The Sullivan Family

Missionaries to Ukraine 

April 2005

Dear Precious Partners,

 

The people of Ukraine are ready for change.  They have certainly had enough... abuse, corruption, and hopelessness.  Politically, socially and spiritually, they are beginning to search for better things and their momentum is affecting every part of the culture.  After the "Orange Revolution" a couple of months ago, that momentum has become contagious, affecting most of Eastern Europe.  Their new president is leading the charge in making positive changes, but not the most critical ones.  We believe that this revolution is, at it's core, a spiritual one.  People are beginning to understand that hope exists.  God has prepared the hearts of the people for change of the most significant kind and we must be ready to show love, teach truth and offer hope now, while the doors are open.

 

There are three major doors of opportunity open for us right now.  Our church family in Krukivshina is in desperate need of a facility, but with the political upheaval on every level, the politicians are hesitant to make decisions.  Pray that God will loose their hearts, cut through the red tape and provide property so that this small church can reach it's potential.

 

The children and staff of the orphanage in Komarovka are overjoyed to have support for their most basic needs, for the first time in over fifteen years.  Because of your generous gifts, we have been able to provide leather boots, winter/spring clothing, blankets, medicines, school supplies, graduation albums and facility repairs for 140+ children.  Our construction supervisor has started the repairs and is already building crucial relationships in the village that may lead to a community Bible study, and hopefully a new church.  Look for updates on the website:  http://www.orphans-ukraine.narod.ru/ or join our Yahoo! group at http://www.ukraineorphanage-subscribe@yahoogroups.com/ .

 

Our work in the village of Kmelnitsky is starting to get off of the ground.  Shawn was able to lead an outreach last month with about twenty young leaders from the sports club lead by Volodia Rezmer.  After a full day of activities, fellowship and tag-team challenges, six came to Christ and fifteen others committed, with Volodia, to plant a new church in this city of 300,000.  Praise God!

 

Just a few more weeks remain in our first term and more than sixty meetings have already been scheduled with our supporters and some new churches in the States.  Our hearts are stretched between our friends and work here in Ukraine, and our family, friends and supporters in the States.  We need your prayers!  We want to do more than survive this transition; our desire is to be strong and glorify God on both fronts. Pray that God would give wisdom and grace in these specific areas:

 

    - Finding a family to rent and secure our home here in Ukraine

    - Finding someone to buy our van

    - Creating a new presentation for furlough (for you!)

    - Stability in our projects in Ukraine while we are away

    - Transitioning back to the States - finding a vehicle and other equipment needed for furlough, reverse culture shock (which really does happen!) and adjusting to life on the road as we share our ministry with churches across America.

 

Thank you all so much for your partnership, faithfulness and prayers.  As we wrap up our first term on the field, we realize how much God has blessed us and has provided for us.  He has allowed us to work together with you, here in Ukraine, to reach these precious people with the Gospel.  Of course, there is still much to do here, but we wouldn't have come this far without your faithful support and prayers.  We hope to be able to see you while we are home on furlough, to be able to thank you in person.  God bless you all!

 

For Christ, For Souls,

Shawn and Amy Sullivan