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Orphanage | March
March, 2006

Dear Friends and Family!,
Happy St. Patrick’s Day :)

       Greetings from a thawing climate here in Kiev! I don’t know how long it will last...but we got a little above freezing this week...running in slush wasn’t too fun, but somehow I could actually breathe and run twice as farJ. Yes, it feels like summer to me now! I leave my windows open from time to time and air the place out (not that it’s stinky, just stale air, right J). Anyway, March is here...and that means some good things—winter’s lost its hold and we can embrace Spring with open arms.
 

       Each day I thank God for you! My prayers are constant and I am starting to hear some good reports, but I know some of you are suffering. Let’s press on...let’s keep our eyes on what’s important...Jesus Christ and run the race to win—to only WIN!

        As stated last month, I found State Orphanages that I could work with through Grace Evangelical Church. This second project was at an orphanage that has children 4 years and under. Grace Evangelical Church is working with them—and contrary to what I told you last month...we were ABLE to do a PRESENTATION of the GOSPEL! Planting seeds my friends, who knows what will grow from our kindness and seeds of faith? You know, there were about 10 workers that heard the Gospel as well. Actually, this project touched me the most emotionally—I really felt God’s presence and my heart felt deeply for these children.

        Simply throwing balloons in the air and enjoying making faces with the kids...makes me think I am lucky there are laws on adoption or I would have 25 kids living in my house right now:)! You know, children are on God’s heart...they depend on other’s kindness and guidance to survive. Thanks again for your part in providing for these kids. God notices your faithfulness and I am sure He will reward. I know sometimes it feels like God delays in your desires or rewarding your faithfulness—but don’t give up—just like the farmer who waits patiently for the harvest...so we must wait (James 5:7-8)

 
       I had to waited until I was 30-years-old before my dream of being a missionary came true. So many times I wanted to give up—and God killed some pride in me to get me ready for this, that’s for sure. This dream it’s easy either! It was those nights of tough questions, tears, and prayers...that gives me the strength many times to stay faithful to God’s vision for my life here. I just want to encourage you—what you do and pray for in Jesus is RIGHT! He loves you!

March prayers…

  • Preaching at my friend Pastor Phillip’s Church. (March 5th)
  • Youth group at Grace Evangelical Church.
  • Russian Studies and finances.
  • Elections in Ukraine—last weekend in March.
  • Friend John Dieter flying in March 20-April 5th (also I am flying back home April 7th)
  • Kaiya’s Eyes—healing. My family’s health, and my brother’s wedding—I am officiating on April 22nd, etc.

       I am still receiving gifts towards my transportation here. This summer, there should be 2-3 mission teams coming over. I won’t be able to purchase a car until summer now...so pray for more funds for this. So far, $725 has been given towards this goal. If someone wants to donate a CAR/SUV not more than 5 years old—let me know (that’s custom’s rule, not mine). Customs and shipping would cost around $3,500. Thank you very much for your care for my life and the ministry here.

THANK YOU—and GOD BLESS!

In Christ,

Rick