Dear Saints in the Lord,

I hope this letter finds you well and rejoicing in God’s mercy. We praise our Saviour for His goodness and mercy shown to us every day! We know that you are the instruments that bestow blessings upon us and we thank the Lord for you and your support.

The work of the Lord continues in Ukraine even though we are not there. One of the tests I believe for the missionary is the goal of training men for the work. It is not the only goal, but it must be a part of the missionary’s plan: to see those that have come to Christ become the leaders of the churches. I thank the Lord for the men of Ukraine and their families that support them. Some times it is hard to see those who were coarse and broken by sin become loving servants of our Saviour. Just like with Samuel, the Lord has shown me that we can never look on the outside, as God’s grace is working in their lives and hearts, molding them into true servants. We must have patience for His work to develop in people. For me one of the true tests of the love God is how much they begin to love the church. The greatest asset is not talent or charisma but a heart of love for God’s people. I believe that God can give a person a heart for God’s church and the body of Christ. As Jesus said: the disciple is truly made known by how much he loves the brethren. This is our prayer for the leaders in Ukraine.

Our schedule remains busy as we serve the Lord on furlough seeking to present missions in churches where God opens the door. Our goal is to help God’s people be better for Him in every area of life, but especially in the realm of missions. The church has a great responsibility to reach the world and we must use every opportunity given us. Let us look on this privilege with thanks giving, seeking to make the most out of our limited time on this earth.. The work of the Lord is the only work that will have eternal value. Please pray that we would be used of God in our time here in the States, as well as when we return to Ukraine.

I had to opportunity to preach at a men’s conference in our church. There were 200 men in attendance. What a blessing to see this many men gathered with a desire to better their walk with the Lord. We also were able to attend a Missions Conference in Holland NY. What a blessing as we saw God move with a 25% increase in their Faith Promise giving even though we are in the midst of a ‘financial crisis’ in our country. My God owns the cattle on a thousand hills!

Our family is doing well, we are grateful for this time to have with our home church and family. As our children grow older it is amazing to see how God is working in their lives. Colleen will be getting married December 27^th 2008, to fine young man, Brian Burnett. Carissa is away at Bible College; Mike Jr. is taking part in a homiletics class that I am helping to teach. He is only seventeen and he is not sure what God has planned for him, but has a desire to learn how to preach God’s Word. Jennifer and Joshua have made us grandparents twice over; Kayla is helping in AWANA as a Jr. Counselor at our home church, Robert, and Kelsey are just 11, and 8 year olds who are enjoying life. The amazing thing is that all of them still cry when they see the slides of Ukraine. We often tell them you may not make your home in Ukraine and God may direct you elsewhere, but your life has been so unique, you can say that God has allowed you to do few others will ever experience. Please pray for our family!

Prayer requests:

1.      For the men serving in Ukraine and the churches in Kiev, Fastov, Bila Tserkva, and Pytie Gorie. Wisdom for Greecia, Pasha, Alek, Maxim, Valentine, Edik, Volodia, Yura and Sasha.

2.      Pray especially for Volodia, he is struggling with some personal issues.

3.      For souls to be saved and God’s blessing on their ministry.

4.      The baptismal service in the Fastov Church and for those that have followed the Lord’s will.

5.      For Brian and Colleen’s wedding. Our goal is to use this occasion to witness to our unsaved relatives.

Your Missionaries to Ukraine,

Mike and Robin Ireland