Closure of 2008

At the closure of the year 2008 we want to thank from our whole hearts all of you, people who have been encouraging and supporting us in all the different ways to do the work of God here in Ukraine! We are really thankful to God for all of our dear brothers and sisters in Christ and we feel the support of this big and loving family of God in our lives, because of you! Lets continue together making better and happier the lives of children who have no loving families!

With love in Christ,

Serjey and Julia Yarovie

Merry Christmas!

We pray that you all have an incredible Christmas this year! Please remember the reason that we celebrate Christmas. The greatest gift of all was given to us by God more than 2,000 years ago wrapped in a bundle, lying in a manger. What an awesome gift to give us! And we don't even deserve it! As we give gifts to our loved ones this year, let us remember why we give the gifts and give unselfishly. We are so fortunate to live in the United States of America and that we can worship freely and celebrate Christmas in the way that we do. Many people reading this blog are not as lucky as we are. The orphans in Odessa are without parents tonight, the street kids are without warmth and shelter. Please remember them in your prayers and thoughts this Christmas while we are warm by our trees and presents. We serve such a loving God, I can't tell you enough how grateful I am to all of you for all of your support this past year....and to Him for sending all of you to Youth of Ukraine. It is because of all of you that Youth of Ukraine is making a difference in Odessa. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Our One and Only Savior

By: Franklin Graham

Savior is a term many people throw around casually. Recently we’ve heard it used frequently by the media as they discuss political campaigns and economic bailout packages.

When people are looking for dramatic change, it’s human nature for them to seek some sort of savior—someone who is powerful and compassionate enough to rescue them from their sins.

As long as they are blinded by sin, though, people seek salvation in the wrong places. They desperately need someone to lead them to the one and only Savior. “There is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:21–22).

Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of our Savior on the pages of history. When the baby Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem, the Word became flesh. As the angel announced more than 2,000 years ago: “Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Jesus Christ showed us the Way, died for our sins, rose from the grave and poured out the Holy Spirit to establish His church.

He taught us plainly that the only way we can be saved is by repenting of our sins and trusting in Him as our Savior. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

That’s the message my father and I have always preached. Despite what the world may say or wish, there is no other way to be saved. There are many ways to share the Gospel, but they all bring people to Jesus Christ, our one and only Savior.

Americans have just been through a presidential election. Both parties made extravagant promises that won’t be easily kept, but the promise of eternal life is always kept by the Savior for those who come to Him for forgiveness.Our hope is never placed in men or governments, but in God alone. We will pray for guidance for our leaders as the Bible commands, while knowing that the Lord works through worldly rulers to accomplish His greater, sovereign purpose. The king’s heart is like channels of water in God’s hands, the Bible says, and “He directs it … wherever He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1).

As you celebrate the birth of the Savior in the next few days, rejoice that God “the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him, and he in God” (1 John 4:14–15).

Thanks be to God for our glorious Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!

At risk TB kids

Below is an update from Julia and Sergey. All of their updates touch my heart so fiercely, but this one especially for some reason. I don't know if it is the spirit of the season or what, but look at the little angelic faces of these children? Doesn't it just break your heart? This season and this coming new year, lets ask ourselves...what more can we do to help? That is what I have found myself asking God, what more can I do?

Recently we went to the place for the kids from 3 to 9 years old who are in the TB group of risk. They are mostly from the orpahanges and poor families where parents are often addicts. This is where they are supposed to strengthen their immune system but often the institution cannot provide them with the necessary fruit and vitamins that they need so much! The staff there is really good and pours a lot of love into these kids.

We were able to bring them vitamins, warm scarves, alot of DVDs with the cartoons and movies for the kids and some secondhand shoes and clothes as well as a bed for their medical room. Also we brought a lot of small snacks for the kids (there are about 35 kids now).

More from Julia and Sergey

In the end of November, Michelle and Serjey went to Balta to visit some of the kids who used to live in the Odessa orphanage#4. One of the pastors of our church drove us there. Valya, sister of one of the boys went there as well. She is a graduate of the orpahange#4. The boys were really happy to have visitors. Valya's brother was really HAPPY. She brought him gifts for his birthday that he had recently and it was really special for him. This is not the first time we visited there and we are especially grateful for our pastor who goes there with us and shares the love of God with the kids there.

More from Julia and Sergey

Last week Serjey went to a conference for the staff of the Student Christian Movement of Ukraine. It took place in Kiev and was for all the Ukrainian staff. It was a really good and encouraging time of sharing and praying and worshipping God together. They were planning the next year 2009 and praying for the next year to be the year when many of the students come to know Jesus. We are blessed to be partnering with this organization because it provides great opportunities for the orphanage graduates to meet God. (conferences, summer camps, Bible studies)
In the picture Serjey is becoming a toilet paper statue with the help of other staff (just having fun).

From Julia and Sergey

For many years it was on Serjey's heart to go out to the streets of Odessa, meet the kids who live on the street and talk to them. Usually he tries to find out why a kid is on the street and if he has a place where he can go back (an orphanage or home). If there is a place like that and the kid wants to be helped he offers to take him back and talk to his parents or supervisors at the orphanage. Some of the kids end up on the street because they were looking for an adventure and often they left with an older sibling or older kid from the orphanage and then are afraid to go back. We wrote on the blog about few cases like that and today I wanted to let you know about Vova - a 15 year old boy from an orpahange several hours drive away from Odessa. Serjey met him at the McDonalds and had lunch with him, he found out that he ran away from an orphanage with an older classmate and that he wants to go back but is afraid. So, Serjey took him back by bus (it took them about 7 hours to get there) he met with the director and the director and the staff were all really happy to meet Vova. The director even wrote a special "thank you" paper for Serjey and it was really special! They showed Serjey around the orphanage and it seems like a really good one. Many of the kids there are really into sports, they win a lot of competitions. Serjey got Vova an inexpensive cell-phone to stay in touch with him. Please pray that Vova will study hard and stay at the orphanage (get involved into the sports team of some kind). Please pray for the street kids of Odessa - it got really cold here please pray for special provison from God for them and for all the people in Odessa who try to help the street kids. Please pray for Serjey as he goes out in the evenings to meet them and tries to help them .....
the picture is Vova

Giving Thanks in Times Like This

By Franklin Graham

Some of you may have seen your life savings evaporate in the financial chaos that has brought down some of the pillars of our economy. Some may have lost your homes in a hurricane or foreclosure. Many of us have a personal stake in the battles against terrorism, and thousands of families are grieving for brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives overseas. Most of us are anxious about what the future holds. And that’s just the national headlines—not to mention individual tragedies like cancer and divorce that overshadow many of our lives. If this is what we have in our lives in the land of the free...imagine what it might be like for orphans anywhere in the world?

In times like these, when nations are desperate for someone they can trust, Christians know we can always find strength and hope in the Word of the Lord. He tells us through the Apostle Paul, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NKJV). Paul knew what it meant to praise God in the midst of suffering. He gave up a relatively comfortable and prestigious lifestyle to become an itinerant preacher who was repeatedly persecuted, beaten, shipwrecked and imprisoned. When he prayed to God for relief from a thorn in the flesh—what he called “a messenger of Satan to buffet me” —God answered, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV).

As the world struggles to cope with disease, famine, war, disaster and poverty, it is our responsibility as Christians to assure the world that God is still in control and that He has a plan to rescue all who repent of their sins and trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Not only has He suffered on our behalf, but He has promised to bear our burdens. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV).For that, we can be eternally thankful.This old world may be falling apart, but ultimately this is not our home. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28, NIV).

Pasha update

We wrote about Pasha before. There is a picture of him at the drug rehab clinic (he is in the T-shirt with black and white stripes). Pasha is back to the orphanage – he said that he wants to study and live a good life free of bad habits. Please pray that God would help him and please pray for Serjey who gets together with him to talk and encourage him. Pray that God would give Serjey wisdom and the right words to say.

Julia's update

Hello dear friends and partners in the ministry,

In this picture is Ira – a 10th grader from the orphanage #4. she is a wonderful girl and I am very thankful for the friendship I have with her. (I, Tonya, tried really hard to turn this picture...but no matter what I did, it wanted to stay crooked...sorry...)

During the month of November we attended two wonderful Christian conferences together – one conference was about how God has a special plan for the life of every person and about how God wants us to fulfill our calling and be happy in it. It was really inspiring.

The second conference was for Christian students and it was about how Christ wants to be the Center of our lives and Lord of every area of our life. Serjey and I were really happy that Ira was able to attend those conferences and learn about God and worship Him with other young Christans.

There are some pictures from those conferences. There is a worship team on one of them – I (Julia) was happy to participate in leading worship with that team at the christian student conference (Nov 7-9).
This weekend we are attending the worship night with Ira. Please pray that she would continue to desire to grow in her relationship with God.

The Urgency of the Gospel

THE URGENCY OF THE GOSPEL

The World Must Hear Two thousand years ago Jesus Christ was killed outside the walls of Jerusalem. Yet today, more than 40 percent of the world has yet to hear the news of the Savior’s death on the cross of Calvary.

by Billy Kim

The New Testament records five statements Jesus made about world evangelization after He was resurrected from the dead. In the first instance, recorded in Matthew 28:18–19, He said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. [You go] therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."Jesus’ second statement about world evangelization is in Mark 16:15, where He said, "[You go] into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."The third statement is recorded in Luke 24:47, "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached … among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." The fourth statement is found in John 20:21, where Jesus said, "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." And Jesus' fifth statement about world evangelization, just before He ascended to heaven, is found in Acts 1:8, "[You] shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: [you] shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."Paul declares, "Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16). Do we have the same burning determination?

Lawlessness Demands Evangelism

Why do we evangelize? Why is evangelism so urgent? First, the lawlessness of our world demands evangelism. Scripture tells us, "As it is written, 'There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God'" (Romans 3:10–11).Jesus said, "Repent or perish" (see Luke 13:3). The United Nations cannot stop the lawlessness in our world. Education cannot stop the lawlessness. All of the armies in the world cannot stop the lawlessness in our society. Only the power of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ can stop the lawlessness of our world! Therefore, we must preach the Gospel at all costs.

The Lostness of Mankind Urges Evangelism

We cannot evangelize aright until we believe that the person outside of Jesus Christ is lost and undone, without hope in this world or the world to come.Scripture tells us, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; … so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Romans 5:12).Jesus said, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). A minister once said that he never knew what it meant for a person to be lost until a little girl was lost in a town where he pastored. This child and her little brother went out into the country to look for the cows. They did not find them. When nightfall overtook them, they got into an argument as to which way led to their home. Neither one would give in. They went their own ways. When the little boy arrived home a little after dark, his mother asked, "Son, where is your sister?" He replied, "She said I was lost and would not come home with me. She went the other way."The news went out for miles around. Neighbors gathered to help search for the child. Women prayed with the mother while men searched the woods. It was understood that if anyone found her, he would fire a gun.The next morning about daylight, the crack of a rifle was heard resounding over the wooded area. Everyone rushed back to the home and learned that the little girl had been found alive. The preacher said that strong men put their arms around each other and wept with joy. No one went to work that day. Plows stood still; stores were unopened. People gathered at the village church, rang the bell, sang praises, rejoiced that the child who was lost had been found. The minister said he rejoiced with them and then began to think, "We spent all night searching for this child and now we are rejoicing that she has been found. Yet there are millions of lost souls around us. We have spent no sleepless nights in prayer for them. May God forgive us for not being deeply concerned over lost, hell-bound souls. May we pray and weep over the lost and join God’s searching party, seeking to find them and bring them home!" There is only one way for God to banish the darkness of sin, to remove the degradation of sin, to heal the disease of sin, to cleanse the defilement of sin, to abolish the death of sin, to pay the debt of sin. This God has done in the redeeming work of our blessed Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. He paid the debt. He died the death. He cleansed from defilement. He removed the degradation. He healed the disease. He is life.

We Evangelize Because the Love of Christ Compels Us

What is our theological rationale for making Christian disciples? We evangelize because the love of Christ compels us! The New English Bible reads, "For the love of Christ leaves us no choice" (2 Corinthians 5:14).Precisely what is this love of Christ that leaves us no choice but to engage in the ministry of reconciliation and evangelization? When Sam James was serving as a missionary in Vietnam, one day he got into a taxi and struck up a conversation with the driver. The cab driver, realizing that James spoke his language, asked him how long he had been in Vietnam. Then he said, "You must really love the Vietnamese very much. What do you love about them?" The question kept nagging at James all day, into the night. "What do you love about them?" James couldn’t sleep. He went into his study and began to pray. As he talked with God, he realized that he really did not love the Vietnamese, and he confessed it to Him. It seemed as though God spoke to James, saying, "I didn’t send you here because you love the Vietnamese. I sent you here because I love them and want to love them through you."There is no higher motive for evangelization than the love of God. It was agape love that moved God to send His only begotten Son into the world.A young man in Korea killed 17 people. He was arrested, tried and sentenced to execution. While he was waiting on death row, a Christian woman visited him. At first he did not respond to her visit. However, when he was hungry she sent him food. When he was cold she sent him warm clothing. During the Christmas season she sent him a card to express her care and love for him.Finally, one day he received Christ as his own personal Savior. Before he went to the gallows, he wrote 11 letters to the woman, stating that he believed God had forgiven him and that he trusted Christ as his Savior. Just before he was executed, officials asked if he had any final words.He said, "Gentlemen, I have accepted Christ as my Savior. Today I’m going to meet my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. I long to see you trust Christ as your personal Savior, so that we can meet in heaven." If the love of God can change a murderer, He can change my family, my neighborhood, my community, my nation and my world! "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).Let us evangelize, evangelize, evangelize the whole world with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen and amen!

Pictures of Pasha and Nadia

In the first picture is Julia and Nadia. The one below that is Pasha. There story is a couple blogs earlier.

Thanks to our October Donors

Thank you VERY much to our October donors!! We couldn't do this without you!!! Every penny helps...every prayer helps!!!!

Russ and Donna Rediger
Vera and Ken Gustafson
Mary Coates
The Wolffs
Martha Swinney
Laura Haug

If you are interested in donating, please contact me at jtfilleman@cox.net. You can mail a check to 6012 S. 149th St., Omaha, NE 68137. We are non-profit...EVERY penny goes directly to Ukraine. We keep NONE of it. If it is a one time donation you will receive a receipt immediately. If it is monthly donation, you will receive a receipt at the end of the year.
THANKS FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR VERY GRATEFUL HEARTS!!!

Prayer Requests and update

Dear friends,
we just wanted to share some of our prayer requests for some of the kids here in Ukraine. Serjey, Michelle and I have are getting together once a week for a prayer meeting and we want to ask you to join us in prayer for the kids.

We believe that prayer is one of the most significant things we can do for these kids since we are involved in a spiritual battle ministering to them. It is not merely a social waork we are involved in but a real battle for their lives and souls. These kids really need our prayers and the old saying says that "it takes a village to raise a kid" and I want to say that "it takes the Body of Christ to pray for the orphan kids". Please join us in prayer for these kids this week:

Nadya an orphanage graduate who ran away from the orphanage at the end of the last school year. She never passed her final exams and she doesnt have any documents and doesnt study anywhere now. I heard that she lives with a guy who doesnt treat her well in great poverty. Please pray that God would reach out for her and transform her heart and life.

Pasha has been running away from the orphanage many times during the last several years. He has been struggling with addiction to glue sniffing and right now is at the drug recovery clinic. Please pray for him to get well, to go back to the orphanage and live and study there and grow into a healthy and mature young person who can succeed in life.

Vera is an orphanage graduate a sweet and nice girl. Please pray for her to grow in her relationship with God and reach out her goals professionally (she is studying at the trade school and is thinking of continuing her education). Vera's picture is below.

Inna is an orphanage graduate please pray that she would trust God in her life and make wise choices which please Him.

Slavik is an orphanage graduate please pray that he would trust God with his life and desire Him more then anything else and follow Him and grow in the relationship with Him. A picture of Inna and Slavik is below.

The Duty and Blessing of Stewardship

INVESTING IN ETERNITY
Every Christian Is A Steward
The Duty and Blessing of Stewardship
By: Ross Rhoads

Can we ever say that anything is truly ours? All things—possessions, talents, jobs, ministries, loved ones, even our very lives—belong to God. Our responsibility is to use these gifts to glorify Him and point people to Christ.

"If the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have" (2 Corinthians 8:12, NIV). In the following pages, Decision explores the Bible’s guidelines and promises for giving, as well as how some Christians have uncovered the joy and freedom of stewardship.More than any other topic, pastors seem to avoid teaching about stewardship and giving. Christians are not hesitant to give, but they are leery of being told how to give and certainly, how much they should give.The recent downturn in the U.S. economy brings fear, and we may try to hold on to whatever wealth we may have. Giving away money does not seem to be the thing to do right now. The "good life," whatever that was perceived to be, may never be the same.Modern culture thrives on "no money down" offers, delayed payments and discounted interest rates, with little thought of the future implications in a changing world. A similar approach has influenced Christian living standards. Many Christians have lowered the perceived cost of what is required to follow the risen Christ. Jesus stated that those who would follow Him must deny themselves and take up their crosses and follow Him (Mark 8:34). Christ's followers are to first give of themselves. "Anyone losing his life because of me will find it" (Matthew 10:39, HCSB). Any understanding of giving that doesn't begin with the total surrender of self and all things to Christ cannot begin to approach the meaning of Christian giving. All things—currencies, land, property, goods and services—will lose value at some point, resulting in discontent, struggle, restlessness and disillusionment. But the worth of a soul exceeds the total wealth of the entire world, Jesus said (Mark 8:36). When someone secures a loan, the lender requires a financial statement and asks some key questions: What are your assets? What do you do? From these two questions the lender determines the person’s worth. But this is only his financial worth. We must not forget that life itself is a gift. The breath of life is from God, and our times are in His hands (Psalm 31:15). Time is a gift. Our prayer should be, "Teach me to number my days that I may develop wisdom in my heart" (Cf. Psalm 90:12).

What Is a Pure Gift?

Here is the key to understanding what the Bible defines as stewardship: Every Christian is a steward. A steward is a trusted, responsible servant over all that is entrusted to him, which encompasses all of life.Biblical giving differs from philanthropy. Philanthropy often comes from surplus resources and often provides tax advantages that benefit a wealthy estate or individual. Although wise stewards will take advantage of these benefits—allowing them to give even more to the Lord’s work—these donations may not involve sacrifice. Jesus watched people giving money in the huge, trumpet-shaped containers in the temple. Many rich people were putting in large sums. Then a poor widow came by and gave two coins worth about a half-cent. Jesus took His disciples aside and said, "I assure you: this poor widow has put in more than all those giving to the temple treasury. For they gave out of their surplus. But she out of her poverty has put in everything she possessed—all she had to live on" (Mark 12:42-44, HCSB).The value of a gift is judged not only by its size but also by the attitude of the heart and the motive behind it. Lasting memories often come from small gifts. Jesus said, "If you give a cup of water you do it as to me" (Cf. Matthew 25:31-46). The young boy who gave his small loaves and fish to Jesus saw them transformed to feed thousands of people. The result was that many said of Jesus, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come" (John 6:14, NIV). As a general principle, it is accepted that a Christian should at least give a tithe—10 percent of all income. But then people ask, "Is that 10 percent before or after taxes?" Here, two errors emerge. First, the Scripture teaches that the tithe belongs to the Lord—it is not to be discounted. Second, if our chief motivation is to receive a tax advantage, it calls our devotion and obedience into question. We want to know, "How much can I keep?" and "How little do I have to give?" Is this not an insult to God? Like any other spiritual devotion, the giving of time, abilities and wealth never should be determined by self-interest or the withholding of possessions. The purer the gift, the deeper the meaning.

Mary’s Gift

The Gospels record an experience in which a pure gift was given to Jesus. The gift—unsolicited and unexpected—came from His follower Mary. At a dinner she broke the seal of a very expensive oil, poured it on His feet and then wiped them with her hair. It is fair to imagine that she had treasured this possession for a very special time, maybe for her wedding day. The fragrance was so powerful that it filled the house where they were having dinner. No obligation could have prompted this expression of love. Her act was spontaneous, deliberate, thoughtful and sacrificial. The reaction was explosive. Judas challenged her actions, and, surprisingly, the other disciples chimed in, criticizing Mary and Jesus. "This fragrance could have been sold and the money given to the poor," Judas said. People often think that they know how a giver should give. Judas was stealing from Jesus’ account; he wasn’t interested in the poor. He wanted the money for himself. Generosity is always an embarrassment to greed. Deeper still, Mary’s gift was personally to Jesus Himself. The disciples' criticism of it implied that Jesus was not worthy. But on the contrary, when you realize the worthiness of Jesus—the Son of God and the only Savior and Lord—no explanations or apologies are ever needed to justify generosity.Mary's gift designated Jesus as her Lord. Her action anticipated the cross and His sacrificial death for the sins of the world. Jesus saw her heart and interpreted the deeper implication. He was indignant at having to defend this gift. Imagine the loving Lord Jesus, just days before His suffering and death, having to explain such tender and loving devotion. Mark records His response: "Leave her alone. … She has done what she could; she has anointed My body in advance for burial" (Mark 14:6, 8, HCSB). What perfect insight to the most sincere gift, for God only requires of any believer to do what he or she can. When we give what we can out of God’s gifts of life, He promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). A believer’s giving is never unnoticed. Jesus said of Mary, "Wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her" (Mark 14:9, HCSB). There is value in anonymous giving, but Mary’s public gift became an example of heartfelt devotion. It is known worldwide. It enhanced the Gospel. It was befitting of the Gospel. Our Lord Jesus gave His all, and her gift mirrors that. Openly acknowledged gifts do not limit the Gospel; they advance it. Givers encourage others to give and advance the work of Christ. They challenge ingratitude and remind us of the debt of love we owe to God. Mary invested in the future of redemption and received a return on her gift with dividends that have benefited believers up to now. And it will continue to be so until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Giving Principles

The scope of Scripture provides examples and principles for giving. David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:14 reveals the necessary attitude: "Who am I," he asks, "and who are my people that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your own hand" (NIV). "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops" (Proverbs 3:9, NIV). This defines giving as honoring to the Lord and defines the priority in giving. Guidelines are consistent throughout Scripture as to why and how any believer should give to God.

Giving must be the gift of one’s self.

Self-denial is the beginning of discipleship and the formula for giving. The Apostle Paul challenges the reluctant Christians in Corinth to give like the Macedonians. "They … first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God" (2 Corinthians 8:5, KJV). You will hesitate to give to the Lord’s work if first you have not given yourself to the Lord.

Giving is proportional.

The amount of any gift will be according to the prosperity of the individual. King David said, "I have given all of my private treasure for the building of the temple" (Cf. 1 Chronicles 29:3). His example is a challenge to all the people to give at their level of sacrifice. Christians in the first century were told, "Let every one of you lay aside as God has prospered him" (Cf. 1 Corinthians 16:2). Not all people can give the same amount. It has been said, "Not equal gifts but equal sacrifice." The affluent person who gives proportionately less does not feel the sacrifice of giving as would someone with a fixed income who gives in spite of his or her needs.

Giving is an investment for eternity.

The impact of stewardship is eternal. Countless stories could be told of every gift to Christ and His kingdom. Jesus promised His followers, "Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life" (Matthew 19:29, NIV). He also warned them not to value temporary wealth. "Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth. … Collect for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-20, HCSB).

Giving is generous and joyful.

Remember, "The Lord loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7, KJV). The Apostle Paul commended the Macedonian Christians when "out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity" (2 Corinthians 8:2, NIV).

Giving pleases God and will be remembered.

The Book of Hebrews emphasizes this. "Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased" (Hebrews 13:16, NIV). "For God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you showed for His name" (Hebrews 6:10, NIV).There has never been a time when the preaching of the Gospel and ministry of Christ needed financial support more than now. The lostness of mankind never changes; the power of the Gospel to save never changes; and Jesus' command to go into all the world never changes. In His day Jesus said, "The harvest is great and the workers are few" (Cf. Matthew 9:37). What would He say of this generation?"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Luke 6:38, NIV). ©2008 BGEA

Another post from Julia and Sergey:

This July Sergey was on the team organizing the student Christian camp in Crimea. The camp lasted for 9 days and was a great time for both Christian Ukrainian students and their non-Christian friends. On the organizational team there were French, Canadian and Ukrainian Christians who made that time special and worked hard to present the Gospel message to the non-Christiam students (there were about 30-40 of them out of the whole number of the students). Please pray for the non-Christian students who were exposed to the Gospel during the camp so that during the school year they would keep attending the Bible groups on their campuses and would meet Jesus personally.

From Odessa

The following is from Julia and Sergey:

Last week we were able to go visit the kids in the orphanage in one of the villages 2 hours away from Odessa. We were really happy to see the kids and they and the staff of the orphanage were happy to see us. We are really thankful for the special bond we have with the people there. We really miss all of them and it is always our joy to go there. We made a craft with the kids (there were about 60 of them in the room), played a game and talked to them about how God made each one of them special and has a plan for each one of them. We are especially thankful to our Christian Ukrainian Baptist friend who donated money to pay for the gas of the car and also we were able to buy the feminine products with the money donated by the same friend. Also we were able to deliver the scarfs for them for the winter, the scarfs were made by the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Omaha. Please pray for us to be able to visit these kids regulary and have a real impact on their lives.

An Anchor in Your Storm - Billy Graham

Sir Winston Churchill once made the statement, “Our problems are beyond us.” Nathan Pusey, president of Harvard University from 1953 to 1971, said that the whole world is searching for a creed to believe and a song to sing.Where are we going to turn?

The Apostle Paul, many years ago, faced that question from the crew of his storm-tossed ship. He said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.” (Acts 27:21-25).

The angry waves lashed against the ship, the lightning flashed, the thunder roared, yet Paul stood in the midst of the storm and declared, “I have faith in God.”

There are storms in the world today: storms of unbelief, materialism, secularism, moral degeneracy and international difficulties.

And there are storms in your own life: storms of temptation, confusion and difficulty. By neglecting church, by neglecting daily Bible reading and prayer, you have broken away from moral moorings and you are out in a storm.

You thought that you could find some satisfaction, pleasure or peace; but you have not found it. An uneasy conscience says, “Stop before it is too late!”

Our international problems are reflections of these personal problems. There will be no peace in the world until individuals have peace in their hearts. A world structure based upon peace cannot be built when there is bitterness and hatred, jealousy and pride, envy and immorality within the individual human heart.

As long as there are people who hate, people who have prejudices, people who strive for wealth or power at any cost, we are in danger of a world explosion that could blow us into oblivion.

The Need for Faith

Humans have five physical senses: we can see, hear, taste, smell and touch. We have a body with eyes, ears, mouth, nose, hands and feet. But we are more than a body; we are a living soul.

Our soul is that part of our being which possesses intelligence, conscience and memory—the real personality. Your body will die, but your soul lives on. And that soul has a “sixth sense”—the ability to believe, to have faith.

The Bible teaches that faith is the only approach we have to God. “For he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith pleases God more than anything else. “But without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Cliff Barrows and I have been close friends for years. Suppose I went to him and said, “Cliff, you are a wonderful person, but I don’t believe a thing you say.” How would he feel? That is the way some people treat God.

You may be saying, “God, I believe You are great, but I do not believe Your Word; I do not believe what You say.” In order to please God you must believe Him. God and God’s Word are inseparable.

Faith is loved and honored by God more than any other single thing. The Bible says that we are saved by faith. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).

“And by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things” (Acts 13:39). “But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness” (Romans 4:5). We are to believe in God through Christ.

No person has sins forgiven, goes to heaven, or has assurance of peace and happiness, until he or she has faith in Jesus Christ. “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8).

This faith Christ recognized above all else. The blind man had earnestness, but Christ said, “Your faith has made you well” (Mark 10:52). The Syrophenician woman had perseverance, but Christ honored her faith. The centurion had humility, but Christ honored his faith.

The Christian life is dependent upon faith. We stand on faith; we live by faith. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Do you have that kind of faith?

What is Faith?

Faith is clearly defined in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith implies four things: self-renunciation, reliance with utter confidence on Christ, obedience and a changed life.

First, to have faith implies self-renunciation. The problems of the world are not from without. They are not political, social or economic in origin. Christ said that all of these evil things come from within.

Our soul has a disease called sin.

What is sin? Sin is transgression, lawbreaking, coming short of God’s standards. You break a law of the United States and you are a lawbreaker. You break the moral law of God and you are a lawbreaker. Every person who has ever lived is a lawbreaker; he or she is a sinner in God’s sight.

Christ died on the cross for our sins. The Bible teaches, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). “The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).

Christ did not die by accident. He died voluntarily in your place. God took all of your sins and laid them on Christ. God says He will not forgive you, He will not transform you, He will not give you the peace and joy that you search for, until you choose between your sins and Christ. The moment you turn from your sins and turn to Christ, you are forgiven.

And He can break the chain of every sin that binds you if you are willing to give it up. The moment you receive Christ by faith, He comes into your heart and gives you power to overcome sin.

Second, faith implies reliance with utter confidence in Christ. Martin Luther put it this way: “He held on to Christ, whom he saw not, just as though he saw Him.” Although we cannot see Him, hear Him or touch Him, we can believe in Christ and rely upon Him.

Everyone can have this confidence. If God had said, “Pay your way into heaven,” the poor would be left out. If God had said, “Work your way into heaven,” many of the blind, the deaf, the mute, the lame and the sick would be left out. But He said, “Believe.” And anyone can believe!

Third, faith implies obedience; and obedience implies action. We must be faithful in our daily devotional life; we must read our Bible and pray; we must be faithful in the church; we must be faithful in putting into practice the teachings of Christ in our daily lives.

Some people think that going to church once on Sunday and owning a dust-covered Bible makes a person a Christian. That is not true. A Christian is one in whom Christ dwells, and the person’s life will give evidence of this. The moment you receive Christ by faith, He comes into your heart and life and gives you a love for that which is good and the power to do it.

Faith and Conversion

Fourth, faith implies conversion, or a change in one’s life. Jesus said to Matthew, “Follow Me,” and Matthew immediately got up and followed Him. Jesus said to the rich young ruler, “Follow Me,” and the young ruler went away sorrowful.

Matthew chose to follow Christ.

The rich young ruler rejected Christ and went his way.

Every one of us is faced with this choice.

Some people are frightened at the word “conversion”; yet Christ says, “Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).Some people think that conversion must be some great emotional experience.Some people think that conversion is a mysterious feeling that comes over you.

That’s not it at all!

Conversion takes place when people turn their back on sin and follow Christ.

If you have never surrendered yourself to Christ by faith, your life is not anchored. Temptations confuse you, and storms rage, and there is no peace in your soul. Christ wants to give you peace (John 14:27). Do you have faith in Him?

Perhaps your faith is very small and weak. It does not matter how big your faith is, but rather, where your faith is. Is it in Christ, the Son of God, who died on the Cross for your sins?

The suspension bridge at Niagara was started by a thread attached to a kite. When the wind was favorable, the kite went across. Then on the thread they put a string and pulled it across. Then on the string they put a rope and got it across. Then they were able to build their bridge.

Your faith may be just a little thread. It may be small and weak, but act on that faith. Receive Christ as Savior and Lord. Let Him bring peace and joy to your soul. Let Him change your life of defeat and confusion into one of purpose and peace. He can do it and He will do it—as soon as you put your faith in Him.

A Fishermen's Net

Every night before bed, my three year old daughter and I sit and read a short story from her Toddler's Bible. One of the stories recently from Matthew 13:47-49, really caught my attention. It is a story I have heard several times throughout my life...but for some reason...the simple way that it was written in this Toddler Bible was all I needed to fully comprehend it. It goes as follows:

Jesus told a story. "One day, " he said, "some fishermen took their boat out." "They threw their net into the water. All kinds of fish swam in the lake." "When the fishermen returned to shore, they dragged their net out of the water and looked through their catch," said Jesus. "They kept all the good fish and tossed out all the bad fish." Jesus said, "The fishermen's net is like God's kingdom." "Everyone watns to be apart of His kingdom. But the angels will come and separate the godly people from the ungoldy people." "The godly people will live in heaven with me forever."





Now...I know that the story is so simple...and it is something that most of us probably grew up learning...but it really paints a picture for you. Have you ever envisioned yourself as one of those fish? Wouldn't you like to be a sparkling, healthy fish, rather than a scrawny, unkempt fish?

They Don't Find It

Billy Graham speaks about the search for meaning and contentment:

Young people are searching for something … anything to find peace and happiness in a world that seems to have gone mad and insane. Nothing seems to make sense to some of our young people anymore. And many of the people that are your heroes, and many of the people that you think are at the top, are really in their hearts at the bottom—searching. They don't find it in all this popularity. They don't find it in all the adulation. They don't find it in money. They don't find it in some other philosophy. But they can find it in Jesus Christ, and so can you.

Thanks to our September donors!!!!

Thank you VERY much to our September donors!! We couldn't do this without you!!! Every penny helps...every prayer helps!!!!

Laurie and Edward Push

Kathryn and Daniel Alexander

Vera and Ken Gustafson

Kimberle and David Wolff

If you are interested in donating, please contact me at jtfilleman@cox.net. You can mail a check to 6012 S. 149th St., Omaha, NE 68137. We are non-profit...EVERY penny goes directly to Ukraine. We keep NONE of it. If it is a one time donation you will receive a receipt immediately. If it is monthly donation, you will receive a receipt at the end of the year.

THANKS FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR VERY GRATEFUL HEARTS!!!

Deuteronomy 10:18

Helping orphans is a direct reflection of the heart of our heavvenly Father, who, "defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow"(Deuteronomy 10:18).

Can you think of anything more frightening for a child than to enter the world without knowing security, reassurance and stability that a family can bring? I am not saying that we all need to go out and adopt. We are not all called to adopt, but Julia and Sergey help these young people to feel that security...give them reassurance and stability...their ministry is SO important.

I hope that you and your loved ones will develop a deeper sense of concern and empathy for the millions of kids worldwide who begin their lives without the loving influence of a mom and dad.

If your church has not become actively involved in this issue, you might encourage your pastor or church leadership to take up the torch. And maybe you will also consider whether God might be leading you personally to make a difference in the life of an orphan no matter how little.

Have you ever thought about how many orphans there are in the world?

When you hear the word orphan...what do you think of? China? Russia? Ukraine? Romania? Africa? The United States? Around the world, there are more than 143 MILLION orphans. They live on the streets, in train and bus stations, and often care for younger brothers and sisters.

The worldwide church is best equipped to address this issue. So what are we waiting for??? Let's get going!!!

Great Quote

I felt that this quote was excellent for our cause.

"Never doubt that a small gruop of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

Keep the prayers going up...Youth of Ukraine will be fully financed in the 2008/2009 year...I just know it! I can feel it!!! This small group of people that are thoughtful and committed will make it happen!!! Pass on our info to anyone and everyone! Let's make a HUGE difference this year in the lives of the Ukrainian orphans!!

Boosting Self-Worth

Did you know that as early as age 3 or 4, kids start to ask basic self-worth questions? Who am I? Who needs me? Who cares about me? Every child starts to gather evidence to answer these questions and more. Each mistake, each time he or she is not invited to a party or picked for a team, called a name, it all gets stored in his or her memory bank. When the child starts going into adolescence, all of that comes back with an explosive force to attack his or her sense of self-worth.

There is a story about a farmer who found an eagle down by the lake on his property. One of its legs had been caught in a steel trap, but even though it was heavy and it was in pain, the bird flew many miles, but now was totally exhausted. A damaged self concept is like that. You can fly with it for awhile, but it weighs you down. Unless you, or someone else, can find a way to deal with it...remove the trap....it will ground you and lead to your destruction. The high incidence of teen suicide may relate to this lack of confidence.

Think of these kids in Ukraine who are lost souls. Who have no parents to love them. Their only love and support are coming from the busy workers in the orphanages and hopefully, they are lucky enough to meet Julia and Sergey who will give them that unconditional love that they are so desperate to have. When children are weighed down by those steel jaws created by a crisis of confidence, they need to have a response of love, understanding and affirmation. If they don't get that, terrible things can happen...rebellion, running away, suicide.

Please continue to support Julia and Sergey through Youth of Ukraine both financially and prayerfully so that they can give these lost kids the love and understanding and affirmation that they so DESPERATELY need. By helping to boost others' self-concept, we are mirroring the heart of God, "who comforts the downcast" (2 Corinthians 7:6).

From Billy Graham's Decision Magazine

A Servant Heart

by Paul Rader

Before Jesus went to the cross, He gave His disciples an unforgettable lesson in love's humility. The Lord of glory, Maker of worlds, the Firstborn over all creation, bent low before ordinary men, knowing full well that within hours they would desert Him, deny Him or betray Him outright. Without fanfare He washed their feet. It was only when He had finished and had resumed His seat that He made a point of what He had done: "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you" (John 13:14-15, NIV).

When the hatred of others bound Jesus' loving hands so that He could no longer touch the pain of the few, He stretched His bleeding form upon redemption's tree and died a ransom for the many: "Just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28, NIV). In that act of love's supreme service He called us all to a life of costly caring, "just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2, NIV).

Thanks!!

Thanks to our latest July/August donors!!!

Edward and Laurie Push
Jeff and Cara Norby

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Remember, please feel free to send our info and this blog site to others! We need all the exposure we can get! Also...can you think of ways we can further our ministry? Does your church allow speakers of ministries? Brainstorm with us if you will. We are willing to go to speaking engagements, fundraisers, etc. But, we can't do it all ourselves. We have 4 little ones that require a lot of time and attention, so your help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for all you do!!!

Trusting...a gentle reminder for all of us...

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Trust is the antidote to anxiety; it's the resolution of worry and the destruction of fear. Trust is the act of my will to give my burdens to God. It's like a muscle--as you exercise it, trust gets stronger.

Trust is walking forward moment by moment, having rolled your burden onto God. You've no doubt said, "I gave it to God once, but here it is again in my grip." When you sense that you've taken it back again, get back on your knees, get the burden back on God, get on your feet again, and continue to trust.

When you off-load your burden on God, you can pick up a promise from His Word. Second Peter 1:4 tells us that "he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world." There are literally hundreds of promises that apply to your specific burden. God's Word is filled with treasure.

I'm claiming Isaiah 41:10 right now for a burden I leaving at God's feet. "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." There it is! God is doing this whole thing with one hand tied behind His back. He's not stressed or strained. He's not worried about what to do. He has absolutely no capacity limits!

Isaiah continues, "Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you'" (vv. 11-13).

Take a moment to read that awesome promise again. Trust means you anchor your heart in the reality of God's awareness of your situation. He sees more than you can ever see. God, who loves you and is committed to you, will not disappoint you now or in the future if you put your weight fully on Him.

Passionately Christian

I am part of MOPs International...Mothers Of Preschoolers. We have a group at our church where I am the finance leader. I get Leader e-mails from them every week, and this one just really hit me differently and I thought you all might like to read it too. My prayer is that we can ALL be passionately Christian.

Passionately Christian
By Liz Selzer, Director of Leadership Development and Events for MOPS International

“What do you love about Jesus?” Simple words really. Margaret Feinberg, (author of The Organic God) says that this is her favorite question to ask people … whether they are Christians or not. Most people we come in contact with regardless of their religious beliefs can and usually will answer this question, and their replies might surprise you.

“He was good … powerful … peaceful … inspiring … interesting … caring … accepting … loving …”
An amazing list—surprising in that these descriptors came from people who are not Christians. What is it about Jesus that is so compelling? Why is it that so many are drawn to him, even if they reject Christians and the Christian church? Why is it that most world religions acknowledge Christ’s existence, his wisdom and impact? And why do we as Christians often dilute him into a glorified friend, a God that can be ignored if inconvenient or an impersonal deity? We are called to be passionately Christian, to show those who come in contact with us what we love about Jesus.

So what does being passionately Christian look like?
It's pushing past fatigue to make that phone call to a troubled friend.
It's telling the story of how Jesus touches our lives with such passion and joy that it literally overflows onto those around us.
It's doing what we imagine Jesus would do for those around us if he were here in the flesh.
It's rejoicing in his deep love for us, and resting in that peace. It's trusting him with all we have.
It's being loving, patient, kind, not being envious, not boasting, not being proud, not being rude, not selfish, not easily angered, keeping no record of wrongs. It is rejoicing with the truth, and always protecting, trusting, hoping, and persevering (1 Cor 13:4-7). It's showing Christ to others by loving them in all the ways we can.

Being passionately Christian is being the hands and feet of Jesus to those we are uniquely in a position to touch. So I’ll ask again now … what do you love about Jesus?

I mean the right hand side...

Ugh...it is still early for me.... :-)

Subscribe via e-mail

Hey all!! I put a new icon over to the left. It says, "Subscribe via e-mail." If you click on that, you will receive e-mail updates everytime I update the website!! Have a GREAT day!!

Tonya

New Beginning

Ugh! For a VERY long time...if you look at the dates you will see exactly HOW long...I couldn't get this blog to work...miraculously it is working again!! YEE HAW!! Praise God!! So...I need to clear a few things up. I am also going to be sending out an e-mail to explain myself. In fact, the e-mail will probably be this post verbatim! But...be checking this blog in the future for updates on a regular basis. This is our new website! Okay...I need to come before you know with honesty and let you know what has been going on and why we made the decision that we made, and how things are going into a new norm. Let's see...I guess I will start at the beginning. We decided to not continue with Youth of Ukraine due to family issues, lack of funds, etc. It wasn’t that we were giving up on the ministry…we just didn’t feel that we could give it 100% of our attention. We spoke with an organization called Shepherds Purse about 6 months ago. They thought about taking over. Nothing would change except they would take over the newsletter and helping us find funds. Jeff and I would still be on the board as well as Julia and Sergey…it just wouldn’t be JUST Youth of Ukraine anymore…instead it would be Youth of Ukraine as part of Shepherds Purse. Anyway, Shepherds Purse decided they didn’t want to take the ministry due to lack of sponsors. So, after praying and grieving, we decided we just couldn’t do it alone anymore…hence…the last newsletter we sent out. However, since then, God has truly convicted me to keep “running the race.” So, this is where everything stands now. We are still Youth of Ukraine. Shepherds Purse is rethinking their acceptance of us! We still have Julia and Sergey’s account so no change there…keep making the checks out to Youth of Ukraine and sending them to us. No website anymore, HOWEVER I FINALLY got the blog working…as I said above, so THAT will have all of the updates and news on it now. That web address is: http://youthofukraine.blogspot.com/. I will no longer be doing newsletters, I will just keep updating the blog. You can register at the side of the blog to receive e-mails everytime I update it. I will continue to raise funds as I can, please continue supporting our ministry so that Julia and Sergey can spread the Good News of Jesus to these teenagers. Just to clarify…we are not and never did STOP Youth of Ukraine…we simply took a step back, and now I see things more clearly. That is where the changes will come in. So, stop in at the blog…e-mail me if you have any questions…keep sending me your donations, and I will keep depositing for them. As a young ministry, it is having troubles taking off. I often times will tell people that the thing they are waiting for will happen in God’s timing. I simply need to take my own advice. God wasn’t saying “no”, God was simply saying, “simplify.” With everything that is happening in the world…poverty…prostitution…hunger, etc…how are people supposed to believe that God is good? WE ARE God’s plan to show people that God is good and to help them believe. When we help them, they will see the body of Christ show up and they will believe that God is good. We need to refocus our eyes on WHO God is and WHAT He wants to do. If God is passionate about getting it done, then HE is responsible for getting it done. Look at His feeding of 5,000 people!! Jesus tells us, “Give it to me.” Jesus asks us to follow Him beyond what we think we can do and we will experience Him. Recently I was able to attend the Leadership Summit through Willow Creek Church in Chicago at our church through satellite. It was truly an experience and a wake up call to me. One of the speakers said that failure is a necessity. Failure is often the first step to success. I am not saying that we failed Youth of Ukraine, but we didn’t feel we were doing what we should be doing. I have learned…been reminded…that we don’t learn things unless we fail. So, here I am…in front of you all, opening my heart. I pray that you understand our anxiousness and accept our failures, for we are only human. God has set my heart afire once again though! So lets go!! Remember…no more newsletters so check the blog for updates and news. Continue sending your donations to Jeff and Tonya Filleman, Youth of Ukraine at 6012 S. 149th St., Omaha, NE 68137. If you have questions e-mail jtfilleman@cox.net, or call us at 402-733-2369.