Two Final Christmas Concerts

In January we have had two Christmas concerts. On January 12, a concert of carols at the Philharmonia Hall, with the KSOC conducted by Wes Janzen, our Canadian guest conductor, who is here for the next six months to present concerts and participate in ministry. Also, Handel’s Messiah was presented on January 18, with Roger conducting. The performance was in the Ukrainian language. Many of our widows attended these performances as well as officials and teachers of Orphanage #22.

Straight A’s

Matthew McMurrin finished his first semester at the Kiev Conservatory with straight A’s on his final exams. This is an exceptional beginning for a foreign student who had to quickly learn the Ukrainian language which is spoken by all his professors and used in textbooks. Congratulations, Matthew!

Tricia’s Knee Problem

Tricia McMurrin, since taking over the Orphans and Children’s Ministry, has been having trouble with her knee. Last week an MRI revealed that a ligament is torn and there is a cyst that needs to be removed in her knee. Though there are grave concerns about surgery in Ukraine, Matt and Tricia are almost certain that the surgery will be done in Kiev, maybe as early as next week. There will be a two-month recovery period. Many Ukrainian friends are helping Tricia as she enters this new challenge in her missionary life. If they must remove the affected area, it would mean a greater susceptibility to arthritis, and to repair the area would be a longer recovery. Tricia is trusting the Lord for whatever lies ahead.

All Christmas Boxes Arrives

The last seven cartons of shoeboxes arrived last week, and every widow has received these Christmas gifts from the mission. A big Thank You, to all of you who contributed these special presents.

Cold, Cold Weather

Tomorrow night the temperature is going down to minus 20 degrees Centigrade, which is below zero in Farenheit. Ice covers the sidewalks, and more snow is on the way. Our clarinetist Lev fell on the ice and broke his arm. Our second trumpet player Alexei fell and broke his leg. It is a treacherous time with rippling ice and large snow banks. Pray for our widows as they come to Bible classes and church, as wel as the entire MMK family.

A New President

Though elections were last Sunday, we still do not have a President for the next five year term.  There will be a run-off election between Victor Yanikovich and Yulia Timoshenko in about eight weeks. Until that time, Ukrainians are sure to face a tough time, because the government is out of money, and starting to print more. And international aid is stalled until the future of Ukraine is secure. Pray for Ukraine.