Jono Miller

RPD 29th June 2009 Weekly Newsletter

Mon, 29/06/2009 - 18:03 |

COUNT DOWN TO CAMP

Keep praying for camp! The dates are July 13-18 and the theme is God is God. I’ll be keeping you posted about this from now thru til we are finished.

Pray for good relations with other people who use the same island

Pray for the man from whom we get water

Pray for the setting up – and the team of helpers who will volunteer time and energy

Pray for my boat motor – it has had an overhaul – but it is still an old motor

That’s the practical stuff

GOD IS GOD

Pray for the speakers

Pray for the hearts of those who are coming – that God would prepare them

Pray that we would desire God – deeply

Pray for me – that my desire is for God and not just for a good camp

UTSIM

I’ve had a busy week of writing staff policies and employment application forms, and having business meetings looking to expand the horizons of UTSIM. I met with two directors of local Technicums (like a Polytechnic or TAFE). They were positive meetings – though mainly just initial contact. We should be able to work with both students and English teachers.

This week I am attending a course for English teachers run by ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). I’m looking forward to being on the receiving end instead of the giving end for a week – as well as hopefully networking with other educators around Ukraine who are also believers.

BITS AND PIECES

I spent the first 3 days of last week in Chernihiv. Because of laptops and mobile phones I was able to take my work with me. But I did have Monday off and went with Jake and Anya to the Blue Lakes near the Belarusian border. The area is absolutely beautiful and it was so nice to rest and relax. I even had my first swim for the year. It was great to spend time with Jake and Anya and their daughter Maya who is a really personable little girl. I also got to catch up with a few other friends in Chernihiv and went to Celantano’s Pizza place 3 times!!

I ended up being the organiser of the expat rugby team for one of this summer’s beach rugby tournaments. We had 2 Jonathans and 2 Timothys on the team sheet and filled in the rest with Ukrainians. We won our first game – coming from behind, narrowly lost our second and were beaten 1 try to 0 in the quarter finals. We made a lot of tackles and I really felt it afterwards. On the way home I was invited in by some new neighbours to see their house and have a drink (or 3 as they told me was the Ukrainian tradition). I feel very accepted in my neighbourhood yet at a loss as to how I can share my faith with them. What holds me back?

Road Rage – please pray for me. I feel like I’ve discovered a trait I never used to have before driving in Ukraine. Last week I got angry with another driver and yelled at him (in English) really loud. I’m sure that I was not displaying the fruits of the Spirit. I do not want this to become a habit at all.

PRAYER AND PRAISE