Reflections from Mike & Karen Moody:
Another day of visits to the schools of Frankivsk. We had so much fun telling the class about American culture. Karen and I attempted Ukrainian phrases much to the delight of the class. Ukrainian with a dose of Southern. Simba and I continued to teach every class the chorus to the song “500 miles.” Simba is determined to have every child know this. I don’t know why but I want him to reach his goal. We seem to stand out as Americans because, as we walk down the halls, the children live to come up to us and say “hello.” We answer back “Dobreday!” This means hello in Ukrainian.
We had another great turnout at our VBS and adult class in Ivanno-Frankivsk. Karen’s class doubled in sized from last night to 12 kids. Scott Lockwood and Chris Mulkey had seven in the adult class and both were impressed with Valody, one of male interpreters, who finished the evening by answering questions from the crowd and using much scripture in the process. Our teen class stayed at around 12 kids but most of them were knew. I covered the story of Jonah (the kids pronounce it Yonah) and, with the help of Simba, Will Tucker and Caleb Colquitt, played a fun game with the kids where they were divided up into teams and answered questions from the story for points.
The finals question, based on an analogy that Jesus saves us like Jonah helped save the people of Nineveh, was how is one saved? This stumped the kids who first answered, “by praying” or “go and tell the priest your sins.” We then read Acts 2:38 and finally one child said, “be baptized.” We felt like that was a great breakthrough.
Tomorrow will be our final round of school visits and, in the evening, Simba will he talking to the kids about Naaman.
We feel so blessed to be a part of this great work. If anyone ever wanted a true appreciation for all the blessings we have in America, come to a country like Ukraine. The people, while stoic on the outside, will melt your heart with genuine kindness and friendship.
Reflections from Doug Schofield:
More borscht today – and I’m glad! The real stuff is delicious. This was the soup course of lunch served to us today at the school in Sniatyn, Ukraine today. After participating in two high school English classes my partner, David Fletcher and I, (along with our driver Ruslan and translator Svetlana), were treated to a delicious lunch by the regional deputy director of schools. We learned that some of the younger students are borders at the school, while their single mothers work in other cities through the week. As in the U.S., teacher pay is very low, but so low here that they have difficulty recruiting the number of teachers needed. I described for him the teaching career program developed at Shelby County High School in Alabama, as one potential long term solution to that problem.
After lunch, David and I were treated to a walking tour of the town by one of the municipal officials. He pointed out a long row of commercial buildings that were constructed when the territory was under Austrian control. This town of a little more than 10,000 was first mentioned in historical records in 1158, which means that this town is more than 860 years old!
We then visited the administration building for the medical clinics that serve 9 surrounding villages, and met with the administrative staff. They expressed deep appreciation for the medical supplies and equipment they have received through Dalraida missions, and we discussed some of their additional needs.
We also distributed some hardbound copies of the Bible while there. It was heartwarming to see their personal gratitude for the fact that people from almost the other side of the world care enough about to them to reach out with genuine Christian love.
Reflections from Ainsley Lockwood:
Today our group traveled to the lysets school for the second time. Again, we were welcomed as if we were their family and had known them for years. You could see the excitement on everyones faces as we passed through the halls. while walking by, each one would smile and say a perfect English hello wanting to impress us as I would attempt to impress them with my very weak Ukrainian hello. I felt as if I was somewhat of a celebrity when the class would end and the kids would come up and ask for a picture with me.
We ate a candle light dinner at the restaurant Churchill which was a memory worth while.
After dinner I got the privilege to travel with Gif to the teen Bible study he has been having with a very intelligent group of young woman. This might just be one of the most amazing things I’ve ever been a part of. Not only do i think that we made progress with these girls but it even helped me build an even stronger faith knowing I am spreading Gods word. It’s a feeling that is so unexplainable.
I came on this trip not really knowing what to expect, but each day goes beyond what I had ever imagined it would be like. Whether it be singing songs and talking about Futbol with the kids at the schools or even just sitting down to a hot cup of coffee studying the Bible with people, I feel a sense of belonging and am eager to participate in the future trips to this wonderful country.
Reflections by Scott Lockwood:
Already we have hit our stride and yet we have only been here a few days. Our routine has allowed us to begin looking past the initial sights and sounds. Now our observations are going deeper into their culture and society. Hopefully we can be good students of their special concerns and backgrounds so that we can better fit the power of God’s message to their needs.
In the schools, we continue to talk English with interested and exuberant students. Sometimes the effect of being so impressed with the discipline and respect that we observe is to unfairly compare our stateside schools and paint ourselves in a bad light. Obviously the comparison is not so easy. It is still astounding though to see their entire school system so determined to learn english when our own culture seems to own a disdain for anything that is tied to America’s European roots.
Our work at night in Stary Lissets is going well with fewer students and children than we had initially hoped. This is due in large part to a change in location between the schools that we attend during the day and the village that we hold our evening classes in. The real bright spot has been the adult class in Stary Lissetts. More adults are attending regularly than two years ago and Vilody has done such an amazing job of growing in knowledge and the faith that his preaching is spot on. These adults seem interested and show great concern for the future of their community. Hopefully God can touch their hearts with the power of His gospel before we leave. My prayer is that for returning evangelists from Dalraida years from now that the church will be thriving in this small village.
I have been so proud of Alex and Ainsley as well and now see how young people on this trip have been more important than I initially thought. I have thought that we were training them; when in fact, they are a vital part of this trip and have been much more affective than many of us old codgers. Giff and the girls have had great bible studies with some of the local youth that will have a long lasting effect.
Reflections by Will Tucker:
Yesterday Caleb and I were able to travel to Yaremche and visit with the school in the village. I had the opportunity to see Andrew once again and to hear of the good work he continues to do within the village. Andrew is a deputy and contractor within Yaremche who continues to give back to the community and is good friends with Kachelman The Wiser.
While meeting with the school faculty our group was able to present a laptop to the school to help assist in their teachings. Following the presentation Caleb and I were able to teach in the English class. We had a group of 20 or so students who were interested in hearing about our goals and aim for our trip. We shared with the students that we were both Christians and came to share the good news of Jesus and establish friendships.
After teaching we enjoyed a wonderful school lunch of sausage, mashed potatoes and soup. Needless to say we were quite full. We didn’t understand completely how stuffed we were until a soccer match began with the students. I quickly realized that I am not a soccer superstar as I was scored on 3 times by the students. I delayed our groups departed until I scored a goal and my self confidence was once again restored.
Tomorrow I plan to bring in reinforcements by bringing our own soccer superstars, Alex and Ainsley Lockwood. We look forward to another great day teaching and competing with the students in Yaremche.
Reflections by Justin Boyd:
It seems that every day out does the previous one. I didn’t think it could get any better, but boy was I wrong. We started our day at the same school, and I had the opportunity to visit with three classes. The first English class was so excited to talk with an American and native English speaker that they cheered when I walked in the room. It was quickly apparent that the class had prepared for my visit and asked many great questions, in almost perfect English! I then visited with a couple of the same classes as the previous day, and it was wonderful to continue to cultivate our relationship.
Later in the day, we again hosted the teens for a Bible study. Ralph did a wonderful job presenting the story of Jonah. We again served refreshments and had a wonderful fellowship with the children. Little did I know, the best part of the day was about to happen. As we were leaving, a group of adults were filing into the room. Before we made it outside, the mayor of Ugorniky called our group back into the room. She wanted us to address the adults. After making a brief presentation, I learned that the group was the town’s chorus. And, they wanted to sing for us! Oh man, was it beautiful. The song was a traditional Ukrainian tune describing the emotions of returning home from the Great War. Even though we couldn’t understand a word, we could feel the power and passion of the people singing it. It literally gave me goosebumps.
Reflections by Chris Mulkey:
My group again worked in Lysets with the children learning proper English and teaching our version of English. The children are the most respectful and considerate of any that I have ever met.
It is evident that the school systems here have very similar issues we contend with in the U.S. The teachers are buying supplies from their own funds and work very hard to present their lessons. The one big difference is the teachers here are also the construction/renovation crews in the summer. The teachers repair and paint walls, correct and/or install plumbing….
During the evening we met again at the cultural palace in Starry Lysets to share bible classes and have discussions with children, teens and adults. The attendance was awesome. We more than doubled the attendance in the children’s class and added several new teens in that class. We had a teenager of who we met at the school during the day on Monday, came to class on Monday night and was back in class last night. This young man baked a cake and brought it to the class last and we have to say it tasted wonderful.
Scott Lockwood spoke in the adult class last night and of course did a wonderful job. The adults in the class were very interested in our presentation. There were many questions concerning the church and especially the reason for so many different religions. The discussions were so interesting and sincere. I believe the work here is only going to grow.
I am so impressed with Vova and Julia. Their dedication and hard work in preparation for this event is very evident. They are such an inspiration to all of us. They are serving as our translators but are work to the goal of starting a congregation in Lysets or Starry Lysets.
If you knew the difficulties they are facing you would be so impressed as well. They have decided to buy a house and are in the process of renovating it. This is a real challenge as the village of Starry Lysets is extremely primitive. Only about half of the houses have indoor plumbing and dependable electricity.
Vova and Julia are working tirelessly to deliver the Gospel here in Lysets and Starry Lysets and need our fervent prayers and encouragement.
Reflections by Caleb Colquitt:
Yesterday we visited the town of Yaremche, which is known for it’s resorts as well as it’s skiing. Will Tucker and I met with the principle and a class of English students, which was a lot of fun. Our translator, Sonya, had to help us a bit, but we were bother impressed that most of the students understood us so well before translation. One boy told us about his trip to England. We learned rubix cubes have become a fad over here as one boy solved one in 45 seconds right in front of us. After being treated to a meal, Will and I played soccer (and were badly outclassed) by the kids at the school.
Afterward, we went to another town and assisted Mike Moody in teaching about Jonah. Will and I acted as score keepers in a Bible Trivia game about the lesson. The students were very eager and one even brought a cake for the students to share. I am reminded of the parable of the seeds. I do not know if the plants will bear fruit, but it’s evident we have spread the seeds of the gospel. I pray they will grow, and I have good reason to believe they will.
You must be logged in to post a comment.