Fall Newsletter

Still Striving for the Goal:
Ukraine Update
Fall 2007
By Stephanie Boardman




Summer is basically over and it never seemed to slow down for me (even when I wasn’t working)!

Let me fill you in on things that have been going on in my life since June! The biggest news is that my new target date to go to Ukraine is January 17, 2008. Of course, I would love to be there sooner, but I feel at peace about waiting!

Since my target date has been postponed, I decided that I needed to get a part-time job. I work at Kohl’s about 20 or more hours a week. I’ve only been there a couple months, but I have enjoyed it so far!

I have been able to spend some time with my extended family this summer as well. My aunt and cousin came out from Missouri for the 4th of July. My parents & I also met another cousin (who is from British Columbia, Canada) in St. Louis for a few hours! It was great to get to visit with each of them.

Some of you may have known that my dad was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm in February. He was told to come back after 6 months to see if it had grown. That 6 month appointment just happened to fall a few weeks ago. My family was pretty anxious about that appointment, but God showed us once again that He’s in control! The aneurysm did not grow any in the past 6 months, he will not have to have surgery (as of now) and doesn’t have to get it checked out again for another year!


I have also been busy traveling! Since the beginning of July, I have been to Forest Hills Wesleyan (Evansville, IN), Miamisburg Wesleyan (Miamisburg, OH), Boonville Wesleyan (Boonville, IN), Blue River Wesleyan (Arlington, IN), Salem Wesleyan (Salem, IN), Walker Chapel Wesleyan (Columbus, IN), Shepherd of the Hills Wesleyan (Bloomington, IN), Wellman Memorial (Louisville, KY), Norwood Wesleyan (Norwood, OH). I was also able to share for a few minutes at the missions service and Indiana South’s District camp. The main speaker was John Croft. The service was very encouraging.



What’s going on in Odessa?

Information taken from Kerry & Carole Allison’s updates from Oct 19, 2007:

Things have been hopping this week in Odessa as we batten down the hatches for the colder weather that will soon be upon us. The numbers coming to First Step Center are way up and we are seriously overcrowded with new children coming every week. This is wonderful news because it means that we are reaching more children than ever, but worrisome news as we don't have the facilities to meet the needs of these children properly. However, our motto here has always been "This is God's work" and He has always provided - we will continue to trust Him.

We are always pleased to report on our Shepherd's Home girls. We cannot begin to tell you how the girls have grown physically, emotionally, and spiritually and to see them making mature decisions just thrills us. This week two of our girls who are "true orphans" were given gifts from the government offices. Vica was given enough money to purchase a winter coat and boots and Katia was given a special voucher so that she could get all of her lunches free at the college cafeteria where she attends. We are encouraged that the government is taking responsibility for some of these children. Please pray for our Shepherd's Home girls as many of them are beginning their "college" life with all its temptations and the added stress of college classes with the heavy homework.

Out at Hope House we have just about finished with the Extreme Makeover and our best friend Decorator Dawn (smiley face) finished up all the bedrooms for the kids with new bedding, bedspreads, and bulletin boards for each child, new pillows, a rug, etc. The kids were so excited to see the finished product. On another note, fourteen year old Kostia is in hospital facing surgery to remove a large kidney stone that has been causing him to have lots of pain and infection. Kostia was born with major kidney and bladder problems and has had multiple surgeries in his short life. He is frightened as he faces another so please be in prayer for him this week.



Prayer Requests

• The ministries already taking place in Odessa: First Step Center, Shepherd’s Home, and Hope House
• Kostia as he faces surgery and the recovery time.
• I am hoping to leave for Ukraine by January 15, but there is still a lot to be done before I can leave.
• Also keep me in prayer while I continue to learn the language. Russian can be a bit tricky!

Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Life Verses
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Are you interested in supporting me?
I need to raise at least $5,000 more! This means that if 42 people gave a faith promise of $10/month then I could be in Ukraine!
Just go to www.praygivego.com and sign up to support me!


Check out these Web sites:
• My Blog: http://striving4thegoal.blogspot.com/
• World Hope Canada: http://www.worldhope.ca/
• World Hope Ukraine: http://www.worldhopeukraine.com/
• Global Partners: www.wesleyan.org/gp/
• My email address: striving4thegoal@hotmail.com