allow me to be a blessing to my friends.

Preparing the food, I realized that the oven was not working. I made a second pie and the oven would stay lit for ten minutes and then turn off, what usually takes an hour to cook, actually took three. I am glad I did not have a whole turkey to cook, only pieces, which took about 90 minutes to cook otherwise we would not have eaten until midnight!

In this process, I decided to wash some clothes. My washer doubles as my counter space! I thought it would be practical to multitask. My potatoes were on the stove cooking and the dressing was sitting on top of the stove needing to be put in the oven. I left the room to set the table and I heard a bang! I figured it was Vika but she was okay. I was dreading to find out what happened! Sure enough – my dressing was turned upside down on the floor! What a site! My heart dropped. I was so discouraged, but I was able to salvage the majority of the dressing. Needless to say, I turned the washer off. I did not need the vibration to send anything else flying into the air!

Between running into the big room to prepare the table and atmosphere, I totally forgot to make the cranberry salad. The stove continued to turn off, and then Michael called. He was checking to see if the ‘rumor’ was true about coming for a traditional dinner. I told him of the problem and they prayed, and miraculously the oven worked. Needless to say, our turkey was cooked to perfection with the Lord’s help.

My guests arrived and Michael sensed my lack of peace and prayed for me. From that moment on we had peace and awesome fellowship. God has truly blessed me with good friends and much to be thankful for.

God bless each of you. Please pray for me, God is changing my personal ministry and I need His perfect timing in my life.

God bless each of you.
Your humble servant,
Kathy

Mixed Emotions plus Spiritual blessings

I spent the first week of September with a friend praying and fasting. I desperately needed God’s wisdom and guidance. There are major changes occurring for me personally and for the ministry. Personally flowing with the change is ok; but it is much more difficult to uproot a ministry and move it after five years. Yes, I have been in Kyiv for five years this November. Can you believe it?

One of the administrators offered me a ride to my friend’s home. I would normally take a small van for this trip, but it was pleasant to visit and listen to worship music. Several weeks prior to this trip had been very stressful and I had very little peace in my life. During the ride I prayed and thanked God for my dear friends here and the opportunity to serve Him. I asked God to bless my friends and touch their lives abundantly. Little did I know, I would be a recipient of some of these blessings. God continues to surprise me.

Most importantly, God began to fill me with peace, peace that I have not experienced for some time. I know that God is always in control, but I do not ‘feel’ that way sometimes. How about you? I love God dearly and my desire is to serve Him, no matter what. Now, I am experiencing the ‘no matter what’ phase. I am sure you can relate to this experience.

There are so many changes transpiring that my head is spinning with all the details. I have that crazy administrator gifting and I like everything in order! Sometimes this gift can be a detriment. People do not realize I have a lifetime of experience moving and they want to tell me what to do. It is just like people (or us), we always know better than the next person, right? In other words, my way is the only way. I try not to convey this attitude, but sometimes I want to scream ‘I am in charge here, listen to me.’

People react rebelliously to my gifting. They claim I do not know what I am talking about. Ohhhh . . . sometimes, I wish God would sit me in a classroom so I could listen rather than be the teacher.

God blessed me with an overwhelming peace during this quiet time with Him. I am able to think clearly about the necessities that need to be taken care of and the needs of the ministry. Please keep me in your prayers especially during the next two months. A missionary needs prayer continually, but sometimes there is a special need.

I want God’s approval and blessings for the changes that are transpiring. If I am in His will, the ministry will be blessed and grow or change, also! That is a disconcerting thought, is it not? Especially for those of us who have known it to be Dr. Vernette’s work. She did an amazing work here, and the work I am doing is based on her lifetime commitment and obedience to the Lord.
Mom, thank you for being an example of a strong Christian woman.

May God bless each of you and may His face shine upon you.

Busy, busy, and more busy

We had our first administrators meeting of the year Friday; and the last in my current residence! What a contrast! This was a difficult meeting for me. We debated the location of the office and if the college should be handed over to a specific church or union. Of course this was not received well. However, our human nature does not like change and we want to hang out in our own little groups. Am I right? For myself, I dislike change.

We covered the new or updated materials. Luda worked tirelessly on translating the new charts and graphs this last year. I am excited this project is completed. We discussed the new prices and procedures. The new degrees were introduced and the administrators were impressed. One of our administrators worked with an attorney updating the degrees.

Graduation this year will be slightly different. I am unable to attend several services because of the immediate need to find an apartment, pack, and move by the 20th of September. Yes, this came as a surprise, at least so quickly; but as always, I know the Lord will provide.

The last several weeks I planned to go out of town for fasting and praying regarding the ministry for the coming year(s). I spent the last of my money on food for the administrators meeting and the next day was my scheduled date for traveling. I had set aside $50.00 and a friend needed the money for their rent. Even though I did not have money I continued to believe I would be going. I reminded God this was His plan and would have to provide the funds. It always amazes me how God works!

Please pray for me. I need God’s wisdom and patience. I am not sure where to move the office and how to handle the college from this point on. Throughout this situation my emotions run from one extreme to another. One day I want to throw my hands up and say ‘I quit.’ The next moment, I am resolved to stay and stamp on the enemies head! I want to walk in God’s perfect will for my life and the ministry and I covet your prayers.

May God bless each of you and may His face shine upon you.
Kathy

Patience

When you think of patience or a patient person, who do you think of? I think of Abraham. How many years did he wait for his promised son? I believe he waited 25 years. What a great example, right?

Now, we need to ask ourselves; how is our patience? Do we get aggravated when we are waiting to take care of business in the drive through? How about the grocery store checkout line? What is it that aggravates you the most when you are waiting in line?

Next question: what would Jesus do while waiting in line? Have you really thought about it? Jesus said He came to (Isaiah 61 and Luke 4):
• tell everyone the good news
• Comfort those with broken hearts
• Announce freedom to those who are bound
• And set the prisoners free from their prisons

As I see it, our mission field is where we are planted. The people standing next to us in line, who are becoming irritated waiting. A kind word may help soothe that person, or allowing that person to cut in front of you. Are we Jesus’ true examples in everything we do?

This morning, I dreaded having to go to the banks (yes, plural) and take care of business. Last month it took me three hours, to pick up money at one bank and go to another to pay the bills! Can you believe it? This morning as I headed out, I asked the Lord to help me smile at the right people, to say hi, to bless those who really needed it and open a door(s) for the elderly.
God answered my prayer. I was looking for an opportunity to serve Him while completing my own business. What an honor it is to serve our God and Savior. Instead of being frustrated with the wait I was able to look for His opportunities to serve others. By the way, I only waited in line for forty minutes today! Minding God’s business first, made my waiting time seem much shorter and hopefully I was able to bless others today.

Next time you are in line, look for an ‘opportunity’.
God bless you.
Kathy

What Are You Going To Do?

What are you going to do?

As many of you know, I am using this summer to study the Word and write a few more courses for the college. This afternoon I came across the following and found it quite touching. I began thinking about my life and whether or not I impact people for the Lord. There is so much more work to do, I am not qualified, but I am willing.

I cannot take credit for the following, Chuck Missler used it in one of his teachings and he credited his friend for this information. I hope you enjoy the story.

Edward Kimball –who went to a shoe store to speak to one of his Sunday school students
Won the young man to the Lord – the name of this student was . . .

Dwight L. Moody
Dwight was preaching in the British Isles at Meyer’s church
He told of an emotionally charged story of a Sunday school teacher who witnessed to every student in his class and they were all saved

Frederick Brotherton Meyer was inspired to become an evangelist by Moody’s story of the Sunday School teacher.
He visited America several times
One time he preached in Northfield, Massachusetts
He asked ‘if you aren’t willing to give everything to God, then are you willing to be made willing’
This remark affected a confused young pastor in the audience and

J. Wilbur Chapman accepted this call in his life
He became one of them most effective evangelists of his time
A volunteer in Chapman’s ministry watched and learned how to preach from J. Wilbur Chapman, this volunteer was . . .

Billy Sunday
Sunday eventually took over Chapman’s ministry
He became one of the most effective evangelists in the 20th century
His message turned thousands to Christ
Inspired by a 1924 Sunday crusade in Charlotte NC by Sunday, a committee decided to reach their city for Christ, inviting . . .

Mordecai Ham to hold a series of evangelistic meetings
A lanky 16 year old sat in the crowd and was spell bound by the preaching of this white haired preacher
Night after night this lad attended and eventually answered the call of salvation
That teenagers name . . .

Billy Graham – we all know what Billy Graham has accomplished!

Edward Kimball – a nobody, who went to shoe store impacted the world today


Without Him we cannot - Without us, He will not

What do you think?
What are you going to do about it?

God bless you. Kathy

Collecting Stones for Rebuilding the Temple Altar

Collecting Stones for Rebuilding the Temple Altar

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Personal Thoughts

It has been a couple of weeks since I wrote on the blog. I thought I would give you a break from my intense tour of Krakow. I am in Kyiv studying, spending time with God, and enjoying my alone time.

The other day, I visited the Botanical gardens it was a very hot day. I found a couple of paths that were canopied with trees. What a refreshing spot to sit and enjoy the weather and the beautiful gardens. There were many grandmas and grandpas with their grandkids.

During my garden tour, I met two American women who attend a Ukrainian church in New Jersey. It was fun to pray with them and bless them, along with their Ukrainian host family.

I wonder, if I was in America, if I would be as bold about my Christianity as I am here. I guess maybe so, it has become a lifestyle for me.

Traveling to the garden was long and hot. I took one small bus, the Metro, (train) and an electric bus. Wow! It took 90 minutes riding around town. I enjoyed being out and about and away from my intense studying. And visiting the garden is worth the time. I found a less time consuming way home!

Personal reflection:
Krakow has changed me forever. It did not have the same impact as Israel, nonetheless I have changed. I loved Krakow, it is a beautiful city full of rich history. I highly recommend it as a must see!

Auschwitz: it is hard to imagine that a human being could inflict so much pain and agony on another. The trip is very educational, yet so oppressing. I wonder if this type of persecution will be experienced by Christians someday.

I also realized that as many times as Satan has tried to destroy God’s chosen people there is always a remnant that survives. Studying Matthew, the feasts and now doing an in-depth study of the Old Testament, I see all the different attempts to stop the Messiah from coming forth. As Christians, we know the Messiah came and fulfilled the Spring Feasts and will return to fulfill the Fall Feasts. Praise God!

I mentioned that I am making a few personal changes, this week I visited my favorite beautician and had my hair cut and styled. She cut off 8 inches! I could not believe it, don’t worry, I still have hair! It was fun to do something really different for me.

God bless each of you for your faithfulness. Kathy