Wow, am I behind on our Ukraine report!

Our days in Ukraine began with some wonderful times with Alex, Nadia and Dianna in Irpene, our  Ukrainian “kids”.  Keith was able to help Alex in a “fix list” and we had a really special day in Kiev.  Dianna is growing so fast and it was fun to hear her English words. 

We moved on to Kalinovka and ended up doing a lot that we hadn’t planned on.  We basically catered for nearly 300 people over a one week period.  It was really fun to do things the “American” way for the Harvest Celebration in Kalinovka as well as Bogdonovka.  We also catered two ladies meetings as well as speaking and singing.  Keith was true to form, wallpapering and helping lay a hardwood floor.  We had a wonderful time staying with our new hosts, Dr. Vitaley, Era and little Sophia.

The Word of Life Institute in Kiev has “adopted” our Church and sends a group of GREAT young people every weekend to serve.  They are truly a blessing!  Keith had a great time with these young people and the kids from Kalinovka going bowling—a yearly treat.  We left feeling very encouraged of what God is doing in our “sister Church”.

And now it is almost Christmas and along with all the business of the season, we are preparing to go to the West Bank the first week in January.   Along with visiting the usual Biblical sites, Keith along with two other builders will be working on the new student center at Bethlehem Bible College.  We stayed in their guest house last year and are excited to return and “get our hands dirty” this time.

Please pray for us as we travel with a team of nine people.  We plan to leave January 3 and return on January 19.  We do have access to the internet while at BBC, so watch our website for updates.

Thank you for your prayers.

In His service,

Keith & Darla Ruiz