Today we had OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) election observers in our town.  This is the international organization that was called in immediately following the MH-17 disaster and has been actively involved during the war to the south.

I saw this ‘new’ car in town and recognized it didn’t belong 🙂  I then noticed the OSCE sign in their window and took them a Coffee.  They came inside and visited our Cafe for lunch. We were able to enjoy some conversation – the coolest part?  One of the ladies was from Ottawa, Canada, and had visited the small town where I grew up.  Small world!   They were interested in our perspective on things as the elections heat up – as well as our gas situation – we had lots to share:).  I would find their job fascinating, although it also sounds exhausting.

Last night we hosted a ‘free pizza party’ for all 1st and 2nd year college students in town.  Keep in mind the average age of these ‘college students’ is 15-16yrs old – it still blows my mind that under the communist system they found it wise to ship off kids into dorms, away from their families at this age.

You can see more photos from the evening at https://www.facebook.com/lighthouseukraine

Also we have a short video for you!

We had over 130 students come and eat during a 1hr period.   Most stayed for 2hrs, and many (about 50) joined us upstairs to learn about a new student club we are starting next week.   For the next few months we’ll be hosting weekly, focused gatherings among students to learn how to live for God.

It will be called Club 180, ‘a generation living for God’ – the 180 represents the radical degree change of purpose that Christ brings.  Against the backdrop of corruption, selfishness and greed, a Christ-centered life is swimming upstream for all those that believe – especially where the reality of a living God is re-emerging.

My heart burns to share the reality of the love and grace of God.  For too many here (young and old), Christianity is heavy, it’s religion, do’s and don’ts, try harder.  This generation in particular has a tremendous opportunity as the cultural, economic and political powers shift beneath their very feet.  I believe God is already opening hearts to believe on Him, and will empower many in the coming days to experience the reality of God’s love, weaving it into their new paradigm.

We’re praying for a core of young people to build around, to pour into and help them ‘see’ the greatness of God.    We’re also daily praying and trusting God, if it’s His will for Lighthouse Ukraine to continue to develop ongoing evangelism and discipleship, that He send us the laborers.  It’s kind of neat to test Him in this.. I sense He wants us to keep moving forward, to structure and plan for the next 3-5yrs with some things, but I don’t see the team around us to accomplish those things yet.

God seems to lead us into vulnerable places, asking us to trust and obey before we totally understand. He’s really into the expressed faith of His people.  The moment we sit back and stop stepping out, I think God starts looking elsewhere.  He’s a dynamic, moving, seeking and loving God.

The nature of student ministry is it’s brevity.  A few years, then they’re gone – into their world, shaped by ideas and worldviews.  Our town has 1000’s flowing in and out.  Most will never have any significant connection with the good news.  We aim to, by the direction and power of the Holy Spirit to join what God is already doing here, influencing and changing the spiritual climate among the student population.

We’ve also started a Jr. English club that meets each week after school and has about 10 regulars.  It’s a neat little group that Sveta is leading.  Additionally a Jr Youth Club, led by some friends will begin to meet in October.   It’s cool to see the 2nd floor being used  –

Speaking of the 2nd floor, our new windows should be here next week, they will greatly help keep our heat IN.

We also have new heating system coming next week Lord willing..  I’m excited about that, but I’m not excited about the increased bills that will follow.. but we have to move forward and trust Him.

Thanks for checking in, please continue to remember us and the work of God in this part of the world – pray and believe with us.

Bruce & Deb

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting up with Denys, a staff writer for The Kyiv Post.  They were interested in writing an article on our “gas saga”.  The paper has been a leading source, particularly to the International community on the countries battle for independence and covers everything related Ukraine’s political and economic woes (Western leaning views).

Reading this particular paper/website is part of my morning routine.  It was surreal to see Deb and I on the home page.  A few years ago it would be unwise to confront or finger point towards the inept bureaucracy or confirm the widely accepted corruption.  In some ways it still is.  However the atmosphere is slowly changing.  Folks are standing up, and I felt the time was right.

Our story is one of thousands.  Our hope is that transparency, and with that accountability will grow particularly in the area of small business and economic development.  We have many friends in Ukraine who are extremely talented, they have dreams and ambitions that should be harnessed and aided.   Without healthy change, those friends won’t ever take the needed risks to start a business, nobody wins.

I believe the Kindgom of God is something that we can, as followers of Jesus Christ, bring into this world around us.  Where corruption is, the gospel brings light to reveal it.  Where wickedness dwells, the gospel shows the path of righteousness.  The gospel can and should change cultures where elements of those cultures are evil, dishonest, selfish.   Every nation needs the gospel, because every nation is simply humanity.   Physical reformation of governments doesn’t change the heart of man, but where God’s people ARE, we should do our part to confront injustice, and those things that hurt our fellow man.

Read the article – http://www.kyivpost.com/content/business/paper-chase-one-us-businessmans-story-shows-a-lot-has-yet-to-change-in-post-maidan-ukraine-398434.html

Last Sunday evening we hosted an evening of Worship and Prayer on our 2nd floor at The Lighthouse.  I wanted to document a few of the highlights, it’s so easy to forget what God does!

First of all, hosting the evening was an act of faith.  The last time we were hosting prayer at the Cafe was in the Spring and we had the luxury of the talented and Jesus loving YWAM team to draw on.  I had no idea who would lead us, or if we’d even have anyone show up.  However, my Cuban friend Rafael spurred me on by the Holy Spirit to step out and ‘just do it’.  How many are thankful for those type of friends?!

Soon after we set the date, Nazar from nearby Calvary Chapel church in Khagarlyk agreed to lead with Bronwyn.  Then, our friends in Kiev decided on their own to join the evening, bringing not just 10 young people, but some very appreciated voice and drum support 🙂

It was surreal to feel as though our springtime worship nights had never stopped!  From the beginning to end, we believe the Lord ministered to His people through prayer, song and meditation.   We had around 30 again, but this time we had some first time visitors!

One visitor was a young university student from Kiev that came with some friends.  She and her family are Muslim.  The Lord touched her during the evening, and she asked for prayer later on.  Please pray for her today!

Two other visitors were local friends that are respected young men in the community as civic / social leaders.  They came out of curiosity (and facebook), and ended up staying for most of the evening – they both expressed a positive impact in their hearts as they watched and listened to (in their words) “from the heart” corporate singing and prayer for Ukraine and it’s leaders/situation around us.  Maybe God use these evenings to reach more with His love!

I’m praying about the next worship night.  On one hand I don’t want to simply rinse/repeat these evenings, it’s so easy to become ritual’d (is that a  word?) into things.  Yet, when you see the Lord actively touch hearts, you don’t want to miss an opportunity to see the Kingdom of God grow!

Please pray for wisdom as we consider the next evening of Prayer and Worship, or whatever the Lord may direct us to do in this area.

We’re also praying for more team members to come and join us – maybe full time, maybe part time, or maybe just as we host each event – we know we can’t do it on our own but we can’t be limited by what we see, it’s just not how the Kingdom of God works!

It’s amazing how the coffee ‘scene’ has become a global phenomenon.  I suppose it’s not that revolutionary.  Humans are social creatures, we need interaction. Bars and Pubs of various sort have been around for centuries.  Perhaps the coffee shop is simply a more sanctified version of that? In any case, it sure is a perfect venue to build relationships and we’re very thankful!

Last night we hosted a private ‘Coffee Tasting’ evening for most loyal customers and a handful of selected folks we are building relationships with in our town.   A wide variety of backgrounds, ages and seemingly little in common with each other aside from the remote village they call home.

We nestled together around 30 guests in our main room, soft jazz music playing in the background.  We served three new variety of coffee beans and asked them each to grade their favorite – the winner would be served at The Lighthouse Cafe this fall.

Sveta did some research on the history of Coffee, she shared descriptive of each variety as the room tasted each one.  She was our Coffee evangelist for the evening.

I was very proud of our team.  They were a fun group to serve with.  We provided our guests with some fancy desserts and waited on them hand and foot.  The atmosphere was relaxed, fun, and everyone left with smiles – and more than a slight buzz of caffeine flowing through their veins at 8pm unfortunately.. sorry!

 

After the evening was over, Deb and I were talking about the things we enjoyed the most.  I enjoyed the liberty we have to be friends with folks in our town – it felt like a very effective ‘salt and light’ evening without turning into something awkward or unnatural.  We Christians have a knack for blowing up bridges.

I looked around the room last night and I saw people that we’re naturally sharing the gospel with by being legitimate friends.  Jesus was a man of the people, he wasn’t a religious untouchable – in fact, He despised the religious spirit of the day. The ‘outside-in’ motif for knowing God was and still is the antithesis of the Kingdom of God!

Aren’t you glad our ‘sharing’ of our faith is a natural expression?  By sharing ourselves and being real, meaningful bridges are erected.  How valuable those bridges are, how careful we must be to strengthen and protect them!

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Last night we saw individuals, sojourners who have opened their own hearts to us over the past year.  Prior to opening the Cafe we had very little interaction with most of our guests.  We all enjoyed loving our neighbor tonight, being witnesses to the joyful nature of His love.

We’re looking forward to the continued opportunities among this little community of Coffee drinkers!  Bright and early this morning I saw one of the invited guests back for a morning Latte – this time with her mom – I was able to sit and meet her for the first time.   Bridges beget bridges.

Here’s a little original quote that encapsulates a new conviction in the area of relational evangelism.  Some of you will know what I’m talking about!

If our goal is to see the grace of God traverse the bridges we’ve made into peoples hearts – our job is to secure & strengthen them, not blow them up!

Bruce & Deb