May Monthly Update 2005

THE DOG OR THE MOON

Recently I was asked “Is the moon bothered by the dog that howls at it?”

Sometimes in life we let little things, or things that we can’t change get us down and bother us. It’s not worth it. Be the moon not the dog.

And as I thought about this concept I’m reminded that the moon is a reflector. It reflects the light of the sun. We should reflect the light of the Son and not be bothered by the little ‘dogs’ that yelp around here on earth below.

The next monthly update will be written from Ukraine. My time in Australia and NZ has just flown by.

On Sunday I shared at Elouera Gardens Retirement Village, next Sunday I will be speaking at a Mother’s Day service in St Clair. The following weekend I’ll be speaking at West Penno’s Missionary Conference. Then I will be farewelled from West Penno.

I travel north to Brisbane, stopping at the farm in Eureka for a couple of days. I will be sharing at Village Ave’s Missionary Conference in Brisbane and flying out from Brisbane on May 30th.

PTL!! Today I picked up my passport from the Post Office with a one year multi-entry VISA for Ukraine stamped inside. Thanks for praying.

REQUESTS

I want to thank you all for your interest, prayers, gifts and support of God’s work with which I am involved in Ukraine. Before I head back I have a few goals and maybe you can assist.

#1. I want to buy a boat! Target - $1200.

Sounds like the dream of everyone who lives in Sydney, but this is not for Sydney, it is for use on the Dnepr River in Rzhyshchiv, Ukraine. We will use this boat for access to the many islands in the river for youth camps and outings. I have been advised that a figure of $1200 will buy a second hand boat in good condition with a reliable motor.

#2. Equipment.

I’m looking to bolster the resources for our youth ministry. For many things, it is better to have money and purchase the items in Ukraine. But there are some items which would be cheaper for me to take with me if I were able to acquire them here for very little or free.

I am looking for abseiling gear (especially some harnesses)
I’d like a huge inner tube (truck or tractor or even bigger)
A large gym ball
2nd hand mobile phones (many young people would find this a huge blessing)
Please contact me if you would like to contribute to any of the above projects.

Family Reunion

The last part of April I was in NZ with my immediate family. The last time we were all together was in 2000. Thanks to those who prayed for my Dad. He was in hospital for a week prior to the reunion but was able to spend the time with us, just on limited energy.

For Sydneysiders

If you live in Sydney, I’d love to get a chance to say goodbye before heading back overseas. I next plan to be back in Australia at the end of 2007.

My last Sunday in Sydney is May 15. I will be having a commissioning service at church at 10am and again at 5:30pm.

From 1pm til 4:30pm you are welcome to come for lunch and/or afternoon tea at the Watkins place, 14 Garemyn Road, Middle Dural. If you come for lunch please BYO BBQ meat.

PACKING

Packing up to go is one of my next hurdles. I need to know what to leave, what to take, what to throw away. I want to take a lot more than my allowance so please pray for leniency at the airport.

UKRAINE UPDATE

Daniel shares the following snippets. I can’t wait to get back and tell you myself.

Inga is doing well... I think. I asked how she was going with God and we talked.

Zhenya just now thanked me for the seeds I had sown in his life and said that they had sprouted and were growing. This accident really knocked him about. He is so confident about God and God's plan for his life now it is amazing!

Natasha and Alyosha are still planning on getting married next year sometime. They are having the usual fun with parents and grandparents wanting to relive their wedding through Al and Nats. Natasha went to see Al today. Enjoyed their time together. (Alyosha is doing his compulsory military service)

Your house nearly fell down a couple of days ago when we had all that snow. The pogrib (cellar) collapsed. Big hole there now. The boys reckon they need to buy sand to fill it in.

Mobile phones... you gotta bring em. There are people who can use the money they would save if they got one bez platna. (not on a contract)

Enjoy life!

See you in a month.

PRAISE GOD
For my VISA
For daily provisions

PLEASE PRAY
For speaking engagements
For packing issues
For provisions for a boat and other equipment

THANKS
To the Watkins family for their amazing hospitality to me here in Sydney

Love Jono
Keep Looking Up

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