Dan and Pris Gollan

SHORT AND SWEET

I was re-reading last week’s RPD and realised how poor my quality of writing has been of late. Next week’s monthly will be fleshed out. This week is really just a couple of things to pray about.

UTSIM

Please pray for visas for Shane, Rufus and Jemimah. Their letters of invitation have been sent for business visas. They were only granted 6 months though we asked for longer, so we hope to extend them during the year.

BITS AND PIECES

CRICKET

I don’t like cricket, I love it! This Saturday I took a hatrick! Yep 4 for 29 off 3 overs – so there was some atrocious bowling in the first two overs. I took one outfield catch and made 19 off 19 balls. In my books – that is good cricket. But we didn’t win the game. It doesn’t matter. We are spending valuable time together with the boys – both our team and the opposition.

Please continue to pray for me and Nastya and Mikhyey – more next week – but you can see a few photos. God is very good and continues to confirm this to me.  =)

Pray for a good 10 days with my sister and her family from Paraguay. It will be a real privilege to have them here with us.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

Cricket – time with people is what life is about

Nastya, Mikhyey and I as we start life together as a family

Fleitas family visit to Ukraine

Visas for UTSIM workers

THANKS TO

Ruth for yet another awesome meal and fellowship time at your house – you are the bomb!

Love Jono

Keep Looking Up

AND THE POWER FAILED AGAIN . . .

Sunday afternoon before camp and the power goes off (read my poem about electricity). No RPD, no shower, no world cup final. We managed to watch the final at Bruce’s place once he got his generator going. All the same I have been a whole week with no internet – actually it’s really good (except for catching up later). AND WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT NZ WOULD BE THE ONLY UNBEATEN TEAM FOR THE ENTIRE WORLD CUP!?

But anyhow no RPD means that those with Facebook managed to get information those without Facebook missed out on. I am engaged to Anastasia (Nastya). We plan to get married at the end of August. We are both extremely excited, a little bit nervous and very thankful to God for bringing us to each other.

UTSIM

This week I pick up letters of invitation and will post them to The Gambia and Australia. Please pray that Rufus, Shane and Jemimah will receive their visas in time to travel here for the school year.

BITS AND PIECES

CAMP 120

Firstly, a huge thanks to those who helped get our boat motor. I didn’t need to take the cover off the motor once this year. It was such a blessing to come and go without a hassle. Daniel was even doubly impressed as he was able to get up behind the boat on a wakeboard.

We had 75 people in our regular camping place and we are getting better at setting it up every year. There was a great feel to the community at camp this year. Our theme was Serve and Grow.

Micah started by giving us Jesus’ example from John 13. Jesus knew who He was, where He was going, and even in the face of really difficult circumstances he chose the path of servant hood.

We had great weather and good friendships were made. Camp has become an important annual event in the lives of a number of people. I did basically no advertising – just let people know camp was on. Thanks to all who help make it happen. Especially to Ruth and Jon for the set up and leadership and to Priscilla who feeds the Rzh crew.

In a week’s time my sister and her family from Paraguay will be coming to visit. I am thoroughly looking forward to their coming. Pray that I have a real chance to connect with my nieces and nephew and for them to bond with Nastya and Mikhyey also.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

Camp 120 was the bomb!!

Nastya, Mikhyey and I as we start life together as a family

Fleitas family visit to Ukraine

Visas for UTSIM workers

THANKS TO

Nastya for coming into my life and totally changing everything in such a wonderful way.

Love Jono

Keep Looking Up

WATCH THIS SPACE

This month has turned crazy. I feel too busy and too tired to write something inspirational, challenging, motivating or even funny. I can’t tell you all that is on my mind. I’m not sure I can even understand myself – but next month . . . .

UTSIM

There’s not a lot to talk about for UTSIM in the month of July. Basically the main activity is the documentation process required for some teachers who we are inviting to come and work with us in the coming school year. Please pray about this. Please also pray for some documentation issues I have regarding my University degree. It has been lost in transit while I was sending it away to get an Apostil required for authentication here in Ukraine. I will need an authenticated replacement before September or October.

LIFE OUTSIDE OF BUSINESS

CAMP 120

Everything is go go go for camp now. Praise God we have bought a motor (almost). Tomorrow will be the test run. A mechanic friend in Rzhyshchiv has helped us to get a Yamaha 25hp for a good price. Pray that a practical thing like a boat motor will be the means to bless many people.

Pray also for the following aspects of camp:

· Clean water

· Firewood

· Transporting everyone to camp

· Friendly relations with others on the island

· A spirit of unity

· Teachable attitudes

· Lots of fun and meaningful friendships

· Studies based around SERVE and GROW

We expect around 80 young people to come to camp. Remember that working for the ultimate glory of God is what has real meaning and value. Thanks to all who pray and take an interest in camp every year.

TARAS AND TASHA

Last year at camp we had the amazing event of a marriage proposal during the end of camp concert. This coming Saturday – two days before camp – they are getting married in Lviv. So once again I am heading to the beautiful city of Lviv for a wedding just before camp. I’m excited for Taras and Tasha – please pray for them in this new journey they are heading on together.

FAMILY

My parents’ two and a bit weeks has nearly come to an end. They head off this Tuesday. They have enjoyed meeting our friends and seeing things in Ukraine - some the same and some different from their visit 6 years ago. We fitted in a trip to Chernihiv, visiting good friends and enjoying the pristine nature of the Blue Lakes near the Russian border. Not to mention the 4 kilograms of wild blue berries an old lady sold to us.

At the end of July my sister Joanna and Frank and family from Paraguay will come for just 10 days.

WHAT YA READIN’?

I’m still reading Say You’re One Of Them by Uwem Akpan. The book is quite gripping though hard to read some of the “African” English the author includes. I’m also aware of how little reading I have been able to do in the last month – so much for being on holidays from work.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

Camp 120 – Serve and Grow

Taras and Tasha

Parents’ visit to Ukraine and onward travel to UK

Joanna and Frank and family

THANKS

To my big brother Tim – I reckon everyone needs a brother like him!!

Love Jono

Keep Looking Up

CONSTITUTION DAY

On June 28th 1996 Ukraine adopted its Constitution (read a copy in English). 3 500 years ago God gave Moses the 10 commandments. Rules and guidelines without heart are simply words. 2000 years ago Jesus came and showed us what it meant to live. He summed up life by saying it all really hangs on two things. Love God with everything – and love each other as you love yourself.

UTSIM

Summer time activities include making resources, signing up new students and the wonderful documentation process of trying to bring three foreigners into the country. Please pray with us through this arduous process.

BITS AND PIECES

Cricket! I don’t like cricket – I love it! A bunch of Aussies, Kiwis and Ukrainians entered a team in an all Ukraine cricket competition. We played the reigning champions and competed well. We had them at 3 for 16 after 4 overs but they went on to make 175 off 20 overs. We started well but came up short with 144. It was the first time Ukrainians had played in the tournament and Yura hit a huge 6. It’s more than just sport. It is community development. My mate Wayne every week is spending time with young people in the nets, bowling, batting, just being with them. He is looking to take a version of Kanga Cricket into Ukrainian schools. There will be a real mission opportunity in cricket clinics – maybe a short term mission venture you could consider.

My parents have had a week here in Ukraine. We’ve done a lot of little things here and there. This coming week we hope to go for a bit of a trip to Chernihiv and beyond.

The kids’ camp in Rzh went well and a number of kids came along to church today. There are some really lovely kids in this town – please pray that the love of God will be seed sown in their hearts that will in its season bring forth beautiful fruit.

Finally camp 120. PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR CAMP. I have my old boat motor being looked at (as a backup) and I am looking into the right price for the right motor. There is a mechanic friend in town here who is keen to help and I think I almost have enough money for a 15 horse power motor which would be adequate for our needs for camp. God is in control.

I just had one speaker for camp inform me he is not able to make it so please pray about that also. Thanks.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

The kids of Rzhyshchiv

Dad and Mum to have a profitable time here

Camp 120 – a boat motor!!

Camp 120 – speakers for the topic SERVE AND GROW

THANKS TO

Wayne for organising and being passionate about cricket.

Love Jono

Keep Looking Up

OLD LESSON LEARNED AGAIN

For many many years the verses from Proverbs 3:5-6 have been my life’s motto. Just this week I was again reminded to learn an important lesson from them. I must not rely on my own understanding. This is so hard. I want to understand. I want to know what is going on around me. I want to know what God is doing. But if I understood everything it would lessen the need for trust.

UTSIM

I will be moving the office to my house for the remainder of the summer. We will continue looking for students for next year especially in Kaharlyk. Please pray that we would know what solution we should look for, as our office computer has stopped working. On a limited budget, do we try to get it fixed or look for another – it was an old cheap one to start with.

BITS AND PIECES

Ruth and I flew to Poland on Monday and met our parents there. We met friends of theirs and enjoyed reliving Krakow. We took them to Auschwitz and Ruth and I visited the larger site of Birkenhau where we hadn’t been before. We also had a day in the beautiful mountains on the Polish and Slovakia border.

Along the way we watched NZ score a goal against Slovakia and today one against Italy. Never underestimate a kiwi.

This weekend has been a crazy one at my house (and still is). It has been great to have heaps of people here. On Saturday we had a special ceremony for the baptism of Nikita and I challenged his mum and dad and God parents with the words sacrifice, purity, instruction, encouragement and prayer. I challenged everyone to pray for Nikita (including myself) and I gave him a Bible.

This coming week there is a 4 day kids’ camp in Rzhyshchiv. I am not able to be there for all of it but will hope to drop down and do something with the kids on a couple of the days. It is good to have a positive reputation in Rzh.

I will really need to get going on camp things this coming week. Please continue to pray – the next hurdle is to find a boat motor.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

Time away in Poland with family

Nikita (and his parents and God parents)

Camp 120 – a boat motor!!

Kids’ camp in Rzh

THANKS TO

Serge for fixing my computer (technology seems to be a recurring problem)

Love Jono

Keep Looking Up

ONLY ONE MONTH

Time is very quickly slipping away and Camp 120 is only 4 weeks away. I still have basically everything left to do and getting my boat in the water and working is going to be a major part of it. I would love you to pray for all the practical things that need to be done. For all the people who will help in a team effort – but mostly for the theme we will study: Serve and Grow.

I want to grow and I want the church and my friends around me to grow also.

UTSIM

This week I am on holiday from UTSIM. The staff back in Rzhyshchiv will continue finalising things from last year and preparing for next year. Visa applications are in the making for a couple new teachers and we are looking to sign new students with an early bird discount. Last week we signed 21 students. We need about 150 students so as not to make a loss on the next year. That is double what we had this past year and so we will be looking for creative ways to make things work.

BITS AND PIECES

Last weekend I played my first game of cricket for the summer. My friend Wayne has been coaching young Ukrainian guys and they also got to play and one of the young guys batted well and got not out. It is great to have a bunch of guys to spend time with in the sporting arena. Next week there is a major tournament I was picked to play in but unfortunately can’t make it.

The reason I can’t make the tournament is a good one though. My friends Nat and Alosha from Lviv are coming and I am performing a special baptism ceremony for their son Nikita. Please pray for my good friends and for what God is doing in their family.

Tomorrow I’m heading to Poland with my sister Ruth and we will meet up with my Mum and Dad. We’ll have a few days in and around Krakow and then they are coming back with us to Ukraine until early July.

This is a short RPD. Today is Gaven’s birthday and he is already round here cooking up some sausages and a few people are coming over and we will watch Australia take on Germany.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

Time away in Poland with family

Alosha, Nat and Nikita

Camp 120 – Serve and Grow

Lots of students for UTSIM next year

THANKS TO

Tim for emergency repairs to my email system last week

Love Jono

Keep Looking Up

HOW CAN WE LIVE WITHOUT LIFE!!

One of the mobile phone companies in Ukraine is called “Life”. It is the company I use and most of my friends also use it as it has free calls between users. But last week Life was broken in Rzh for about 4-5 days. It was almost a minor catastrophe. We wondered how people ever managed to live and accomplish their daily lives before mobile phones. I couldn’t call my workers when I needed to. Social gatherings were hard to organise. It was eye-opening to see how much of our lives we have made dependent upon a piece of technology. It was also wonderful to realise that meaningful time spent with people, uninterrupted by telephones, is a lost art worth rediscovering.

Here’s an idea. Turn your phone off for an entire day (an entire week) and observe two things. Firstly, there is always a creative solution to every problem. Secondly, there are people close by with whom we can (and often should) interact with more. Do you rule your phone or does your phone rule you!?!

UTSIM

Holidays! – well not quite. Rzhyshchiv is on holidays from classes while Kaharlyk continues til the end of this month. I’ve had preliminary interviews with my staff and have some new-look contracts for next year. I have spent a few hours with a tent in the centre of town advertising our business. We hope in the next 12 months to grow the business to a size which makes it profitable. This coming week we have advertised three days for early-bird sign up for next year. Pray that the right people will come to study with us next year.

Great news also is that we will be renting the same house in Rzh again next year. A huge thanks to Gaven who has had to think through lots of issues to make this work for both him and us.

We had a good day out at the water park as a staff – just relaxing and enjoying time together. Sometimes it is easy to get too bogged down with the agenda and forget the journey and the relationships along the way.

LIFE OUTSIDE OF BUSINESS

AWESOME WEEKEND

It’s Sunday night as I type this and I’ve just had a great weekend. I picked up Max, Andrei, Ivanka, Luba, Olya and Halya in Kyiv on Friday night and they all came and stayed at my house for the weekend. It was fun cooking together, going to the beach at night and during the day, visiting sights around Rzh, having a fire and singsong outside with other Rzh friends and a prayer time together. Church was quite full this morning too and it was great to have Max and Luba join in with the music group. Luba is a really talented musician and also a professional clown (my dream). You can see some of the talent Ukraine has watching Luba here.

Thanks for a great weekend guys. Come again!

CAMP IS COMING – STILL NEED A MOTOR

The next time I write a monthly will be just before camp 120. Wow! There is a lot to do between now and then. A huge thanks to those who have promised money for a boat motor. We are up to US$700. That is almost enough to buy a 2 horsepower motor (check out this site and use Google translator to help you - Yamaha boat motors in Ukraine) .

I would also love prayer for the organisation of camp – both pragmatically and spiritually. To make the camp physically happen is a big team effort and a lot of work in the couple weeks preceding - and hoping the right people come through at the right time with boats and tents etc. But most of all pray for the spiritual aspects of camp. We will consider the theme of Serve and Grow. Growth in becoming a disciple of Jesus comes through service.

TENT IN TOWN

This past week there has been a big tent in town with a group of people running children, family and youth outreaches every day. They also had an art display in the centre street and were able to share the gospel with many people. I had a busy week but I was round and about for a little bit and went along on a couple of evenings. Pray that the seeds planted will be faithfully watered by those of us who live here all the time.

WHAT YA READIN’?

I finished The Return of the King by Tolkien and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of my adventures through Middle Earth.

Since then I have read a short book God of my Father by Dr Larry Crabb and his father. It was a great read to consider the impact one generation has on the next, to consider the weight of responsibility one has growing up in a God honouring Christian family and some insightful thoughts I enjoyed along the way.

I have just started Say You’re One Of Them by Uwem Akpan. It is interesting so far and some of it is set in places in Africa where I have been.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

Camp 120 – Serve and Grow

Sign up days for UTSIM

Great friends who come to visit

Technology – I can communicate with you all so easily

THANKS

To the guys from Kyiv, Carpathia, Priluky, Nizhyn and Poltava who came for the weekend. Thanks!

Love Jono

Keep Looking Up

ON BEING SELFISH

A couple of my friends used to enjoy debating whether or not the root of all sin was pride or selfishness. Today I was standing in church and I thought about not wanting to sin. I thought about how I don’t want sin in my life and realised that it was a very selfish thought. I don’t want sin in my life primarily because it makes me feel bad. The real reason should be because God hates sin not because it makes me feel bad. And then standing there in church I could notice all the kids that were making noise, running round, crying and I was getting distracted and thinking their parents should do a better job – and then thought maybe I’m being selfish again. Maybe everyone else here is able to worship God and enjoy the kids and I’m only thinking about me. And there are lots of things I want God to do in my life. Lots of good things. Yet I realise how me-centred all of this is.

Jesus said, “If anyone wants to follow me he should deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” I don’t think you are being selfish when you take up your cross. I need some fresh perspective. I am glad that God is God and He is working. I am glad that the Holy Spirit is here to continually nudge me back in the right direction.

UTSIM

Thank you so much to everyone who prayed this last week. And to those who encouraged me in word and to those who helped out. I think our end of year celebration on Thursday night went well. I was only disappointed that a few students (including some receiving top awards) were not present. But we had about 70 people there and the kids that came all did a great job and were very enthusiastic.

This coming week I have staff interviews and we need to look seriously at how things are going to run next year. I also have staff working through til the end of June which I need to supervise work for. We are continuing classes in Kaharlyk til the end of this month and I hope to spend a bit of time there feeling out the potential for next year.

Please pray about one more qualified English teacher (a Ukrainian or Russian speaker) for our youngest classes for next year.

Tomorrow we will have our end of year staff party. I am taking them to the Aqua Park near Kyiv. I want to say thanks for the way they have worked together this year.

BITS AND PIECES

The day at the zoo with the special needs kids from Rzhyshchiv was a fun day for them. We spent about three hours at the zoo and then went to McDonalds for lunch. There were 16 of us all up. I have enjoyed the way that a few young people have diligently committed themselves to giving time to those who are so often neglected. Personally I was very saddened by the Kyiv Zoo. The animals do not have enough space and to take them out of their natural habitat to be gawked at does not rest easy with me.

This week there will be a tent in Rzhyshchiv running daily outreaches for kids and families and teenagers. Pray that the many people being invited will come along and be touched by the power of the Good News about Jesus.

Next weekend I’m having about 10 friends from Kyiv come and stay so it’s going to be a full house but a weekend I know I’m going to thoroughly enjoy.

I have been thoroughly enjoying a book called “God of My Father” by Larry Crabb. I want to paraphrase a bit to make it a challenge to myself and maybe for you also.

“My testimony does not include daily miracles and unremitting joy and constant excitement over meaningful ministry. But perhaps I can be mature enough to enter into mystery, cling to what is clear, and continue yielding to the unquenchable passion within me to know God regardless of whatever other passions, good or bad, remain within me.”

PRAYER AND PRAISE

UTSIM celebration night

UTSIM staffing for next year

Learning to be less selfish

Outreach tent in Rzhyshchiv this week

THANKS TO

Peter and Beth Kirkegard. You guys are legends and I appreciate you muchly J

Love Jono

Keep Looking Up

ON BEING FAITHFUL

Today Simbo preached about the faithfulness of God. People break promises. Sometimes we make promises we could never even keep. But God always keeps all of His promises. Today we also heard from a young man, Yura. He gave his life story of being touched by God in Sunday School, but as a teenager walking further and further away from God. But God had a tug on his heart, and he eventually let go and said OK God I’ll trust You. I started thinking of those who faithfully teach Sunday School, or in some other way introduce children to the Good News and the person of Jesus. We should be faithful in planting and spreading seeds of faith. Only God knows how and when the fruit will come.

May all who come behind me, find me faithful.

UTSIM

The final week of teaching is upon us. Please pray for me. I feel the pressure of being the leader. I am aware of so many of my weaknesses. I criticize, I am unforgiving, I fail to delegate or I try to control, I am scared of failing because I am too proud of my own efforts. I am also distinctly aware of how much I have to accomplish before Thursday night and wonder if it can all be done. So please pray. Pray less for the details and more for the attitudes in me and those around me – that we seek to love God and those around us in all things.

I have written my end of year reports. Students are practicing skits and songs for our Thursday night end of year celebration. Please pray that we will be a real light in the community.

I have some big questions in my mind regarding the next academic year at UTSIM. There are a number of changes which need to be made. I feel there are three distinct parts of UTSIM

• Business – it has to be honest, viable and credible as well as stay afloat.
• Missional – we want to make an impact in the community where we live for the sake of Jesus.
• Educational – the program, teachers, lessons, reporting and feedback etc. should all be of a high educational standard.

I feel pulled from one of these to another and can’t manage them all. Please pray that I will know exactly how to prioritise. God give me grace!

BITS AND PIECES

Matt and Anya’s wedding was a lovely day. It starts early if you have a van! But I was glad I could help out. We had to transport stuff to the park where the ceremony was held. Four of us boys had to bounce and shift a car that was blocking the entrance. It was great to catch up with Sam and Melissa who came from the States for the wedding. Sam spent a year in Australia back in 1995 or 96. He even came to camp Toukley with me. I was at their wedding in Latvia back in 2004. I’ve been to a number of weddings. It is great to witness when a couple declare before God their desire to live as one for Him.

This coming Saturday we are having another day with special needs kids from Rzhyshchiv. We are taking them to Kyiv to the Zoo and to McDonalds. Pray that the time spent with them and their families will be meaningful.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

Thank God for all of His promises

Final week for UTSIM and end of year celebration

Me to be a better ‘boss’

Matt and Anya as they prepare to live in the US

Day at the Zoo with special needs kids

THANKS TO

Anyone who reads this and gives me some encouragement this week – I’m feeling a little overwhelmed right now.

Love Jono

Keep Looking Up

ONE SMALL WORLD – ONE BIG FAMILY

I’m writing this on the plane to Kyiv returning from 4 days in Norway at a conference on Tentmaking Missions. I have been amazingly blessed, encouraged, motivated, challenged and overloaded with information and ideas which I now need to process with someone. I encourage anyone interested in missions to start looking here and have a read and maybe attend a course if you possibly can. One cool thing was to discover one of the couples who were sharing at the course were colleagues of another missionary family from my church, West Penno; and had worked in Senegal with a girl from NZ who had previously worked for my parents. It is an amazingly small world and a pleasure to find ‘members of the family’ wherever we go.

UTSIM

We have just two weeks left until the end of this school year. And what a full two weeks they will be! Please pray for energy and good time management for the next two weeks. Please also pray that in the busy-ness of work we don’t lose the focus of loving and caring for our students.

A big thanks to Zhenya, Sveta, Masha and Simbo who together covered my lessons last week so I could attend the TENT conference. Many thanks for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Last week I had a real encouragement from one of my students. For her homework she had to research and answer a few questions about Sir Edmund Hilary. She reminded me of the story I told about him at our end of year celebration last year. I told the story of Hilary’s failed attempt on Everest and his statement to the mountain, ‘You’re as big as you’re ever going to be, but I’m still growing.” She shared that this really touched her and is now the motto of her life whenever she faces an obstacle and she has recalled these words numerous times in the last year. Wow! I was reminded that teachers really do touch lives forever. Who we are and what we say is noticed and remembered.

BITS AND PIECES

This coming weekend Matt and Anya are getting married in Kaharlyk. Matt lived in my house in Rzh for a few months many years ago. Pray for them as they adjust to a new life together.

The town of Bergen in Norway is a very picturesque town built on a harbour and steep hills. It reminded me of my birthplace, Dunedin. Norway is a country with a great heritage – a strong evangelical Lutheran influence from the time of the Reformation. The country enjoys safety, low crime, clean cities, and a high standard of living. The power of the Gospel transforms lives, communities and nations. But never become complacent. And remember, to whom much is given, much is required.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

TENT Conference in Norway

Matt and Anya

UTSIM staff and students

Teachers touching lives forever

THANKS TO

Steiner, his family and everyone who made TENT such an awesome 4 days.

Love Jono

Keep Looking Up

EVERYTHING IS BROKED!

I remember a news clip from Northern Queensland after devastating floods a few years back. A little girl was on the phone to emergency services saying the house was broked, the car was broked, everything was broked. It was both cute and heart wrenching.

My van is almost broken. It feels like it. I had trouble with it idling and then going in town last week. The muffler is also broken. My old boat motor is broken. The electricity in the front room doesn’t work. The fridge door broke (fell off) last week. My CD Rom drive is broken. It is a fact of life – THINGS BREAK. Their usefulness comes to an end or needs fixing.

We break too. Actually – that is good. It doesn’t feel good. We don’t want to break. But we need to come to a place of brokenness so that we can recognise the fact that we need fixing. Thankfully God prefers renovation to demolition. Yesterday a young fellow, who spent a bit of time with his back to God, told me that he now feels that his heart has been damaged. And it has. And it’s not a good thing to turn our backs on God – to deny Him or betray Him. But the good news is that God specialises in mending broken hearts.

Meanwhile – I’ll try and fix the fridge door.

UTSIM

We had a very short working week last week. We are frantically trying to do tests with kids so we can finish up the end of year reports. On top of that we are trying to practice items for our end of year concert/prize giving.

I’m also looking into the advertising for next year and how we are going to go about filling as many spots as possible so as to make the business more financially viable.

This coming week I’m heading to Norway for a conference which I am looking forward to. I will probably take the laptop and try to use the travel time to get some written work done for UTSIM. We are definitely in countdown mode to summer and I know I will appreciate the break from the hectic timetable I have been keeping.

LIFE OUTSIDE OF BUSINESS

MAY 9TH

Today is Victory Day here in Ukraine. We celebrate victories of wars. We celebrate sporting victories. Politicians celebrate election victories. Couples celebrate anniversaries. What reason do you have to celebrate today? I want to live with the idea that every day can be a celebration. I can celebrate my Creator and my Redeemer. I can celebrate victory over a bad habit. I can celebrate one good moment in the middle of a time of crisis. Celebration is more about attitude than the event. Choose to celebrate this week.

CONFERENCES

Although our little church in Rzhyshchiv is not affiliated with any particular group, we still keep in contact with a number of Calvary Chapel churches around Ukraine. This weekend was their annual national conference and I was there for Saturday afternoon. It was great to see a number of old friends and there is a feeling of encouragement I get as I see someone continuing on with joy in their walk with God.

Tomorrow is Passion Conference in Kyiv and about 50 people are going from Rzhyshchiv and I think about 30 of them are not believers. Please pray that this will be a time that God moves in their hearts and causes them to hunger for Him.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

Passion Conference

Conference in Norway

UTSIM end of year activities

That God mends us when we are broken

THANKS

To Daniel for a good sermon about the Holiness of God today. God is Holy!

Love Jono

Keep Looking Up

STOP TO SMELL THE FLOWERS

I’ve got nothing to write. No great quotes, no special illustrations from life. It’s late and I’ve been sitting in front of the computer wondering what is special that I can share. The only thing I can think of is spring. Spring is pretty special here in Ukraine. After a long harsh winter – the waking up and coming to life of so many trees and flowers is special. But I thought that was a bit boring to share with you. Then I realised – it is only boring because we have made it boring. We live fast-paced, modern technological lives. We update our Facebook statuses, we listen to our iPods or play doodle jump on our iPhones . We forget to look at the grass, the flowers, the trees, the bugs, the bees, the river, the clouds etc. Spring is beautiful. On Friday night the trees on my street were so laden with white blossoms that in the headlights of my van I almost thought it was winter and the snow had returned. I hope I don’t get so busy or so distracted that I forget to enjoy the miracle of spring that God has given to us.

UTSIM

Ukraine has 10 public holidays a year – and four of them are in May! So this month is not only hectic with accomplishing many end-of-year tasks (like reports, tests and end of year concerts) but fitting it into short working weeks.

Please pray that we finish strong for the year. A few students have dwindled off in their attendance, desire, progress or mixture of all three.

Please pray as we make a decision about where to be next year. Pray for those who will continue to study with us – we have made really good long term contacts with some students.

Please pray for our end of year concert. It is coming upon us really quickly and there is much to do. I have some of my students enthusiastically practicing “The Animals March Two by Two” and “Chicken Little”.

I also have the opportunity to attend the GO Equipped TENTmaking course in Bergen, Norway from May 12-16. My wonderful staff are going to work hard to cover my lessons. The line-up of topics looks really good and I’m really looking forward to talking to others who are using business as a means of ‘doing missions’.

Also please praise God with us as we celebrate the birth of Natasha and Alyosha’s second child, Denis born 30th April. Natasha has been understandably a little absent from work recently. There are so many things I still rely on her for and I have had a few phone calls to her in hospital. Please pray for God’s blessing on their whole family. Thank God also for the return of Simeon and Asia and their little girl, Amelia. I will meet with Simeon this week to talk about his involvement again with UTSIM – but it’s good to have them back again.

LIFE OUTSIDE OF BUSINESS

ASKING FOR MONEY

I don’t do this very often so I’ll be up front. I want hard cold cash. Actually electronic fund transfer will be fine. Last year my boat motor finally gave up the ghost – the boat was towed home from the island. I’m looking to run Camp 120 again this year and the logistics of setting up camp without a boat at my disposable is unfathomable. I realise this is an expensive ask. What would it be used for. Primarily for camp every year – 80-100 young people on an island for a week – for some it is the highlight of the year. It would also be used for shorter day trips around the many islands near where we live. Maybe for taking guys fishing (although I don’t really like fishing) and getting to hang out and spend time with people.

I’m looking for between $1000 - $2000 to buy a reliable motor. Please contact me if you would like further information.

PASSION

Next Monday (another public holiday) there is a huge conference in Kyiv. This is part of the Passion World Tour and we have invited a lot of student-aged people from around Rzhyshchiv. Please pray that this will be a significant spiritual step in the lives of those whom God is drawing to Himself. Pray that we are faithful in befriending and loving those whose lives are intertwined with ours.

CRICKET IN UKRAINE

Can you imagine – cricket in Ukraine!! As the Twenty20 world cup is underway – Ukraine cricket is looking for ICC recognition, an aim to develop the grassroots – and the possibility of qualifying for the Olympics in 2020. Wayne – a mate from Kaharlyk has built an indoor training facility and is considering one or even two outdoor pitches. He has been using cricket training as a means of having regular contact with young boys who are at a loose end. I hope to be involved a little this summer. Not just because it’s fun to play cricket (I don’t like cricket, I love it), but because I truly believe meaningful relationships can be made through the avenue of sport.

WHAT YA READIN’?

I finished The Two Towers by Tolkien and now I’m cheering on Pippin and Gandalf as they try to hold Gondor against the powers of evil in “Return of the King”. There is nothing more to report. The list ‘to read’ is long.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

Spring flowers

Denis Kurilko (new baby to UTSIM family)

TENTmaking conference in Norway

Money for a boat motor

Passion Conference

Cricket in Ukraine

THANKS

To Havard for making it possible for me to attend the conference in Norway next week.

Love Jono

Keep Looking Up

POPULARITY STAKES

This week whilst reading an article about ANZAC Day I came across this quote from Desmond Tutu: “I too suffer from wanting people to like me.”

I do not think it is a bad thing if people like you. People liked Jesus (check out Luke 2:52 as well as all the obvious stories). But I can easily find myself in trouble when the focus of my decisions, words and actions is to find favour with those around me; when I am motivated towards a certain course of action because I feel it will make me more popular.

It seems to be the natural inclination of mankind. We desire and crave acceptance, love, accolades, status, etc. I’m brought back down to earth again by the words of Paul in Philippians 2:6-7, “Jesus, like God in every way, did not use that status to His advantage, but gave it up and become nothing. He became a man, a servant.” (paraphrased)

UTSIM

We are turning the bend into the home straight for the year. Yesterday I went to our final Saturday English kids club in Karharlyk for this year. Micah and Christy did a great job of running this with help from Josie Sprague – thanks guys. Over the 8 weeks we had 14 kids (including theirs) attend. I finished it up by reading one of my favourite books – The Monster At The End Of This Book.

May is a crazy time in Ukraine with public holidays. We have 3 Mondays and a Tuesday with no work this coming month. Please continue to pray for us as we plan lessons and interact with students who are champing at the bit to be on holidays.

The conversational class that Tom, Gav and Masha are running on Tuesday nights is going well. They alternate from a speaking topic to a film each Tuesday. The films are better attended – but bridges are being built. 9 students have signed up to come to Passion Conference.

LIFE OUTSIDE OF BUSINESS

ANZAC DAY

As I write this it is just after lunch on ANZAC Day. Obviously this is not a special day for Ukrainians. We had church as usual this morning and Jon shared about the goodness of God. Because I believe God is good – I can trust Him in everything.

War is a horrible thing. I hope many people observe ANZAC Day for the reason of keeping afresh the horrors of war and making a resolution to strive with all their power to keep from going to war and to speak against those who would.

This afternoon Jon, Gav, Wayne and I will roll the arm over with a few cricket balls and we’ll have a roast dinner at Gav’s this evening. Keeping the ANZAC spirit alive. Lest we forget.

SPECIAL NEEDS

We had our monthly afternoon for children with special needs on Saturday. As the weather warms up the attendance is better. Jeff had a great time talking to the kids and really going eyeball to eyeball with one little girl as she was telling him what he really needed to know about the colour of her eyes. It was quite special but you had to be there. Jeff even spoke in Ukrainian and I was quite proud of him. Next month we are taking them to Kyiv to the Zoo and to MacDonalds. It is a wonderful thing to be able to help and love kids who have a difficult life.

SPRING

The world around us is just beautiful. Trees everywhere are in full blossom and signs of new life are evident every day. The views from the hill over the river on clear days are just breathtaking. For me Spring is a wonderful vibrant reminder of the Goodness of God.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

Kids in Rzh with special needs

UTSIM English clubs

Passion Conference (May 10)

The beauty of Spring and the Goodness of God

THANKS

To Gav for an ANZAC Day roast.

Love Jono

Keep Looking Up

SELFISH WITH MY TIME

Working to help other people can sometimes trick you into thinking that you are not selfish. This week I was hit by Jesus reading in Luke chapter six.

27 "But I say to you who are listening, love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who are cruel to you.29 If anyone slaps you on one cheek, offer him the other cheek, too. If someone takes your coat, do not stop him from taking your shirt.30 Give to everyone who asks you, and when someone takes something that is yours, don't ask for it back.31 Do to others what you would want them to do to you.32If you love only the people who love you, what praise should you get? Even sinners love the people who love them.33 If you do good only to those who do good to you, what praise should you get? Even sinners do that!34 If you lend things to people, always hoping to get something back, what praise should you get? Even sinners lend to other sinners so that they can get back the same amount!35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without hoping to get anything back. Then you will have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God, because he is kind even to people who are ungrateful and full of sin. 36 Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy.

Now I don’t really consider people as enemies. But I have my agenda, and my timetable, and when someone crosses that – they become an enemy of my time (emphasis on my). And I have a tendency towards thinking that my schedule is the most important one. I really hate it when people are late. I am a child of the Most High God. I am ungrateful and full of sin yet He is kind to me. I should be merciful also to others.

UTSIM

Same, same but different. It must feel very monotonous reading about a school every week. I always ask you to pray for the students, the staff etc .etc. Some things are very much the same. This last week was hard as we were one teacher down and had to cover for each other. As spring and summer approaches and the school year winds down, students also tend to be less motivated.

However, why are we teaching English here? And why should you spend your time reading about it and praying for it? There is nothing more special about this school than another, or about this town than another. There are a few unique factors about Rzhyshchiv. For a small town, there is a high concentration of foreigners who all believe that God has lead them here. Maybe time will tell, but God could be up to something here. And I want to be in. And I invite you to be in on it too, by praying.

We will be inviting some of the older students we work with to come to the Passion World Tour concert in Kyiv on May 10. Pray that those whom God is calling to Himself may come and be drawn closer to His Kingdom.

LIFE OUTSIDE OF BUSINESS

TECH

My J-series idealogical technology seems to be held up in production (i.e. never got started). I have had a hard time working out email issues on my new computer. My brother Tim has been great in helping me sort it out. My brother-in-law Jon has been persistent in getting the internet connection to work. It works most of the time and has improved my connectivity immensely.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

Passion World Tour

The internet – thank God for this tool

A blessed week with students at UTSIM

For me to be more merciful and less selfish

THANKS

To Tim for incredible tech support from across the miles (and Happy 15th Wedding Anniversary bro)

Love Jono

Keep Looking Up

IMPRESSIONS

When I worked at Pizza Haven, we had a plaque that read, “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.”

I liked that. Last week I travelled through five countries in four days. It was a great but crazy time. Three of these countries were new for me and I only got a small glimpse but nevertheless a first impression. Slovakia looks like a nice country with some great scenery. Driving past old castles next to the highway was cool. Czech Republic also left me with a good impression. The people were friendly and the small town that I stopped in looked really cool. Austria and in particular Vienna was different. The history was fascinating, the buildings amazing, some of the stories intriguing, but the Austrian people seem weird, closed and unendearing. I could be wrong, but that was my first impression.

What first impression do people get when they meet you? Thankfully we often get a second chance with people. But for those whom we meet only once, do we shine like a light or are we nothing or worse still, negative. Let’s be the best we can be!

UTSIM

I’ve just had a week break from work. I’m ready to go back tomorrow, and there are now less than two months til the end of the school year and stacks of things to do and decide upon. Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for our future plans, for our staff and for our students.

LIFE OUTSIDE OF BUSINESS

TWO PLONKERS

In my travels it was great to catch up with Max in Hungary. He is studying at Bible College and enjoying what God is teaching him. It hasn’t all been easy, he is the only Ukrainian there and everything is in English. But we enjoyed some time together and got a few crazy photos together. Max put most of them on his Facebook with crazy captions.

GRACE AND MERCY

Thanks for praying for my preaching. It was great to contemplate that God has poured His mercy into my life. My response to Him should be great love, my response to those around me should be to give grace and mercy. As I have freely received, I should freely give.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

Great time away

Max in Hungary

Two big months for UTSIM

God’s grace and mercy in our lives

THANKS

Havard for giving me a late night place to stay in Kyiv after flying back from Poland

Love Jono

Keep Looking Up