CCLC Missions

Several months ago, realizing that I could not create it on my own, I asked God to give me more love for Him.  My desire was sincere, but I could have never guessed that He would answer as He did.  God turned the tables and chose to show me how much He loves me. 

Adopted –Waltraud (wife), Heinrich (husband) were the ‘bridge’ people for our group at Shonblick

and helped tremendously. During those first 4 months that were especially difficult, they came by

nearly daily with smiles, hugs, ready to help and answer questions. After living at the conference

center for a year, the group left Shonblick last March and we moved into town.  Now a year and a

half later, despite the drive they continue to visit often…. still smiling and still ready to help.

For me the Kaufmann family came out of thin air.  A year and a half ago, in my mess & stress,

they found me.  Last year – from March to March, they and their daughter, Katharina, looked for

ways to help me (as taxi, translation, filling in documents, advice, visiting me in the hospital,

inviting me over for meals etc.).  I felt like I had nothing to offer them, so the relationship felt

one-sided, and these type of ‘friendships’ often end in a short time.  But because of their loving

hearts and my thirsty one, ours got stronger.

The gift of their friendship, for me is extra special because they have chosen to include me in their

lives. In the past 6 months, we’ve been able to spend more time together as they sincerely want to

bless, create rest, space and fun for me.  Thanks to these 3, my life has a lot more balance and

laughter. I treasure the joy and friendship they have brought into my life. It was not earned or

deserved; in His grace God chose to give it and I am deeply grateful.

Grace refers to God’s character trait or disposition or inclination to treat people better than we deserve…. John Piper

Banana splits - A month ago, I sent out the following text message to the group.

I invite each of you to join us for banana splits tomorrow at lunch. Why?  Our group really has

much to celebrate!

Andriy and Sveta have returned from the hospital. (Rehab hospital for those with spinal injuries)

Yulia and Galina have returned from the hospital. (The same rehab hospital for those with spinal

injuries)

Mykola P. has returned from the hospital. (After having plastic surgery to close his pressure

wound.)

Arina and Katya have returned from the hospital. (After treating Arina for pneumonia.)

Sergi celebrates the news of being cancer free! (After surgery & 6 months of chemotherapy.)

Saturday is Roman's birthday; and this month I celebrate 25 years of serving as a missionary.

An ice cream party was my way of trying to point out to the group that we had so much to be

thankful for. We didn’t earn it or deserve it – each gift was purely God’s goodness towards us.

Then 35 bowls of ice cream later, God pulled one on me; when the group gathered around me

to congratulate for my 25-year mark and thank me for being with them.  God is kind and He

chose to give another sweet gift to my heart, and I am deeply grateful.

The word grace also refers to the help of God which produces real practical outcomes in

people’s lives.

A visit – This morning my immediate supervisor (Larry) and his supervisor (David) left for their

next visit.  It spoke volumes to me that they would choose to include me in their travel schedule

in Germany, giving me a whole day of their time.  It’s one thing to communicate by email,

but it's a whole different level to see, taste, smell, hear and touch for yourself.  The organization

that I work through – Christian Missionary Fellowship (CMF Int.) – does a lot of things well.

The guys set aside the chance to rest in order to hear the stories of several families in the group.

Later, I got to show and share the Shonblick conference center with them and then we returned

for more 1:1 visits and dinner.  Then they used the group evening devotional time to share their

story and encourage the group.  As our time was wrapping up, Sergi & Natasha Bolchuk,

founders of the AGAPE Rehab center in Lutsk surprised us.

The Bolchuk’s formally presented to David the ‘to One God’ Honor & Glory White Cross to

CMF Int., and, as their missionary, to me.  This award is given on behalf of the Ukrainian

government to non-Ukrainians to recognize those who have played a significant role in aiding

the country during the current war.  It was humbling because we hardly did it alone.

All the glory goes to God’s grace!

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“…And I don't have a context For that kind of love
I don't understand I can't comprehend….”

Cody Carnes

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkScs3lYP_s

I want to understand His love so I can make it fit into a box, stay neatly on a shelf, tucked into a definition, or set within the margins. But God’s immeasurable is oblivious of my restrictions.

With my prayer, it was as if I had approached Him with a teaspoon of my love and in return, a waterfall of His love cascaded over me. A brain blowing volume…never ending…gloriously messy…uncontrollably spraying everywhere; His powerful overwhelming love thoroughly soaking my heart.

Blessings, June