Thanksgiving Greeting from Ernie and Anna Smith
11/26/09
Happy
Thanksgiving!
As we enjoy thisThanksgiving Season, we realize that we have a lot to thank the Lord for:
1. Partners (such as yourselves) who have joined with us in reaching Ukrainians for Christ. We are reminded again of God's goodness to us as we travel and visit our support team on HMA.
2. God's protection as we have traveled many thousands of miles by train, plane and automobile (almost like the movie title!) in Ukraine, international flights, and traveling on HMA.
3. World Gospel Mission, an organization which has integrity, consistency, reliability, and faithfulness to accomplish the task that God raised it up to do: reach the world for Jesus Christ.
4. Faithful co-workers in Ukraine, not only Ukrainians but other WGM missionaries: Browers, Deweys, and Tarrs.
5. Family and close friends who allow us to "pick up" where we "left off" from our last HMA and accept us readily back into their homes and fellowship.
6. God's physical touch on our bodies. The older we get, the more things seem to wear out, but God continues to touch and brings healing in order that we can continue to serve Him. We serve a great God!
7. We are very thankful for each other. Next month, Anna and I will celebrate 47 years of marriage, friendship, and ministry. We are so happy that God has a sense of humor as we think back over all the different adventures and life experiences He has allowed us to enjoy and places He has sent us over the years.
8. Most of all, we are thankful that God sent His Son, Jesus, that we might have His forgiveness, grace, peace and joy in our lives.
Prayer Requests:
We are truly amazed at God's faithfulness to answer prayers. We would like to share these prayer concerns with you:
1.Pray for Frank and Chris Dewey as they depart December 3, 2009 for Ukraine. We remember what it was like when we arrived in Ukraine December 1, 1999. Pray for traveling mercies and strength and grace as they settle in.
2. Pray for Ernie as he has cataract surgery on his right eye in December.
3. Pray for the gas/heat in the Home of Hope this winter. It is already turning cold and the cost of gas (from Russian) has increased again. Pray for additional gifts that will help with the cost of natural gas to heat the building in order that ministries can continue during the winter months.
4. Mike Mason, a volunteer builder at the Home of Hope has to have esophageal surgery.
Pray for God's touch on his body and wisdom as he decides where he will have the surgery.
5. Pray for all who are having a difficult time during these uncertain economical times, not only here in the States but also in Ukraine.
Home of Hope Ministry Center
a. The main building is almost complete except for the facial and rain guttering.
b.The new sanctuary is fully enclosed, the floor poured and tile laid. It's beautiful! We need to finish some fire code work, install the ceiling and paint.
c. However, continued construction is almost at a standstill due to lack of funds. Change in the world economy has affected the value of the dollar and the availability of funds for construction projects. Pray for an extension on our building permit.
d. Winter has arrived and the cost of gas has increased again. Funds are not available to cover all the monthly cost. If you could help with a special donation to keep the heat on during the winter months, it would be greatly appreciated. Acct # 245- 21488
e. If God has blessed you and you want to give a Thanksgiving and/or Christmas gift to help with the construction costs of the Home of Hope Ministry Center, please send your much appreciated gift to: World Gospel Mission, PO Box 948, Marion, IN 46952 - marked for Acct #245 31475.
As we enjoy thisThanksgiving Season, we realize that we have a lot to thank the Lord for:
1. Partners (such as yourselves) who have joined with us in reaching Ukrainians for Christ. We are reminded again of God's goodness to us as we travel and visit our support team on HMA.
2. God's protection as we have traveled many thousands of miles by train, plane and automobile (almost like the movie title!) in Ukraine, international flights, and traveling on HMA.
3. World Gospel Mission, an organization which has integrity, consistency, reliability, and faithfulness to accomplish the task that God raised it up to do: reach the world for Jesus Christ.
4. Faithful co-workers in Ukraine, not only Ukrainians but other WGM missionaries: Browers, Deweys, and Tarrs.
5. Family and close friends who allow us to "pick up" where we "left off" from our last HMA and accept us readily back into their homes and fellowship.
6. God's physical touch on our bodies. The older we get, the more things seem to wear out, but God continues to touch and brings healing in order that we can continue to serve Him. We serve a great God!
7. We are very thankful for each other. Next month, Anna and I will celebrate 47 years of marriage, friendship, and ministry. We are so happy that God has a sense of humor as we think back over all the different adventures and life experiences He has allowed us to enjoy and places He has sent us over the years.
8. Most of all, we are thankful that God sent His Son, Jesus, that we might have His forgiveness, grace, peace and joy in our lives.
Prayer Requests:
We are truly amazed at God's faithfulness to answer prayers. We would like to share these prayer concerns with you:
1.Pray for Frank and Chris Dewey as they depart December 3, 2009 for Ukraine. We remember what it was like when we arrived in Ukraine December 1, 1999. Pray for traveling mercies and strength and grace as they settle in.
2. Pray for Ernie as he has cataract surgery on his right eye in December.
3. Pray for the gas/heat in the Home of Hope this winter. It is already turning cold and the cost of gas (from Russian) has increased again. Pray for additional gifts that will help with the cost of natural gas to heat the building in order that ministries can continue during the winter months.
4. Mike Mason, a volunteer builder at the Home of Hope has to have esophageal surgery.
Pray for God's touch on his body and wisdom as he decides where he will have the surgery.
5. Pray for all who are having a difficult time during these uncertain economical times, not only here in the States but also in Ukraine.
Home of Hope Ministry Center
a. The main building is almost complete except for the facial and rain guttering.
b.The new sanctuary is fully enclosed, the floor poured and tile laid. It's beautiful! We need to finish some fire code work, install the ceiling and paint.
c. However, continued construction is almost at a standstill due to lack of funds. Change in the world economy has affected the value of the dollar and the availability of funds for construction projects. Pray for an extension on our building permit.
d. Winter has arrived and the cost of gas has increased again. Funds are not available to cover all the monthly cost. If you could help with a special donation to keep the heat on during the winter months, it would be greatly appreciated. Acct # 245- 21488
e. If God has blessed you and you want to give a Thanksgiving and/or Christmas gift to help with the construction costs of the Home of Hope Ministry Center, please send your much appreciated gift to: World Gospel Mission, PO Box 948, Marion, IN 46952 - marked for Acct #245 31475.