This afternoon we went to a steakhouse for Amanda's birthday.  She turned 24 today.  The restaurant brought a big cake with basically a firework on top.  Hilarious. After lunch we walked around a castle built in the 12th century...very cool. We then left to drive the 6 hours back to Kiev.  The drive was exciting to say the least.  There are pothole everywhere.  Tons of traffic....and 2... more.

Overall today was a great day.  It's flippin' awesome to see God at work...and today we were definitely able to see people with a passion to serve him. We started the day by driving from Kiev to Lutsk.  It took us 6 hours.  On the way we passed numerous horse and buggies...unbelievable.  All of the land in Ukraine is still owned by the government.  Farmers rent the land and farm it.  Many... more.

Got off the train in Kiev, Ukraine at 7am.  Checked back into the "Tourist" Hotel.  Our first night at the "Tourist" was $150/night.  This time they charged us $80/night.  Chad says the rooms should have been $50/night.  hm. This afternoon we went to St. Sophia Cathedral and walked around downtown Kiev with Dima.  For dinner we went to a chinese restaurant.  The spicy chicken and lemon c... more.

Today we spent the morning in Slavynsk at the Antioch training.  We left at about noon to travel 3 hours away to Donetsk.  Dima moved to Ukraine and began a church 5 years ago.  Today he showed us the building he plans to start renting next week.  He also showed us the current building he's in.  Dima was a part of Russian gangs and did drugs for many years.  God got ahold of his heart and no... more.

We spent the morning at a Slavynsk Orphanage.  The kids seemed to be happy and well cared for.  I fell in love with all of htem.  We were told of the rats they grow in the back for food.  Meat is expensive in the country and the kids need protein.  Heartbreaking. [caption id="attachment_53" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Slavynsk Orphanage"][/caption]... more.

Church started by Vadim. The church began 5 years ago.  There were 3 people.  It was cold and no one wanted to come.  They went to a village and met a woman.  She said she had a dream 3 Christians would be coming.  They led the family to Christ and prayed for a boy who couldn't walk.  He felt burning in his legs and got up and walked.  People heard of the miracle and brought them a blind... more.

We spent the morning at a Slavynsk Orphanage.  The kids seemed to be happy and well cared for.  I fell in love with all of htem.  We were told of the rats they grow in the back for food.  Meat is expensive in the country and the kids need protein.  Heartbreaking.... more.

Every man, woman & child must be given the opportunity to accept Jesus. Vision:  28,000 protestant churches by 2015. There are currently 12,000 churches in the country. When Antioch started in 2002 there were 7,000 churches. There are 48 million people in Ukraine. 46 million are not Christians.... more.

Made it to Kiev at 1:30am.  Our checked bags did not make it.  All 5 of us filed a report with the airline.  We walk out to meet Akif (the guy picking us up).  He drives us to the "Tourist" hotel.  $150/night.  The room is straight up ghetto.  :/  On the way up we find that the elevators only go to the even numbered floors.  Ha.  Donovan, Amanda & Chuck are on floor number 7.  Amand... more.

"Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your resonable service."  Romans 12:1 3 Christian Duties:  Giving, Praying & Fasting (Matthew 6) Right now I feel as if I'm at a place of such desperation that I cannot afford to miss God's will for my life.  I need to draw near to God, from whose hand no one can snatch me, to hear His voice and follow His plan... more.