After living in this village for a short time, the Lord began to lay upon our hearts the reason for which He had directed us to live in Balki.  We could see the spiritual need all around us on a regular basis - broken families, children growing up without any Biblical teaching, alcoholism, and thousands of lost souls heading for an eternity separated from God.

  The Lord gave us a vision to start a Christian ministry center, a place where we could try to meet practical needs and address the more important spiritual need.  It would be a nucleus from where we could reach out and show God’s love in tangible ways and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with a village that desperately needs to hear it.  

  At first, it was just a dream, a vision within our hearts.  The cost of purchasing a building and furnishing it was far beyond anything that we could afford.

  Yet, as we prayed, God began to answer prayer and provide in wonderful ways, and we were eventually able to purchase a small “store” right in the center of the village, a place that had once housed offices for the communist collective farm.  It was badly in need of repair, but God continued to provide through the generosity of His people, and over the space of a few years, we were finally able to completely repair and refurbish the building and, more recently, to furnish it with everything necessary for ministry.  There were many holdups and delays during the process, especially involving the enormous amount of paperwork needed, here in Ukraine, for registering the building, the land, the electric and other details.  However, through faith and patience, all the obstacles were overcome!  

  Through the good works we do in this ministry center, it is our prayer and purpose that our Heavenly Father be glorified!   Some of these “good works” include a small Christian library, a wealth of free tracts, brochures, calendars, and Bibles, free coffee and refreshments, and English lessons, each of which will include a small Bible message.

  Many people still do not know that we have opened our doors, and rainy weather has kept some people indoors, but a few minutes ago, the first lady walked into our center, wondering what we were all about.  After a few minutes of conversation, she walked out with a Christian calendar and gospel tract saying, “This is wonderful!  I can’t believe that you’re doing all of this for free!”  A few minutes later, a young mother excitedly came in to sign up two children for English lessons.  Over time, we pray that the word will spread and many more will come through our doors and have the opportunity to experience God’s love.  

  Most of all, we pray for God’s wisdom and blessing, for we know that “the horse is prepared against the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.”  “It’s not be our might nor by power, but by God’s Spirit” that anything for the glory of God is accomplished.  How we need Him to move upon people’s hearts and bring them to a place where they can receive His Word.  

  So, in Jesus’ name, we step into this new chapter of our lives and ministry, praying that we will be faithful ambassadors for His cause.  Praise God for bringing this vision to reality!