~ MARTINS FLY HOME WITH THEIR BABY! ODYSSEY ADOPTION FINISHED ~ CONTAINER DISTRIBUTION REPORT- TWO DISTRIBUTED IN ONE MONTH! ~ 'BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER WHY?' SEMICHKOV FAMILY CLAIMING THE LAND ~ 'COMRADE MISSIONARY' GOD SETS UP MIRACLE BORDER CROSSING ~ ATTORNEY TONIA TSKHAY GRADUATES AT TOP OF CLASS, GLORY TO GOD ~ A FOND FAREWELL TO NORMAN BRADSHAW...A FINE TEACHER, FRIEND ~ STATESIDE TRIP IN THE OFFING...LETS TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE |
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HUMANITARIAN AID
DISTRIBUTION REPORT-
AMAZINGLY TWO CONTAINERS
FULLY DISTRIBUTED IN JANUARY!
A big New Year's blessing for Crimea's children's institutions,
home for the elderly and hospitals came in just as the year
ended in answer to our prayers. Rent on warehouse space
in Ukraine has grown very expensive. For us the cost of the
warehouses was just huge so we had to hurry to distribute
everything and empty both warehouses in just one month.
With the help of God we are happy to report success. All the
aid was received with joy by the end of January. Click on
Distribution Report to get the report details.
DISTRIBUTION REPORT-
AMAZINGLY TWO CONTAINERS
FULLY DISTRIBUTED IN JANUARY!
A big New Year's blessing for Crimea's children's institutions,
home for the elderly and hospitals came in just as the year
ended in answer to our prayers. Rent on warehouse space
in Ukraine has grown very expensive. For us the cost of the
warehouses was just huge so we had to hurry to distribute
everything and empty both warehouses in just one month.
With the help of God we are happy to report success. All the
aid was received with joy by the end of January. Click on
Distribution Report to get the report details.
| January-March 2008 NEWS of CRIMEA from your friend David G. Hallowell |
| I believe Romans 8:28 (and everything else in God's Word) is true, so I tend to look for a reason for the long and expensive process the Martin family were subjected to, before they could take their baby home. I do know God used them to help us get this website online and He used us to sow spiritual seeds of faith into their situation. But I sure empathized with Vernon and Judy as they went through that huge trial. Judy's hands are full now with a beautiful baby who has language to learn and what it means to have real parents. I hope that when Judy gets a chance she will write the history of their trial down to encourage others going through something of the kind to push through to the finish. For Vernon, Judy and Jeffrey, when push came to shove they applied their faith and hung in for a win. I applaud the Martins for sticking with the program even when all doors seemed to be slammed in their faces. This kind of faithful stick-to-it-ivity is what children need in parents. The Martin's new daughter is blessed to have parents of that quality. This spring we will be conferring with them on further collaboration, Lord willing. The Martins are jumping in the river! |
MARTINS FLY HOME WITH THEIR CRIMEAN ORPHAN!
ODYSSEY ADOPTION FINISHED AT LAST-
ODYSSEY ADOPTION FINISHED AT LAST-
BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER, WHY?
As 2007 ended we had seen the funds we had set aside for the Foster
family got into. We saw the urgency in each incident and these funds
which had been given without strings made the day. Remember As
2007 ended we had seen the funds we had set aside for the very least).
The fund was quickly decimated.
Semichkov river bridge claimed twice for emergencies the Semichkov
CLAIMING THE LAND
The Stytch family stepped in and refunded the fund. Thank you Vera and
Yuri. Then Natasha Semichkov called and laid claim to $400 more for
privatizing the land, a process unique to former Soviet Union countries
where all land belonged to the state. It is a big moment. Struggling to
keep the children and often threatened with eviction, forced to fight every
underhanded official in their region, warfare has been their life style.
Now they have the children and the house is signed over to them. Next
step, privatize the land to fulfill their land-use dreams and take better
care of their huge family. Please help us pray that process through.
KITCHEN MAKE-OVER
One NIICCA Humanitarian Aid container had a big surprise in it for
Natasha Semichkov. The kitchen cabinets, sink and stove were just
what a cook of her talents needs to make her culinary delights. Last trip
out she made the absolute best pelmenyi I have ever eaten.
As 2007 ended we had seen the funds we had set aside for the Foster
family got into. We saw the urgency in each incident and these funds
which had been given without strings made the day. Remember As
2007 ended we had seen the funds we had set aside for the very least).
The fund was quickly decimated.
Semichkov river bridge claimed twice for emergencies the Semichkov
CLAIMING THE LAND
The Stytch family stepped in and refunded the fund. Thank you Vera and
Yuri. Then Natasha Semichkov called and laid claim to $400 more for
privatizing the land, a process unique to former Soviet Union countries
where all land belonged to the state. It is a big moment. Struggling to
keep the children and often threatened with eviction, forced to fight every
underhanded official in their region, warfare has been their life style.
Now they have the children and the house is signed over to them. Next
step, privatize the land to fulfill their land-use dreams and take better
care of their huge family. Please help us pray that process through.
KITCHEN MAKE-OVER
One NIICCA Humanitarian Aid container had a big surprise in it for
Natasha Semichkov. The kitchen cabinets, sink and stove were just
what a cook of her talents needs to make her culinary delights. Last trip
out she made the absolute best pelmenyi I have ever eaten.
| GOD IS THE VICTOR |
| ATTORNEY TONIA TSKHAY GRADUATES AT TOP OF CLASS, GLORY TO GOD For the past few years Antonina Tskhay has been studying law part time, mostly while she was still director of Light of Crimea Foundation. She has done very well with the help of God. She and we prayed as she studied hard and this spring she graduated with a "Krasni Diplom" (Red Diploma). She was right at the head of her class and she has very great plans we cannot discuss but to say it looks like she is positioning herself for success. Since she began with us nine years ago Tonia has impressed us with her ability and work ethic. We expect nothing but the best is in store for her...a bright future awaits. We are amazed at God. He sends us such talented people. I sometimes shudder when I remember that, "to whom much is given, much will be required."I hope we are deploying them wisely in the Lord's vineyard. |
"COMRADE MISSIONER!" God sets up miracle border crossing
At home in America during the cold war if anyone called you, "Comrade," it was a not
so subtle way of calling you a "Commie," a "Pinko," or at least left leaning. As a man
what I want and expect of government are way over on the right side....still. But quite
against my predilections God called me to Eastern Europe 15 years ago when the
iron curtain fell and Ukraine declared her independence. The supernatural nature of
all the circumstances surrounding that call are one of my favorite memories. My
friends and partners love the story too. God's grace is truly amazing.
Recently Ukraine's new "No Visa" rule for foreign travelers make short visits easier
but for a long term missionary they are a problem. I must leave Ukraine now every
three months, not every 6 [longer if my Visa was registered]. When I went south to
Predniestrovia in August 2007 I argued my case at the border and won...thought it
was settled. I was still a 6 monther. Then long about early December came a notice
from the US Embassy that we all must leave every 3 months. I was already late!
At home in America during the cold war if anyone called you, "Comrade," it was a not
so subtle way of calling you a "Commie," a "Pinko," or at least left leaning. As a man
what I want and expect of government are way over on the right side....still. But quite
against my predilections God called me to Eastern Europe 15 years ago when the
iron curtain fell and Ukraine declared her independence. The supernatural nature of
all the circumstances surrounding that call are one of my favorite memories. My
friends and partners love the story too. God's grace is truly amazing.
Recently Ukraine's new "No Visa" rule for foreign travelers make short visits easier
but for a long term missionary they are a problem. I must leave Ukraine now every
three months, not every 6 [longer if my Visa was registered]. When I went south to
Predniestrovia in August 2007 I argued my case at the border and won...thought it
was settled. I was still a 6 monther. Then long about early December came a notice
from the US Embassy that we all must leave every 3 months. I was already late!
it settled. A fine was a bad idea, but what if they said "you can't come back!" [?] Well I was already late. I decided to
wait the 6 months again. Honestly I had a stomach flutter when I thought about it but my border stamp said February
28th and that date defined my plans for leaving. As those who read our Bulletin Board will remember I had plans to
go to the States, but my son Michael is getting married in July so I delayed my trip to the States to coincide with his
wedding plans. My best (cheapest) way to fulfil the leave Ukraine requirement is to go to Predniestrovia (formerly a
region in Moldova), stay with Mark Fashevsky's parents Roman and Maria overnight and return the following day.
I resolved to do that. When I emailed Mark I found out he was in America. But in an email he noted that his friend
Benjamin was meeting another David, from Northern Ireland, at the airport in Odessa on the 28th! and driving him
into Predniestrovia. If I could meet them at the airport would that do for me? Would it do? WOW, PERFECT!!! Praise
God for the timing! I took the train to Odessa and did that. David Kennish turns out to be a future donor who has
already contacted NIICCA about what he might do. He can get playground equipment and lots of Russian Bibles!
I was encouraged as I faced the border crossings ahead. 'It looks Like God is doing another miracle,' I thought.
AT THE BORDER
Coming and going at the border the car waited while they gave me stern lectures. "In the future you must leave every
3 months. It is the law!" but there was no fine levied! Returning, I was sent to the head border officer. All the
uniformed guards in his office were surprised when I opened the door and greeted them cheerily in perfect Russian.
They asked me how it was I spoke their language so well. I told them I had served in Ukraine for 15 years. They
asked, "In the military?" I said, "No. God called me here." I told them about the 400 tons of hum aid we have
distributed to the hurting children and children's institutions of Crimea.
God melted their hearts. One of the guards had a few shabby old five dollar bills for which he wanted new ones.
I helped him with that. When I left [with no fine levied] he said, "Das Vedanya Tavarish Missioner!" [Until we meet
again, Comrade Missionary!] From a border guard I could handle, "Comrade." That word has no particularly
communist flavor over here. I laughed all the way back to the car... God has a great sense of humor.
PLEASE PRAY ABOUT MY FUTURE COMINGS AND GOINGS: NEW RULES FOR NO VISA ENTRY AND EXIT SAY WE
MUST STAY AWAY THREE MONTHS! NOW A SIMPLE STEP ACROSS THE BORDER WILL NOT SUFFICE.
wait the 6 months again. Honestly I had a stomach flutter when I thought about it but my border stamp said February
28th and that date defined my plans for leaving. As those who read our Bulletin Board will remember I had plans to
go to the States, but my son Michael is getting married in July so I delayed my trip to the States to coincide with his
wedding plans. My best (cheapest) way to fulfil the leave Ukraine requirement is to go to Predniestrovia (formerly a
region in Moldova), stay with Mark Fashevsky's parents Roman and Maria overnight and return the following day.
I resolved to do that. When I emailed Mark I found out he was in America. But in an email he noted that his friend
Benjamin was meeting another David, from Northern Ireland, at the airport in Odessa on the 28th! and driving him
into Predniestrovia. If I could meet them at the airport would that do for me? Would it do? WOW, PERFECT!!! Praise
God for the timing! I took the train to Odessa and did that. David Kennish turns out to be a future donor who has
already contacted NIICCA about what he might do. He can get playground equipment and lots of Russian Bibles!
I was encouraged as I faced the border crossings ahead. 'It looks Like God is doing another miracle,' I thought.
AT THE BORDER
Coming and going at the border the car waited while they gave me stern lectures. "In the future you must leave every
3 months. It is the law!" but there was no fine levied! Returning, I was sent to the head border officer. All the
uniformed guards in his office were surprised when I opened the door and greeted them cheerily in perfect Russian.
They asked me how it was I spoke their language so well. I told them I had served in Ukraine for 15 years. They
asked, "In the military?" I said, "No. God called me here." I told them about the 400 tons of hum aid we have
distributed to the hurting children and children's institutions of Crimea.
God melted their hearts. One of the guards had a few shabby old five dollar bills for which he wanted new ones.
I helped him with that. When I left [with no fine levied] he said, "Das Vedanya Tavarish Missioner!" [Until we meet
again, Comrade Missionary!] From a border guard I could handle, "Comrade." That word has no particularly
communist flavor over here. I laughed all the way back to the car... God has a great sense of humor.
PLEASE PRAY ABOUT MY FUTURE COMINGS AND GOINGS: NEW RULES FOR NO VISA ENTRY AND EXIT SAY WE
MUST STAY AWAY THREE MONTHS! NOW A SIMPLE STEP ACROSS THE BORDER WILL NOT SUFFICE.
| Two Australian Missionaries I have come to love are Norman and Roslyn Bradshaw. I met Roslyn first on the Crimean International Prayer Walk in 1999 that I somehow got roped into leading. She and I connect on the subject of spiritual warfare. Norm teaches in a Kiev seminary. Then the Bradshaws started working on a Crimean project and more frequently I got to listen to Norman's missionary tales. They encompass his whole life. He was born on the mission field in Indonesia... became a missiology and theology teacher with the Australian AG. This week Norman came to wrap up his Crimean work . We had lunch. He is likely going back to Indonesia later. Right now he is on his way back to Roslyn in Adelaide . We may not see them again this side of heaven. Bye for now dear mates! ;-( |
OKLAHOMA, ILLINOIS, MISSOURI, OHIO, KENTUCKY, OKLAHOMA, TEXAS, COLORADO, NEVADA, CALIFORNIA....THESE ARE STATES WE PLAN TO VISIT BETWEEN MID MAY AND THE END OF JULY. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR OPEN SPEAKING DATES OR HOME LODGINGS IN YOUR TOWN, CHURCH, MISSION GROUP, AREA. ~~~ David |
| Kitchen pictures are thumbnails. Click on them to enlarge. |
| STILL NO BRIDGE |
| The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 |
| BEFORE |
| AFTER |