Everyone out there used to writing 2010 yet?  I remember when 2001 seemed like we were living in the future, where are the flying cars?  In my town the main mode of transportation (besides walking), are sleds right now.  I have to be careful driving around that my truck doesn’t slide into anyone.  The roads are very slick, several are 100% ice with the occassional shovel pile of sand spread around for good measure.

We have started our prayer advance.  I’m sort of used to the name, but for those that aren’t, think ‘retreat’, and then do the opposite, advance!  We are moving forward in prayer between now and the end of the month as a church.  Personally, collectively, we want to elevate prayer and communion with God in all things.  Our theme is “in everything by prayer”.   We are praying for God to give us collective vision, unity, favor, souls… more of Him in our times corporately, in the Word.  We want more fruit in our lives, from our lives.  I’m praying personally that this would be a year of greater victory over sin & compromise, greater compassion to the lost around me, greater service in His Kingdom.

One of the main things our church is going to focus in and pray for, which I’m terribly excited and relieved about, is prayer for land downtown.  I’m including a video of some land which is directly next to the bus station.  It is currently owned by an old grandmother who is willing (we think) to sell, but unsure of the price.  She has been ‘playing the market’ a bit, and thinks she can get $40k for it.  This is a bit high for us, actually, about $20k more than I’d like to spend to be honest.  It’s very hard to look at the context of a piece of land in RZ, where there’s very little infrastructure, utilities, people with money or jobs.. and then consider anything to be a ‘good deal’ over $5k.. however we have very limited options if we want to be downtown, and this is right on the street.  It’s just across the street from the previous piece we were praying and investigating (which ended up getting sold for $80k total we were told!!).

So, here’s my request, please pray that God would give us this land.  I haven’t met anyone that didn’t feel it was ‘time’ for us, we have both the need and desire to minister in a greater way downtown.  We have people excited to help manage and run a cafe, computer area, and recently UTSIM (jono’s english school) was kicked out of the school they were in and now looking for another place.  This facility could be a blessing to the community, to the church, and we believe for the Kingdom.  Step one though, we still need land!!  Pray as I plan to speak with the owner later this week, we’ve already offered $20k, no go, but I’m feeling good about meeting and sharing with her our heart and desire for this ministry center idea… the main thing is to secure the fact that she WILL indeed sell it, and to us.. no matter the price.. welcome to Ukraine!  God’s favor be with us and hear our prayer!

Broderic just came to me and commented how everyone around him is growing up faster than him, his friends voices are changing.  If only he knew how quickly he was growing.  

I wanted to update everyone on our electricity, it’s on.. and we have experienced mostly uninterupted power/heat in the house.  Thankful and cozy.  Temps have risen back to the freezing level, but the streets and highways remain quite dangerous (and adventurous).

Deb’s parents (Neil and Noline Rhodes) were able to share with their church this Sunday the news.  Which allows me to finally tell everyone openly as well.. they are moving here in March of this year!  It has been 6 months of praying and planning, on this side a lot of building has been taking place.  In fact two houses I’ve been overseeing, and a team of construction workers.  In order to secure the house they wanted, which wasn’t officially for sale (but very unfinished), we had to complete a smaller house for the owners, then we agreed to trade for the house.  Make sense?  Don’t worry, it barely makes sense here as well, some handshakes and good faith.. we’re almost there.  The first house should be completed in the next 2 weeks, tiling/kitchen and painting remain.  Then, the crew will get to work on her parents house, which won’t be ready for their arrival, but hopefully they can move in early spring.   Everyone is excited to have family here with us, they will be a tremendous blessing to our family, and the believers here.. the start of a seniors ministry!  😉

Start of my first full week of the year.  Last week had my parents here for a visit, was wonderful to relax and enjoy them.  Although my mom lost her passport… which we had to report to police, replace super fast… then we found the original last minute.. at least now I know how to do this.. I think.

Jan 15-31 our church is having prayer emphasis 2 weeks.  Pray with us, for us.  We are expecting a time of increased focus, prayer for the lost, and for God to use us more this coming year as His people in this town and region. 

Here’s a picture of the group that helped serve the handicapped children in our town with a special Christmas party.   Led by Cheryl and Sveta, we were able to get to know the families and children more, and continue to share truth about Jesus Christ and His love for them.

Children to tuck in, goodnight!

***sorry, unable to upload pics, will try later.  you can imagine one of the kids in the snow, the special kids outreach party, and a christmas photo. 

Bruce & Deb

Over 1000 towns in Ukraine have been without electricity since yesterday’s snow storm:  click to read, including Rzschyschiv.

Our town lost electricity last night around midnight.  We have been on generator power (thankful we have one!) for about 12hrs and staying warm on our main floor.  We were blessed with 2-3 ft of snow over the past 24hrs, it’s deep and gorgeous to behold (from behind a warm window).  If you wouldn’t mind praying for the electricity to return with us, we hear it’s regional and several towns are without it. 

My parents arrive tomorrow night, we are supposed to get another 40-50cm of snow.  The roads to Kiev are not good, so it could be an interesting next 48hrs. 

We are at the mercy of little knowledge or understanding of how things actually work or get fixed here.  Nobody really knows, they just quietly wait and keep their small little houses as warm as possible.  I seriously need a wood stove, a forest stands next to me.  We will become the Walton’s yet:).  Deb is forcing the boys to use the outhouse as our toilets won’t flush, they have to trek through snow to their waist, so they really have to be sure!

Funny how we can’t get water or heat, but my internet modem works just fine.  We’ve got our essentials!  SOS.

Bruce & Deb

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Crowes.

We’re thankful to our God this year for:

– our health; no hospital visits required for the 8 of us!
– our home; besides our own use, it’s continually used for ministry.
– our new friends; growing closer in christian ‘community.’.
– our old friends; for the emotional and spiritual support. 
– our kids; a challenge, give perspective, teaching us, blessing indeed.
– our marriage; undoubtedly the most difficult in 15, refining!
– our ministry; natural, rewarding, a privilege.
– our home church; thank you CCC for your commitment to our family.
– our business; the team at Cypress Interactive for dedication.
– our town; leadership that seems to elevate ethics over personal gain.
– our God; for making an event over 2000 yrs ago a present day reality.

May our year together in 2010 be one of joy in Christ and productivity in His Kingdom wherever we live, move and have our being!

Sincerely,

Bruce & Deb