Living in Ukraine during these past few years has been a once in a lifetime experience.  To witness a nation struggling for independence is something most only watch in movies.

I find myself waffling between optimism for the people, and an a feeling of futility.

The optimism lately has come from:

• 2,000 strong newly trained police force in Kiev region.  The other day I must have seen at least 30 new police cars slowly driving around Kiev with instructors guiding the new recruits.  The police have a terrible reputation of being among the sleeziest and most corrupt of all civil authorities.  However this is changing and many young people are signing up for possible new careers in this newly branded ‘noble’ position.
• 

  First private business owners meeting in our town!  It may not look like much, but it was history for Rz.

  This week I was privileged to join the first (possibly ever) private business owners meeting in our town.  Around 50 of us gathered to be read bylaws and vote on a president, secretary etc.   Simultaneously, dozens of other Ukrainian communities in our region were holding similar meetings.  It hit me about half way through the meeting that essentially nobody there had ever been part of something like this – so common in all western democracies are meetings like this (and quite boring), yet only 16 months ago this type of meeting would be swiftly shut down and names taken.  It got heated only a few times, as questions of the current governments integrity on some recent land deals were called into question – even the question, asked in such public forum was a sign of the newly birthed freedom.

• 

  Last week our friends hosted a Live Concert festival for the town. It was sponsored by Lighthouse Cafe and some other areas businesses. Here is Sveta singing some Ukrainian tunes 🙂

  

  Our beach gets crowded on the weekends. There are now 4 (identical) beer tents and even paddle boat rental 😉

  More and more Ukrainians are hitting the beach, the trails, rivers and enjoying nature.  In Western Ukraine our friends commented on how the tourism industry is taking off.  Part of this is because the Ukrainian currency has taken a massive beating and even the wealthy are playing it safe, staying home for vacations.  Sprouting up within these sectors are service industries, food/cafes, rental properties.. Ukrainians are breaking free from traditional holidays and starting to get creative.  It’s so cool to see families together, dads playing with their kids.. it feels like this whole ‘scene’ is an emerging one and it’s encouraging.

• Accountability seems to be on the rise.  It’s definitely a new concept here in Government.  There are actually billboards now in Kiev, hotlines you can call to report cases of fraud or abuse of power.  I’m not sure how effective these services are.. or if it’s just smoke and mirrors, but it’s hard to believe something like this is actually being attempted – I want to call and report the Gas company, the entire thing!  🙂

The feelings of futility arise when:

• The other night some local street vendors (from Armenia I believe) had their vehicle destroyed by fire.  I don’t know the whole story, but many believe it was either racial or financially motivated.  It’s a reminder how quickly things can turn here – and our local police have proven anything but effective in their hunt for truth/fugitives.   You see it and have very little faith the crime will be punished.
• So many unemployed.  Many, many are struggling.  The average wage for our local grocery store (think half the size of a walgreens) is $1/hr.  They work 12hr shifts, and are worked very strictly.  They burn out quickly and the owners know there are many  more waiting for their position.   I could give countless stories of folks working for next to nothing –  There are no existing measures being promoted to energize the private sector, empower creative thinkers and help start ups.   Everyone blames the war for everything, but the system for creating jobs is broken – until it is addressed, no amount of external ‘billions’ will create revenue for a functioning middle class.   The rich will stay rich, the poor will remain impoverished.   On Sunday afternoon I had a drunk lady come to the cafe, she was completely wasted.  She began to weep when I provided her some bread and cheese.   We saw her downtown about 20 minutes later sharing it with another guy who is also known to be wasted most of the time.   Unemployment and alcoholism are connected.
• The war.  The other day a fully dressed soldier came to the Cafe – he was on his way home.  There is seemingly no end to it.  When there’s a glimmer of hope, there will be a flare up and then body bags.  The nation is caught, stuck, in a longterm situation that doesn’t seem to have any expeditious routes.   Winter looms and the people know things are going to get worse before they get better – but can the current government sustain itself through the struggle – everyone is anxious for someone to blame.. if they can’t find any results in blaming their eastern neighbors, they will turn on themselves – too many are already turning on their current president, not for anything particular he has done, but for what he hasn’t been able to do, or do fast enough.

Things are changing – and some things remain the same.  Our meeting last night with business owners was encouraging on one hand, but then discouraging because toward the end the new ‘president’ laid out a plan to fix the roads in our town – his plan was for the businesses to pay for it!  He happens to be part of the city council.  I scratched my head.  Instead of empowering, helping, providing incentives for struggling small businesses, they are being looked at to do the job of the City.   Of course, the war is blamed for everything – yet the last time I checked, corruption, and terrible road conditions were a part of this nation well before this past revolution.   I have no idea how many others had the same thought.

We aren’t here to be political.  We serve a King who’s reign and rule are above all earthly governments.  We are thankful to be ‘in’ a scenario where the light of Jesus Christ has influence – it shines so obviously in times of trial, fear and uncertainty.  Yet, we grieve with the corruption of sin – the answers for man have always been to surrender and follow the true King.  His way is wonderful, His paths are everlasting.    Thankful as well for the continuing open doors of relationships with more business owners and city officials.  Pray for me, for God’s wisdom and boldness.

Two ducks in a tub.  It’s been +90 this week.

Pray for us this week as we embark on several big changes, and some faith steps that will effect our family and those connected with us.  We will be changing some of our communication mediums in the next month – emailing directly our supporters more and those that we can entrust with more private prayer requests.  If you’d like to receive email updates and are from US or Canada, send me an email!

With love from the Crowes!

Bruce

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

What a promise!  We confess, He forgives.  I like the last part too.  “All” unrighteousness.  That’s incredible news isn’t it?

Abbey came to me earlier this week completely dirty from playing with her brothers.  Her face was a disaster – tears mixed with sweat and dirt = picture.

My heart swelled with love for this amazing and playful little creature.  She loves life.  She often finds herself in over her head though, playing with her big brothers.  She came for some comfort, but I wanted to do more than just pat her curly head.

I wanted to clean her up.  She had no idea how dirty she actually looked.  I saw perfectly her smudgy state. To the sink we went!  Within minutes my sparky 3yr old was good as new.

I know this isn’t a perfect analogy, but few are.  Our Father swells with love for you and I.  If we come to Him, He will not reject us – no matter how filthy we’ve become.

If we love our filth, our refuse to acknowledge our need for soap, God won’t force it upon us.  He gives grace to the humble.  Humility is simply, “Embracing an accurate view of reality.”  We are all sinners, fallen and broken.  Stop believing that reality, humility evaporates.

You see, He’s not impressed with our ability to stay clean – particularly if that keeps us from seeing our need for Him.  His goal on the cross was to reconcile us back to God, to bring us close into meaningful relationship through Jesus our righteousness.

Do you come to Him?  Do allow the Father to pick you up, cleanse your heart and fill you with His Spirit regularly?  Too often our picture of God is inaccurate – He wants us to see him as the Father – inviting all of us to come like children.

Come to the Father today!  Bring all your sins and stay.  Stay until you feel the warmth of sins forgiven.  Go into this world filled not with shame, but assurance that your Father swells with love for you.

Excited about some things God is working in and around us.   Several changes are being made at the Cafe, and some very difficult but we sense God’s spirit at work.

I pray you are you encouraged today and believe Him to exceedingly above all you are currently asking or thinking – He is for us!

Bruce & Deb

We joined an ‘excursion’ which took us to the top of these mountains – about 7km made additionally challenging by carrying the little ones! It was well worth the pain.

Breathtaking views.  Rustic cabins.  Incredibly agile cows.  Horrific road conditions.

Our family just returned from a relaxing and memorable getaway with all but our two oldest with our new friends at www.ture.ua – I highly recommend them if you find yourself in Ukraine looking for inexpensive adventure.

While most of you will be fed images of poverty, war and the general distress that is current Ukraine, it’s important I think to see the natural beauty and general harmony that a large portion of Ukraine enjoys every day – and fights for.

This was our first venture to southwestern Ukraine into the Carpathian Mountains.  I wasn’t expecting much – we’ve seen the Rockies, been to Ireland and fairly recently stood atop some of the Alps highest peaks.  The Carpathians hold their own quite wondrously.  So much of the mountain range is undeveloped, making the experience surprisingly refreshing, organic, earthy.   You feel as though you’ve stepped thru a portal into an era where thoughts linger as far as you can see, and time is no longer your master.

Pictures will do more than I can write.  I’m still assimilating many encouraging, and challenging ‘inspirations’ I believe were from the Lord during my visit.  I need to connect with nature more often – after all, it declares His glory, and who doesn’t need to be reminded of that?

Kids had a blast.  We went rafting at least 4 times.  Even Abbey braved the chilly white water.  Deb and I once got caught on two large rocks just before a fairly large step down.  The massive flow of water easily submerged our kayak, leaving us pinned between the rocks and the pressure from the water.   It wasn’t life threatening, but it was enough to impress me – the power of nature is to be respected!

It took about 10hrs of actual driving.  80% of it was fairly normal driving conditions.  The remaining 20% however were not for the faint of heart.  We are already excited to return Lord willing in the Spring when the rapids are at their highest as are adrenaline levels.

Thankful we were able to do something so adventurous without the logistical work of leaving the country.   They even fed us 3 times per day and provided a guide – Rustik, who spoke english fairly well and enjoyed practicing it.  He was affectionately referred to as ‘boat man’ by Abbey during our stay.

We hope to visit with Rustik again as he is coming to Kiev to do his residency (physician) this fall.  He reminded me of the potential every culture has in its young men – full of vigor, hope, and such potential.  We are praying for him and his lovely girlfriend Katya who was the cook at the camp, and also studying medicine.   The people made the trip even more special – thank you if you are reading this!

We’ve now returned to Rzhyschiv and back from another English night.  We have this little crew of 5-6 kids that come every week – then a handful of visitors, plus our kids.  They are eager to learn, but mostly I think enjoy having something to do.  We mix it up, keep it fun, and have some ice cream at the end.  Deb and Sveta are teaching a lesson, and we’re getting to know more of the parents – albeit slowly.  There are some difficult situations with some of the families.

Been enjoying lately a resurgence of podcasting/teaching.  I highly recommend Tim Keller from Redeemer Church in NYC.  Most english speaking Christians have heard of him and perhaps read some of his books.  He’s a gifted teacher/apologist that tackles difficult topics in an easy and enjoyable format.  If you want something meaty and inspiring, check out the following sermons:

Losing My Religion – Why Christians should drop their religion – click here

Hell: Isn’t the God of Christianity an angry Judge? – click here 

Sin as Slavery: click here

I’ll close by asking you to join us over the next two weeks as we commit to prayer for the fall and some events/decisions to be made.  We’ve returned hungry to see God work miracles, and continue to show Himself in ways that encourage faith, and impact souls.  The God who made those mountains, formed the wildlife and shaped the skies that blanket them is wise, wondrous, creative and loving – and I would add, challenges each of us to believe Him for more – He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ask or think.

Thank you Jesus for life and this adventure you set us on.  I pray you are touched somehow by the love of God today and awakened to His reality even more!

Yesterday as the US celebrated Independence Day, 2,000 newly trained Police took oaths in Kiev.  The US, Canada and other western nations have been working with the recruits to replace existing, corrupt forces.  It is a positive sign that less arbitrary ‘shake downs’ will take place in Ukraine, and a return of civic pride hopefully within this visible public service.

We can hope that this shift toward integrity and Christian based ethic will work its way into the interior of the current government, including the utilities.  We still don’t have gas at the Cafe, and we continually work at it every week (+2yrs now).  We’ve paid over $4k in fees, documents, approvals, everything you can think of – wasted months, literally in lines, driving documents from one city to the next, fixing other people’s mistakes.   I lost track about a year ago how many trips, and steps this has taken, but it’s gone beyond insanity, and continues to to bounce around in an abyss of ineptitude.

I’ve considered backtracking and documenting as best we can remember, naming names and publishing a ‘history of activating gas in a private business’, in Ukrainian.  It would reveal, in my opinion a major roadblock for this country to crawl out of this broken economy.  It can’t do the most obvious, useful things for business without bribes still, or threats.  Most non-business owners are oblivious to these things, they see new police force, and other positive things, but there are layers of roadblocks for this stalled economic engine that is Ukraine.  Still very little motivation or incentive for folks to plainly do their job, and so many unnecessary layers of employed government workers – I would guess 60% of the current labor force does nothing but impede economic recovery.   It’s a catch 22, to cut these jobs would create widespread panic, yet continuing to employ them keep a nation locked in this post communistic spiral.

Enough geopolitical blather.  It’s been hot, and Camp 120 is now underway.  110 signed up, mostly believers from the area (and some from Kiev) are headed out to essentially ‘survivor ukraine’.   Shane and Jem oversea the camp, and put lot of work into setting up the island and coordination.  Our older two are going this year again, the rest of us will enjoy a quieter week, and heading out later this week for a little camp/getaway with the little ones to Western Ukraine.  We found a white water rapid camp, with a cottage in the Carpathian Mountains.  For years we’ve heard how beautiful western Ukraine is, but we’ve yet to venture by car, it’s a 10hr or so drive, made shorter in our minds after our US 60hr adventure!  I’m really looking forward to it.  Hopefully we don’t have cell phone coverage!

No real progress on our burglary (that we know of).  We’ve been much more diligent about locking doors and windows, as well as some other security measures.  I think others have learned from our break in, hearing stories of some added measures around town from friends and neighbors.  We need to start a Crime Stoppers Ukraine.. the problem is the local police act very slowly, and even if we caught someone, it might take months before you were able to truly do anything in the area of justice.   The other night there was some hooligans from another town at our beach, some actual gunfire, police showed up, nothing was done.  The problem goes beyond simply catching thieves, we need a revolution, a Christ centered awakening to the gospel  – the reality of God, the fear of God and the love of God.  You see in America the results when this reality fades, we need to see it continue to emerge – and I believe it is emerging as we pray and more boldly represent him in our towns, outside of our spiritual huddles, and embrace a faith of possibility.

Thankful to all of you that have prayed during this past week.  We appreciate as well our home church Crossroads that generously gave this month and lessened the blow to our losses.  God is so kind, and we are very blessed.

We just finished a family study around the table, whiteboard and all.  I don’t do enough of this, and the amount of functioning minds in our family is growing .. we have a real home group now all by ourselves.  We studied ‘what is success’, and looked at what the world defines vs God defines as success.  It boiled down to love.  What do you love?  If you love God, you fear and Him and love your fellow man.  If you love mercy, kindness, humility, you are considered living with success according to scripture.  If you think of others first, if you serve and lay down your agenda for others – you are like God in Christ, and this is winning.  We can enjoy the things of this world, we can gain material things and recognition, none of which are inherently good or evil – the heart’s motives and end game focus are what determine that.  When we love God (heart, soul, mind, strength), we are free from fear of man, bondage of materialism, condemnation.

I love my kids.  I am proud of their pursuits, but recognize a lack of spiritual pursuit and energy in all of us.  We need to be infused lovers of God, lovers of others before ourselves.  We need to do this not because it makes us look spiritual or we are being obedient, but because God is amazing, and amazes us when we think upon Christ.   Motivations matter.  May we all be motivated this week, whatever we are doing, by the immense, and very real love of God – as demonstrated on the Cross, made meaningful daily by the work of the Holy Spirit.

Pray For:

– Gas (we need pizza going by Aug 1 or have to decrease worker hours)

– Permanent Residence (documents in Kiev for Claire/Rodge/Bron, need these so we can get Russian visas).

– Collins (YWAM brother praying about joining us for longer term, pray for this and him!)

– This week trip, a lot of driving, also in mountains.. and in Ukraine 🙂

– Our pastor friend scooter stolen, their only transportation for family.

– Fall/Winter plans – our big focus right now, hopefully time to also pray more this week, join us for God’s wisdom and direction.

Bruce & Deb