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The miracle continues in Ukraine |
Article from United Church News, page 4, December 2000 By Karl Bucey, Interim Pastor, Old Springfield UCC, Middleton, Ohio |
| Last
summer Mendle Adams and I accepted the challenge to raise the funds to
build a new church for the newly-formed congregation at Ghat, Ukraine
which is made up of Romi (Gypsy) Christians. Little did we know how God
would bless us in this ministry!
When Stephen called Bishop Goulachi requesting a preliminary building plan that we could use for our promotion, he surprised us with another proposal. He had found a building that would be quite suitable for only $4,000. But, of course, we needed to act quickly. It’s a miracle! We have already sent the $4,000. "One, two, three, four," we had four $1,000 gifts in the form of three individual gifts and a pledge from a congregation. "And now for the rest of the story. . ." Bishop Goulachi is not one to ever leave well enough alone. He told Stephen that the Reformed Church could buy back another building that the government had taken from the church years ago. This property can provide a home for up to thirty senior citizens. The building can be purchased for about $5,000 and will require another $10,000 for renovation and relocation of current tenants. Let’s send the $5,000 purchase price before Christmas. I already have $500, and I’m sure we can raise the additional $4,500 quickly. Renovation and relocation monies can come later.
Also, Mendle and I have a vision to provide continued support for the staffing and other needs of the congregation at Ghat. There is the possibility that we could help a young member of the congregation get a formal education to prepare for full time Christian ministry. Please tell your friends and family about the exciting possibilities in this Ukraine church. Now is the time to act while the economy is stagnant and our U.S. dollars can purchase so much for a few thousand dollars. May God continually bless the ministry in Ukraine. |
