Here's a long story, but I'll break it into bits so that you don't have to read all of it at once.
Before I begin let me give you this disclaimer: I don't always write on this blog because I get depressed. Not the kind of depression that says, "Rats. Our hot water is off again for a week after just being off for two and a half weeks!" Those problems I can live with.
This is the kind of depression that says: "Am I of any value? What am I doing here?"
This is significantly harder to bear than cold showers after a morning jog.
(Am I the only one out there that ever feels this way? Misery loves company so I'm hoping I'm not the only one, but I doubt it it's a completely universal feeling...but I've digressed.)
Ok, the story. We've been in Kiev a year now. Shortly after moving here, and even before, we knew we'd have to use whatever means possible to make 'friends' here. We've chronicled many of those stories in this blog, and Kim has excelled in FaceBooking our lives to the entire digitized world.
Well, one of those friendships we've made is with Yura and Luda. I met Yura last winter at the ski run (which is conveniently located- according to the 'ruler' function on Google Earth -1.77 air miles from our apartment. Yep, that's pretty close.) Since meeting him I've connected with many of his friends and the circle of skiing/sauna friends contains around 20 men.
Well, I'll jump to the end of this part of the story, (want to read the rest? Pray for us that we stay encouraged. Then I'll feel like writing), Yura and Luda are coming for dinner tonight because Yura said to me after the sauna yesterday, "I want to believe in God and I want YOU to tell me how. How come you're not telling me?"
...To be continued...
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5 comments:
No Jerry, you are not the only one to feel despair. But as I said to Kim on facebook, we will be praying for you (actually, I think Kristina is only praying for Kim, but her blessings become yours, yes?).
Cool story - can wait to hear how it ends next week
I remember feeling like that often when we were church planting. You feel like you're throwing lots of seeds around, but you have no idea what may be taking root, or if anything is. It's hard, and there are lots of attacks from the enemy in that stage. We'll pray for you to see some glimpses of hope that encourage you! You're doing a great job. Both of you. -Blythe
Wonderful! WE will be praying for you and for wisdom. Love you guys!
God is using you in ways that you can't always see at the time, but it is hard to stay encouraged. I find blogging to supporters hard in that you almost feel that you have to "prove" that you're doing something valuable even though it's not those people's opinions that trully matter, even when it feels they do. I will be praying for God to encourage you and Kim!
wait a minute.... did I know you have a blog? Kim, I saw your comment to Naomi and clicked on your name... voila... I find an up-and-running blog about you guys! too cool!
eager to hear "the rest of the story" Jerry!
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