NEWS - Ukraine

Vova had a busy summer helping with all 3 of our church's camps. In June he helped with the camp for children. He did all kinds of things from setting up the trampoline to being Pharaoh for the week. In July, he was a small group leader for our church's "church camp." The focus of the camp this year was to get lukewarm church members back on fire for the Lord. He also lead the evening services and preached one night. In August, he helped coordinate our church's evangelistic teen camp. It was a rewarding week as teens softened to the Word and several salvation decisions were made despite a very loud rock music festival at the neighboring camp.


God blessed our family with the van we've been praying He'd provide. He provided above and beyond what we expected! Vova has spent the past week trying to settle everything regarding the van - all kinds of documents, installing an alarm system, having it made into a passenger van, ... Laura and Vanya have not even had a chance to take a test ride yet!


As the summer winds to an end, we are planning a short trip the USA this fall. Vova is meeting with brothers from the church to make intial plans for a sports camp next summer. Several young brothers have a burden to reach young men for Christ. We are hoping to raise support for this camp while we're in the states.


Our family is also praying about ministries God would have us to lead when we return home to Ukraine in November. Vova is planning to get involved in our church's teen ministry and begin teaching "Christian Etiquette" at a local school. He also plans to continue his Bible study for young couples and is praying about starting an evangelistic small group Bible study. Laura hopes to teach another Evangelistic English Bible study and is praying about starting a small group for young mothers.

Please join us in Praising our Great God for the following:

- the new opportunities of ministry that have opened up with Vanya
- a positive end to this year’s English Bible studies
- we have 60% of our goal for purchasing a van

Please join us in bringing the following before the Throne of Grace:
- opportunity to talk about spiritual things with Yulya
- God’s blessing on the ministries He’s given to Vova this summer
- Salvation of Vova’s relatives
- God’s provision of the last $4,700 needed to purchase a van (before prices start to go back up)

Dearest Prayer Warriors,
Last fall, while on vacation, we had the opportunity to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. It was a one day “Russian” tour (planned for the typical Orthodox believer). On the bus ride from the Israeli border, one of the Ukrainians that we were travelling with asked if we needed a piece of paper to write the names of those we wanted the priest to pray for. Vova politely said no and then she remembered that we were Baptists. She informed us that maybe we shouldn’t even enter the church if we weren’t baptized members of the Orthodox Church. The following evening, back at our hotel complex, that same Ukrainian, along with all our other fellow Ukrainian vacationers, took advantage of the last night by drinking as much alcohol as they could (free alcohol was included in the price of their hotel voucher). They spent Thursday crying and placing candles at the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Jesus’ tomb and Golgotha) and the Church of the Nativity. They spent Friday night drinking. Religion isn’t saving them, only a relationship with Jesus Christ will change their lives – that’s why we’re serving the Lord here in Rivne, Ukraine!
This, however, isn’t every Ukrainian’s story. Recently, God has given us the opportunity to minister to a young man whose parents are part of the Hare Krishna Movement. Alex began attending our English Bible study this fall. One Wednesday night in November, he was the only one who came to the Bible study. After an hour of just chatting over tea, Alex began to open up and Vova began to talk about spiritual things. The next thing we knew, with tears in his eyes, Alex said to Vova, “I don’t know if I’ve repented.” Vova explained it all to him again. Then he began to open up even more, sharing that his parents are Hare Krishnas. He shared that when he’s with them, he believes what they say. Then when he comes to our Bible study, he believes in Christ. We told Alex that he needs to pray to God that He would reveal Himself. He agreed to and has been studying through the Gospel of John with Vova.
In November, Vova began working with a group of students at a local high school. They meet three times a week at the school and are hoping to put on a play. Vova doesn’t have full liberty to talk to the students about God, but is praying that God would give him wisdom in how he can be a witness to them. In the past few weeks, fewer students have been attending. Their parents aren’t allowing them because in the past month and a half 2 young girls have been murdered by pedophiles and there is scepticism as to whether or not the real criminals have been arrested.
In December we made our planned trip to Poland in regard to Laura’s visa. We had hoped that she would be able to get a new visa. The worker at the consulate couldn’t give her a new private visa, but thought she should be able to extend her current religious visa for up to 6 months. He expressed that he didn’t know how up-to-date his information was and that we should check with the local authorities. We did that, only to find out that they couldn’t tell us much more. We contacted the Baptist Union who gave Laura the invitation for her current visa. They indicated that in this situation (with the pregnancy) they could probably extend the visa for up to a year in Kyiv. We’d like to try and extend it in Rivne, but if that fails we’ll extend it in Kyiv.
In January, we planned another “reunion party” for those who had been at English camp. We were a bit disappointed that very few of the unbelievers came. Later when we analyzed the evening, we realized that those who came were those that were ready to hear the message that our pastor preached. Four to six continue to attend our Sunday worship services and Bible studies regularly.
Our church leaders decided to put Vova in charge of the logistics and organization of the Michael Gott English School, rather than director of our camps (they also decided that there will only be 2 camps this summer: English Camp and Youth Camp). The Michael Gott English School is planned for June 29 – July 9. Vova will be responsible for finding a place to host the school, organizing living arrangements and meals for the team, coordinating airport pick-up and lots of other details! And, of course, Vova is director of the English Camp which is planned for August 4-11. Once again, we are in need of English teachers for the camp – PLEASE contact us ASAP if you are interested in coming and serving with us this summer!!!
Please join us in Praising God for the following blessings:
- Laura’s visa can be extended
- Good health and no complications so far with Laura’s pregnancy
- Sasha, Andriy and Marina (all from the English camp) were baptized and became members of our church December 14!!!
Please join us in bringing the following before the Throne of Grace:
- Alex’s salvation (and wisdom for Vova as he meets with him)
- Opportunities for Vova to witness to the students through the drama program
- That we would be able to extend Laura’s visa in Rivne
- God’s provision of English teachers for the English Camp
- God’s provision of a vehicle for our family (with the economical crisis – prices are becoming more and more reasonable in Ukraine, but raising support is harder) We truly apologize for not writing during the Holiday season. We planned to write a Christmas letter, but our schedule has been VERY hectic since October. Laura has begun to limit some of her activities to able to catch up on things before the baby comes! However, we want to wish you all God’s RICHEST blessings in 2009! May each one of us live this year in a way that would bring Honor and Glory to our GREAT GOD!!!
Honored to serve with YOU,
Vova and Laura Kisarets
serving with HOPE FOR THE WORLD
in Rivne, Ukraine

The main focus of our ministry in Ukraine is using English as a tool for evangelism. This is mainly done through weekly English Bible studies and a summer “English Camp.”
We use the Bible study as an opportunity to build relationships with these people, to help them understand the Gospel and to invite them to church. We also plan fellowship activities such as movie night, Sunday lunch after the morning worship service, spring picnics, … In August 2007, in partnership with Grace Baptist Church in Rivne, we sponsored our first “English Camp.” It was an incredible week of tent camp in the Carpathian Mountains – so repeated it again in August 2008 and are planning it again in 2009. It is an incredible week of building friendships and sharing the Gospel! After the camp we plan special events to keep in contact with our new friends and remind them of God’s love and grace.
Vova, who studied drama acting and directing, has started a drama group at a local high school. He meets with the students 3 times a week. We are excited to see how God will grow and use this ministry. Both Vova and Laura are involved in other ministries through our local church. Vova leads a weekly Inductive Bible study. We try to use the opportunities God sets before us that come in many shapes and sizes.
In His Service,
Laura and Vova Kisarets
 

Dearest Prayer Warriors,

After 16 days in the Carpathian Mountains of southwest Ukraine, we’re thankful we can FINALLY share with you the blessings and answers to your faithful prayers!

We hit the ground running when we returned to Ukraine April 18, two days later than we planned. Yes, God blessed us with two extra days with family!

We finished our English groups for the summer in May. We had a wonderful picnic with about 10 unbelievers who attended our groups this past year. We the praise the Lord for the opportunity He gives us, the English group leaders, to plant seeds in the lives of these young men and women. And, we trust HIM to bring forth fruit.

At the end of June, God blessed us with the opportunity to visit Hope for the World missionaries Tony and Kelly Collico in Romania. God graciously provided Vova with a visa and blessed our travels – especially in crossing the border. We were blessed to see God’s great work through the Collico family among the gypsy villages of northwest Romania. Vova even had the opportunity to act in a skit with a drama team from Miami.

From the moment we arrived in Rivne April 18 till August 1 (when English camp started) we were constantly in the process of planning and preparing for English Camp. April, May and June we spent in prayer about campgrounds for our church to use this summer. God provided us with beautiful grounds 600 meters above sea level right outside the village of Bukovets.

Once the decision was made about where the camp would be, we began to plan and organize the set-up for the camps. Last summer we rented land from a church and we had access to several things that we had to come up with from scratch this summer. God blessed and provided financially and labor wise so that the grounds were ready for the youth camp July 22.

July 7-18 our church sponsored a Michael Gott International English school. During the school our church member meet and make friends with unbelievers. Then we invite them to English camp. After initial registration for camp only 30 of the 50 available places for unbelievers were spoken for. But, God worked and August 1, 48 unbelievers arrived at English camp!

During the English school, we found out that the team we thought was coming from the states to camp wouldn’t be able to come. By the time we left for camp at least 6 other key people who we were counting on going to camp told us they couldn’t go for various reasons. God taught us that He is in control and is the Great the Provider. With only 3 weeks notice, my dad, cousin and friend from camp all came to help us! And, God provided just the right church members.

Looking back at the month of July, most people would have said English camp wasn’t meant to be this year. Beyond not having English teachers and sufficient church members, the dollar dropped 10%, there was wide-spread flooding in the Carpathian Mountains, …

That’s what the devil wanted us to believe – because God did a GREAT work in the English camp. The last night of camp 7 young people made public professions of faith. And, several others are close. Our church is actively involved in follow-up and trusting God to continue to do a GREAT WORK!!!

Will you join us in PRAISING God for:

- our safe return to Ukraine

- a good year of English Bible study groups

- blessing we received in Romania

- God’s provisions for camp – grounds, set-up, English teachers, church members, financial (the dollar took a 10% drop, but we still ended $2,000 under budget)

- Salvation of Olya, Andriy, Sasha, Sasha, Sasha, Dima and Oleg

There are many things we could ask you to pray about; we’re going to limit it:

- Spiritual growth of those who accepted Christ

- Good follow-up after camp

- God’s protection and provision for our family

We want to thank you our faithful prayer warriors. After God’s great working in the English camp we’ve sensed spiritual warfare. Laura caught an intestinal bug (the tests still have come back on what it is exactly) that many caught at the end of our church camp. Vova will be having knee surgery at the beginning of September to remove a broken piece of cartilage. Our water heater was broke when we got home from camp (it’s in the process of being fixed). Yesterday, Laura got bit by a stray dog (Praise the Lord it didn’t puncture the skin so she doesn’t need any shots). During these moments it’s really encouraging to know you are praying!!!


Honored to Serve with YOU,

Vova and Laura Kisarets
serving with Hope for the World
Rivne, Ukraine

We left for English camp July 31 - after that we're staying for church camp - we'll be home August 16. Please pray for God to work in the lives of  the many unbelievers who will be at English camp!!!

Winter 2007

This Fall, our church, Grace, made Vova the leader of the English ministries. He is the voice between the foreign missionaries who lead the groups and the local church. We have 4 Bible studies each week.

Laura leads one of them and is the substitute teacher for all the other groups when their leaders need to travel. Laura's group is very small this year, but we've had some great opportunities to talk about spiritual things with Lucy, as 69 year old doctor. We pray that the Holy Spirit will do a work in her life cause her to realize her need for a Savior. The group Laura has substituted most for is where God seems to be doing the most work. Usually 6-8 unbelievers attend and many of them are hungry for answers and interested in spiritual things (not something we always see in the English ministry).

On January 5 we are planning a New Year's party for the unbelievers who were at our English camp this summer. We are praying that many of them will come and that we will be able to get them involved in a Bible study or coming to church. Soon we will begin making plans for an English camp this summer.

We are also making arrangements with churches for our trip to the states this fall. We will be in the USA March 4 - April 15 to share what God is doing through us here in Ukraine and how we see Him leading us in the future.

October 2007

At the beginning of July, Vova and I took a young lady, Katya who had attended the English Bible study, to the Festival of Hope Crusade in Kyiv (with Franklin Graham). It was a rough and cold ride there, but at the end when the alter call was given and Katya leaned over and asked me to go forward with her, I knew it was worth it all. Please pray for Katya to grow in her walk with the Lord and that He would give us wisdom in discipling and encouraging her!
As I asked you to pray about, August 20-25 we sponsored an English camp through my church. There were many hours of preparation and hard work, but God blessed the camp. There were approximately 60 unsaved youth and young adults. We spent 5 nights in tents in the Carpathian mountains of southwest Ukraine. It was absolutely beautiful and God blessed us with wonderful weather. It's funny to me that we called it an English camp because when it came right down to it – there wasn't a lot of English. However, the testimonies of the campers proved that God answers prayers as we had prayed that God would send campers who were prepared for the spiritual part of the camp and Praise the Lord they were. One young lady has already made a profession of faith, on any given Sunday there are 2-10 campers at church, and 4-8 that are attending our churches evangelistic Bible studies! PRAISE THE LORD!!

October 20 we will be having a meeting with those interested in attending our English Bible studies this year. We have a large number of contacts after this summer's English school and our camp. We are planning four Bible studies and trusting God to use them in reaching souls for His Kingdom.


Would you join us in PRAISING our Great God for the following:
- God joining Vova and I together in marriage
- Katya's profession of faith
- God's immeasurable blessings in the English camp and Lesya's profession of faith
- the opportunity to once again use English as a tool for evangelism through small group English Bible studies

Would also join us in bringing the following before the Throne of Grace:
- God's blessing as Vova and I start a new life together
- God's help with documents (I got a new passport because my last name changed and now need a new Ukrainian visa – also we will be attempting to get a non-immigrant tourist visa for Vova to be able to come to the US this spring)
- God's leading as Vova starts a new Bible study and seeks God's leading in the area of drama ministry
- Katya's spiritual growth
- follow-up with the unbelievers who were at the English camp
- God's blessing as we start up the English Bible studies (we are hoping to make some new contacts this year and also we are in need of helpers from the church)

I want to thank you once again for your faithful prayers for the ministry here in Ukraine. This summer was so incredibly busy that I never finished the prayer letters that I started. If you don't hear from us regularly, that probably just means we need ALL the more prayers!


Serving the Lord the TOGETHER with you,
Volodya and Laura Kisarets

Summer 2007

HFTW Ukraine is partnering with Grace church in Rivne, Ukraine to put together an evangelistic English camp for young adults/adults. There are already 60 unbelievers signed up to go to camp. We are in need of native English speakers to teach, local believers to go and make friends with these people and ABOVE ALL we need God's wisdom, direction and blessing!!! The camp will be held August 20-25, 2007 in the Carpathian mountains. We believe God is going to do some GREAT things!