Ukraine visit

[andrewblow]

I have just returned from a wonderful 4 days in Ukraine. I flew via Warsaw to Lviv and was picked up by friends who drove me the 4 hours to CHERNIVTSI.

The visit was multi-purpose and although it was a 'church-based thing' - I am posting it HERE as I hope it will be of general interest.

Our church supports with monthly contributions, 2 ladies (in the mid-twenties) who work 50% time in general employment and 50% by seeking out the old, infirm, sick, bedridden, orphans, etc. and doing whatever is necessary to try and bring relief into those situations. It may be buying medical stuff, or distributing clothes - we have even bought a cow for a family and plan to repeat this at least twice more. I was taken around to meet people and see what can be done for those who (for whatever reason)fall through the social net. This was a great priviledge, because although of myself I am nothing and have very little, yet by the giving of good natured folks I was able to share with those less fortunate.

I was present at the official opening of a Rumainian Baptist church. I had seen it last year when it was a building site - held up for sake of the last 10% finance....and was delighted to see what a great job these guys had done in making it attractive, but not ostentatious. This was money well spent in finishing a building fit to be 'a house of prayer', but not a penny wasted on unnecessary extras.

Unfortunately the local Orthodox priest was totally agin it and spent $20,000 building 5 other small 'churches' - not one of which is actually finished, or will ever be used by the general community. This is not a condemnation on the orthodox church or faith - simply an illustration of the 'wrong' way to spend hard earned money.

I had meals with smashing Ukrainain families - most enjoyed where the children could speak English - and it was great fun trying to communicate with broken language on both sides. It is interesting to note that all the 'linguists' were girls - virtually no boys appear interested in learning a foreign language.

I found that the roads are improving in quality - and the traffic Police reduced in numbers. - we were not stopped once from Lviv to Chernivtsi, where I was used to getting stopped at least 4 times from Kiev to Chernivtsi.

I was taken to an orphanage where I had the joy of sharing (with the ladies mentioned above) mars bars with the kids, balloons, toys and fruit. Many of these kids still have one or even both parents - but they are simply 'not wanted'. We arranged that each child should have a photo album with their own and other photos, so that in years to come they can look back on some fun times and have a foundation as to "who they were".

We also agreed to at least 3 Summer camps of different types - one would be for 70 orphaned kids in the mountains under canvas, another (which I would have the privilege of attending) would be for 50 older city kids for a week, where we could get them out of the 'inner city' atmosphere and give them a break with good food , etc.

These trips are incredibly special for me. I am humbled to realise the trust that my church folks in England place in me, I am grieved to see some of the problems (especially medical) that some people have to endure, but I am thankful that our Ukrainian friends are willing to facilitate these opportunities to help.

My wife and I took two Ukrainian girls to the airport this morning to fly back to Ukraine having had heavy medical assistance in England - all given free-of-charge by wonderful surgeons and nurses. They have lived with us for 5 weeks and we could not have wanted better friends or more fun.

AND SOME PEOPLE SAY : keep out of Ukraine! Keep your money to yourself! We don't want western help!
It is said that 'money makes the world go round'. NO - it is LOVE that makes the world go round - money simply oils the wheels and makes things happen. To see a child smile with a mars bar - a kid boy wearing a new Manchester United tee shirt - an old woman trying out a new wheelchair.....you can't BUY joy like that.

I and my church do it simply because of what God has already done for us individually. No big deal.....but I sincerely thank God for giving me these things in my life. It really does make life worth living and keeps you're feet on the ground.

Summer can't come quick enough for me..........again !

Andrew
I trust my comments are taken in the way in which they are intended.

[Foggy]

Way to go, Andrew! Keep up the good work. I am proud to know you... and just a BIT envious!

[Nonson]

Hello Foggy.

Again, it has been a while.



I am The

[andrewblow]

Good to see you around - yu can join the party any time you like. I appreciate your support and I'll keep you informed.

Andrew