Spring is Here…

Finally!  We got a late start to Spring.  A couple of weeks ago, we heard over and over that Spring would be here “Saturday.”  Indeed, it did come on that Saturday.  It was suddenly 50 degrees (F) and the mounds of snow everywhere melted rather quickly.  But by the next Tuesday, it was snowing again and it was well below freezing.  So much for the arrival of Spring.  It was just toying with us.

Just last Thursday we had over six inches of snow in a matter of a couple of hours.  It was quite a shock to the system.  BUT…Spring is finally here!

Today the temperature was over 70 degrees.  And quite balmy in the sun.  The trees have developed buds almost overnight.  The bulbs are all shooting through the soil and will be tall and beautiful before we know it.

With Spring comes the celebration of the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ.  In Ukraine, Resurrection Day is a big deal.  Part of it because in Ukraine, they take full advantage of every holiday for some MAJOR celebration (often with lots of alcohol).  But, this holiday, in particular, holds great religious meaning.  That’s not to say that people celebrate it because they are believers.  It’s kind of the easter bunnies showing up for church on Easter Sunday (the one day people think they should be in church).  Yep…it’s the same here in Ukraine.  Nonetheless, it is a great opportunity to express the real meaning of the day.

In Ukraine, they produce beautifully painted eggs for resurrection day (and spring in general).  It’s different than in the States…it’s not about bunnies and egg hunts.  It’s about spring and the renewal of everything.  (And some pagan stuff too – regarding fertility and such.)

We will celebrate Resurrection Day on Sunday, April 15 (one week later than in the USA – because we follow a different calendar).

This time of year is a wonderful time to remember that God makes all things new.  From the frozen, dead earth, comes beautiful rebirth.  From the dead heart of man…new birth also comes.  Through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Have YOU experienced that rebirth?  Are YOU a new creation of the springtime or are your still in the throes of winter?

Admit you are a sinner.  And turn from your sin and turn to God our Father.

Believe that Jesus is the Son of God.  That He came and lived a perfect life, died for you and me to pay the price of our sin and that He rose again. 

Confess faith in Jesus as your Savior and your Lord and commit to follow Him.

That’s how easy it is to be reborn and receive forever forgiveness and a forever home in Heaven!

As you prepare to celebrate the miraculous resurrection of our Savior, remember that before the resurrection there was a horrible, terrible death that gave us the opportunity to receive eternal life.  He did it for me.  He did it for you.  He did it because of His great love.

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We continue to struggle…I mean study…the Russian language.  We found out today that our teacher is going to be having her hip replaced next Tuesday.  So we won’t be going in to Kyiv for classes.  Instead we will get our assignments by email and we will have “class” right here and continue to work hard to become fluent this very difficult language.

We are also making plans for some summer trips.  We have a few groups coming in a few short months.  We are praying for great opportunity for those who are here to serve the Lord and to serve this community and share the Gospel of Jesus.  Won’t you pray with us for a great harvest?

Today and always…we bless the Name of the Lord.