I’m writing from Texas, the last day here before I board 1 of 5 flights back to Ukraine.  Deb is wrapping up time with her sister and parents in Colorado.  She’ll meet me en route back to our kids in Ukraine.

We’ve spent the last week in the US.  It’s been a whirlwind trip but we’re extremely thankful for everyone that made the trip possible, both here and in Ukraine.  We’re reminded just how precious the gift of life is, our family, friends, we are rich indeed.

While here, we found out that our Criminal Record check for Ukrainian Residence was rejected by the authorities, and we had to get new fingerprints in the US.  This was a big blessing from God because we were already here and able to do this in time for our return tomorrow (Tuesday).

Please pray with us for the following:

– Heather (Deb’s Sister) and her 3 beautiful children as they work through the pain of losing Jon.
– The Burke family (Crossroads friends) for their loss of their baby girl and father in law from a tragic car accident.
– The Footes, fellow missionary friends in neighboring town that are working through some tragic news.
– Vlad – we continue to remember our brother unjustly sentenced in prison, his wife Vika and young toddler son Matthew.

In light of these prayers above, it seems unimportant to highlight some other prayer requests but they are still things that we feel helpless against, and need God for:

– My permanent residence to complete before August 1 and Deb’s to be submitted before November 1 to avoid more travel and many other complications.

– Cafe finances to complete.  We need about $4k to get tables/chairs, and a number of documents to be approved that are out of our hands right now.  Work on the cafe is currently on hold until God provides more funds.

Thank you for checking in,

Bruce & Deb

This week we lost a precious life in our extended family.  Jon Holtzinger, husband of Heather (Deb’s only sister) passed away.  He had suffered a sudden brain aneurism from which he was unable to recover.  Jon was a man of integrity, kind, thoughtful, funny, wonderful father of 3 delightful children and husband.  He was 39. This is the first tragedy that has hit so close to home for our families.  It is sobering, awakening, and we hurt for Jon’s parents who were very close (lived next door), his siblings, and obviously Heather and the kids.

We ask those of you that pray for us, to pray for the family.  We also ask for wisdom as we attempt to arrange for Deb to ‘be there’ for Heather in whatever way we can.   They live in Denver, close to where Deb’s parents moved earlier this year.

Bruce & Deb

Believers from RZ gathering for the first service in the Baptist Church building.

This morning we joined our baptist friends as they hosted their first service in their new building.  Over the past several years they have owned a piece of property on our main street with the hopes of worshiping in the center of town.  Bit by bit, they raised funds, made international contacts, hosted construction teams, and even traveled around Ukraine with a singing group (raised $20k which is the equivalent of $100k in the US).

It was an honor to both attend as a church, and also speak for a few minutes to the many familiar faces.  They are literally a stones throw away from the Cafe, across the street and a block down, and our partnership is critical to making a lasting impact in this community for Christ.

Gathering at the beginning to pray for the service with other leaders

I took some video as well which I’ll edit and post soon.  It’s always refreshing to worship with the traditional Ukrainian / Russian style – helps us remember where we are!

Kids from our church sit patiently - Susidko boys left, Clark in the middle.

I’m now about to try and finalize tickets for a US trip this month to visit my business.  Been really wrestling about leaving, just feeling settled and getting into good rhythm and seems diving into the US time zone/culture really throws me.  God give us wisdom!

Bruce & Deborah

After 35 weeks, our weekly bible study has come to a close.  It was a lot more challenging that I anticipated, but immensely rewarding.  God’s Word makes so much sense when you keep it in context, refuse to settle for trite answers, and read a lot of commentaries!

Gospel of John Study Notes

I’m attaching my study notes which I compiled over the course of the past 8 months.  They’re a result of personal study, greek & hebrew word studies, compilations from commentators and theologians such as Calvin, Clarke, Wesley, Barnes.  After a verse by verse format like this, I’m convinced anyone can study the Bible – it just takes discipline.  I am not a disciplined guy by nature, so no excused out there, get to work!

We’re going to take a break for a few weeks and praying now about the next study.  The group was amazing, consistently attending and we ended up with pretty much the same core we started with, minus our dear friend and brother Vlad.   Couldn’t have done it without some wonderful friends and translators – thanks to Sergei Susidko especially!

Besides starting another book, pray with us about the possibility of starting some evangelistic Bible Studies in surrounding villages.  This is on my heart, and I’m seriously asking for God to open some doors and confirm this direction.  Several of us in the church are sensing a time of transition, God is orchestrating some change and we’re looking forward to how things will progress this summer and fall.

Bruce & Deborah