Vlad Vlad Vlad
Camp 120 news is very much overshadowed by the sight that greeted our eyes in the middle of our service today. Vlad walked in with his wife and son and precipitated half the congregation breaking into tears and joyful celebration! He received word on Friday that his name had been included on a list of prisoners who would receive amnesty. He made a few calls and quickly got the documents together and was home by evening. But what a memorable service we had together today… incredible! God has been good. I will see him in a couple of hours as he said that he would join the boys today as we watch the Word Cup Final at 22:00. He said that there are a heap of emotions running around in his head and he doesn’t know how to feel, but naturally, he’s glad he is home… as are we.
The camp… Well, once again, I feel as if God was wonderfully gracious and protected and blessed. So many people commented on how much they appreciated the teaching this year, so that was nice, too. We taught about 20 people how to wake-board – providing them with an ability very few people in Ukraine can boast of, and they absolutely loved the experience!
Monday was a long day. A thunder storm with wild winds interrupted our trip home for a couple of hours, but by 10:00 and by the light of a full moon, we had steered the last boatload of people and equipment back to Rzhyshchiv. This year, Shane and I together made about 40 trips back and forwards between the island and home. 82 people attended with a lot of them helping heaps to keep things running smoothly. All in all it was another beautiful time together in a beautiful spot.
We are considering the implications for us with all that is going on in the eastern part of the country. The church in Kaharlyk has taken in some refugees from the conflict. We have considered doing the same if Donetsk becomes a battle ground. We are also re-examining our plans to return to Australian during the latter months of this year. There is still a lot of talk about Putin sending in an army and there is a real possibility of that happening before the end of the year. Leaving the church during this time of heightened fears for personal safety and security… well, it has given us pause in going ahead and ordering tickets. I hope to be making a decision on this during the next week or so. May God give us wisdom.
Alyosha has been sent to the conflict zone but is still in contact with us fairly regularly. He isn’t permitted to say where he is located but has said that things are ok and that he has peace in his heart.
Here are some pics from the camp:
