The Sullivan Family
Missionaries to Ukraine

March 2003

Dear Friends,

Finally, we’ve achieved a firm grasp of the English language!  That’s right….we’ve had to learn our own language system as we’ve studied Russian.  We are somewhat conversational in Russian now, but teaching the Scriptures is an entirely different level of communication and that is our ultimate goal.

Our outreach resources should be arriving soon, some will need to be translated, and a core group of believers is already praying with us about how to implement it.  We are also asking God to provide another American family to partner with us, to complement and supplement us, and provide support.  We have become close with another independent Baptist missionary family here in Kiev who is trying to decide between staying and ministering here or moving to Russia.  They are seeking God’s will about a final answer - pray with us that we will all clearly understand God’s desire in this situation.

Shawn was recently involved in a community outreach just outside of Kiev where several adults and children came to Christ.  It was wonderful to see God at work in the lives of the people.  He will also be involved in a youth outreach about 250 miles west of Kiev next month.  Pray for God’s blessings on those efforts.

Our family’s health is slowly returning after a horrendous bout with the flu.  All four of us were bed ridden for almost two weeks and the children have just recovered from a second episode.  Influenza is very strong and dangerous here, but the Lord has protected us from the severe effects that many people have to deal with.  We are very grateful for that!

Our entire family has just begun music lessons in guitar and piano.  We enjoy trying to play together and look forward to the day we will actually be able to be involved in praise and worship at Bible studies, fellowships, and churches.

Prayer Requests:
Language School - Pray that God will give grace as we continue to study Russian grammar, vocabulary and Biblical terminology.

English Clubs - Pray that we will continue to build relationships with these students that will allow us to share the gospel with them.

Ministry Opportunities:
~ Youth outreach in April
~ Small church in Gatnoe
~ Community Bible study

Julia Voyetsyehovskaya - Pray for the salvation of our language instructor and her husband, Oleg.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support for us as we continue to study the language and prepare for further ministry here in Ukraine.  We love and appreciate you all!

In Christ,
The Sullivans