August 5-12

Hello again!

It is hard to believe we have less than a week left here in Ukraine. We are trying hard to connect with as many people and ministries as possible before we leave next Friday, and the Lord is filling our schedule, which is wonderful!

We had some amazing conversations and connections this week. On Sunday we went to Obolon Church of Christ and enjoyed the fellowship of a strong Ukrainian-led congregation, actively involved in reaching their community. There was a nice variety of ages, one of their main ministies is to the elderly population in their area. The nursery was bursting at the seams...Abbie and I had to escape by the second hour and half into the service! One of Scott's close friends while he was here in '92-'94 preached the sermon, which was a great encouragement to Scott. After church we walked around Kiev a bit before heading home to do some laundry and some grocery shopping. Have I mentioned how wonderful the fruits and vegetables are here in Ukraine? You can buy anything you want on the street- straight from the farm, all organic. And very cheap!

On Monday we enjoyed making and eating barbecue with Chris and Lena, our friends who have really made our stay in Kiev so comfortable (we are renting their apartment). Chris is a great cook and was craving some real American BBQ. He had found some Heinz sauce in the grocery store, so we got to benefit from his discovery! We have enjoyed getting to spend time with them this trip. They have much insight into life and ministry in Kyiv, and are just fun to be around.

Tuesday we had dinner at Zhenya and Marina's apartment in Obolon. (Zhenya preached on Sunday). They have a 4 year old son and a 2 year old daughter, so Abbie was in her element. The conversation was so encouraging- and confirmed so much of what we have been learning about the needs and opportunities for ministry here in Ukraine. It is neat to hear the vision of Ukrainian leaders for reaching their country for the Lord.

Wednesday we did some sightseeing and "catching up". Thursday we met up with two young missionaries who just moved here 6 months ago. Mickey Jordan is here to reach street kids for Christ and has a vision to start a transitional living center to provide housing for kids who want to get off the street. A startling number of kids, age 15-18, leave the orphanage system with no where to go, and little opportunity for a successful future, ending up in many cases on the streets. Michey has done a lot of research and is working with some centers who have already been involved in similar ministries. In his research, he has also developed a love for the many AIDS victims here in the city. Evidently, Ukraine has the 7th largest population of AIDS victims in the world. Many of the victims are mothers with children who may eventually end up on the street. Mickey has a passion for God that just shines through him- he himself has come from a similar background and has been transformed by the love of Christ into a new creature. We are excited to see how the Lord continues to use him.

Joel Brown is the other missionary we met, he is working as a Youth Pastor for a large church. He also exudes the joy of the Lord and has developed a real love and understanding of the youth culture here in Kiev. There is a huge generation gap between the old and young- the old grew up under Soviet Communism, the young suddenly have a disposable income and freedom. The two don't always see eye to eye. Fortunately, Joel has been given the freedom to be creative in reaching the young and is excited to get started. He, like Mickey, spent the last six months researching and listening (and praying!). We so enjoyed hearing what he has learned and how he plans to spend the next few years mentoring and discipling the new generation of leaders in the church. Both young men have such sparkling eyes and enthusiasm in their work, we left inspired!

Friday we spent at home, having eaten something Thursday that we shouldn't have. Friday evening Scott was able to have some time with a small group from Nivki church. The meeting was at the UEC, and there were close to twenty people present. After enjoying a meal together, the group shared what had been happening in their lives over the course of the past week (having all been together the prior week for a week-long conference), which was followed by spirited singing and prayer. It was an encouraging evening, and a handful of people were excited to stick around and talk with Scott about their vision for the church, and the needs that they have in regards to "feeling equipped" for better service. It was great to see such a close group - energetic, quick to laugh together, and full of passion and reverence in worship.

Saturday we had a whirlwind day exploring Kiev with new friends! We started with a tap dance concert in the park by Lena, went to the annual Honey Festival in the afternoon, and met up with our friend George for a late lunch, walking tour, and boat excursion in the evening. George is a medical student from Nigeria who made us aware of the great potential to minister to international students in Kiev. Evidently, they are not necessarily welcomed with open arms, and are very hungry for genuine friendship. We are praying with George that a church here will get a vision for this incredible ministry opportunity.

We will include some pictures of our latest adventures.

We miss you and will be home soon!

The Broadways