Karie Hughes

Crux of Change

2009-12-13T09:27:00.000-08:00

It's PRAYER. It's storming the Trone on behalf of a son, a brother, a friend.........

In Psalm 139...the psalmist learned that God's presence is his greatest blessing. He said, "search me" instead of hiding.......like addicts do.

Let's start with that....pray he will cry out, "search me Oh, God"............

"Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there....
If I say, "surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shien like the day,
for darkness is as light to you"

I'm asking 7 dearest family/friends to PRAY ONE DAY..........simple. short. profound. storming the throne on behalf of Clif!

ENTER it weekly in my blog on YOUR DAY so others can read it....to be encouraged....it'll be 52 weeks that you have interceded every WEEK for the the next year!

Write it on your calendar. Drop it in your iPhone, Blackberry, whatever and PRAY n BLOG

I will write something weekly that will have a theme to it.......let's PRAY ONE DAY together.

Oh, may this season "make much of Him" in the midst of pain, heartache, and suffering...no matter where we are or Clif is.........prison, durango, teen challange............................

Help for Parents | Drug Prevention | Drug Abuse | Drug Intervention - The Partnership for a Drugfree America

2009-06-26T05:56:00.001-07:00

Help for Parents | Drug Prevention | Drug Abuse | Drug Intervention - The Partnership for a Drugfree America

Shared via AddThis

New Parent Cafe Quote - June 2009

2009-06-03T19:56:00.001-07:00

Karie-

Thank you so much for the info. Last night was great and we are looking forward to next week. I love your passion for this topic as I also share in your passion. Knowledge is Power. I am convinced that educating kids and parents regarding this topic can save thousands from going down a path that they will only later very much regret…And getting parents comfortable with talking to their kids about this REGULARLY. (Not just once) Too many parents wait until their kids are past the point of no return!!

Thanks again!

Mamie Krueger

Quote

2009-04-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

I am convinced that unless we persevere and continually promote the idea of abstinence education with our children they will fall to the world view. Janet_Arizona Parent

let the sparks fly!

2009-04-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

We value our sexuality, cherish it, and SAVE it for the security of marriage where we share it.

What amazing truth!

Our sexuality is to be valued. It's to be cherished. Something precious in His sight. And most of all saved for the security of marrige. Marriage brings 'security' with the covenent and contract that two people sign. It states...for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. That's a committment for LIFE and then 'let the sparks fly'!!!

Sex is a gift. An amazing gift!

"You are worth waiting for" are 5 words that parents must communicate over and over again to their sons and daughters at an early age to combat the worlds lies of 'just do it'. We get bombarded everywhere with the idea that sex is a sport or game to keep tabs on. To just keep score. But it's NOT. It's a whole new mind set. A renewing of our mind to crasp regardless of media, billboards and music that portray a different message. The truth....sex is a gift.

Was it communicated to you? Did your parents let you know that sex is a gift? Most likely not.

Here was my big 'sex talk'. My aunt and mom were whispering in the near by room and I knew something was up. Then my Mom came in the kitchen where I was pretending I wasn't evesdropping. "Here make sure you take one of these everyday". She handed me birthcontrol pills. Can you believe it? Birthcontrol pills. So over the next 5 years and more I've been ruining not only my body but my 'heart' being torn a little piece at a time when I gave myself away emotionally and physically.

I wish I heard a different message. A message you as parents, moms, grandmoms, aunts, coaches, friends, sisters, can communicate to your loved ones.
Moms, this is the time to seize this generation and speak up about issues dear to your heart and the Lords.

Sexual integrity grips at His heart and should grip ours too. Once we get educated we get empowered. Let's allow this conversation to be so common....just like fried chicken and mashed potatoes.

Common in the American family and ah, so good!

Parent Cafe's

2009-03-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

In today’s society, teens are faced with many choices. Choices that will affect the way they live their lives and the way they perceive themselves. Teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, emotional trauma, the loss of self-esteem and the loss of innocence are all consequences of a choice that can be avoided.

Our children need to know the truth and God’s provision concerning their sexuality.

The #1 person to speak this truth is the parent. But what I’ve discovered over the past 18 years when speaking on this topic of abstinence until marriage in public/private schools, camps, and conferences is that parents have many communication barriers and don’t feel equipped.

I truly believe that once educated a confidence to speak up in love will be developed and a relationship with their most prized gift of their life will be open on the topic of sex. Parents will find time, they’ll gather their friends, and it’ll become a conversation so freely open in their home for the sake of ‘purity’ and bringing glory to God.

That’s why Parent Café is a unique approach to train parents who will be intentional on the most talked about topic on a public or private school campus. Sex! It's being intentional to find opportunities to bring up ‘abstinence until marriage’ to their son and daughter so they’ll “get it” and then “live it out” right in front of them.

Parent Café's
Is hosted in a home by a mom and her friends....it's usually 4 or 5 session curriculum with some video clips from Parents Speak Up National Campaign designed specifically for parents to learn how to be intentional in speaking to their son or daughter about abstinence until marriage.

Each session is so informative and actually leaves the parent wanting to come back for more. Lots of props are used to ‘drive the point’ home and topics such as How Far Is Foo Far?, Exposing the Lie, Secondary Virginity, The 4 A’s: abortion, adoption, all-your-life and abstinence are clearly covered point by point so the parent will ‘speak up’ to their son/daughter when it hits their home either intentionally or not.

We're currently in the home of Mary King and several wonderful moms with sons and daugthters ranging from the age of 10 to 28 attend. We meet in the basement of a beautiful home in the argritopia area in Gilbert, Arizona. Yesterday was our first session and I can tell this is going to be amazing.

*Picture above are the Mom's from Janet Oitzman's home!! - This was our very 1st Parent Cafe which grew and grew and grew! One month we had 2 small groups attend and there was a total of 13 couples! (top) Debbie, Janet, Angel, (bottom) Susan & Lisa

Polar Express celebrating Kylie's 4th bday!

2008-12-15T19:37:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Real Love Conference

2008-10-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

By 9th grade 1/3 of hs students have engaged in sexual activity and by 12th 2/3.
60% overall and 67% among younger adolescent, regret their 1st EXPERIENCE & wish they had waited longer.

Hard hitting facts yet TRUTH. And TRUTH it was that was heard and spoken today at the Parents Only breakout.

I encouraged and exhorted Parents today at Christ Lutheran Church "Real Love" Conference. They heard the WHY & HOW for sexual purity especially in this day and age when 'everywhere' we are bombarded with sexual explicit material. Everyday bombarded also with 'peer pressure' and 'conforming to a standard' that is not God's.

FACT: Parents are the ones who have the most influence on their children's decisions about sex.

Several parents shared how this has influenced them in how to communicate 'straight forward' and 'real'.

I love it when I prayed at the end a parent stood up and started praying for me!
Ah, that was awesome!

I'm telling ya... we connected. It was sweet! Brandon & I are booked for next year!

How to talk. Answers to tough questions. Skills your son or daughter needs. Healthy relationships. Pregnancy. Choices. Risky behaviors. God's best.

DO CHECK OUT

www.desiringgod.com

Sexual Purity & Anthem under search!!

Choose Life

2008-09-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

The LORD was truly glorified!!!

He made it come ALIVE like never before while I trained 12 lovely ladies on how to talk to the negative test client about abstinence until marriage! What was so cool was making it relevant to them to pass on to this generation. This is key in reaching the hearts and minds of the Millennial. Many of the ladies shared their story of ‘going too far’ and needing Christ’s forgiveness. One said at age 17, even a believer, she felt ‘marked’ and even 4 years later would never be able to marry a believer again. Satan’s bondage is strong. He tries to keep us there but I truly believe God has something greater in store for His very own. You see once we grasp onto what Christ did on the cross and His total forgiveness; freedom will reign. Ah, to uncover what we so easily hide.

“If we confess our sins He is faithful & just to forgive us & to cleanse us from all unrighteousness’ I John 1:9

One of the best illustrations taught was the idea that SEX IS A GIFT by holding up a beautifully wrapped gift explaining it represents their purity. You! This, then, evolved in the idea of the client actually knowing ‘who she is in Christ’. His promises. Hope. Restoration to the brokenhearted.

“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners” Isaiah 61:1b

I pointed out how beautiful the gift is and what a wonderful wedding present it would be for their future husband. The emphasis was on re-wrapping the gift and holding hard to the reality of ‘it’s never too late to do what’s right’!

I ended the last 5 minutes with ‘My world got rocked 4 years ago’ by vividly portraying my daughters story, “Mom, I’m pregnant”. From prayer to humility and then the amazing fetal models which are real like even to touch revealing the truth of a baby in the womb at 7, 8 and even 9 weeks old. I walked the ladies through this troubled time in our lives from the announcement of a pregnancy to the appointment made at Planned Parenthood to end this life through abortion. It became so clear, God’s hand on each of us as He captured Kimmi and Kyle’s heart to choose life. I then held up an 11x14 black and white framed photo of Kylie Shea sitting in a rocking chair. Then with a big smile on my face declared, “Here’s their decision”. You could see the smiles of each lady and even hear a few gasps as they, too, gave God all the glory! The decision to abort was forever forgotten.

I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
"that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them." Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Simple As....Gluten Free!

2008-08-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

life struggles from a college student...

2008-05-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

I don't' really know Him, I just know about Him.
Ok this is only because you haven’t spent time with Him to know Him. There is definitely an easy solution to this. Spend time with Him. That means you will make conscious decisions to do just that. By making it a PRIORITY in your life, to be consumed early in the moring, so it doesn’t get done at all is SO important. Like a best friend, you want to spend time. This I will be praying for you!

my quiet times are nonexistent. I 've let everything else get in the way and haven't made the time...really lame, I know.

Make a decision that you will put aside time early each morning to read His Word. Check out the following….
TOP 10 MUST read books of the bible…
• James (5 chapters)
• 1 John (5 chapters)
• Colossians (4 chapters)
• Galatians (6 chapters)
• Ephesians (6 chapters)
• Philippians (4 chapters)
• I Thessalonians (5 chapters)
• 2 Thessalonians (3 chapters)
• Jonah (4 chapters)
• Titus (3 chapters)

Read the book each day for 1 week. Just read it. It’s so awesome cuz somedays you’ll notice a verse that’ll stand out and ‘become real’ for you like you had never read it before even though you were. If you have a study bible some days read 1 or 2 chapters then read the study notes. Super cool insight!

How do I forgive me? Because I really feel like I'm this awful person and can't really seem to forgive me

You need to learn to KNOW & TRUST Christ more, to understand and appropriate God’s grace and resources you have in Christ…who you are and what you have IN CHRIST. To lose self for Christ’s sake and the Gospel. To DISCOVER, DEVELOP & DEPLOY your spiritual gifts, the mind of Christ, and spiritual growth.

Forgiving yourself is sometimes a process but know that when you ask for forgiveness…I John 1:9 then believe it whole heartedly. There’s only 2 ways to go…God’s way. “what does God want?” or satan’s way “What do I want?”. God’s way may require present suffering (probably the scares me to death you mentioned below) BUT He promises to never leave you or forsake you.

http://www.blueletterbible.org/study/misc/putoffon.html

print and highlight verses as you come across your PUT OFF feelings and replace them with PUT ON truths.

I hope you’re feeling loved, which you are!

slices of Ukraine

2008-04-28T07:40:00.001-07:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

glimpse of our trip....Ukraine 2008

2008-04-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

i represent God to the fullest....

2008-04-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

Click and enjoy! Here's Brandon at Slobado High School

the stage was set for God to be glorified

2008-04-23T05:52:00.000-07:00

I'm still in awe. Awe and wonder at what Jesus did. Only He could
have done what took place. You know we were set up to follow an
awards ceremony. The House of Culture is a very old building from the
Soviet Union and Communism era. Old wooden floors, no heater because
they turn off all heat in government buildings when winter is over,
very old seating and the stage curtains must have been hundreds of
years old.

But the message of Jesus Christ from Brandon's rap illuminated not only
the House of Culture but the hearts of every single student,
teacher, official, Assistant Mayor, principal and all who attended!

For the 1st time ever in this community the stage, literally, was set
for God to be glorified as He used Brandon's talent in rap to portray
a message of Hope.

"could you walk in His shoes?
could you drink from His cup?
He opened up His arms like He loved you this much
could you do what He did and die so we can live?
if you could then your name is JESUS"

The Gospel message was translated word by word at the end of his
concert and everyone; everyone listened.

Micah said he had NEVER seen this many students gather together in
Kaharlyk. He had the students repeat a prayer. So amazing to hear
this translated. We plugged in Ultimate Freedom which is Micah's youth
group on Saturday night.

Can you believe it!!

One more thing....After the concert a beautiful young girl about 8
years old with braided pigtails wearing blue knit stockings and a long
coat stood out because of her smile. She ended up being Alonya's
daughter. Alonya is the lady who is the Regional Counselor for schools and had
a strategic part in putting the visit in November and this visit
together.(especially Brandon's rap concert) She is not a believer but it's all
about relationship and building trust.

I asked her, "Are you a single mom" because I heard from Olya, the pastors wife, to pray for her. Well it turns out she has been a single mom for 4 years. I was
able to share with her how I was a single mom for 10 years and only by
making Jesus real in my life and allowing Him full control did I ever
make it raising two beautiful children. She said she would talk with
me tomorrow, Sunday, so I hope this will take place.

UKRAINE TIDBIT: Only 10% of homes in Kaharlyk have bathrooms.
Everyone else uses an outhouse.

"the rep"

2008-04-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

Brandon, also known as 'the rep' which stands for Representative of Christ had his first appearance in the Culture Center following an awards ceremony. We walked into the building tonight not knowing what to expect.

God knew. He knew all along and planned this from the beginning. The house was full of over 200 students and from even 20 minutes away students somehow came from the village we just shared at in Slobada. These students were standing in the entryway! The screen came down. I've never seen a screen this BIG....and Brandon's video was the kick off. My Life, My Struggle.

He got the students involved by his next rap when he would point to the crowd and they would say, "the rep"! His lyrics preach the gospel and that's what happened this afternoon. The Gospel was preached to every student, teacher, representative...

I was in awe of what God did in this little town of Karahlyk. The vision Micah has had and Wayne the Pastor of Calvary Chapel is community transformation. And that it was!

Talking to the Parents...

2008-04-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

Brandon & I spoke to parents about the sanctity of life to break the bondage that "it's just a blob of cells" and bring truth it's a miracle of life in the womb. We were able to pass around amazing fetal models in a black velvet box with 4 models representing 7weeks, 8weeks, 9weeks, and 10weeks. IT"S A BABY! A real life...by 10 weeks there is a heart beat, brain waves and finger prints. I love sharing this truth and setting captives free.

By sharing personal testimonies, skits, stories, statistics both in America and Ukraine their eyes become open and hearts tender to receive truth. Olya, Pastors Wife, said out of everything we're doing here in Kaharlyk 'this' is the most important. This will have the biggest impact for the church. We were able to plug the parents, teachers, and officails into Calvary Chapel Kaharlyk and bridge the judgement gap.

Teaching in Slobada...

2008-04-16T06:17:00.000-07:00

We wrapped up today after 3 days of teaching to 8th to 11th grade students at Slobada, a little village about 20 min. away from Kaharlyk. We opened with question and answer time in the beginning then went straight into hard truth teaching about pornagraphy (which is as easy to get here like buying bread...a staple every family has). The issue on abortion is so real and rampant here. Families are brought up believing that if you're pregnant you just go to the local hopsital and abort. The Dr.s here also tell the young girls to 'have' sex to increase their testostrone. The Pastor's wife said there's a general belief that the body NEEDS sex so no matter what the they engage. Absurd lies!

Ukraine is 6th in the world for abortions and the leading European country. Never, ever, have parents, students or teachers heard a pro-life message. This country has been over 70 years atheist. Our Parent Teaching, which is tomorrow at 12-2 will be a challenge & it'll be only God who can lift the veil over the eyes to hear and know the truth of the miracle of life in the womb.

When I was last here I met with the Mayor's Assistant and he has organized this Parent Teaching at the Culture Center. Check out how! This is a mandatory meeting for the White House! Funny name they call their white building which is the Regional Building where teachers, counselors, and educational staff work.

Brandon and I will teach most of what we taught students...abstienece until marriage, sanctity of life and the knowledge of how and why to wait. Oh, please pray for the parents to be able to come alongside their son or daughter IF they ever become pregnant vs. the easy way of driving them to the local hospital and having their grandchild become a statistic.

At the end we passed out flyers to the students about Brandon's concert which will be in Kaharlyk on Friday in the Culture Center. This concert is following the Awards Ceremony at the local high schools. Brandon had the students repeat a part of the chorus "The Rep" which is his name (meaning a REPresentative of Christ). We owe this whole trip to the Lord and how He worked through His Word and prayer moving on the heart of Micah & Christy Claycamp, missionaries in Ukraine.

Back in Ukraine...

2008-04-14T23:33:00.000-07:00

Our adventures so far...

here we are getting ready to leave for Ukraine...

times square

welcome to Ukraine...

Josie, Jaden and Jeremy greet Karie in the van...

is this sour cream???

kids in school listening to abstinence message...

our team...

Kylie's 'cooking' day for diabetes

2008-03-13T13:24:00.000-07:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Talk to Me Please...for parents!

2008-03-06T07:36:00.000-08:00

I just came back from speaking at McClintock HS for the NPLB grant that Kay Cosner puts on. The parent attendance, once again, very low. There were a total of 9. That’s 6 students, 4 students all girls brought by their ‘nana’ (isn’t that amazing), a counselor from Tempe HS and an actual parent who came because the parents from the last event raved about the message and said, “you gotta go!”. Now, that’s cool.

It rocked. It truly did. I absolutely love speaking like nothing else too! I drove out of the school lot reminiscing about the ‘days’ when I spoke at that campus after Planned Parenthood showed the students the banana condom trick. Wow 18 years later. Now I hear things tonight like, “7 minutes in heaven” game done by jr high students along with “sex in the jr high girls bathroom” recently at Gililland Jr High. These kids are experiencing so much and really too much. One of the older girls, 17, came up to me and said, “I’m so glad you mentioned secondary virginity tonight. That stuck right here” ( pounding her chest with her fist and a big smile on her face) and then whispered “cuz I was raped a few years ago so I’m taking that to heart”. I took a picture of the girls with their Nana.

When I talked about ‘risk takers’ the 6th grade girl rolled a 6 on her die, which stands for relationships are affected. I talked about how the relationships closest to her would be affected if they found out you ‘went too far’ with a guy. She almost started crying cuz her Nana was there and she loves her sooo much. You see, earlier, we talked about gifts and just how much we love getting gifts! I asked everyone to share some of their favorite gifts they remember…the 6th grade girl shot her arm up so fast and shouted, “My nana is MY gift” and pointed to her. Wow. I could just end the evening after that one.

your divine valentine

2008-02-15T06:48:00.001-08:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T16:32:00.000-08:00

Well, we rang in the new year at our house, sort of. We watched the ball drop in New York at 10pm. That gave everyone a chance to get home early or still go to another party somewhere.

Not only was it new years eve, but it was my good friend Eryn Watson's birthday! Her Golden Birthday, 31 on the 31st.

We grilled brats & burgers and had Guitar Hero competitions. Everyone said they had a good time. I hope so, because I sure did!

2007-12-25T16:22:00.000-08:00

My son and I watching his friend Dusty play for the Sundogs!! Great seats, free tickets and a packed stadium! We saw three fights within 10 minutes. Dusty was called up to play for the NHL's Chicago Black Hawks on Chirstmas morning!

what's in the box?

2007-12-25T15:49:00.000-08:00

It's the day before Christmas & mom and gigi put together this present; it took hours as you can see. The gift came from both grandparents and was her bday gift and Christmas gift combined. Here's Kylie quessing what might be in it and insisting that 'we' stay right here until Christmas. What's in the box? A pink tree?

Nat'l Abstience Clearinghouse

2007-12-12T20:33:00.000-08:00

http://www.abstinence.net/library/index.php?entryid=3537
A write up from the National Abstinence Clearinghouse about speaking in Ukraine schools on abstinence until marriage was posted! Check it out!

iron girl

2007-12-02T18:37:00.000-08:00

the sky was blue today, even though the past few days have been cold and rainy, and we ran a 5K at Tempe Town Lake. It was fun! There was 2000 participants! Kimmi did it with me so we did the "mother daughter run" Ah, very special. So I kept up with Kimmi's pace which is good and never once stoped for my 1 minute breaks. father of love, thank you for gift of my daughter and spending this special time with her and the ability to run wihtout injuries. we give You our lives...

_everything is relevant...even in Ukraine!

2007-11-29T18:43:00.000-08:00

Here's a glimpse of what the skits were teaching...

_heart skit
explanation_2 students role playing how hearts gets torn by 'going to far'; end result torn heart on wedding day once they are exchanged.
purpose_draw an understanding that 'it's never too late to do what's right' and the importance of 'saving yourself' regardless of peer pressure

_time line
explanation_5 students role playing (birth, death, marriage & puperty) how sexual self control is actually a short time from puperity to marriage compared to marriage to death.
purpose_catching the WHY be abstinence and HOW to be; two most important ?s students want to know

_fuzzy dice
explanation_6 students role play by throwing the dice and writing the 2 numbers on the board
purpose_every # represents a RISK one is willing to take if they 'gamble' by having sex before marriage #1 life goals #2 pregnancy #3 sti's #4 hiv/aids #5 emotional impact #6 relationships effected

_gift
explanation_sex is gift to cherish, save for the security of marriage where it's shared
purpose_sex not being a game or sport but a GIFT for your wedding day

_fetal models
explanation_7, 8, 9, and 10 week fetal model
purpose_the miracle of life in the womb and how abortion ends that life. It's not a blob of cells or a procedure but a miracle of life in the womb.

_students reaction_LOVE IT! Did I say LOVED IT! They were 100% engaged. A topic NOT talked about & yet high pregnancy rate and STI's. Remember students have NEVER heard this before. NEVER

All students were extremely thankful! We even interviewed students at two schools!! Once we get this translated you'll be able to hear first hand thier remarks. I'll never forget the girl after class who ran up to me, while I was walking through the halls to leave, and grabbed by arm saying, "I just loved everything you taught us. Thank you so very much for coming to Ukraine!" She spoke english sharing her heart not only for herself but I'm sure for other students. Not only in America but NOW in Ukraine God used this platform of abstinence for the gospel. It has always been my intention since the beginning in 1994; the topic of abstinence would open the doors for the Gospel.

Now, about 500 students have seen Micah so if he's on the streets playing guitar in front of the disco on Friday nights, walking into the boomi (store) or just around town he has the chance of building relationships with students!

a meeting with the mayor...

2007-11-28T22:11:00.000-08:00

We had a meeting with mayor, the head of social service, a regional social worker, the school superintendent, news reporter and journalist. The mayor has been to America, so his first question asked was, "How were the students' responses compared to America?" We talked about the comparisons, as well as the impact this will have in the community. It was exciting when the regional social worker spoke up and said, "I sat in on one of the presentations. The students engaged in all activities and it was a presentation much needed. I have a 13 year old son whom I need to talk to about this."

This brought up the topic of parent presentations, which I do in America through one of the school districts. The mayor is aware that this message is not only important for students but also for parents. The journalist said, "I'll be the first to attend!" with a smile. This practical presentation called, "Talk to Me" helps educate parents on how to bring up the subject while making it relevant.

The mayor has actually been to America. He understands how "loose" the society is in Ukraine. Alchohol & cigarettes are both easily available to purchase. It is not uncommon to see a person walking the streets carrying a beer bottle. It's like drinking water. So at a very young age people are becoming addicted.

In this town, nothing is being done. Nothing has been done until "Tserkva Golgava" (translated...Calvary Chapel). It's ONLY the Christians whom are reaching out. The people who are starting up new things and reaching out are the people with a passion, coming from the church. Well, we have been invited back with full support to share further in Kaharlyk showing slides, materials translated in Ukrainian and more testimonies shared. The mayor wants to use this time to prepare and plan for March or April 2008! This is an AMAZING TESTIMONY... all GLORY & HONOR & PRAISE to Jesus!

my ukrainian adventures

2007-11-25T21:51:00.000-08:00

Over the past fews days i've been experiencing so much!
let me capture the adventures...

had to try one of these on! a typical winter hat made out of rabbit, mink and other animal skins...prices range from $10 to $130. this one was the $130 Real mink. haha

Below is Father Frost whom they celebrate on january 7th vs. dec. 25th The new years is when you open presents too!

here's a taste of home in Ukraine. TGIF...where there's all english speaking & very similar to America but you can get a menu here in Russian.

I loved experiencing the traditional ukranian family home. (notice no water_it's in the box brought in by the well) We're always greeted with Ukranian cookies, like i need to eat any of those, and Chai tea.

14 ladies squeezed in the tiny living room to openly discuss the Luke 7:11-24 "john the baptist doubting the messiah in prison". I was in awe listening to their language, prayers, deepest concerns from the heart while Annaleise whispered it in English to both Christy and I.

super cool!

Slava Bogu (russian for 'praise the Lord')

giving thanks in Ukraine...

2007-11-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

Even though i'm far from home...really far from home, I had a marvelous celebration of God's goodness with all the American Missionaries here in the Claycamp Home! The night before we did turkey marshmallow stamps, something Micah invented, for placecards. The kids had so much fun! We later coaxed Micah into going outside and cutting down 2 tree branches in the cold...this was for our 'be thankful' leaf tree where everyone would write down what they were thankful for.

Well, you are probably wondering...is there turkey in Ukraine? There isn't, but at local Boomi (store) we picked up 5 rotaisserie chickens. Oh, we had all the rest of the traditional thanksgiving because the American Missionaries planned ahead and brought green bean casserole, stuffing, pies (lemon, pumpkin, and chocolate silk) and even gravy! You can see by the picture that the Claycamp home has the American influence.

Tomorrow we'll be in a traditional Ukrainian home for a ladies bible study. i'll send pix...

You Are Worth Waiting For!

2007-11-21T22:16:00.000-08:00

these kids need hope...

2007-11-21T19:53:00.000-08:00

Today students at School #1 heard the message of HOPE...During Q&A time, one student asked, "What's the most important thing in life?" Some giggled under their breath "sex". Micah stood up and looked straight into their eyes and said, "You must have a goal, you must have HOPE that will drive you to the most important thing in life. I have HOPE and I have dreams. You need to strive for that most important thing in life".

You see in Kaharlyk Ukraine, these people don't have HOPE. The town is 870 years old and most will die here of depression. These kids need to hear the hope of eternal life with Christ!

When the Dice Game was presented and the #2 was rolled, their answer for what the options are was always, "Abortion!" It was an amazing opportunity for students to hear and see TRUTH about the miracle of life in the womb at 7, 8, 9 and 10 weeks.

The word "adoption" is very foreign to them. I shared my testimony of being a birth-mom and placing my child in a two parent Christian family home.

Teachers, social workers, country officials are very open to this message being brought to their students. Ignorance is the #1 reason why the epidemic of HIV/AIDS and STD's are so prevalent in Ukraine. Through God's help, we are starting to bring much needed knowledge to these kids and at the same time, sharing the hope we have...

Please continue to pray. Tomorrow I will teach in another school and meet so many hurting kids. God is doing a huge work here and it is a privilege to be able to be here to witness it.

stepping into a new world

2007-11-21T19:43:00.000-08:00

Your prayers are being answered! It is absolutely amazing. It's like I stepped into a whole new world that I thought never existed. It's my 2nd time going into schools this morning speaking. This time when I walked in tears rolled from my eyes as I experienced the very poor condition of the high school; dark, cold and ancient. But regardless, laughter filled the halls as children ran up and down the stairs ranging from 2nd grade to 12th.

The town Kaharlyk, means "Cursed" and Calvary Chapel means "Church of the Skull" so it's kinda unique how this seems to work for these people. The Ukrainian's don't know what Christians look like cuz they've NEVER seen one; it's all about building relationships. The average wage is $80 a month, which means most people here are poor.

Micah said moving here was like going 100 miles an hour then everything coming to a complete STOP. it's true. So very different.

Well, I will be having Micah & Christy over to the home in Chandler when they are on furlough in January so you can hear about their amazing goals, vision, and life as a missionary family in Ukraine. You will be blessed. Check out their blog!

first day in Ukraine...

2007-11-21T13:17:00.000-08:00

Well, last night Pastor Wayne (an Aussie) and his wife Olya (she's Ukrainan) came over to welcome me to Ukraine. We discussed the schedule they advised me on how to make the presentation relevant. I got stats on abortion, aids, stds, etc for the presentation. Olya told me that 10 years ago they tried to get into the schools to teach English but got kicked out, so this is really an amazing thing to be able to start this for the 1st time EVER!

Micah will be going to all of the presentations with me so that the kids know him as the youth pastor and contact in town. It's all about relationship building.

We had a prayer time which was SO humbling for me just to be a part of what God is doing. This blows me away.

I have a schedule for the week. This morning my first school is at 12:30 for 2 classes at 2 hrs. each. That'll be challenging but in GOD we trust.

Here's some stats about Ukraine:
• 60,000 peoople infected by HIV virus, but real figure is probably 400,000
• 1996 20,000 infected with HIV and projected deaths by 2016 (8 more years) 800,000
• 2002 Ukraine has become Eupopean leader in HIV infection...over 80,000 registered HIV positive people
• Eastern Europe has the highest proportion of pregnancies ended by abortion 65% Ukraine 57%
• Ukraine has 1.6 million abortions per year; it's the 6th highest in the world!!!

I ate Borshcht last night made from a local Ukrainian mom. It is a soup made with
cabbage, beets and pork. Micah and Christy hired her to cook 3 meals a week which brings some income for her. It was really yummy.

Micah & Wayne do have a vision of starting up a coffee house for the
community and to just love on the people. These Ukrainians don't know
what a Christian is so modeling it is where it all starts.

more later....

much love!