Wednesday afternoon during our debriefing time many people shared about experiences they were having in their classrooms and activities they are doing with their kids. It was very encouraging to hear about all that is going on. Many teachers said that their students were coming to camp energized and ready to speak English. It takes many different types of people to make a mission trip successful. The Lord uses people in different ways and that is why we are so glad that we have a diverse group of people to serve with this summer in Ukraine.
A few times we have mentioned that we have some new team members so we thought we would take a moment to explain the story. While we (John & Nichole) were eating pizza one day with Bill & Sally a few days before camp we realized we were sitting next to some Americans. They proceeded to ask us some introductory questions of where we were from and what we were doing in Ukraine. Come to find out they have been on a mission trip around the world for the last 10 months called, “The Race Around The World” (11 countries in 11 months). As we sat there talking to them we found out that their contact here in Ukraine fell through and they had nowhere to serve the upcoming week. They asked if they could come help us with the camp and we said yes! They have been such a blessing and big help! As it turns out, only the Lord knew that we would really need their help this week. You can see a picture of them in the photo gallery. They will be finishing up their 11 month journey here in Ukraine. We are so glad we have been a small part of what they have experienced. We have heard some great stories of what God is doing all over the world!
We also found out a little bit more about the school we are at this year. There has never been a consistent English teacher and therefore the students at this particular school have minimal English skills. Len & Mary Sheard had the privilege of having the schools new English teacher sit in on their class on Wednesday. They had great things to say about her!
When we hear the Lord calling us to come on a mission trip it is funny how we initially think that we will go to help others and teacher others about Jesus. However, it is not uncommon for the Lord to call us on a mission trip to change our hearts and minds. God is so gracious to us all the time! It is a very neat experience to watch a team of people come in, ready to serve and a willingness to lead others to Jesus and in the end they themselves have been transformed and go home with a new mind set and renewed spirit in the Lord.
Working with these children is a wonderful experience! We encourage you to take some time to pray about where the Lord is calling you to go! When the people you know return home ask them about their trip and all they experienced! You might just feel the little tug on your heart to go on a trip somewhere!
Again, we are so thankful for all of your prayers and support! Stay tuned for more e-mails this week!
by His grace,
John & Nichole
Ukraine Team Leaders
The "World Racers" who joined our team
Craft teachers striking a pose!
Jump rope time!
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