For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither your ways my ways, saith the Lord, Isaiah 55:8
We are both deeply thankful to the Lord for His sustaining Grace and preservation over the last few months and would like to thank all for their continued remembrance of us at the Throne of Grace.
Although the war in the East of Ukraine continues, the fatalities have decreased. However, there is still much loss of life with no solution in sight. The people of Ukraine feel discouraged and depressed with the current situation, and economically things are getting worse with rising prices and the value of local currency crashing.
We thank God daily for the many open doors and opportunities to "sow the seed" and promote the "Good News" of the Gospel. During the last few months, we continued our visits to the 8 different orphanages in the Lviv region that we work with and try to help. We have been able to build strong relationships with both staff and children over the years and look to the Lord to bless the Gospel as we "hold forth the Word of Life". We are so encouraged by the answers given by the children to the Bible Truth we endeavour to teach them. Perhaps only eternity will reveal what has been accomplished for His Glory.
We enjoyed a visit from Eric & Margy Fowler (New Foundland) during March. Our brother and sister spent most of the time working in Ivano Frankisk and came to Lviv each weekend for the breaking of bread, and our brother gave some valuable ministry on NT assembly principles and practices.
We recently made a visit to Bealie Common a village where we called with 5 different personal contacts. The purpose of these visits is to give food bags, literature, read the scriptures and share the Gospel. We were saddened to learn of the death of Victor's wife just 2 weeks before we came. We had often told her about the Saviour and hope that she trusted Christ before entering eternity. Another call in this village was with Lydda, a dear believer who lives with her son Jene who is not saved. He listened well as we read the bible together and explained to him his great need of salvation and about the great Redeemer who died to save him.
In May we had a meeting at the University with many students, lecturers and directors. God gave help as we spoke on "women at the cross" from John's Gospel, attention was excellent and afterwards we had tea with the director and some of the lecturers. Please pray that God's voice will be heard in these God-given opportunities.
Last week again we visited Ruslan's cousin Stephan & Suitlana & their two teenage children. This couple occasionally visits the meetings, however we feel it very profitable to engage in one to one conversation in their home. On this visit they provided a very nice "Ukrainian meal" and then we had the joy of opening the scriptures at Genesis 22 when young Volodia their son read some verses and I spoke a little word on Abraham and Isaac and pointed them to the Lord Jesus as the "Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world".
Unfortunately, in the middle of May, I (Edmund) had my wallet "pick pocketed", driving licence, jeep documents and bank/credit cards all stolen. This resulted in me not being able to drive in Lviv and necessitated us returning to NI to have all these papers and cards replaced. Also we were advised to exchange our Jeep. This took a month to complete before returning to Lviv to continue our service for the Master. Amongst some of the lessons learned from this incident, are the words recorded in Psalm 31:14, 15 But I trusted in thee, o Lord: I said Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand:
Please "pray for us" and the work of God in Lviv that the name of the Lord Jesus might be exalted and glorified.
Summer 2015
Written by Edmund & Agnes Johnston - Ukraine