Go Canada!

Ben and Ang are forcing me to write a blog about my first impressions of Ukraine and YWAM and YWAM in Ukraine, which is a dangerous thing to do when I am so jet lagged… Luckily, my impressions so far have been good ones. I will elaborate with a three point sermon:

First of all, the people here (on the YWAM base) are very friendly and welcoming, which has been beneficial considering I have to share a bathroom with 8 of them. The leaders on the base seem to really know what they are doing and they have a clear and vibrant vision for their ministries (yes, this includes Ang and Ben). I would go into detail, but that’s their job. They are doing a good work, but are overstretched which is probably the norm when doing ministry. They all seem to wear many different hats, and in my short time here they have been an inspiration considering that they do all the things they have to do without complaining or arguing…as far as I’ve noticed anyway.

Secondly, I have had the opportunity to see a little bit of the city so far and have been told about it’s history. It is amazing, beautiful and complex all rolled in one (much like whoever is reading this, I’m sure). There is lots to see, lots of people and lots of things I do not understand. (By the way, if you are thinking of coming here, which you should, learn from my ignorance and consider learning a bit of Russian before you come, it would be beneficial.)

Thirdly, I have been astounded by seeing what Ben and Ang can accomplish with three kids along for the ride. I will blow their horn for a while, so hopefully they won’t delete this part. They are a testament to patience and grace. I’ll tell you why. First they have put up with me for the past three days, and they have two months to go. I have not seen a grimace or eye roll from them yet, not even a sigh of exasperation. Kudos to them for that. In addition, every experience I have had here, whether it was actually flying here from Canada or even trekking through this massive city, I have imagined doing with three kids with me, and each time I’ve imagined these scenarios I found myself racked with imaginary anxiety. Seriously people, my sanity would be hanging by a thread if I was them. I don’t know how they do it (probably because of Jesus), and because they go through life with such amazing attitudes I find myself inspired. And because they still are completely sane, thriving, faith filled human beings I have a new found belief in miracles.

In conclusion, this city is great, YWAMers are great, Ben and Ang and their kids are great, God is greater because He has made all these things and gives them all strength to carry on. If you support Ben and Ang and their ministry in any way, which you probably do if you are reading this blog, then I have a deep respect and appreciation for you and, after being here, know that it is a great thing you are doing to support them. Thanks for your attention.

2014/11/22

An Update from Paraguay

Here is an update from one of the teams that we sent out to Paraguay.

Imagine you come to a place as a stranger and after a week you leave friends behind. That happened to us in Indepedencia.

The contact with the German family happened so randomly. We went into a shop in the Mennonite colony to buy a mirror. We shared with the Lady who runs it, what we are doing and why we are in Paraguay. She said that she has a friend, who started a small church not too long ago and might be interested in our program. Later we bring her our information letter and she takes it along to her friends house during her next visit, which is about 3 hrs drive away. The response to our information came almost immediately and some dates were arranged.

When we got there we were welcomed very warmly. They had a little guesthouse ready for us, where we could stay as a team. Our host family is the third generation of former immigrants from Germany, but they are no Mennonites. They own a ceramic factory. Every Monday they start the week with devotion in the factory. The church evolved out of this, because more and more workers decided to follow Jesus and needed a place, where they could bring their family. So the German family renovated an empty house next to the factory and turned it into a church.

We taught the Bible Panorama from Tuesday till Friday. Every day we had rain until late afternoon. The roads here get very muddy and dangerous to drive. Nevertheless we had 20-30 people every evening, who came anyways. One girl wasn’t even a Christian. She is dating someone who was raised Christian and turned away from Jesus. Now she is asking a lot of questions and he has to explain the biblical truth to her. God has interesting ways with people… This girl said, that she first didn’t want to come for the evening program, because she felt shy, but when Edith, who knew about her through someone else sent her a text message inviting her personally, she changed her mind. Well, she came the next day as well and the next day and the next day…

Saying goodbye at the end of this week, wasn’t easy. We were one in the same spirit and had some great fellowship with this Paraguayan-german family.

2014/11/15

Whats Hiding?

Can you guess what is hiding behind the big blue tarp? More to come soon. :)

2014/11/11

Communication

Going Fishing

by Charles R. Swindoll

Billy Wilder, the great movie producer, openly admitted: “I have a vast and terrible desire never to bore an audience.” With tacit agreement Jack Parr once declared: “The greatest sin is to be dull.”

Those two statements ought to haunt anyone who regularly practices the fine art of communication.

Communication is a competitive field. Like it or not, the teacher, writer, speaker, or preacher contends with ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, Rush Limbaugh, magazines, paperbacks, CDs, the theater, the cinema, the thrilling excitement of sporting events, and a zillion other attractions. Pity the missionary whose letter arrives in the same mail with Sports Illustrated or Newsweek. God help the Sunday evening services across America that do battle with60 Minutes and Masterpiece Theater.

Today’s communicator faces a stiffer challenge than ever before. This means that we who communicate Christ must work especially hard at winning and then maintaining a hearing. This doesn’t mean we need to put on a better show or shout louder or attack our competition. What it does mean is that we must meet at least three demands.

We must be prepared. Basically, it necessitates doing our homework. But it also means we must determine what ought to remain behind the counter, held in reserve, and what ought to be placed on display. It’s the art of verbal economy.

We must be interesting. We must paint verbal pictures for the uninitiated, preoccupied mind to see. To do this we need energy, subtlety, relevance, and changes of pace.

We must be practical. Communicating the Scriptures is more than dumping out a truckload of biblical facts; it means using those facts to meet practical, everyday needs.

Communicating is like fishing. We need to provide the right lures and bait to attract our listeners.

Check out Paul’s address on Mars Hill (Acts 17) or Stephen’s defense before the Council (Acts 7) or Jesus’ great sermon on the mountain (Matt. 5–7) or His conversation with Nicodemus (John 3). Not a rusty hook in the bunch!

Funny thing about fish: They keep their eyes open even when they’re bored and sound asleep. Myopic communicators tend to forget that.

– See more at: http://www.insight.org

2014/11/10

We find what we look for!

We will find in the Bible only as much as we are looking for:
Great things and divine things
if we look for great and divine things,
important and historical things
if we look for important and historical things,
nothing at all
if we do not look for anything at all.
-Karl Barth, Theologian

2014/11/09

Why?

It is a good question!

We encourage our kids to ask it lots, but do we? Why do we do the things we do? Live in the place we do? Work the job that we do?

Today in our staff connection time we asked our staff the question: Why?

Why do you do your ministry?
Why in Ukraine?
Why with YWAM Kyiv?

For me, I’ve thought about this lots, as have most of our staff, because so many people ask us, “Why are you working in Ukraine? Isn’t it dangerous?”

I am a bible teacher because I believe that God left us this beautiful collection of writings that span over 4000 years to teach us about Him, His purpose for the world and His Kingdom that will one day be fully established on Earth. It is a powerful book that cuts to the heart.

I am in Ukraine because I feel that this is the place that God wants me to be. It is a country that needs the truth, love and freedom of Christ. (www.ywamkyiv.org)

I’m with YWAM because it is an organization that focuses on adventure, young people, hearing God’s voice, community and faith in God to do the impossible (www.ywam.org/)

It is good to remember these things, because in the tough moments, the challenges of life, the way I answer the question ‘why?’ is what helps me to persevere.

2014/11/02

Thoughts from Greece

On of our outreach teams went to work in Greece. Here is a small update from them:

We are now already for a week in Greece, Athens, and started teaching the Bible overview to Afghan Refugees. They are amazing. These people are so hungry to hear more about God. Some of them come from their villages that are 3 hours away from us, just to be able to learn more about how amazing God is. We are all very impressed by them.

In a land that has experienced Christianity from day 1, there still remains so much blindness to the truth. Pray with us that the Lord would open the eyes of the blind and set the captives free!

2014/10/13

Foundation Finished

The foundation concrete is all poured and drying. There is plumbing running through it that will soon hook up to the septic field. Imagine two floors above this of windows and walls and you have the soon to be ready home for the Doerksen’s. We are really looking forward to this after already a month living in an apartment in the city.
Thank you to those who have partnered with us, this project is especially exciting for us but everyone here is watching it come together as they also dream about the future of ywam ministry here!

2014/10/09

A little Ukrainian Culture

With our recent return to Ukraine it seems highly appropriate to remind ourselves of what it means to adapt to the local culture, the do’s and do not’s if you will.

So here are a few Don’ts

Don’t smile at strangers. Historically, people tend to be suspicious and nothing says “i want something from you” like a great big smile. Actually, though many people have been taught to be wary of strangers, deep down Ukrainians love people and are ready to help out. We see this in a million different ways every day!

Don’t visit people empty-handed. It really doesn’t seem to matter what it is, its the thought that counts. But if you are bringing flowers for the lady, never buy an even number – even number bouquets are reserved for the funerals.

Don’t expect to be done with a meal quickly. If you are invited for dinner, expect to be around for a while. But don’t worry, the food will be great! Expect lots of sour cream, mayonnaise, potatoes and eggs.

Don’t put your feet on the coffee table. Is this really ever ok unless you’re with the most comfortable of friends?

And a few Dos

Do get dressed up, even if you are not planning anything special. Differences between Canada and Ukraine are vast in the fashion world. To keep it short, save the sweat pants for walking around the house and going to the gym. Jeans with a nice casual top are pretty safe except for those important meetings.

Do expect to pay more for some things. Once you start talking English, any unwritten prices tend to be a bit more. So make sure you have some info ahead of time or invite a friend along to keep things straight.

Do Hope! Though there have been many challenges for this new country and its people, there is much to hope for. As a people they are recovering from years of authoritarian government, this takes time and perseverance. Ukraine will do better than just survive – we know that Ukrainians can thrive!

Do shake everyone’s hand. Well not everyone. As a man, you’ll feel very awkward shaking a woman’s hand here. But don’t skip anyone when its time to say hi, even if it means interrupting a lively discussion.

Of course, this isn’t a complete list, but it’s a start. Do you know any Ukrainian cultural tips that could help us?

2014/10/09

YWAM Kyiv: Key of Hope

Thought I’d share a short video presentation from one of our ministries to graduating orphans. Key of Hope offers life-skills training to orphans through seminars and camps. Orphans come because of relationships built through regular encounters at a coffee house that Key of Hope staff put on every week.

2014/10/062025/12/21

Just Like Grandpa

I’m growing up! Kai is using short sentences and some fun phrases like “Me too!” and “It’s Awesome!” Since his sister has started attending school he and Jay have grown closer, playing together a lot. His favourite show is definitely Little Einstein’s. There is still quite a nice mess when he eats his oatmeal in the morning but every once in a while we escape with a clean shirt.

2014/10/052025/12/19

Grade 1 Begins

She is doing great and loving First Grade. She has Reading, Math, Bible, Computer, Library time, Gym. This weekend she went to a birthday party and has formed a friend group with three other little girls. YAY!

2014/09/19

We made it!

It is great to be back in Kyiv! Our friends welcomed us at the airport and today we made it to the property where DTS and Titus programs are in full swing.

You may notice the boat behind us in the picture. One year ago a team came from Kilcona that renovated the exterior of the boat. This summer, two of our staff worked to finish up the top – thanks Kolia and Dima!

2014/09/13

What’s Coming Up

Supporters- Mission Overview and Schedule 2014-2019

Of course, you can never really know what the future holds, most of us have seen that in our lives. We have too but that doesn’t mean we don’t make plans. It means we make plans and then submit them to God – whatever his will is, that is what we want!

Click on the file above to take a look at an overview of our work and our tentative plans for the next few years.

2014/07/19

Phileo Xenos – Loving the Stranger

Hospitality comes from two greek words:
Philao – φιλό is one of several words for “love” in Greek. Being a more precise language than English, classical Greek has a few different ways to express the word “love.” In this case, the word that is used means “brotherly love” or “to love like a brother”.
Xenos – ξενος which makes up the second half of the word we render “hospitality” actually means “stranger” or “immigrant,” and is where we get the word xenophobia which is the fear of strangers/immigrants.

Most people have never really experienced hospitality, as opposed to being entertained. When you’re invited to your friends house for the game, go out for dinner together and your friend pays then you’re being entertained. Few of us have ever been in a strange place without our credit card or a hotel reservation with a restaurant.

But some of you have. You went on a short-term missions trip. You probably went to build a house or do some skits. The people were poor, much poorer than you. But after your program you were invited to one of the homes of the congregation. It wasn’t lavish, even if they were the wealthiest family in the church. They brought out some soft drinks and ice. Maybe a plate of fresh fruit. And you sat around making smiles and gestures to try and communicate with them while waiting for lunch. Someone brought a fan to cool you down a little. Lunch was a specially cooked chicken and lots of rice or corn. You ate first and your hosts only had a little at the end. Compared to back home, it really didn’t seem like much. But you knew, this was the best meal anyone in the whole village had made in months. And they made it for you.

That is hospitality. You, a stranger, are welcomed into someone’s home, welcomed to the best they have because you come in the name of the Lord Jesus. Maybe you’ve never experienced something like that. But if you have, you might know what its like to accept a costly gift from someone who doesn’t have anything to give. Even though its nothing to you, you treasure it because it cost so much to the one who gave it.

We might not be strangers to most people who invite us over for dinner or dessert or out for coffee. But our time at home has been an experience in receiving hospitality. One family makes a special meal for us, another prepares a fancy dessert, a stroller for our youngest, another takes our eldest to get a pedicure, another prays for us daily. Maybe sometimes you don’t hear thank you from us because we forget or we’re busy or whatever. I hope you know that we thank God for you. Every person that shares with us shows us the love of God, shows us that they care about us but also that God cares about us because he hears the prayers that you don’t. Thank you!

But lest you think your gift ends with us, don’t. When we live in Kyiv and invite someone over, they enjoy your hospitality, they share in your gift. They see that Jesus cares for them too. Usually we say thank you for sending us.

Today we say thank you for giving us your hospitality and for using the things you have to love us! Thank you for loving us like brothers!

2014/07/19

Housing Pledge

For more information click here.

2014/07/162025/12/21

Playin’ Around

I’m gaining words every week, Mom and Dad! I can say play, eyebrow, and all sorts of random words. I’ve pretty much got all my colours down and can even (sort of) count up to 10 (when I feel like it). One of my favourite things this summer has been spending so much time playing with my cousins and I’ve learned to say all of their names!

2014/07/15

Sacrilege by G Campbell Morgan

“Sacrilege is defined as taking something that belongs to God and using it profanely. But the worst kind of sacrilege is taking something and giving it to God when it means absolutely nothing to you.” G. Campbell Morgan

2014/07/14

Ukraine

Ukraine is on our minds again. My kids and I were building blocks with Jenga Tetris tiles and we put together a little Ukrainian flag.

If you have a moment today, pray for Ukraine, Nigeria, and Israel. We forget that people all over the world are stuck in the middle of wars that many of them have no wish for. Most people just want to live in a safe place, without oppression or significant injustice, jobs to make a living and opportunities to enjoy their lives and give a good future to their children. Some have resorted to war in hopes of gaining those things, but most are stuck in the middle of a war that they have no desire for. If you have those things, thank God for them and remember that you probably did nothing to deserve them. You are living in privilege.

As for Ukraine. Pray with me that God would bring peace, would stop all those surrounding nations that are trying to use Ukraine for their own benefit. That God would hear the cries of the average person and stop the oppressors. Ukraine, put your hope in the living God. Cry out to him, he hears you!

2014/07/11

The Sacrament of Living

“Paul’s exhortation to ‘do all to the glory of God’ is more than pious idealism. It is an integral part of the sacred revelation and is to be accepted as the very Word of Truth. It opens before us the possibility of making every act of our lives contribute to the glory of God. Lest we should be too timid to include everything, Paul mentions specifically eating and drinking. This humble privilege we share with the beasts that perish. If these lowly animal acts can be so performed as to honour God, then it becomes difficult to conceive of one that cannot.” (p120)

“Bodily acts done in sin and contrary to nature can never honour God. Let us, however, assume that perversion and abuse are not present. Let us think of a Christian believer in whose life the twin wonders of repentance and the new birth have been wrought. Of such a one it may be said that every act of his life is or can be as truly sacred as prayer or baptism or the Lord’s Supper. To say this is not to bring all acts down to one dead level; it is rather to lift every act up into a living kingdom and turn the whole life into a sacrament.” (p121)

-AW Tozer
The Pursuit of God