Thank you for praying for Donetsk Christian University.
Last week I asked you to pray for DCU. Here's an update.
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Friends have been writing to ask me how the meeting went that you were praying for just a week ago when I sent you this request. There were no surprises at the meeting. A former rector of DCU has been installed as president and he has spent part of the last week trying to calm fears and make arrangements to move back to Donetsk where he will reside at the school. Many people are greatly concerned about this development and others are greatly encouraged. Some have said they sense change has taken place in this leader's life that may contribute to a more Christ-like leadership approach. Others aren't so sure, but only time will tell. Everybody agrees on one point - he is an unusually gifted administrator with extensive contacts that could greatly advance the ministry of this academic institution.
Many feel that the current rector has been treated unfairly after having guided the school through some very difficult times. On the other hand, he has been given a year-long sabbatical for studies that he has been wanting to complete for some time now. I'm sure he would appreciate your prayers during this time.
In short, the direction given by the board may be the best or it may be the worst decision for DCU's long term health, but at this point, only time will tell. I will be providing in depth commentary at the Supporters Only portal of www.yodis.org within a few weeks. If you know the school or if the Lord simply lays it on your heart, I would suggest putting DCU on your prayer list for the next year or two.
Meanwhile, Beth and I always appreciate your prayers. Below you will find the prayer requests for our lives and ministry. We hope your summer has gone well and that you are enjoying the warmth of God's love during this "back-to-school" season of the year. Thank you for praying!
With grateful hearts, Eric & Beth
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Prayer & Praise
Oleg and Lena (who lost their newborn last year) have been granted final approval to foster a couple children. They have filled out a request for a boy who is in an orphanage an hour and a half away from Donetsk. With your prayers and God's grace, we hope to be able to show you a new family picture soon.- Construction of the church on the shelter is moving along and we hope to see walls going up within a few days. Our Sunday morning early gatherings at the bus stop to sing, pray, and read scripture have been times of great encouragement. Our numbers are small, but the fellowship has been sweet.
- Preparations for another round of Project 250 church planting training are underway. You prayers are appreciated so that the Lord would bring those people to the program who will benefit from it and use what they learn to further the Kingdom of God in eastern Ukraine.
- Charity has received her dorm assignment and is nervous, but looking forward to beginning a new chapter in her life. She would appreciate your prayers during this time of transition to the states and to university life.
- Eric and Beth will be reunited on the 20th of August. Beth has been in the states helping Charity get settled. Eric has been in Ukraine trying not to make a big mess of the house. Please pray for Beth's safe travels.
- In July, we mentioned that there were many problems that needed to be solved. We praise the Lord for a good measure of success already. The most difficult is the installation of a new gas meter. This will probably be a part-time job for me for the next few weeks as I wade through bureaucratic quagmires and stand in seemingly endless lines. Pray for patience and success, and that I will be civil and Christlike in all my dealings
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Eric & Beth Yodis www.yodis.org
Facilitating Church Planting in Eastern Ukraine In Partnership with WorldVenture and Spiritual Renewal of the Donbas
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