Late July 2006 Monthly Update REJOICE WITH ME . . .

It has been far too long since I have written – let me share with you some of the highlights of the last few weeks.

ROMA
Roma is a cousin of one of the Alyoshas in our church. He lives in Kyiv but loves to spend his holidays here in Rzhyshchiv. He came on camp with us and just last week started talking to Sergei about his desire to repent and follow Jesus. On Sunday morning, he came to Daniel and said, “I’m ready to repent”. Praise God!! And now please pray for Roma, for his growth in God and for his future – he may live in Kyiv or come to Rzhyshchiv to study.

CAMP 120
Wow!! What an amazing time 83 of us had on an island in the middle of the Dnipr River. We lived together in community and had some awesome times with challenge from God’s word and sharing of testimonies. We cooked and ate together (sometimes nice food) and we played a lot of volleyball and swam a lot. God’s presence was obvious at camp – thanks to everyone who prayed.

PHCS TEAM
The group of 9 from Australia that spent 2 ½ weeks with us were truly amazing and a blessing. It was great to have young boys who just got involved and made friends with the young guys here. Everyone gave of themselves relationally and went home the richer for it. I am thankful for every member of the team. You are all special to me. And Rzhyshchiv is glad you came.

JON AND RUFUS
My sister and my ‘brother from another mother’ have been absolutely great to have around. They have kept the house running while I have been flat out as well as one-armed. They have initiated some awesome discussions that have helped me think deeply through issues. And I have just appreciated their friendship. They will leave in about 3 weeks and that will go far too fast for me.

BEN
I have loved having Ben back for a month. He leaves tomorrow. Together we co-led the PHCS Team and the Camp. We have had a great time doing and being together again. Thanks Tam and kids for lending your husband and Dad to us for a month. I love your heart for God and His world, mate.

COLLARBONE
I have the all clear from the doctor concerning the healing of the bone. It is now up to me to exercise daily and gain the use of my arm back. I can not lift my arm above my head or even close to it. I have been told it will take quite some time before I am fully operational again. But seriously – even with the inconveniences – I am thankful for this experience as God has changed me in small ways that I think would not have happened to me without this incapacity.

OBEDIENCE SHOULD BRING JOY
“Real joy lies in being obedient to God. For a Christ follower, the important thing isn’t what God has us doing; the important thing is that we’re doing what God wants us to do.” (Lee Strobel) Some of the best advice I have ever received was from John Gollan who repeatedly told me, “Jono, you have to do what God wants you to do.” Whatever the next chapter of life has for you or for me, if we are seeking to do what God wants, then the actual reality of what we are doing is not so important. Just wanting to be His man or woman in the place where He has us is enough.

WHAT YA READIN’?
“Eyewitness” by Vladimir Pozner was an insightful book. I feel like I have a slightly better grasp on the Soviet mindset of the last few decades. I still have a lot to learn 4/5

I read “Golden Haze” by Jade Lewis – an interesting biography of a young girl’s struggle with drugs and her rehabilitation through Teen Challenge 3/5

“God’s Outrageous Claims” by Lee Strobel is a helpful read for any Christian at any point in life. He brings a different and practical angle to some basic aspects of Christianity 4/5

PRAISE

For Roma’s decision to follow Christ
For the team from PHCS and Ben

PRAY FOR

Continued healing of my collar bone
Alyosha and Natasha who get married on August 12

THANKS

Ruth for helping me clean my room, organise my house and my life!!

Love Jono

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