Lutsk, Ukraine

Written by Timothy & Rhoda Sloan

Ninth Summer Conference

Our conference, from 7th July to 15th July, was a time of true blessing. I rented a property and provided free accommodation, meals and transportation for one-hundred-and-ten believers and non-believers, from Ukraine, Slovakia, Canada, the UK and Ireland. Over nine days we had nine ministry meetings, three Gospel meetings, two open-airs, six children's meetings, one baptism, as well as distributing thousands of gospel tracts in six villages and towns. One sixteen-year-old girl (Nastia), whose aunt is in assembly fellowship, professed salvation. Brother Phil Coulson (Scotland) excelled in ministry, that was greatly appreciated by all. Brother James Colledge (England), took the children's meetings in the village of Ozeraw and with great ability preached the gospel faithfully. Attendance was excellent with up to eighty village children attending daily. On the last evening, eleven adults came, which was most encouraging.

Baptism

Two believers from Lutsk (Nadia and Yuri), were baptized. Nadia (sixteen-years-old), was saved in Lutsk on the 26th April, while Yuri (forty-years-old), was saved six years ago. Do pray that they will continue to honour the Lord, in the lives that they live. Nadia is a gipsy girl whose mother is in assembly fellowship. Being a gipsy is a great disadvantage when you are looked upon and treated with contempt! Yuri is an orphan and his troubled past makes life difficult. Over the years he has proven his salvation and has a desire to work amongst orphan children. He has nowhere to live but, thankfully, he found a job recently where he earns $184 per month.

Gospel Hall

Building work continues through the kindness of saints exercised before the Lord. We are much cast upon the Lord and can say, "From whence cometh my help - it cometh from the Lord." (Psalm 121:1-2.) As the Lord provides, we build. God willing, in September, we hope to be in the position to build and install a kitchen, a dining area where needy children can be fed, as well as complete the entrance to the building.

Flora Kancir

We would ask you to pray for our dear sister Flora Kancir (Kapuskasing), Canada. She is not well and we pray that the Lord will give her and her family both the spiritual and physical strength in this time of trial. The work in Lviv, Ukraine, owes everything to the exercise of this dear sister longing to reach her late husband's family. The Lord blessed her labours and many were saved and baptized and they continue to this day. She has a true missionary spirit and, even with advancing years, would never give up the opportunity of taking the gospel to sinners.

Pray

We have been called to preach and teach and we would ask for your prayers as we concentrate in the gospel in three local villages: Ozeraw, Kolkie and Cadisha, as well as the town of Lutsk. We appreciate your prayers for Rhoda, myself, our family, but, most of all, that the Lord will continue to bless in the assembly in Lutsk.

Editor's Note: (from the family)

Tonight, at 7:15, September 27, Mom (Flora Kancir) passed into the presence of the Lord. She was surrounded by family. Brother Timothy Sloan arrived in time to see her and deliver the messages from the Christians in the Ukraine. We have tremendous peace, knowing where she is. Our great loss is by far her greater gain.