The Silva Family in Ukraine

February 2010 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine (Our Final Update)

2010-03-04T01:30:00.000-08:00

Our last day in Bila Tserkva with Olya and her granddaughter Alyona

On the 21st of February we left Bila Tserkva, spent the night in Kaharlyk, and traveled the next morning from there to the Kyiv Airport with the help of Micah Claycamp. We traveled through Moscow, then on to Los Angeles, and drove the last leg to Visalia getting in just before midnight on the 22nd. (You can see our last post from Bila Tserkva by clicking HERE.)

Edna with Dima and Svitlana

It was a very emotional month for all of us to say the least. In our last days in Bila Tserkva we spent as much time as possible with all the people we would be leaving behind. We are so grateful for all the help we received from our Ukrainian friends. They helped us in so many ways including cooking meals for us and interceding for us in prayer. We will never forget them.

View of the Sierra Nevadas from where we live

When we flew out of Moscow it was snowing heavily and when we arrived in Los Angeles it was sunny and warm. The next morning in Visalia we were shocked to see green grass everywhere and blossoms on the trees. Looking to the mountains we could see snow, but it was such a drastic change from Ukraine. Joshua told Edna that it was beautiful here and that God had really blessed us. I think we can all agree on that.

Another view of the mountains

Almond blossoms

Joshua and Dominic are trying to adjust to life here as they have both started school. Dominic is now in high school and even has some of the same teachers I had. Edna is receiving treatment for her spinal condition and is feeling much better. I've been busy trying to make all the repairs to the house we are living in and get all of our things put away so we aren't living out of boxes.

Taras enjoying some sunshine and green grass

We will definitely continue in ministry here in some capacity as God leads us, but we will always have a heart for Ukraine. We are so grateful as to how God has been providing for us through friends, family, and the church body here. Thank you to all of you who have been praying for us (including our Ukrainian friends) and to those of you who are helping us with our transition.

This will be our final blog post for The Silva Family in Ukraine, but I will continue posting to On Second Thought about our lives as a family and anything else I find interesting.

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" - Romans 11:33

"Jesus was God and man in one person, that God and man might be happy together again." - George Whitefield

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• Pray that God would provide financially for Dima and Svita to attend Bible college this fall (We are working on raising support for them).
• That God would watch over and reunite Maxime and his mother, Vera.
• That God would continue to lead us and take us in the direction He wants us to go.
• For Edna's health problems and medical costs.
• Pray that both Dominic and Joshua make friends and adjust to school here in Visalia.
• For new opportunities (especially among our neighbors) that lead to Christ being made known as a personal Savior here in Visalia.

• For spiritual growth in all of us and unity in our marriage.

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

To see updates for previous months, please click the link below "Older Posts"

January 2010 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2010-02-04T02:35:00.004-08:00

Dominic, Edna, and Joshua in Krakow, Poland

January was our last full month in Ukraine and we spent it preparing for our departure on February 22nd. This has meant making sure all of our documents were in order and that we could spend as much time as possible with all of the friends here that we so dearly love. One of the things we had to take care of was leaving the country to avoid paying for registration (something you need to do in Ukraine even with a visa). Our Wizz Air tickets to Krakow, Poland cost us about a hundred dollars and gave us 90 more days to be in the country without registering, making it much cheaper and easier to play the registration game. Staying in a hostel also helped keep this trip low budget and introduce the boys to several interesting international travelers. The highlight of our two day excursion was a history lesson Dominic and Joshua will never forget, or any of us for that matter. We spent about two and a half hours touring Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration/death camps. You can read about our time there by clicking HERE.

Looking into Auschwitz

One thing that God has taught us is that just because we're getting ready to leave Bila Tserkva, it doesn't mean that the ministry is finished here. We recently met a married couple named Dima and Svita who live in Bila Tserkva. We have been so encouraged by them and about their passion for serving the Lord here by ministering to His people. They have a similar vision as ours for pointing out the Biblical truths of who Jesus Christ is and what a personal relationship with Him means. Churches here are often filled with so many man made rules, legalism, and unhealthy traditions that the true message of Jesus is sometimes obscured and at worst, lost. Man-centered doctrine and practices tend to keep people in bondage rather than make them free in Christ. It has always been on our hearts to simply share Christ in word and deed through God's inerrant Word, the Bible. It has been such a blessing to have fellowship with Dima and Svita and to be able to introduce them to others in the Calvary Chapel fellowship of believers.

Dima and Svita

Dima and Svita met in Ukraine, but later moved to Russia where Dima is from. About a year and a half ago they moved to Bila Tserkva where Svita grew up. Svita is one of the best translators I've met in Ukraine and that is how we were introduced one Sunday when my translator at church was sick. I know Edna has really enjoyed and benefited from having a close friend in Svita. Life here can be difficult and lonely when you don't have someone close that you can confide in. We often wonder why we didn't meet them sooner, but God has a purpose. I really love Dima and the fact that he does his best to speak Ukrainian to me (since I don't understand that much Russian and he's actually learned a lot of Ukrainian since moving here) and also English, which Svita is encouraging him to learn. He's also a very talented musician who once played bass guitar in a popular Russian Christian rock band called Fimiam. (You can see a video of Dima's band by clicking HERE. Dima is on the right.)

Dima and Svita helping Joshua make some plaster coins

Dima and Svita have been involved in different types of ministry both here and in Russia and are hoping to become better equipped by attending the Calvary Chapel Bible College in Hungary where we also attended. We're praying that the Lord would provide for them to spend the fall semester there if it's in His will. We would really love to see them strengthened for the work and the need that is here in Bila Tserkva. It's an answer to prayer that Dima and Svita would continue ministry in our neighborhood in the same spirit as we have. I feel that it's no coincidence that we live a short walk from each other. Our only regret is not having more time with them, but we know that God's plan is bigger than all of us.

The only news we have about Maxime and his mother Vera is that she now has a job, but Maxime's grandmother Luda still won't let her see Maxime. Joshua plays with Maxime outside, but he isn't allowed to come over to our house. Please keep him and his mother in prayer.

We want to thank all of our supporters for their prayers and support in helping us transition back to California. We hope that all of you have been blessed by our journey here and that you will continue to support ministries in Ukraine. There may be future opportunities to support what God is doing in Bila Tserkva and all of you know that is where our hearts are. God bless you.

"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction." - 2 Timothy 4:2

"I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done." - Hudson Taylor

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• Pray that God would provide financially for Dima and Svita to attend Bible college this fall.
• That God would watch over and reunite Maxime and his mother, Vera.
• That God would continue to lead us and take us in the direction He wants us to go.
• For Edna's health problems and medical costs.
• Pray that we finish well here and make Christ known in all possible ways.
• For God's protection against illness. (Praise God that we are staying strong!)
• For continued friendships (especially among our neighbors) that lead to Christ being made known as a personal Savior.

• For spiritual growth in all of us, unity in our marriage, and an easy transition back to CA.
• For the planning and everything that must be done in preparation for our move back to California. (Almost done.)

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
4029 S. Higuera Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

To see updates for previous months, please click the link below "Older Posts"

December 2009 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2009-12-31T23:00:00.001-08:00

Me, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua on the playground

The month of December started out much warmer than usual, but we were eventually rewarded by several days of heavy snow. This was great news for all the kids with sleds. The schools have been closed most of the month because of a flu quarantine so kids won't be back in school until their holiday break ends after Christmas (January 7th here).

The view from our bedroom window

On the 10th, we visited a baby orphanage here in Bila Tserkva to see if we could arrange for regular trips to spend time with the children there. We don't know exactly what the final outcome will be, but you can read about it by clicking HERE.

The baby orphanage in Bila Tserkva

Dominic, Joshua, Edna (holding Taras the hedgehog), Olya, Zhenya, Vlada, and Oksana

On the 19th, we met up with Olya, Zhenya, Vlada, and Oksana from Chernihiv to visit a nearby orphanage in our region. We were so blessed to be able to spend time with these precious young children. We desperately want to go back again especially since the bus ride there was short enough for Edna to handle without too much discomfort. You can read about the time we spent at the orphanage in the village of Velykopolovetske by clicking HERE.

Valya and Natasha at the internaught/orphanage in Velykopolovetske

We spent the 25th quietly at home by sharing a meal together as a family and acknowledging that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus. We decided not to exchange any gifts until January 7th, when most of Ukraine officially celebrates Christmas, so that the 25th was just about Jesus.

Edna in Park Oleksandria on her birthday

On the 29th, we celebrated Edna's birthday by taking a morning stroll in the park with all the fresh snow. (You can see some of the photos I took by clicking HERE.) Later, Edna's friend Tanya came over and they celebrated their birthdays together since Tanya's is on January 1st.

Tanya and Edna celebrating their birthdays together

Sadly, we haven't seen much of Maxime because his grandmother has kept him in the village since the schools closed here on the 15th for quarantine. He has not been to church with us in a very long time or been allowed to stay in our home. We are, however, happy to share that Maxime's mother Vera joined us for church this month and everyone was able to pray for her and encourage her. She is currently living with her parents and a disabled sister.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." - Ecclesiastes 3:11

"And people who do not know the Lord ask why in the world we waste our lives as missionaries. They forget that they too are expending their lives... and when the bubble has burst they will have nothing of eternal significance to show for the years they have wasted." - Nate Saint

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• That God would watch over and reunite Maxime and his mother, Vera.
• That God would continue to lead us and take us in the direction He wants us to go.
• Please pray that God would provide the $2,500 needed for our plane tickets.
• For Edna's health problems and medical costs.
• Pray that we finish well here and make Christ known in all possible ways.
• For God's protection against illness.
• For continued friendships (especially among our neighbors) that lead to Christ being made known as a personal Savior.

• For spiritual growth in all of us, unity in our marriage, protection from spiritual attack.
• For the planning and everything that must be done in preparation for our move back to California.

November 2009 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2009-11-30T02:58:00.008-08:00

Me and Edna with our friend Sasha from our church.

November was an interesting month with flu epidemics and quarantines being the major topic of conversation here. Most people have finally stopped wearing surgical masks as the news frenzy seems to have died down. We have tried to keep our travels to a minimum and that has meant spending a lot of time at home. We've kept busy by having people in our home and helping out our neighbor Olya with some remodeling she is doing next door.

As many of you know, we will be moving back to California in March. (You can read about the details of that decision by clicking HERE if you haven't already read about it.) We have been blessed by our neighbor Olya and our friend Tanya who have been helping us to sell all of our furniture and all but a few things in our home. The floor space in our apartment seems to be growing as people carry away furniture and chairs. Hopefully we will have everything sold by the time we are ready to leave.

Dominic and Tanya with the new Ukrainian shirt she bought him.

Dominic's 16th birthday was on the 25th so we celebrated it the next day on Thanksgiving Day. You can see more about that day by clicking HERE. We are thankful that God has given us a boy who has grown into a wonderful young man.

Me painting Olya's ceiling next door.

Staying busy at home has meant more time with our neighbors and more children in and out of our apartment. Taras, the hedgehog, is usually the main attraction when it comes to the little ones though.

Being at home more has also given us a chance to spend more time one on one with people from our church and really get to know them rather than just casual conversations after church. We want to make all of our remaining time here as useful as possible.

Olya's granddaughter, Alyona, holding Taras.

Joshua and Maxime spending some time together. You can read about what's happening with Maxime by clicking HERE.

Edna helping Alina with her English homework. She is still helping our neighbor Oksana with her English as well.

The pain that Edna experiences from the condition in her spine makes it difficult to travel. Even short trips on a cramped marshrutka (shuttle van) across town are becoming increasingly painful. She was, however, able to make one trip this month to the doctor in Kyiv and then to visit the orphan children in the hospital there. Unfortunately, by the time she got home she was in unbearable pain for the rest of the evening. Please keep praying for her.

Edna holding a little orphan boy at a hospital in Kyiv. The children in that part of the hospital are suspected of having Aids. The gauze mask is for the children's protection due to the flu epidemic. To find out about adopting one of these little ones, please click HERE.

Zhenya leading worship at church.

We have been especially blessed by a man named Zhenya who has been coming to our church with his wife for the last month and a half. He has been leading worship and really enriching our time with the Lord. He is of Jewish decent and while he plays all the contemporary songs we're used to hearing, he also plays songs with a distinctive Jewish style to them.

Here's a sample of Zhenya enjoying singing praises to God.

Joshua petting Taras as he sleeps on our bed.

This 1990 Soviet artwork on a Ukrainian apartment building seems to symbolize the prosperity of a working family. I think it would be better to say that a family who works at showing God's love to one another and praying together will enjoy God's blessings as a family. This is especially true for our family as we prepare to transition from Ukraine to California.

Thank you for all of your prayers and support as they will definitely be needed in the coming months.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39

"You have nothing to do but to save souls. Therefore spend and be spent in this work. And go not only to those that need you, but to those that need you most. It is not your business to preach so many times, and to take care of this or that society; but to save as many souls as you can; to bring as many sinners as you possibly can to repentance." - John Wesley

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• That God would watch over Maxime and his mother, Vera, giving them comfort.
• That God would continue to lead us and take us in the direction He wants us to go.
• Please pray that God would provide the $2,500 needed for our plane tickets.
• For Edna's health problems and medical costs.
• For God's protection against illness.
• Pray that home schooling will become easier and less stressful for all of us. Pray for wisdom and patience.
• For continued friendships (especially among our neighbors) that lead to Christ being made known as a personal Savior.

• For spiritual growth in all of us, unity in our marriage, protection from spiritual attack.
• For the planning and everything that must be done in preparation for our move back to California.

October 2009 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2009-11-01T02:00:00.007-08:00

Dominic, Joshua, Greg, and Edna

October is one of our favorite months in Ukraine due to all of the beautiful colors. Coming from the Central Coast of California where there's not a big difference between seasons, we really enjoy this time of year. It's also the time of year when people begin to spend more time indoors because of the weather. It's the perfect time for having guests in the home and sitting down to share God's word with them.

Some fall colors near our apartment

Dominic's hedgehog, Taras, has turned out to be a popular member of our family. Most people have seen hedgehogs in the wild outside, but not as pets. When people hear that we have a pet hedgehog, they all want to see him and hold him. Despite having sharp quills, he's very affectionate and likes to lay in your lap. Who would have guessed he would be so popular?

Edna with Taras

Edna and Maxime's mother , Vera, having tea while she feeds Taras a piece of cookie

Maxime's mother, Vera, came over to visit one day and told us about how she was doing. She is living in the back section of her in-laws' house and Maxime is living in the main house. She said it is lonely and cold back there and she has nothing to do but sit and think. She didn't even want the grandmother to know that she was visiting us. Our understanding is that the grandmother has taken over raising Maxime and is very cruel to Vera. Please keep them all in prayer.

Thank you to those of you who have helped out in various ways for Maxime. You can read about the care package he received by clicking HERE.

Edna going over an English lesson with Maryana

On top of home school our own children, Edna has been helping out two other girls with their English classes. One of them is our neighbor, Olya's granddaughter, Maryana. The other girl, Alina, is in the same class as our downstairs neighbor, Oksana. Edna is actually learning a lot about British English as she helps them study.

Oksana is second from the left and Alina is on the far right dressed in black

Since we've been back in Ukraine, the hand pump at a nearby apartment complex where we usually get our drinking water has been broken. We were forced to either buy drinking water from a truck or walk about a half a mile to a spring to get water. The pump has finally been fixed so praise God for the little things that make life easier. You can read about our water saga by clicking HERE.

Joshua collecting drinking water for us from a spring

This month in our church we had a baby dedication and we've been blessed to have a man named Zhenya leading worship. Zhenya is an ethnically Jewish Christian and he does a great job of blending Jewish worship songs with contemporary Christian worship. I have just started teaching in the book of Acts and I'm excited to explore the early church history with the body of believers here. We are also happy to have a couple of members return to our fellowship after being gone due to work and family issues. God is faithful.

Please keep all of Ukraine in prayer as the nation suffers through an epidemic of the swine flu. You can read what I posted about it by clicking HERE or read the latest news by clicking Digital Journal.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. - Hebrews 13:15-16

"Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God." - Jim Elliot

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• That God would watch over Maxime and his mother, Vera, giving them comfort.
• That God would continue to lead us and take us in the direction He wants us to go.
• That we would be able to raise adequate financial support according to God's will.
• For Edna's health problems and medical costs.
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ and that nothing would hinder him from going to church on Sunday.
• Pray that home schooling will become easier and less stressful for all of us. Pray for wisdom and patience for all four of us.
• For continued friendships (especially among our neighbors) that lead to Christ being made known as a personal Savior.

• For spiritual growth in all of us, unity in our marriage, protection from spiritual attack.
•For God's protection against illness.

September 2009 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2009-10-01T01:39:00.005-07:00

Edna, Joshua, and Dominic

This month we started home schooling Dominic and Joshua full time rather than have them go to public school and then do supplementary school work at home. I still attended the ringing of the first bell at the school they had attended since we know so many of the children there, including our neighbor Oksana and our neighbor Olya's granddaughter. You can read about that day by clicking HERE. Please pray for our home schooling efforts for both boys.

Separating the children into age groups

The highlight of our month was a Children's Festival that was put on by a team from Pryluky Calvary Chapel. They had eleven people counting a little girl named Masha. We also took the opportunity to finish the playground restoration project that we had started in the Spring. You can read more about the Children's Festival by clicking HERE.

We've had two small additions to our family this month. It began with a Russian Dwarf hamster that a little girl named Nastya couldn't keep. She sold her to Joshua for 10 hryven (about $1.20). Her name is Kanopka (button in Ukrainian), and Edna really loves her.

Within a few days, Dominic's prayers were answered. On the way to church, we came across a baby hedgehog just sitting on the edge of the road (he's always wanted one). It's unusual to see hedgehogs during the day, so Dominic was really excited. He took him home and named him Taras. He has quickly become tame and surprisingly affectionate despite his menacing looking quills. For protection, hedgehogs can roll into a ball exposing only their sharp quills to a would-be predator. This little guy will grow to a size of between 8-12 inches in length.

Joshua carrying a photograph of Maxime's father

Sadly, Maxime's father, Andriy, died this month. He most likely died of liver failure leaving behind a grieving widow and a little boy trying to cope with it all. You can read about the funeral by clicking HERE. Maxime's mother is physically unable to care for Maxime due to alcoholism and Maxime's grandmother may be trying to get custody of him. We aren't sure what the outcome will be, but we know that Maxime and his mother need lots of prayer.

Olya and Maxime on the day of the Children's Festival

Recently we have been spending more time with our neighbors and focusing on one relationship at a time. This has led to Olya coming to church with us. We are currently studying through the book of James and Olya said she really enjoyed hearing the Bible explained in a way that she could understand. We know that she has shared this with her friends and hope it leads to more people knowing about Jesus through the written word of the Bible.

Through Olya's recommendation, Edna will be helping a girl named Alina, with her English homework once a week. We have already met with her and her mother Ira. The funny part was that Olya told us that if we didn't understand something they said, we could call her and she would "translate" for us. Olya speaks absolutely no English, but she does speak from her heart and that we understand perfectly.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. - Proverbs 16:9

"Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant coming and asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all." - D.L. Moody

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• That God would watch over Maxime and his mother, Vera, giving them comfort.
• That God would continue to lead us and take us in the direction He wants us to go.
• That we would be able to raise adequate financial support according to God's will.
• For Edna's health problems and medical costs.
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ and that nothing would hinder him from going to church on Sunday.
• Pray that homeschooling with the boys will go smoothly.
• For continued friendships (especially among our neighbors) that lead to Christ being made known as a personal Savior.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
4029 S. Higuera Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

To see updates for previous months, please click the link below "Older Posts"

August 2009 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2009-09-01T02:00:00.003-07:00

Ukrainian Independence Day on August 24th in Kyiv.

August has been a month of transition for us as we readjusted to life back home in Ukraine. It was nice to jump right back into things and begin teaching through the book of James at church. We have been so blessed by the welcome we have received by all of our friends and neighbors. You can read about what we came home to by clicking HERE.

The only bad thing that happened since we've been back is that Joshua fell on some steps and chipped his front tooth. Thankfully we found a good dentist and had his tooth fixed. Click HERE to see Joshua's trip to the dentist.

We are especially excited about a Children's Festival we have planned for September 5th. A group of about nine people from the Pryluky Calvary Chapel are planning to help us put the finishing touches on our playground restoration project and then hold the festival. It will be a chance for us to really reach out to the children of the neighborhood sharing the Gospel and giving them some solid Bible teaching while having fun at the same time. In anticipation of this upcoming event, we brought some American made swings back with us and put them on the playground. They were an instant hit as you can see by clicking HERE.

Dasha and Masha came to our door in these wigs one day (I'm still not sure why).

It seems to us that the kids have all grown since we were gone. Some things have changed, but most things are just the way we left them. The most encouraging change we have seen is that gambling was made illegal while we were gone. You couldn't walk down a street without seeing several competing gambling establishments with blinding neon and flashing lights. Now they are either boarded up or converted to something else. So many people were affected by gambling addictions, so it's a step in the right direction.

Gambling halls have all closed.

Some things haven't changed. No gasoline or electric powered weed whackers where we live, just hard work.

Since the weather has been nice this month, we decided to go on a family camp out across the river in the forest one afternoon. Edna and Dominic opted to stay home so it was just me and Joshua. We had a good time, but were plagued by energetic squirrels racing around our tent while we were attempting to sleep. Joshua liked the part where he could build camp fires though.

Joshua also had the opportunity to stay with Maxime in the village for two days. He took a camera with him and brought back the photos for us to enjoy. Maxime (pronounced Mahk-seem and correctly transliterated into English as "Maksym"), is still going to church with us, but his behavior is a constant struggle. He suffers from poor nutrition, learning disorders, and most likely fetal alcohol syndrome. He is a year older than Joshua, but noticeably smaller. Please keep him in prayer.

Maxime chasing after a calf in the village. (Photo by Joshua)

"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." - Romans 10:17

"Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergymen or laymen, they alone will shake the gates of Hell and set up the kingdom of Heaven upon Earth." - John Wesley

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• That the Children's Festival in September would be successful and bless the children.
• That God would continue to lead us and take us in the direction He wants us to go.
• That we would be able to raise adequate financial support according to God's will.
• For Edna's health problems and increasing medical costs.
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ and that nothing would hinder him from going to church on Sunday.
• Pray that homeschooling with the boys will go smoothly.
• For continued friendships that lead to Christ being made known as a personal Savior.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

To see updates for previous months, please click the link below "Older Posts"

July 2009 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine (Currently California)

2009-08-03T18:50:00.006-07:00

Dominic, Greg, Edna, and Joshua

Over the last month we have had our ups and downs as we have tried to get all of our health issues resolved. Ultimately we know it is all in God’s hands and He will sustain us and meet all of our needs. We have been so encouraged by all of our family and brothers and sisters in Christ, especially over the last month. (Thanks guys.) We are eager to return home to Ukraine on August 12th so that we can reach out to the people there with renewed strength and zeal for God’s word. Our hearts are especially burdened for the children who don’t know Jesus.

Edna will begin physical therapy on August 3rd to try and relieve the pain she is having from degenerative disc disease. Dominic is scheduled to have his wisdom teeth removed on August 7th, so please pray that there are no more delays for him (he already had two appointments canceled by the doctor). The surgery I had done on my mouth is still healing and I have some exposed bone that hasn’t quite healed over, but I’m feeling much better and looking forward to returning to teaching in the church in Bila Tserkva. (I promise to get more posts up on our blog once we are back in Ukraine.)

Although we hadn’t planned on extending our trip as long as we did, we were blessed by all the people here in California and the outpouring of encouragement that we received from everyone. Thank you to all of you that have helped us through this time with prayer and support.

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him." - Psalm 18:30

"Faith, as Paul saw it, was a living, flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ." - A.W. Tozer

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• That God would bring us safely home to Ukraine and that our travels would go smoothly.
• That we would be able to raise adequate financial support according to God's will.
• For Edna's health problems and increasing medical costs. (We still aren't sure what the outcome will be exactly.)
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ and that nothing would hinder him from going to church on Sunday.
• For continued friendships that lead to Christ being made known as a personal Savior wherever we are.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

To see updates for previous months, please click the link below "Older Posts"

June 2009 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine (Currently California)

2009-07-10T13:26:00.005-07:00

June has been a difficult month for us as we have been scrambling to get all of our medical issues treated. To make this possible, we had to extend our time here in California until August 12th. After many calls to the travel agency and airline, we were finally able to get our tickets changed, but had to pay a steep change fee. With our new departure date, Edna will be able to see a neurosurgeon in July for the three damaged discs in her spine, Dominic will be able to have his impacted wisdom teeth extracted, and I will be having surgery to remove some excess bone growth on my jaw in three places.

As of July 9th, the spider bite that Edna got on her hand in June is finally beginning to heal. For a while, Edna was making daily visits to the hospital to have her hand cleaned and dressed and receive a round of IV antibiotics. You can read more about it by clicking HERE.

We have been a little overwhelmed by all the medical, dental, and optic appointments, referrals, and of course dealing with the insurance for all four of us. But, we know that it is necessary to ensure that we return to Ukraine healthy and able to serve. We are staying busy by being active in the church here and serving any way we can, but all of us long to be back home in Ukraine. (You can read about the VBS we shared at in June by clicking HERE.)

Thanks to Calvary SLO, Calvary Chapel Visalia, Vision Calvary Chapel of Porterville, and all of our family and friends for all of your prayers and support during this time.

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf." - Hebrews 6:19-20

"Grace is but Glory begun, and Glory is but Grace perfected." - Jonathan Edwards

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• Please pray that our church in Bila Tserkva would continue to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ during our absence.
• That God would give us rest from busy schedules and allow us to return to Ukraine healthy and encouraged.
• That we would be able to raise adequate financial support according to God's will.
• For Edna's health problems and increasing medical costs. (We still aren't sure what the outcome will be exactly.)
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ and that nothing would hinder him from going to church on Sunday.
• For our neighbor Olya, that God would keep her safe while we are in the United States.
• For continued friendships that lead to Christ being made known as a personal Savior wherever we are.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

To see updates for previous months, please click the link below "Older Posts"

May 2009 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine (Currently California)

2009-06-03T12:48:00.006-07:00

Dominic, Greg, Joshua, and Edna

We spent May trying to see everyone and to take care of all of our administrative (Edna's visa) and medical needs (all of us). It seems like there is never enough time to get it all done and see all of our friends and family. We had planned to return to Ukraine on June 30th, but it's looking like we may have to extend our stay until all of our medical needs can be taken care of, especially for Edna. We still haven't gotten an answer from the doctors as to what can be done for the constant pain she endures and the loss of mobility related to her spinal disorders. Hopefully they can at least recommend a course of treatment that will allow us all to return to our home in Ukraine soon. We know that God will see us through these times and all will be done according to His perfect will.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us, encouraged us, and supported us. You continually build us up for the work laid before us in Christ Jesus.

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." - Philippians 3:20-21

"We must meet the uncertainties of this world with the certainty of the world to come." - A. W. Tozer

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

April 2009 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2009-05-01T02:00:00.005-07:00

Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

April has been a beautiful month here as everything begins to turn green and the fruit trees blossom. We are eager to see all of our friends and family, but it will be hard leaving here even if it is just for a visit to California.

We spent most of the month working on our playground that we have been fixing up. We still have more to do, but some members from Calvary Chapel Pryluky will be helping us finish up sometime in July. It turned out to be a great opportunity for all the children to be involved in helping with the restoration work. It is after all, their playground. The work we did also helped to open some doors of communication with more of our neighbors. We are thinking about having a children's festival once we finish everything in July as a way to say thank you to the children for their help and also to be able to share about Jesus with them.

Maryna and Nastya painting

You can read more about our Playground Restoration Project by clicking on each of these links to previous blog posts if you haven't already seen them. Phase 1, Getting Started, Caught Red Handed, and Goodbye to Painting.

Masha, Ella, Dasha, Leeza, and Maxime taking turns painting

Maryna turned out to be one of my best painters

We celebrated Easter here according to the Orthodox calendar, so this year it was on April 19th. Our church service was fun because we made it a time where everyone who wanted to could share a song or a poem about the Resurrection of Christ. We really enjoyed all the interaction. Having a small church means that it truly feels like a family and there are no strangers.

Maria and Nastya (in back) sang after Zhenya and Lusya recited some Easter poems they had memorized

Along with the playground project, I have been working on a tree house in the forest across the river. I wanted to make a place where the boys and their friends could go and have adventures. They had previously been working together to build a little club house near the park, but after all their hard work, someone set it on fire and it burned to the ground. I figured a tree house made from wood cut from the forest might be a little more durable. We also discovered that we needed to securely bolt things down to keep them from walking away. (We have had several pieces of the tree house stolen twice now.) It has been a labor of love since I have been doing all the work by hand including sawing the logs we need. (I won't mention the part where I fell from a tree in the early stages of building.) I think the boys and their friends will have a lot of fun with their new club house once it's all done. I know I will.

Dominic and Joshua in the tree house

It's hard to believe that we have been in Ukraine for two years now. We have been so blessed by all that God has shown us and all the wonderful people we have met. It's when we look into the faces of the children that we realize how much time has passed. It seems like just yesterday that we were getting off a train from Hungary here in Ukraine with everything we owned in four suitcases.

We can't believe how much Natasha has grown in two years. She is so independent now and insists on doing everything herself. (Don't even think about giving her "No" for an answer.)

Joshua picking up some souvenirs in Moscow

On April 27th we arrived safely in California after a short layover in Moscow. Since Joshua's 11th birthday was on the 28th, we let him buy a few souvenirs at the Moscow airport. We are happy to be back in Visalia (and later on to San Luis Obispo) with friends and family. We'll do our best to see everyone so feel free to email us so we can connect.

"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains." - James 5:7

"Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." - Augustine

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• Please pray that our church here in Bila Tserkva would continue to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ during our absence.
• That we would be able to raise adequate financial support according to God's will.
• For Edna's health problems and increasing medical costs. (She will most likely require spinal surgery within the year.)
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ and that nothing would hinder him from going to church on Sunday.
• For our neighbor Olya, that God would keep her safe while we are in the United States.
• For continued friendships that lead to Christ being made known as a personal Savior where ever we are.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

March 2009 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2009-04-01T02:00:00.003-07:00

Edna and Tanya by the Ros River

We were blessed this month to have Tanya from Pryluky as a guest in our home for a few weeks. She was such a great help to us doing everything from translating and leading worship to helping plan Bible studies. I know Edna was especially sad when it came time for Tanya to go back to Pryluky. She really enjoyed the opportunity to have close Christian fellowship with another girl. (Apparently it's not easy being the only female in the household.)

Valentina, Vera (Maxime's mother), Edna, Tanya, and Luda (Maxime's grandmother)

Prayers were answered this month when first Maxime's mother, Vera, and then his grandmother, Luda, began coming to our Bible study. We have been praying for so long to be able to share the Gospel with Vera and also Luda, so thank you to everyone who has been praying with us. Edna has been able to grow a lot closer to Vera over the last month and we hope that God will continue to strengthen these new relationships. You can read about what Tanya and Edna did on International Women's Day by clicking HERE.

Tanya and Nastya leading worship

Edna teaching the children at church with the help of both Tanyas

Tanya helping the children with one of their favorite crafts, making bracelets

March has also been a month of planning as we prepare for our playground restoration project that we had to reschedule due to rain and snow. You can read about our plans by clicking HERE. Hopefully the weather will continue to get warmer so that we can complete the project on the weekend of April 11th -12th. All the neighborhood children are excited about it.

Joshua entertaining guests (Dasha, Yulia, Masha, and Ella)

On one particularly cold and rainy day, some of the neighborhood girls came over looking for Miss Edna hoping to play a few games of Uno. Unfortunately, Edna was in Kyiv for physical therapy so Joshua played host serving tea, juice, cookies, and candy. We are so grateful that most of the neighborhood parents feel comfortable letting their children spend time in our home. It's a privilege for us to be able to open our home and our hearts to all of them. It has been through the children that we have been able to get to know some of their parents.

I don't think Joshua was very excited about the group hug

We are looking forward to seeing all of our friends and family as we prepare to visit California in May and June to raise awareness and support.

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10

"Each generation of the church in each setting has the responsibility of communicating the gospel in understandable terms, considering the language and thought-forms of that setting." - Francis Schaeffer

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• Please pray that God would provide for us financially so that we can complete the playground restoration that we have planned with CC Pryluky in April.
• For God to use us as we teach God's word to the children on Sunday.
• For God's Spirit to lead us as we continue the Bible study in our home on Friday nights, for Jesus to be made known to those coming, and for God's name glorified through it all.
• For our safe travel back to CA.
• For a skilled worship leader at church and for guitar lessons for Greg and Nastya.
• That the churches we met with in America would keep us (Ukraine) on their hearts and minds and in their prayers.
• For Edna's health problems.
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ. That nothing would hinder him from coming to church on Sunday, or being able to stay with us here at home.
• For our neighbor Olya, as she recovers from her second knee surgery.
• For continued friendships that lead to Christ being made known as a personal Savior.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

February 2009 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2009-03-01T13:00:00.004-08:00

Joshua, Edna, and Dominic

As you can see from the photo, we've had snow throughout this last month making for some fun play days for the boys. It has also given us the chance to spend more time in fellowship with people from our church, our neighbors, and friends from our English Club.

Edna leading Lusya, Zhenya, and Maxime in a Bible Study

Five members from Calvary Chapel Pryluky came again this month to help us out with worship music and planning for a playground restoration project. You can read more about their visit by clicking HERE.

We are really excited about fixing up the playground near our building. It is used by so many of the neighborhood children along with their parents and grandparents. Over the years it has fallen into disrepair and has been vandalized making it ugly and unsafe for the children. It has always been on our hearts to do something about it and now we can. God has shown us that it would be a wonderful opportunity for us to reach out to the neighborhood and get our church excited about serving. We'll be posting a detailed blog about the project as soon as we complete all the planning. We would love to have everyone help us make this project a reality through prayer and support as God leads.

(clockwise from left to right) Dominic, Edna, Vlad, Max, Joshua, Yana, Zhana, Tanya, our neighbor Olya, and her granddaughter Alyona.

While Vlad, Zhana, Yana, Max, and Tanya were here from Pryluky, we were able to have a Friday night Bible study like we had been praying about starting. Our next door neighbor Olya came, our downstairs neighbor Oksana came, and to our joy, Maxime's mother Vera came. We had invited her, but were still surprised that she came. We were blessed to be able to share the Bible with Olya and Vera in a way they had never heard before. We also prayed for them afterwards and really felt that God had opened a door for sharing who Jesus is with them.

Olya was especially excited about the group from Pryluky coming so she spent a lot of time with us and made sure we had plenty of traditional Ukrainian food for each meal. We all had a chance to pray that her knee surgery would go as scheduled and that she would make a full recovery.

It is also our pleasure to let everyone know that Tanya, from Pryluky, will be staying with us for the next month to help us with ministry and to serve in the church here. She has already been a huge blessing to us and we are looking forward to what the next month holds. Tanya and Edna will be working together closely with Children's Ministry and Women's Ministry. They have already planned a day of fellowship for the women in our church to celebrate National Women's Day in Ukraine.

I love this picture of Edna and Alyona.

As some of you already know, Edna has been having some health problems so I thought I'd have her explain it in her own words.

"I just wanted to ask for prayer. I received the results from my MRI scan that I had done on my back. I had the scan done because my Doctor suspected I had a problem in my spine because I have constant shooting nerve pain in my right arm, hand, and also into my chest wall. Well, the results are not so good. He said that the C5-C6, and C6-C7 vertebrae in my neck are prolapsed by 3 MM and it is causing nerve compression, which explains the pain in the chest, arm, and hand. He also said that I have spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) and spondylitis. Spondylitis is a disease that can affect your whole body. He told me that there is no cure for this and that it will get worse. The spondylitis affects not only the spine, but also all of your joints and ligaments, and even your heart. I also read that this can affect your kidneys, and so maybe this is the reason I have kidney stones. He said my spine can eventually fuse and I will need surgery. He started me on a lot of medications that are very expensive and also told me that I need to swim twice a week and do daily exercises. The goal is to keep it the way it is now because if it gets worse I will need surgery. Will you please pray with me? I need God's healing, wisdom, and provisions.

Thank you,"
Edna

"But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me." - Philippians 2:17-18

"I would go to the deeps a hundred times to cheer a downcast spirit. It is good for me to have been afflicted, that I might know how to speak a word in season to one that is weary." - Charles Spurgeon

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• Please pray that God would provide for us financially so that we can complete the playground restoration that we have planned with CC Pryluky.
• For God to use us as we teach God's word to the children on Sunday.
• For God's Spirit to lead us as we continue the Bible study in our home on Friday nights, for Jesus to be made known to those coming, and for God's name glorified through it all.
• For God to lead Tanya and us as she joins us in ministry for the next month.
• For God to lead us in the planning of a party for National Women's Day.
• For a skilled worship leader at church and for guitar lessons for Greg and Nastya.
• That the churches we met with in America would keep us (Ukraine) on their hearts and minds and in their prayers.
• For Edna's health problems stated above in the post.
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ. That nothing would hinder him from coming to church on Sunday, or being able to stay with us here at home.
• For our neighbor Olya, as she will be recovering from her second knee surgery tomorrow.
• For continued friendships that lead to Christ being made known as a personal Savior.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

January 2009 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2009-02-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Dominic took this photo of us in a park in Dnipropetrovsk

We began the month by having our Church Christmas Service on January 4th, a few days before Orthodox Christmas on January 7th. We had guests from other churches in Bila Tserkva as well as from our sister church in Kyiv. Along with a Christmas message came lots of opportunity for singing by several of the children and adults. The women in the church did a skit about the wise and unwise virgins waiting on the Bridegroom and the children did a presentation telling how they were little lights during this Christmas season pointing the way to Jesus. We were happy to see Joshua do his part all in Ukrainian this year without making a mistake. He say's he'll memorize it next year. He really has surpassed us in learning Ukrainian.

Joshua reading his part of the presentation

Fedir singing with his daughters, Maria and Nastya

Of course the girls did a great job singing together. Nastya, Veronika, Zhenya, and Maria on the piano.

Thanks to Samaritan's Purse and some churches in England, all the children received boxes with candy and small gifts in them including gloves, scarves, hats, and a few other useful items. The kids really look forward to this part of the Christmas service each year. We know that for some of the children, these were the only gifts they got for Christmas.

Children opening presents after church

Maxime, Joshua, and Dominic opening their presents. (Dominic especially likes Hedgie the hedgehog.)

This year we spent Ukrainian Christmas in the town of Pryluky with members of the Calvary Chapel there. The church there is all Ukrainian as all the American missionaries have either moved on to other cities in Ukraine or elsewhere in the world. You can read about our time in Pryluky by clicking HERE.

Here's a video of Yana from Pryluky playing guitar and singing Silent Night on Christmas Eve.

We were really blessed to have Yana, Tanya, Bohdan, Kolya, and Vlad from Pryluky come and spend a weekend with us and help us out with worship music at church. You can read about our time with them by clicking HERE. Vlad helped us pick out a guitar to buy here so that Nastya and I can start learning to play with Vlad's help. A girl that is new to our church, is also giving Nastya a guitar to practice with so hopefully she will be able to lead worship with guitar someday. I'll be doing my best to learn, but I need a lot of prayer.

We are also planning to do a playground restoration project with the church from Pryluky in March. It has been on our hearts to help restore the playground in our neighborhood making it safer and once again beautiful for everyone. The guys from Pryluky have offered to help which will finally make it possible for us to bless our neighbors and reach out to them as a church.

Bohdan and Yana helping out with worship at our church this month

We have been praying about the various English Clubs we are involved in and have decided to hold our Thursday night club in our home instead of at the public building where we have church. We felt that our home was a more comfortable setting and after having the club meet at our home, we're sure it's the right direction to go. We are still meeting for English Club at the University on Mondays, but that may change if we can get everyone into our home on Thursday nights. We'll just have to see how the Lord leads us in this area. Of course, on Tuesday, we still get together with our small group of English speaking Ukrainians for fellowship.

Thanks to everyone who has helped us keep the Children's Ministry crafts fun and interesting for them. From left to right: Sasha, Maxime, Kristina, Joshua, Zhenya, and Lusya. (Sasha had a good time but, she was just trying to look serious for the picture.)

Lately, we feel that the Lord has been leading us to start a Bible study in our home on Friday nights. (Edna will still try to make trips to Kyiv to visit the AIDS orphans in the hospital during the day on Fridays for as long as she is able.) Several people from our church have asked if we could do something like that. A few people that we know outside of church said they would be interested as well since they want to learn about the Bible, but don't really feel comfortable going to church. Our neighbor Olya, would like to come as well since here physical handicap keeps her from being able to go to church. This will leave us with only Saturday as our free day to spend as a family. We're trying not to become over committed and to manage our time wisely, but it's a struggle. There is so much to do and the workers are few.

Maxime all bundled up against the cold

I'm sure all of you are aware that the financial crisis in the United States has had a ripple effect around the world. Ukraine has been hit especially hard. Not only have prices for food and other products risen sharply, but jobs and wages have been reduced at the same time. Unemployment is high and a lot of people with jobs have had their salaries cut in half or aren't being paid at all. They have been told that this could go on until May or longer. (We've learned that Maxime's father won't be getting paid for his work as a plumber until May. We are trying to help them out by having him do some plumbing work in our apartment.) Combined with the threat of having natural gas turned off and an increasingly unstable government that has almost ceased to remain functioning, these are the times when Ukraine most needs to here the message of Christ. Please pray that God will use all that is happening here for His Glory.

Not to seem too pessimistic about things, I thought I'd share this photo I took of a woman skiing in high heels on the river. There are a few things we can still laugh about.

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." - Jeremiah 17:7-8

"If you hope for happiness in the world, hope for it from God, and not from the world." - David Brainerd

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• Please pray that God would provide for us financially so that we can continue these ministries during difficult times.
• For wisdom, guidance and God's leading in how we manage our time.
• For direction as we plan to start a Bible study in our home on Friday nights.
• For our Ukrainian language studies and for our language teacher, Nadya.
• For a skilled worship leader at church and for guitar lessons for Greg and Nastya.
• That the churches we met with in America would keep us (Ukraine) on their hearts and minds and in their prayers.
• That Edna's kidney stones will pass soon.
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ. That nothing would hinder him from coming to church on Sunday, or being able to stay with us here at home.
• That God would raise up others outside (or inside) of Ukraine to serve in Bila Tserkva.
• For continued friendships that lead to Christ being made known as a personal Savior.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

December 2008 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2009-01-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas day in the park

The month of December left us with some beautiful winter scenes and plenty of opportunities for the boys to play in the snow. Edna and I spent most of the month planning and preparing for a church Christmas party that we invited people from the English clubs that we are involved in to. The party was also an opportunity for members of the church to invite their friends and family so that they could hear messages about the real meaning of Christmas and why Jesus is at the center of it. We had the party on the 27th which is after Western Christmas, but still before Orthodox Christmas on January 7th. You can see more of the pictures from our church Christmas party by clicking HERE.

A swan in Park Oleksandria

This month we were also witnesses to a something I can only describe as a miracle of love and healing in our church. If you haven't already read about it you can click HERE. You can read about how I spent my birthday this month and the little ones who touched my heart by clicking HERE.

Joshua sledding with a friend.

A week of freezing rain before the snow fall created these cool ice slides. No sled required.

We ended this year by having all three English clubs go on break for the holidays since most of the members are students. School will start back up again on January 19th as the Christmas season comes to an end. We plan on resuming the clubs again at that time. We have been so blessed by all the wonderful people we have met through the clubs and the friends that we have made. It's so encouraging to be out shopping or running an errand and then run into someone we know from one of the clubs who is genuinely glad to see us. We saw two girls once from our University English Club near the central market who were excited just to see us and tell us about all the things they had been shopping for. This may not seem like much, but in a society where friendships have to be earned and aren't taken lightly, this is a huge blessing to us.

Olya, Tanya, Dominic, and Edna at our church Christmas party.

Maria, Nastya, Zhenya, and Veronika singing

Maxime being festive

This year we sat down with Dominic and Joshua and decided that we would have a very simple Christmas on the 25th. (We're still going to celebrate Christmas on January 7th, but only with food and fellowship.) We didn't travel out of town or have the usual gifts like we did last year. We just spent the day playing in the falling snow and then set down to Christmas borshch that Edna made. (You can see the photos of that day by clicking HERE.) We used the money that we saved to buy Maxime a nice sweater, a winter jacket, insulated pants, a warm hat, and winter boots. He had been going without proper winter clothing and what he did have was worn and dirty. We couldn't sit by and see him cold and made fun of by the other kids any longer. His mother Vera was very thankful and we were just glad that we could give him some warm clothes and a little bit of his dignity back.

After the Christmas party we were all pretty tired, but thankful that everything went well and everyone had a good time. From left to right: Valya, Fedir, Nastya, Yana, Nikita, Ruslan, Anya, Me, Edna, Andriy, and Marina.

Since moving to Ukraine we have always tried to live simply and to live as much like the people around us as possible. While often time consuming and physically demanding, our efforts have blessed us and opened doors we never thought possible. Dominic and Joshua have both learned that simple things like going fishing or playing in the snow can be far more fun than the latest electronic gadget (and thankfully much cheaper). The boys have met several friends this way as well as in the public school they attend. They have to work twice as hard because they are also home schooled by us, but they are reaping a huge reward in language acquisition and Ukrainian culture. Choosing to pump our drinking water from a well rather than buy bottled water has led to a relationship with some English speaking Ukrainians that live near the well (although this is arguably Dominic's most dreaded chore). Going to the trouble of canning our own vegetables has helped us to build a close relationship with our neighbor who gave us careful instruction on how to do it, not to mention save us money.

New Year's Eve with Tanya and Kolya

Over the last year we have noticed how eating the same foods, wearing the same types of clothes, and living like our neighbors has impacted people's perceptions of us. (We've definitely shattered the myth that all Americans have money.) Yes, we blend a little better and don't get nearly as many curious looks anymore, but people have told us that they are also more willing to listen to what we have to say, especially when it comes to sharing the Gospel. We realize that we haven't lost anything. Instead we've gained valuable insight, new friends, and a culture that God has caused us to fall in love with.

Thank you for all of your prayers and support that have led to us being able to pour ourselves into the lives of others through out this year and make Christ known.

Our city New Year/Christmas Tree

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. - Luke 2:11

"Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work." - Mother Teresa

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• Please pray that God would provide for us financially so that we can continue these ministries in the new year.
• For wisdom, guidance and God's leading as we plan to resume the English clubs in late January.
• For direction about starting a bible study in our home for some of our English club members in late January.
• For our Ukrainian language studies.
• For a skilled worship leader at church.
• That the churches we met with in America would keep us (Ukraine) on their hearts and minds and in their prayers.
• That Edna's kidney stones will pass soon.
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ. That nothing would hinder him from coming to church on Sunday, or being able to stay with us here at home.
• That God would raise up others outside (or inside) of Ukraine to serve in Bila Tserkva.
• For continued friendships that lead to Christ being made known as a personal Savior.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

November 2008 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2008-12-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

The view from our window after the first snow of the season in Bila Tserkva

It's finally starting to feel like winter as we had our first snow this month and we have begun to see Christmas decorations for sale. Christmas isn't celebrated until January 7th, but we're thinking about getting a head start anyway. We have already started planning for a small Christmas presentation by the children in our church. Joshua will have to recite his part in Ukrainian and Edna will even have a part that she will have to recite as well. We are also planning to have the children sing a few Ukrainian Christmas songs so it should be an interesting time for all of us.

Dominic, Joshua, Kristina, and Lusya at church.

Dominic celebrated his 15th birthday this month, although he refused to let us have a party for him and he has become increasingly camera shy. Now that he's 15, he prefers to be behind the camera rather than in front of it. He's actually taken some really great photos. I guess our little boy has grown up.

Nastya and Maria singing at church in "the lounge".

One of the interesting things about our church is that we don't have a permanent building or room to meet in. Our friend Fedir, who is a deacon in the church, works at the palace of culture (similar to what would be considered a community center in the United States) and the director allows us to use the rooms there for free. We store what we need for church in Fedir's office and we usually use nearby rooms for church and children's ministry. That is of course if the rooms are available. Our Thursday night English Club works the same way. They give us whatever rooms aren't being used as long as there is one. We can't complain since we don't have to pay rent, but occasionally we end up in what I like to call the lounge room. It's basically a small bar complete with flashing colored lights and a disco ball that's available to be rented out for parties. Not many people can boast that they get to preach God's Word in a lounge in Ukraine. (Not that anyone would ever want to admit that, much less boast about it.)

Joshua, Bohdan, and Judah at the Bible College.

This month we were able to make a trip by bus to the Calvary Chapel Bible College in Hungary and also spend a few days with Edna's grandmother in Croatia. Dominic and Joshua got to see all their old friends and so did we. You can read about our time at the Bible College by clicking HERE.

Baka (grandmother in Croatian) only lives two hours from the college and was thrilled to see us. She was in remarkably good health for being eighty-four years old and we were so grateful to be able to spend time with her. Ukrainian and Croatian are enough alike that we were able to communicate with Baka enough to get by. You can read about our time with her by clicking HERE.

When we got home from our trip to Hungary and Croatia, we were surprised and touched by how our neighbor Olya reacted. With tears in her eyes, she told us how much she had missed us and didn't like being alone. She was so happy to see us and said that we were like her children to her.

In the past, we had given Olya a Russian Bible because it was all we had to give her at the time. While Olya understands Russian, her first language was Ukrainian and so she naturally prefers it. We had always wanted to give her a Ukrainian Bible, but all the ones we had were of a print too small for her to read. This month I came across a Ukrainian Bible in large print and gave it to her. She was so happy to have a Bible that she could easily read, but there was only one problem. She told us that it was sometimes difficult for her to understand because no one had ever explained it to her. With wide eyes, Edna and I asked her if she would like us to come over and have Bible studies together. She agreed and we are looking forward to exploring God's Word together soon.

Fedir was the MC for an event at the palace of culture, so Joshua got a backstage pass for the performance.

University English Club

Both of our English Clubs are turning out to be great ways for us to reach out and get to know people. We are continually blessed by all the new friends that we have met and by how God is working in all of it. We are grateful for what we hope will be life long friendships through these clubs.

The University English Club is a joint ministry with our friends Ruslan and Anya. We are having fun getting to know them and Dominic and Joshua have fun watching their boy Nikita on Monday evenings while we are at the university. You can read more about our University English Club by clicking HERE.

I love this picture of Nikita all bundled up for his trip home from our place.

Edna and Maxime in our kitchen. We hope that he will spend the New Year's Holiday with us again this year.

We couldn't accomplish any of this without God's leading and your help. Thank you for all of your prayers and support. We are excited to be witnesses to the effect that Jesus Christ and the Gospel have on people's lives here in Ukraine. Each day is a blessing for us.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. - Romans 10:17

"The Lord Jesus Christ suffered in the place and stead of sinners and is able to save all who trust Him. Why, this is the most blessed fact that men were ever told to believe. It is the most suitable, the most comforting, the most divine truth that was ever set before mortal minds." - Charles Spurgeon

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• That God would provide for Ruslan and Anya as they maintain relationships with their supporters in the United States.
• For a skilled worship leader at church.
• That the churches we met with in America would keep us (Ukraine) on their hearts and minds and in their prayers.
• That God would direct us in planning the English Clubs we are involved in.
• That God would continue to heal Edna's kidneys (she is still having unexplained pain).
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ. That nothing would hinder him from coming to church on Sunday, or being able to stay with us here at home.
• That God would raise up others outside (or inside) of Ukraine to serve in Bila Tserkva.
• That God would help us to form relationships with local evangelical churches.
• For the planning of our Children's Christmas Presentation at church.
• For continued friendships that lead to Christ being made known as a personal Savior.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

October 2008 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2008-11-01T03:00:00.012-07:00

The view walking to the village of Kozhenykiy.

In Ukrainian, the month of October, Жовтень (Zhovten), means yellow, and it has certainly lived up to its name as we have experienced one of the most beautiful Fall months we have ever seen. As the old passes away we have been witness to many new beginnings and we're continually amazed by what God is doing.

Maria translating for me at church.

Oksana working on her turtle craft with the other kids.

It has been my pleasure and joy to be teaching through the book of 1 Corinthians and to see people encouraged to serve in the body of Christ. We are so happy to see that our neighbor Oksana has taken an interest in going to church with us and seems to enjoy being there. We have also noticed that she looks up to Nastya so hopefully there will be an opportunity for discipleship with Oksana from Nastya. Please pray that this will be the beginning of her walk with Christ. You can read more about her first time at church and what Maxime has been doing by clicking HERE. We have helped Oksana start her own blog which is a whole new world for her. You can check it out by clicking My Life, the title of her blog. (For now it's all in Ukrainian.)

Oksana is also a part of our English Club.

Edna going over a short grammar lesson.

We are blessed to see that our English Club, now meeting on Thursday nights, is continuing to grow and new people show up each time. We have put together a format that seems to be working well and attracts the interests of university students. We combine a short lesson on English grammar and an activity with a video that leads to a time for discussion (which happens to be the TV show LOST right now). Our hope is that as these students begin to know us and see that we are normal people (there is a lot of skepticism about Christian missionaries) they will become curious about our lives and open up to more discussion about the Bible. We have already begun to see this happen as a few people have started to ask us questions about why we care enough about them to offer our time to them free of cost.

Maxime and Joshua tagged along for English Club.

Something that we never expected from English Club was a spin-off. We've decided to refer to it as English Night and will try to hold it each Tuesday night. The idea began when two people from our English Club asked if they could just spend time with us as friends outside of the club. Olya and Serhiy speak very good English so we decided that, along with Tanya from our church and her husband Kolya, we could all get together for a night of fellowship. We will rotate as to whose home we meet at each time. We are looking forward to becoming closer friends with Olya and Serhiy. God has really blessed us.

Olya, Edna, Serhiy, Kolya, Tanya, and Me on "English Night" in our home.

Spending time with orphans at the Voloshka Orphanage.

Nastya surprised us one day by revealing that she and some friends had been visiting a local orphanage after school. We quickly asked if we could join her and couldn't wait to see the kids at the orphanage we had first visited over a year ago. We had a wonderful time loving on these little ones. We were invited to come back another time so we are eagerly looking forward to that. You can see the post I wrote about our time at the orphanage and see more pictures by clicking HERE.

Edna has begun making trips to Kyiv each Friday to spend time with A.I.D.S. orphans in a hospital along with another missionary named Marianna. These infants and toddlers have no one to show them love beyond a nurse putting a bottle in their mouths. I'm glad that Edna has a chance to share this simple, but important act of kindness with these children. Please pray that Edna and Marianna continue to have this open door. You can read what Marianna said about their last visit by clicking HERE.

Dominic, Edna, Natasha, Joshua, Nikita, and Anya having lunch.

Another new beginning is our friendship with Ruslan and Anya (and of course their boy, little Nikita). We have been so blessed with their friendship and times of prayer together. God led them here to Bila Tserkva from eastern Ukraine as native missionaries where they give all of their time to helping build Christ's Kingdom. Ruslan invited me to start an English Club with him at the university on Monday nights and we are greatly encouraged by what we have seen so far. As with our other English Club, a lot of these students come from out of town to study here and have the potential of becoming lights in this community as well as to their own hometowns. The doors of opportunity for ministry here seem to have opened wide lately. We are greatly encouraged by Ruslan and Anya and we are so thankful that God has placed them in our lives. Click HERE to see a little more about them.

Nikita and Joshua.

Edna, Nastya, and Maria walking up the hill to the cemetery in Kozhenykiy.

This month we attended another funeral in the village of Kozhenykiy, this time for Maria and Nastya's great-uncle Serihy. Even in this, a new opportunity has arisen. Maria's mother Valya, wants to use Serihiy's home and the land there for ministry to reach out to the people in the village and for our church to use. We don't know exactly what this will mean, but it raises some interesting possibilities. Click HERE to read about what happened that day at the funeral.

We are so happy to be able to share with you what God is doing here and the impact your prayers and support make in our lives. Thank you so much. We will be traveling to the Calvary Chapel Bible College in Vajta, Hungary next month for speakers week and a chance to raise awareness for what we are doing here. We want to thank Calvary Chapel Visalia for making it possible for this to happen.

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. - Matthew 19:29

“What proves that the giver is precious is the glad-hearted readiness to leave all his gifts to be with him.” - John Piper

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• That God would provide for Ruslan and Anya as they search for a way to handle their own support and maintain relationships with their supporters in the United States.
• For direction in improving worship at church.
• That the churches we met with in America would keep us (Ukraine) on their hearts and minds and in their prayers.
• That God would direct us in planning the English Clubs we are involved in.
• That God would continue to heal Edna's kidneys (she is still having unexplained pain).
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ. That nothing would hinder him from coming to church on Sunday, or being able to stay with us here at home.
• That God would raise up others outside of Ukraine to serve in Bila Tserkva.
• That God would help us to form relationships with local evangelical churches.
• That Oksana would have a personal relationship with Christ.
• For safe travels to Hungary next month.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

September 2008 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2008-10-01T02:00:00.005-07:00

Dominic, Edna, Joshua, and Greg

On September 1st, the boys both started school. Joshua is going to the newly built School #16 while Dominic is still going to the old School #16 until the new school is completed. More space in the schools has meant that the boys both go to school at 8:30 am, making it easier to get their homeschooling done in the afternoon. The boys have enjoyed their first month in school and are quickly becoming fluent in Ukrainian as well as learning some Russian. You can read about their first day at school by clicking HERE.

Dominic and Joshua on the first day of school

Now that school has started, Oksana, our downstairs neighbor, comes by more often to get help with her English homework. Of course her little sister Natasha always comes with her. Natasha seems to really love Joshua and constantly asks for him. Edna enjoys having a little girl run around the house as well.

Joshua feeding Natasha some cereal

We have gotten into a good structured routine for Children's Ministry that the kids really seem to like. Some of the children will come to church by themselves if their parents can't make it. All of them love learning about God's Word and doing activities together. Thank you to all of you who have given us craft materials and lesson ideas. The children have really been blessed.

Our English Club is now held every Friday evening and is allowing us to reach out to more and more people. We are so thankful for how God is opening doors for us in response to prayer. You can click HERE to read more about what's happening with English Club.

Zhenya, Kristina, Lusya, and Joshua working on a craft during Children's Ministry

Maxime is busy now with school and he spends more time in the village with his grandmother, but he still comes by to eat with us and play with Dominic and Joshua. We are thankful for the time we have with him and are happy to be a part of his life.

Maxime and Dominic enjoying grilled lavash wraps together

Our friend Sara Hill came to visit us this month while on a trip to Ukraine with her parents. Sarah had lived in Bila Tserkva for about two years prior to us moving here. We had fun visiting with her for the afternoon and sharing stories about our time in Ukraine. Sara also blessed us with some mustard and a bottle of Tapatio sauce (highly sought after commodities in Ukraine among Americans). Thanks Sara.

Sara, Dominic, Joshua, Maxime, and Edna

We finished September by attending a weekend church conference in Chernihiv. We were really excited to be able to take Maria, her sister Nastya, and their mother Valentina with us. We met so many new friends and we were all encouraged to hear about how God is working in the different churches. The conference gave us some great ideas as to how we can continue improving our own church and especially as to how we can bring greater focus to our worship ministry. You can see more pictures of the conference by clicking HERE.

Nastya and Maria sang a song during worship on Sunday morning before we left the conference

You can see the meeting hall behind Valya and Edna where we met for worship and seminars at the camp the conference was held at

Please keep praying for Edna's health. Her kidneys seem to be doing a little better after a third and hopefully final round of antibiotics for a lingering kidney infection. The morning after the conference Edna woke up with extreme pain in her right knee. By Tuesday morning, she was in such pain that she couldn't walk without assistance. After a trip to the medical center, the doctor diagnosed her as having a ruptured Baker's Cyst. The pain is subsiding and it should heal on its own so we are thankful that it wasn't more serious.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. - Ephesians 1:3

“I think a new world will arise out of the religious mists when we approach our Bible with the idea that it is not only a book which was once spoken, but a book which is now speaking.” - A. W. Tozer

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• For direction in improving worship at church.
• That God would continue to ease the suffering of the flood victims in Western Ukraine.
• That the churches we met with in America would keep us (Ukraine) on their hearts and minds and in their prayers.
• That God would direct us in planning local outreaches using English.
• That God would continue to heal Edna's kidneys.
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ. That nothing would hinder him from coming to church on Sunday, or being able to stay with us here at home.
• That God would raise up others outside of Ukraine to serve in Bila Tserkva.
• That God would help us to form relationships with local evangelical churches.
• For more young women and (especially) men to begin coming to English Club at the Rosava.
• For financial provisions to allow us to travel to Speakers Week at the Bible College in Hungary in November.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

August 2008 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2008-09-01T02:00:00.008-07:00

Greg, Dominic, Edna, and Joshua

This was a busy month for us as we wrapped up the summer. Pastor Pavlo was gone for five weeks so Edna and I were on our own to plan the teaching and do children's ministry. We had a lot of fun doing it and are blessed by all the people in the church here and their support.

Valya, Edna, and Maria at church

For several months now, we have been praying that the English Club would grow and that we would have an open door with the university here. God has been faithful in answering our prayers beyond what we could imagine. Through a mutual friend in Calvary Chapel (Ben Morrison), we were able to get connected with a girl named Tanya who had moved to Bila Tserkva. Tanya speaks English and is a teacher at the university. Her husband Kolya is also a teacher at the university and together they know several people who are interested in attending English Club. Tanya has been an answer to prayer and has become a close friend with Edna. We even took a five day trip with them and had a great time getting to know each other better.

Dominic, Joshua, Edna, Tanya, and Kolya at the Bila Tserkva train station

God has also begun to open doors with Maxime's mother and father. It began with a broken fence that needed to be fixed and painted and we're hoping it will continue with fixing up a room that Maxime can call his own. You can read about what happened and see more pictures by clicking on these two links, Fixing and Painting.

Joshua, Dominic, Maxime, and me working on the fence

Dominic and Maxime painting the fence

Edna, Joshua, Maxime, Vera, and Dominic having tea together

On July 23-27, Western Ukraine was devastated by flooding. Many people were left without food, water, or shelter as all drinking water was polluted and homes were destroyed. The church in Chernihiv decided to do something about it. On August 28th, Dominic and I went with nine other people from the church in Chernihiv to help out and show the love of Christ in action rather than words. We ended up traveling within about a mile of the Ukrainian border with Romania and Moldova where we were truly blessed by what we experienced. A local Baptist church hosted us and directed us on how we could best serve the needs of the people. We were all witnesses to the Body working together to ease the suffering of the flood victims with food, water, and clothing and ministering to their souls. You can read more about what we saw and see more pictures by clicking on these links, Part 1 , Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

Dominic helping to hand out food to flood victims in a village near the Romanian and Moldovan border

Me helping clean out a woman's shed that was damaged by the flood

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. - 1 John 3:18

“God created us to live with a single passion to joyfully display his supreme excellence in all the spheres of life. The wasted life is the life without this passion.” - John Piper

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• That God would be glorified even in the tragedy of the floods .
• That God would continue to ease the suffering of the flood victims in Western Ukraine.
• That the churches we met with in America would keep us (Ukraine) on their hearts and minds and in their prayers.
• That God would direct us in planning local outreaches using English.
• That God would heal Edna's kidneys.
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ. That nothing would hinder him from coming to church on Sunday, or being able to stay with us here at home.
• That God would raise up others outside of Ukraine to serve in Bila Tserkva.
• For a permanent translator at our Church.
• For more young women and (especially) men to begin coming to English Club at the Rosava.
• For financial provisions to allow us to travel to Speakers Week at the Bible College in Hungary in November.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

July 2008 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2008-08-01T02:00:00.012-07:00

Jake Knotts snapped this picture of us in Chernihiv as we came out of the catacombs

With most children off to camps or on vacation with their parents to the Black Sea, July was a relatively quiet month for us. It gave us a chance to visit a few missionary friends in other cities and time to store up for the winter (i.e. canning and more canning). The boys have enjoyed long days at the river where we have been able to have a few family picnics while they fish and swim.

Maxime and Dominic on the 4th of July with Joshua and Josie climbing the cherry tree

Our 4th of July was spent in Kaharlyk with American friends. We took Maxime with us and he had the chance to eat and play for a day just like any other American boy. You can read more about that day by clicking HERE. It was the first time that his parents had allowed him to go out of town with us overnight. His parents seem to be increasingly trusting of us, but we did have some issues with his grandmother concerning his well being. She tried to keep Maxime from going to church with us, but fortunately for Maxime, his mother continues to let him go to church with us. Praise God for that. HERE is the blog post about what happened after we contacted Maxime's grandmother because he didn't have shoes.

Dominic peeling potatoes at Camp 120 on their island camp out

Dominic had the oportunity to go to a Christian camp where they spent Monday through Saturday on an island in the middle of the Dnipro River. Except for a little rain and a few mosquitoes, Dominic said he had a great time. I think I might just have to join him next year. It sounded like an adventure. You can read the blog I posted about it by clicking HERE.

This is the view looking towards our apartment from the bridge during the Ivana Kupala festival

Please continue to keep Edna in your prayers. After two rounds of heavy duty antibiotics for a severe kidney infection, she is still experiencing a lot of pain. The last test results seem to show that the infection is finally gone, but there may still be another problem. We aren't looking forward to more trips to Kyiv and expensive doctor visits, further, possibly invasive, test may be needed to isolate the source of her pain if it doesn't go away. She is scheduled for one more test to rule out more infection so please pray that her pain would cease and her kidneys would be healed.

Emma and Gavin showing Joshua how much they love him

We finished out the month by traveling up to the city of Chernihiv where several of our missionary friends live. We stayed with Jake and Anya Knotts and their daughter Maia. We were refreshed and encouraged to hear about how God is working in their city. It was great to catch up with everyone.

Maia trying to deal with Dominic's backseat driving

Jake and Anya drove us out to the nearby city of Slavutych that was created for the survivors of the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster. It was a unique experience and well worth the trip. You can see more pictures of Slavutych and a little history of its creation by clicking HERE. We even ran into a few of the girls that we know from the church in Chernihiv who were acting as translators for an American team doing an outreach in the city. Small world.

Edna, Joshua, and Dominic at the Chernobyl Memorial in Slavutych

We are excited about the start up of our Saturday English Club again next month. People have asked us when we will be meeting again and a new girl in our church has told us that she has several English speaking friends at the university here that want to attend. English focused outreaches and clubs seem to be great tools for bringing people to Christ. Keep praying for us as we plan more of these outreaches in the future.

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. - Lamentations 3:22

“True Christian suffering comes because we live for God and are serving the expansion of His kingdom. It is a positive sacrifice for the good of others. It is not a morbid, introspective act that one does to oneself to feel or become spiritual.” - K. P. Yohannan

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• That we could come together in fellowship with other local churches.
• For wisdom and guidance as Greg pastors the church by himself for the next month.
• That the churches we met with in America would keep us (Ukraine) on their hearts and minds and in their prayers.
• That God would direct us in planning local outreaches using English.
• That God would heal Edna's kidneys.
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ. That nothing would hinder him from coming to church on Sunday, or being able to stay with us here at home.
• That God would raise up others outside of Ukraine to serve in Bila Tserkva.
• For a permanent translator at our Church.
• For more young women and (especially) men to begin coming to English Club at the Rosava.
• For financial provisions to allow us to travel to Speakers Week at the Bible College in Hungary.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

June 2008 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2008-07-01T02:00:00.008-07:00

After a month back home in Bila Tserkva, it seems as if we'd never left. Dominic and Joshua have settled back into their routines and Maxime is once again a part of our family. Dominic and Joshua are both being home schooled with computer software called "Switched on Schoolhouse", by Alpha Omega. It seems to be a good fit for them and they are enjoying learning from it each day. Joshua's routine consists of getting his school work done as quick as possible so that he can go play outside with the other kids until it gets dark around 10:00 PM. There are some mandatory meal breaks thrown in there for him, but yes, summer days here are long. Dominic, Joshua, and Maxime even had the opportunity to spend a couple of days with Maxime's grandmother in her village. You can see all the photos that Dominic took by clicking HERE and HERE. Needless to say, Edna and I are as busy as ever.

Joshua doing a little fishing down by the river

In June we celebrated Maxime's 11th birthday by taking him on a day trip to Kyiv where he enjoyed a "Heppy Meal" at McDonald's. You can read more about Maxime's birthday and see the photos by clicking HERE. Unfortunately, his parents hardly seemed to take notice that their only son turned a year older. We were just happy to be here for him.

Learning some new Ukrainian songs with Miss Edna at Church

When we left Ukraine to visit California in April, everything looked gray and gloomy. We were blessed to return to a Ukraine that was bursting with flowers and green everywhere you looked. We have also been enjoying unusually nice weather. We decided at Church that we should take advantage of this by having a church picnic along the bank of the river. The downside to this was that the incredibly beautiful picnic area was littered with trash, a huge problem just about everywhere here. We turned the situation into an opportunity to set an example by picking up all the trash around our picnic area rather than just leave it. We all had a great time at the picnic and the idea has come up to create anti-litter posters in Ukrainian and the possibility of doing some organized river clean-ups with other churches. A few people are already working on some clever poster titles so we're excited about this little project and its potential impact. You can see more of the photos from our Church picnic by clicking HERE.

Our Church picking up trash by the river
(and Dominic pointing our how dirty Maxime's feet are)

The boys watching over our cooking fire at the Church picnic

Edna is excited to have started taking formal Ukrainian lessons again. A friend of ours named Nadia, has agreed to give Edna lessons. She has worked as a translator and as an English teacher at the Army post here in Bila Tserkva so she does a great job.

Edna getting a Ukrainian lesson from Nadia

Natasha from downstairs seems to really like Dominic

Maxime has become like a family member to us so it really breaks our hearts to learn more and more just how much his parents neglect him. He has almost no social skills or any sense of hygiene. His behavior can be very difficult at times because no one has really taught him right from wrong and we suspect that he suffers from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. This makes it even more difficult for him to make friends on the playground and often Dominic and Joshua are the only kids that will play with him. As Christians, we are doing our best to show him love with discipline, but it isn't easy. His parents generally don't care what he does as long as it doesn't inconvenience them. So being told that he can't do something because of improper behavior is totally foreign to him and causes him to become very frustrated. Maxime is always eager to please us and offers to help whenever he can, but learning to say please and thank you and having loving discipline in his life is a difficult process for all of us. Please keep this situation in your prayers.

Maxime helping me put a bookshelf together

The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call. - Acts 2:39

“The way to Heaven is ascending; we must be content to travel uphill, though it be hard and tiresome, and contrary to the natural bias of our flesh” - Jonathan Edwards

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• That we could come together in fellowship with other local churches.
• That the churches we met with in America would keep us (Ukraine) on their hearts and minds.
• That God would direct us in planning local outreaches.
• That God would give us patience in helping Maxime with his behavior.
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ. That nothing would hinder him from coming to church on Sunday, or being able to stay with us here at home.
• That God would raise up others outside of Ukraine to serve in Bila Tserkva.
• For a permanent translator at our Church.
• For more young women and (especially) men to begin coming to English Club at the Rosava.
• For financial provisions to allow us to travel to others churches in Ukraine this summer.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

May 2008 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine (also Arizona and California)

2008-06-01T02:00:00.008-07:00

Dominic checking out a cactus in Phoenix, Arizona

We began the month of May by traveling to Phoenix, Arizona to visit Edna's mother and brother for a week. The boys had a great time being spoiled by their grandma and uncle. (Click HERE to read more about our time in Arizona.) After leaving Arizona, we returned to Visalia where we were invited to Calvary Chapel Visalia to share about what God is doing in Ukraine. (You can read more about that by clicking HERE.) We also made one last trip to San Luis Obispo where Joshua was baptized at Avila Beach. We spent our last days in California at my parents house in Visalia. On the morning of the 29th, we said goodbye to Nana and Papa (and of course our dog Boris) and headed to the airport in Los Angeles.

Joshua getting baptized by Steve and Patrick

We arrived home in Bila Tserkva at 3:30am on May 31st. We tried to get a little sleep and then Joshua and I walked to his school for Last Bell. Last Bell signifies the official last day of school just as First Bell marks the first day. Joshua was immediately greeted by hugs and the smiling faces of the friends he had left behind. Later, Maxime would once again rejoin our household as though he were the son we had left behind.

Joshua and Maxime together again

Masha, Dasha, and Joshua at Last Bell

Edna was shocked by the excitement of the neighborhood girls when they saw her outside. It's a blessing to receive such a warm welcome and to know how much we were missed. We are excited to be home again and to dive in to all that God has planned here.

Miss Edna was missed

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. - Hebrews 10:23

"Christianity is not a theory or speculation, but a life; not a philosophy of life, but a living presence." - Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Praise Reports

• Thank God for smooth travels! We had no extra baggage fees and all of our luggage went through customs without any problems.
• Thank God for a fruitful and productive time back in the United States. God has truly led us and we feel blessed in how He has provided for us.
• Thank God that we feel grateful and happy to be home here in Ukraine. God has truly placed Ukraine as home in our hearts!

Prayer Requests

• For our quick adjustment into the time difference now that we are home.
• That the churches we met with in America would keep us (Ukraine) on their hearts and minds.
• That God would continue to lead us according to His plan.
• That God would give us a new study plan for children's ministry this summer.
• Pray that Maxime would continue to grow in Christ. That nothing would hinder him from coming to church on Sunday, or being able to stay with us here at home.
• That God would raise up others to serve in Bila Tserkva, Ukraine.
• For a new translator.
• For more young women and (especially) men to begin coming to English Club at the Rosava.
• That God would keep bringing us His divine appointments all summer long!

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

April 2008 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine (California right now)

2008-05-01T11:05:00.006-07:00

Joshua and Dominic in SLO at the Mission

We spent this last month trying to see as many friends and family as we could and share about what God is doing in Ukraine. A family reunion on the Silva side of the family really blessed us in that area. We spent over a week in San Luis Obispo and had a wonderful time seeing all our old friends and being able to fellowship in our home church of Calvary SLO. We also made a quick trip to the Ukrainian Embassy in San Francisco where Edna was granted a visa for another year. We finished out the month by celebrating Joshua's 10th birthday.

We have been enjoying our free moments (which seem to be few and far between) by spending time on the ranch in Visalia with my parents. Dominic and Joshua are so happy to be with Nana and Papa again and we are too. Of course we try to squeeze in some time with Boris our Ukrainian-American dog who came to live with Nana and Papa last October. He has adapted to life here well, but we suspect that he still dreams of Ukraine.

Tanya and Joshua at the office of Dr. Stout and Dr. Pedersen in SLO. Joshua was able to practice his Ukrainian and Russian with Tanya who is from Ukraine. Joshua got the royal treatment by all the staff. Thanks again for taking such good care of Joshua.

Joshua's 10th birthday!

I decided to take Boris for a little ride on Dominic's electric motorcycle. He seemed to like it, then again Boris is just happy to be loved.

Edna with our Ukrainian-American dog

Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God. – 2 Corinthians 3:5

"I myself do nothing. The Holy Spirit accomplishes all through me." - William Blake

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну
(Let God Bless Ukraine)

Prayer Requests

• For safe travels and God's leading as we spend the next month in Arizona and California.
• Pray for us as we seek to expand our support base with other churches.
• That God would continue to lead us according to His plan.
• That the Children's Ministry on Sundays would continue in our absence.
• Pray that Maxime would be safe and provided for while we are gone and that he would continue to go to church every Sunday.
• That God would raise up others to serve in Bila Tserkva, Ukraine.
• Finding a good teacher for Ukrainian lessons through the language school when we return.
• For young men to begin coming to English Club at the Rosava.
• Especially for our trip to Phoenix, AZ. That it would be fruitful in many ways beyond what we can imagine.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

March 2008 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2008-04-01T02:00:00.006-07:00

Dominic, Edna, Greg, and Joshua in Bila Tserkva

We spent most of the month of March making sure we had everything ready for our trip to California like Ukrainian visa paperwork and arrangements to visit all of our friends and family. We were blessed to be able to make a trip up to Chernihiv to visit our friends Conor and Koren McNamee which is always an encouragement to us. I also attended a Pastors/Leadership conference near Kyiv that enabled me to meet up with a few friends as well as make some new ones. You can read more about it by clicking HERE. 'Spring' turned out to be a little colder than we expected and we were surprised by a few days of snow. We are all a little disappointed that we will miss the first blossoms of Spring because of how beautiful it is here, but we are excited to see everyone back home (Easter is celebrated April 27th here so we have missed celebrating it officially this year. See what we did instead by clicking HERE).

Natasha trying to use the door intercom to call her mom

We will only be gone for 8 weeks, but to the children here, that seems like forever. Oksana from downstairs has already informed us of her disapproval of how long we are staying away. She has gotten in the habit of spending her Friday nights with us along with her little sister Natasha while their parents go over to the home of our landlord. Oksana doesn't like to be home alone and we love having Natasha running around our place. Edna can't resist the overwhelming urge to squeeze her. You can read more about Oksana by clicking HERE.

Zhenia, Edna, and Veronika at church

We've been saying a lot of goodbyes lately and Edna was really happy to see Zhenia and Veronika before we left. They both live and work in Turkey, but spend a lot of time here. They both go to our church along with their mother when they are back to visit from Turkey. Veronika is married to a Turkish man and they have a beautiful little girl together. She is praying about moving back here and opening up a clothing shop with her husband. She says she tries, but it is very difficult to witness to Muslims in Turkey. She is currently working on her Muslim sister-in-law. Her moving back to Bila Tserkva would also be an answer to prayer for us since Veronika speaks very good English and would be a great help to us with English Club and orphan ministries.

Edna saying goodbye to Vala and Nastia

Girls Club also known as English Club

We started watching the series LOST at English Club as a way to reach out to English speakers and open dialogue that would allow us to share the Gospel with them. You can read more about LOST reaching the Lost by clicking HERE. English Club is still an all girls club, but we're working to change that when we start back up again when we come back.

Yaroslav, Dominic, and Joshua (Yaroslav is an extremely smart boy who likes to take things apart to see how they work, like TV's. Joshua and Yaroslav are trouble when they're together.)

Dominic and Joshua finished out their first year in school here by going on Spring Break. You can read more about their school year by clicking HERE. They took advantage of their time off to spend as much time with their friends as they could. Warmer weather seemed to bring all the kids out. We were shocked to see how much some of them have grown.

Maxime spending the night with Joshua one last time before we leave

Earlier in the month Joshua was able to spend a weekend with Maxime in his grandparents village. Joshua shared with us how they had no running water and chickens sometimes wondered through the house. I'm sure Joshua will never forget it. Maxime spent his Spring Break in the same village helping them plant crops for the summer. He was happy to spend the last night of his break at our place where we made sure he got a bath and Edna washed his clothes. Unfortunately Maxime's parents would have sent him to school like that. We are hoping that we will be able to bring back some more clothes for him when we come back.

After the boys had gone to bed, Maxime got up and climbed into bed with Edna so that he could read his Bible with her. We are blessed.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17

"As the grace grows nearer my theology is growing strangely simple, and it begins and ends with Christ as the only Savior of the lost." - Henry Benjamin Whipple

Нехай Бог Благословить Україну.
(Let God Bless Ukraine.)

Prayer Requests

• For safe travels and God's leading as we spend 2 months in America. Pray for us as we seek to expand our support base with other churches
• Financial provisions during our stay in America
• That God would continue to lead us according to His plan
• That the Children's Ministry on Sundays would continue in our absence
• Pray that Maxime would be safe and provided for while we are gone and that he would continue to go to church every Sunday
• That God would raise up others to come here to serve
• Finding a good teacher for Ukrainian lessons through the language school when we return
• For young men to begin coming to English Club at the Rosava
• Pray for healing and financial provisions for our neighbor, Olya, who just had knee replacement surgery

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

February 2008 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2008-03-01T02:00:00.013-08:00

February began with the most snowfall we’ve seen so far, but has thankfully ended with sunny days and warmer weather. I think we’ve seen the last of the snow for now, but you never know. The result of having snow and cold weather is that most people stay indoors. This means that normally you don’t see as much of your neighbors as you do during warm weather when everyone is outside, but we were blessed with just the opposite. We spent most of the month visiting our close neighbors either at our place or theirs. Our neighbor Olya invited us over several times for a “light snack” which meant she would stuff us full of food until it hurt. Olya’s two granddaughters also spent a considerable amount of time over at our place doing their best to torment Dominic and Joshua the way little girls do.

Oksana from downstairs spent a lot of time at our place too. We helped her out with her English homework and showed her how to bake Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies. We like having Oksana come up because she enjoys doing housework with Edna. She helps with folding clothes and even doing some cooking for us. She made млинці (mlytsi), which is like crepes, and filled them with strawberry jam. She ended up bringing her mother, Svitlana, and little sister, Natasha, up to help finish. Mom always makes the best млинці. Edna has discovered that Oksana sells Oriflame cosmetics (like Avon), so it seems Oksana is quite the saleswoman as well.

Oksana mixing while Joshua plays in the flour

Natasha came up for a visit while her mom helped out in the kitchen

Oksana has also been attending our English Club at the Rosava which we started this month. The best part of all this is that Oksana now wants to go to church with us. She usually goes to her grandmother’s on Sundays so she has to work around that, but her parents said it was OK and she is eager to go with us one Sunday. She said that she is looking forward to singing some of the songs that we let her listen to. Please keep her in your prayers.

English Club at the Rosava: Oksana, Kristina, Edna, Nastia, Olya, and Anya

On February 3rd, our church held a ceremony to confirm Fedir as a deacon and me as a pastor in the church. It was an honor to have the pastors and elders come down from our sister church in Kyiv and pray over us and give their blessing to continue in the ministry we are involved in here.

Ordination

The next day I was asked to deliver a message at the funeral of our friend Maria’s great aunt, Baba Hanya. You can read more about that day by clicking HERE.

Message at Baba Hanya's Funeral

The Children’s Ministry on Sundays continues to be exciting for us and the children as we are currently learning about the life of Joseph from the book of Genesis. It’s been fun for me and Edna to come up with crafts that correspond to the story. The kids really like how the story continues each week.

Learning about Joseph

Edna, Dominic, and Maxime: Busy Bees

At home, Edna is still teaching English to Oleh and Kristina every Friday. Oleh’s parents, our landlords, often invite Joshua to spend the night with them, so Joshua always looks forward to Fridays. The time Joshua spends with them really helps both boys’ language skills. Oleh learns more English and Joshua picks up more Ukrainian/Russian. Kristina is doing very well as Edna and I both teach her to not just speak English, but to translate it. Edna is currently working with Kristina on learning English Biblical terms.

Oleh and Edna

Maxime of course, continues to be a regular in our household and is always eager to go to church with us. The more we learn about his home life the more we understand why he wants to spend so much time with us. We were finally able to buy Maxime a Ukrainian Bible so that he has one of his own. He told us that he reads it every night and is very proud of his little blue Bible. We feel blessed to have him in our lives.

Maxime sleeping in a Tanker helmet

Dominic and Joshua are both doing well in school as they plug along learning the language and culture. Joshua seems to really enjoy his art classes and does surprisingly well considering the importance that Ukrainians place on art and music. Dominic is still learning to be patient with his English teacher who seems to be in denial about her lack of understanding when it comes to English grammar and speech, but is otherwise happy. We are surprised at how being here has taught both of them to be more independent. Joshua often goes with us on Wednesdays to English Club at the invalid center, where he then takes the bus by himself across town to go to school. Both boys have no problem running to the store for us and completing their transactions in Ukrainian. Being here has been a wonderful blessing for all of us.

This month Edna wanted to share her Borshch recipe that our neighbor Olya has put her stamp of approval on as authentic Ukrainian Borshch. Enjoy!

Ednochka’s Ukrainian Chicken Borshch
5 pieces of chicken on the bone
1 chicken flavored bouillon cube
4 bay leaves
4 - 5 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cabbage sliced or shredded
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium or large beet, peeled and grated
1 tablespoon butter
1 large onion, chopped
1 large carrot, grated
3 tablespoons tomato paste
Fresh dill and parsley (2 pinches each)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
1 tablespoon oil
Sour cream (garnish)
1 liter water (more if you like it soupy)

Boil chicken in large pot with water, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and oil. Simmer for 1 1/2 - 2 hours. While chicken is cooking prepare the remaining ingredients. Then, in a separate pan, combine butter, tomato paste, onion, beet, and carrot. Let simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Remove chicken and pick off the meat. Discard fat, skin, and bones. Return chicken to pot. Add bouillon cube, potatoes, cabbage, garlic, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. Once it boils, add beet mixture from separate pan. Let simmer for 1 hour. Serve hot with plenty of sour cream to taste!

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. – Isaiah 55:1-2

"The sovereign God wants to be loved for Himself and honored for Himself, but that is only part of what He wants. The other part is that He wants us to know that when we have Him we have everything -- we have all the rest." - A. W. Tozer

Prayer Requests

• That God would continue to lead us according to His plan
• That God would raise up others to come here to serve
• Finding a good teacher for Ukrainian lessons through the language school
• For the continued growth of the Children's Ministry on Sundays
• Financial provisions for our trip to America this year
• God's leading in continuing the English Club at the Rosava
• Opportunities for sharing the Gospel with our neighbors
• That other church members will volunteer to help with the children's ministry
• Health and safety
• God's leading in how to best reach the unsaved at the Invalid Center
• Spiritual growth and discernment
• Pray that Edna would have the opportunity to share the saving message of Christ with Maxime’s mother, Vera
• That God would use us in the lives of Oleh and his parents.
• That Oksana would be able to go to church with us.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

January 2008 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2008-02-01T02:00:00.003-08:00

This month finally ended the holiday season here in Ukraine. It seemed as though January was one celebration after another. It all got started with New Year's Eve where we celebrated more like Christmas than New Year's. (You can click on any of the holidays listed here to see more pictures and read about them in more detail on our other blog.) New Year's was followed by Orthodox Christmas on January 7th, Old New Year's Day on January 13th, and finally the Baptism of Jesus on January 19th signaling the end of the holiday season.

We took Maxime, Dominic, and Joshua to see Did Moroz and his granddaughter the Snow Maiden. Afterwards we saw a performance of a Ukrainian New Year's story.

Joshua sometimes goes with us to help out at the Invalid Center before he goes to school.

The English Club at the Invalid Center is going well and we continue to grow closer with the young men and women who attend. The more we talk with them the more we learn about each others lives. It really makes us take a look at our own culture and see how it has shaped the way we perceive other cultures. Maxime and Sasha are the two best English speakers so we have been discussing complex social issues like why most people in Ukraine don't own an automatic dishwasher and where the most pure Ukrainian is spoken. With time we hope to introduce more Biblical topics and share about how Christ has changed our lives.

Maxime and Dominic clowning around during Children's Ministry

The Children's Ministry has been steadily progressing and with the help of little Kristina, who Edna is teaching English to, we are able to explain more complicated lessons and concepts. (Edna is continuing to also teach English to our landlord's son Oleh.) We've had to adjust things slightly to accommodate our newest member to Sunday School, Andriy, who is two years old. He likes trying to sing along and make drawings with markers, but we don't take it personally when he decides to sleep instead.

Andriy napping with Greg during class

Maxime stayed over at our house for most of January basically becoming a third child. We realized that the only presents he got came from us. We also made sure that he got some basic clothing that he was lacking. We feel so blessed to be able to help him at least have some of the things a child should have like warm clothes, socks and underwear, and a safe place to go. It is a blessing to know that Maxime now has Jesus in his life where once there was nothing but the prospect of following in the foot steps of his alcoholic parents. His parents will sometimes lock him out of the house when they have been drinking a lot and his only choice is to wait outside or come over to our place until they wake up or decided to let him in.

Dominic and Joshua got a rare glimpse of what Maxime's life is like when they finally got to go into his house. His dad was gone and his mother was in a good mood (meaning she drank enough to stop shaking but not too much that she couldn't function). Dominic and Joshua said that their house only has two rooms. It has a main room where they cook and eat and a bedroom where he and his parents sleep. The only thing they have for any type of hygiene is a single sink, no bathroom or toilet. Joshua said Maxime's house was dark, dirty, and smelled like alcohol and cigarettes. I think Dominic and Joshua have a little bit more of an understanding of why Maxime always wants to come over to our house and a lot more compassion for him. Maxime continues to be a blessing in our lives even though he doesn't realize it.

Maxime was so excited to receive gifts on New Year's Eve. Meester Hreh (A.K.A. Mr. Greg) spent most of New Year's Day making sure his pirate ship got built.

Maxime getting a present at church on old New Year's Day

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? – James 2:15-16

"Biblical orthodoxy without compassion is surely the ugliest thing in the world." - Francis A. Schaeffer

Prayer Requests

• That God would continue to lead us according to His plan
• That God would raise up others to come here to serve
• Finding a good teacher for Ukrainian lessons through the language school
• For the continued growth of the Children's Ministry on Sundays
• Financial provisions for our trip to America this year
• God's leading in starting an English Club for University students in February
• Opportunities for sharing the Gospel with our neighbors
• That other church members will volunteer to help with the children's ministry
• Health and safety
• God's leading in how to best reach the unsaved at the Invalid Center
• Spiritual growth and discernment
• Pray that Edna would have the opportunity to share the saving message of Christ with Maxime’s mother, Vera
• That God would use us in the lives of Oleh and his parents.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

December 2007 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2008-01-01T02:00:00.002-08:00

Dominic, Joshua, Maxime, and Edna going to buy Christmas ornaments

We started out the Month of December by visiting the McNamee family in Chernihiv. We had a great time seeing how God is working through the church there. We had a chance to help out with the English Club they started and to get some ideas that we could use for the English Club at the Bila Tserkva Invalid Center. You can read more about our trip to Chernihiv by clicking HERE.

We spent Christmas (December, 25th) in Nizhyn with the Fournier family. Along with Tracy Groves and Will and Ira McIntosh, we celebrated an American style Christmas complete with homemade eggnog and a classic Audrey Hepburn movie. You can read more about the church there and what we did by clicking HERE.

Alyona and Joshua watching a movie together

We feel blessed to have such great neighbors where we live. Not a day goes by where we don't meet someone we know on the street who greets us and wants to know how we are doing. The New Year and Christmas season has shown us just how blessed we are as our neighbors have shown up with baked goods, gifts, and even an offer for a manicure (which Edna took our neighbor Olya's daughter up on). Since we share a common entryway door with Olya, we both leave our doors unlocked when we're home. It's not unusual for one of her granddaughters, Marianna or Alyona, to wonder in to our place to come over to play. Occasionally, we'll notice that Joshua has wondered over to Babushka Olya's to see what she's cooking. Dominic and Joshua sometimes make their way down to our neighbors that live below us to play with their daughters, Oksana and Natasha, and then we get to hear just how loud our children can be.

Joshua has made a new friend in our landlord's son, Oleh. After having an English lesson with Edna one Friday, Oleh asked his mom, Olena, if Joshua could come over. Joshua ended up spending the night and the next day over at their house. Joshua is looking forward to going back and wants to ask Oleh to come to church with us.

Decorating our New Year / Christmas tree on New Year's Eve

The biggest surprise we had this month came just before New Year's Eve. Maxime had spent most of the 29th with us, which also happened to be Edna's birthday, so we asked if he could sleep over. His mother has always said no, but we still have him ask anyway. We were shocked when she said he could not only spend the night, but stay with us until New Year's Day.

The next day at church, we celebrated the New Year / Christmas and Maxime performed with the other children as they sang Ukrainian Christmas songs. We are so blessed to see how Christ is at work in his life. We decided that we would do our best to give Maxime a loving Christmas. (New Year's and Christmas are kind of blurred together here so it gets a little confusing.) Maxime's parents are alcoholics so his hygiene, clothing, and nutrition are regularly neglected. Even Dominic and Joshua felt blessed to see Maxime get to take a shower, have his clothes washed, eat regular meals, and sleep in a warm bed. He was really excited to find out that we had presents for him to open as well. You can read more about how we celebrated New Year's Eve by clicking HERE.

We bought each of the boys a new "car" for Christmas

Our Christmas tree wasn't much more than just a pine branch stuck in a pickle jar, but to all of us and especially a certain little boy, it was absolutely beautiful. Our prayer is that beyond decorations and presents, Maxime saw the Love of Christ in all that we did.

Maxime, Joshua, and Dominic ringing in the New Year

The strange part is that we haven't actually celebrated Ukrainian Christmas yet. From what we've been told, we're just getting started.

Maxime after we finished building his Lego ship on New Year's Day

”Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” – Philippians 2:9-11

"Our goal is to show the world and the Church that even in these last evil days, God is ready to help, comfort, and answer the prayers of those who trust in Him. We need not go to our fellowmen or to the ways of the world. God is both able and willing to supply us with all we need in His service." - George Muller

Prayer Requests

• That God would continue to lead us according to His plan
• That God would raise up others to come here to serve
• Finding a good teacher for Ukrainian lessons through the language school
• For the continued growth of the Children's Ministry on Sundays
• Financial provisions for our trip to America this year
• God's leading in starting an English Club for University students
• Opportunities for sharing the Gospel with our neighbors
• That other church members will volunteer in with the children's ministry
• Health and safety
• God's leading in how to best reach the unsaved at the invalid center
• Spiritual growth and discernment
• Pray that Edna would have the opportunity to share the saving message of Christ with Maxime’s mother, Vera
• That God would use us in the lives of Oleh and his parents.

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

November 2007 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2007-12-01T02:00:00.003-08:00

Greg, Edna, Joshua, and Dominic

November has turned out to be our busiest month yet. This month we officially registered with the government (this is now required along with having a visa), started an English Club, took on three English students, introduced a separate worship time at church just for Children’s Ministry, and celebrated Dominic’s 14th birthday at the Claycamp’s house in Kaharlyk on Thanksgiving. We were also blessed with the first snow of the year, something Dominic and Joshua had eagerly been anticipating.

English Club at the Invalid Center

We had been praying about ways that we might be able to serve at the Invalid Center here in Bila Tserkva. Velodia, the director of the center, invited us to come and take a tour to see what goes on there. We were very impressed by all the types of rehabilitation and treatment that are offered there. Infants to young adults are treated for all different types of physical and mental disabilities including learning impairments. They also hold classes for children who because of their handicaps can not attend regular school. That same day we officially started an English Club with several young men and women who meet there every Wednesday with the hope of improving their English skills. (You can read more about what happened that day by clicking HERE to visit our blog.)

We recently had dinner at Velodia’s home with his wife and son to discuss ways in which we could encourage others to volunteer their time at the Invalid Center. Velodia founded the center 11 years ago in response to the complete lack of any programs for the disabled here. He told us that he left his job as an engineer and devoted his life to serving God after his youngest son, Sasha, was born with Cerebral Palsy. Sasha is 19 years old and confined to a wheelchair. He attends the English Club and is one of the most fluent speakers. Velodia explained that his son’s disability is what caused him to question God and ultimately accept Christ. He has been the pastor of a church that he started within the Invalid Center for the last 5 years. We sometimes have combined services with our church and his on Sundays at the center. We feel blessed to see the doors open here for further areas of service.

Dominic's 14th Birthday

Dominic turned 14 this month and since he was born on Thanksgiving, we decided to celebrate his birthday on Thanksgiving this year. We celebrated at the Claycamp’s house in Kaharlyk with other Americans, an Australian, and some Ukrainian friends. (Danny Foote posted a great blog about it so you can read more about our Thanksgiving and Dominic’s birthday by clicking HERE.)

Edna teaching English to Oleg and Kristina

Edna has started teaching English on a formal basis now. She has gone from helping the kids with their English homework to holding scheduled lessons which she prepares herself. She is teaching Kristina , a girl from our church (you can read more about her by clicking HERE), and our landlord’s son, Oleg, on Friday afternoons. She is also teaching Oksana, who lives downstairs, on Monday mornings. We decided to use this as a ministry opportunity and told their parents that Edna would teach them for free. Already this has gone a long way towards building good will with our landlord. They are realizing that we came here with servants' hearts and not to make money off of them.

We decided to do our own worship time with the children at church after getting a very encouraging response from Maxime. We used a worship CD that we got from Calvary Chapel Kyiv to teach the children some new Ukrainian worship songs on Sundays. The children love having their own time to sing their hearts out. (You can read about Maxime's reaction by clicking HERE.)

Yulyk and Dominic after a Bible Study

Dominic’s friend, Yulyk, has been coming over to talk about the Bible with us on Saturday’s. He is a Jehovah’s Witness, so he isn’t allowed to talk to us unless another JW member is with him. Our hope is that while he listens to us tell him about the truth of God’s Word, he will begin to see that what the other JW members are saying isn’t true. We were encouraged the last time he came to visit because he brought his mother, Maia, with him as well as a JW elder. At the beginning of our study I handed Maia a Ukrainian Bible that hadn’t been altered from the original like the JW one she had. (They are only allowed to read JW “bibles” printed by the Watchtower Society.)

After three hours of discussion, the JW elder decided that we didn’t need anymore Bible studies. Edna and I both noticed that Yulyk’s mother had paid careful attention to what I had said and saw that I was telling the truth according to the Ukrainian Bible I had given her to read. We were very encouraged by her interest in wanting to come back again to hear more. Later, we found out that the JW elder had told Yulyk and Maia that I had said that I didn’t want them to come back. Dominic made it clear to Yulyk that he was welcome to come back and that I had never said that I didn’t want them to visit again. We pray that God will use us to bring the truth of His Word to Yulyk and his mother, Maia.

Dominic and Joshua seem to be doing really well in school when it comes to learning the language and culture. Our goal is that they would learn to become part of society here and not feel as much like outsiders. So far, they have been adapting faster than we had expected. I have to admit that while Edna and I are actively studying Ukrainian, we often turn to Dominic and ask, “What’s the word for that in Ukrainian again?” Several times we’ve had to turn to Joshua and ask, “What did that person say? I didn’t understand.” God has blessed us and is making our time of transition here a pleasant time. Thank you for all of your prayers and support. They are greatly appreciated.

Dominic and Joshua really enjoy the snow and are hoping for more.

”Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” –1 Peter 1:13

If I were to ask you why you have believed in Christ, why you have become Christians, every man will answer truly, "For the sake of happiness". -Saint Augustine

Prayer Requests

• That God would continue to lead us according to His plan
• The wisdom to share and defend the Inspired Word of God
• Learning the Ukrainian language and culture
• For the continued growth of the Children's Ministry on Sundays
• For Yulyk and his mother Maia
• Wisdom in sharing the Gospel
• Opportunities for discipleship
• That God would continue to meet our needs
• Health and safety
• That God would move others to serve at the Invalid Center
• Spiritual growth and discernment
• Pray that Edna would have the opportunity to share the saving message of Christ with Maxime’s mother, Vera

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

October 2007 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2007-11-01T03:00:00.002-07:00

Dominic, Maxime, Joshua, and Veronyka at the park.

We began this month by attending a combined church service with two other local churches at an invalid center here in Bila Tserkva. We were greatly encouraged to hear about what God is doing in other towns and communities. I had the opportunity to meet the director of the Bila Tserkva City Association of the Children-Invalids and their Parents. He invited us to come back to the invalid center early next month to see how we could possibly help out with the children there. Please keep the possibilities of this open door in your prayers.

Dominic and Joshua after church at the invalid center.

Another opportunity for sharing the Gospel recently presented it itself. One of Dominic’s friends from school showed up at our place one morning. He said that he wanted to talk about the Bible with us. Dominic was a little reluctant because his friend, Yulyk, is a Jehovah’s Witness. We prayed about it and decided that it would be a good opportunity to boldly speak the truth of God’s Word. We invited Yulyk and another woman he had brought with him to come in and have a Bible study. It went really well as we were easily able to show them in three different Bibles (Ukrainian, Russian, and English) the answers to the questions they asked. I don’t think Yulyk got the results he was looking for so he promised to come back the following week with more people to “study” the Bible with us. I couldn’t be more excited. Yes, please, bring more people. Praise the Lord.

Edna was in California all this month so the boys and I were on our own. Somehow, the term “the boys” turned out to include Maxime as well as Joshua and Dominic. Shortly after Edna left Ukraine, Maxime began showing up here in the mornings and going back home when it was time for him to go to bed. There were several days when Maxime ate all three meals at our place. I didn’t mind the extra child and it gave us more opportunities to teach Maxime about Jesus. He has been eagerly going to church with us every Sunday. We have witnessed amazing changes in him.

We are also excited about how well the Children’s Ministry at church has been going. The children finally have a time on Sundays that is just for them. I have been teaching from several of the parables of Jesus using a Ukrainian Bible, a Ukrainian Bible activity book, and my limited Ukrainian. So far, I’ve managed to hold their attention and come up with some fun crafts and activities. Now that Edna is back with a bunch of new craft ideas, I’m hoping that the children will be even more excited about learning God’s Word.

Children's Ministry

Our small, but growing church.

I was surprised at all the people here that would ask me when Edna was coming back home. There were several of the girls from our neighborhood who were counting down the days to when “Miss Edna” would be home. I don’t think she realized just how much she was missed. The Lord has given her several opportunities for discipleship with these young girls here.

I’ll let Edna describe her trip to California in her own words:

As most of you know, I took a very sudden and unexpected trip to California. The Lord laid it on my heart to make the trip to see my Mother and Father-in-law, Ann and Rich Silva. Ann had a knee replacement in April which healed up very nicely. Then, in July she stepped into a hole and herniated several discs in her back. She had been in a lot of pain and was left feeling a little depressed from it all. Right before my arrival, she went in for a procedure called an epidural, which is a conservative approach before surgery.

Before I left Ukraine for California, I wrote in my journal that I wanted to come to be a blessing to Ann and Rich, to uplift and encourage my Mom in particular. I wanted to help her around the house with whatever was needed. I just wanted to bless her in any way I could.

I also made a trip to San Luis Obispo and stayed with my very dear friend from Calvary SLO, Tiffany Cook. I stayed for 4 days and had such a wonderful time! I want to thank Tiffany for her kindness and hospitality during our stay. It was so good to see Justin and Arabella again. Thank you, Tiffany for your valuable friendship and unconditional love and acceptance towards me. And thank you for the clothes that you gave to me to take back for Maxime!

I visited Calvary SLO on the same Sunday that Jake & Anya spoke at the church about what’s happening up in Chernihiv, Ukraine. Jake said it the best when he spoke and said that America is cool for a few weeks, and then you want to go home. I wanted to cry when he said that because it is so true. I felt pure indifference visiting my hometown, which I have always loved so much. It just didn’t seem the same to me. I was really missing my real home in Ukraine. God really sealed that in my heart that day and I won’t ever forget it.

Edna, Maia, and Anya

I want to say a big THANK YOU to Pastor Bryan. He gave me a $200 shopping trip to Michael’s so that I could get anything that I needed for the children’s ministry at our church in Ukraine, House of Mercy. And thank you to Cindy Ecret, who gave me a very big bag of her own assortment of different crafts! Thank you to Roxanne Foote who gave me a big bag of books for us and the boys to read. I just felt so full of joy and happiness because those were things that were really needed back home since we began a children’s ministry with nothing but some markers!

”No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.” –Luke 8:16

“As an encouragement to anyone who may desire to preach the gospel in a foreign language, I must mention that the first member of this family who was converted came merely out of curiosity to hear my foreign accent.” -George Muller

Prayer Requests

• That God would continue to lead us according to His plan
• The wisdom to share and defend the Inspired Word of God
• Learning the Ukrainian language and culture
• For the children in our neighborhood and in the church: Maxime, Veronyka, Masha, Oksana, Anya, Angela, Yaroslav, Olena, the twins (Masha & Dasha), Vika, Marina, Katya, and Zhenya.
• For the boys as they adjust to Ukrainian public school
• Wisdom in sharing the Gospel
• Opportunities for discipleship
• Financial provisions
• Health and safety
• For opportunities to serve at the invalid center
• Spiritual growth and discernment
• Pray that Edna would have the opportunity to share the saving message of Christ with Maxime’s mother, Vera

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua

Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

September 2007 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2007-10-01T02:00:00.002-07:00

Dominic and Joshua with their Ukrainian School Books

Dominic and Joshua started school this month and are the first foreigners to attend their school. The name of their school is School No. 16. It was surprisingly easy to get them enrolled. We were so worried about having all the necessary paper work, but they hardly seemed to care when we showed the boys’ papers to the school. The director seemed happy to enroll them, but just needed to make some calls to find out how. He asked us a question that seemed strange coming from someone in a state job. He wanted to know what church we went to and wanted to make sure that we were Christians. He seemed pleased with our answer and the boys both started school the next day. I was in the village helping harvest potatoes so I missed their first day of school, but Edna went with them and met their teachers. Dominic and Joshua both go to the second session of school so they leave home between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. The times vary each day of the week. They get home between 5:00 and 7:00 pm.

School No. 16

Dominic has to move from class to class just like in regular middle school and for the most part he likes his teachers. Since he is learning Ukrainian, his Russian teacher has refused to give him a book or let the other kids help him so he just sits quietly through that class. We decided that one foreign language at a time is enough. His English class is actually turning out to be more difficult than he expected. They teach British English and some of the grammar they teach is incorrect, so Dominic sometimes gets corrected on how he speaks. At least it helps him to understand why some of the kids speak English the way they do.

Joshua only has one teacher and she has been very understanding and patient with him as he learns Ukrainian. We have explained to the school that we are supplementing their education at home with home schooling. Joshua has made several friends in his class, but he is still a little intimidated by how different everything is. When it’s time for Physical Education, all the boys and girls just change in the classroom. The older kids have the privilege of using separate changing rooms, but Dominic said that while the boys’ changing room was being painted, he had to change for PE in the hallway with all the other kids walking by for a week. Privacy has little priority here. Joshua is intrigued by some of the things he has seen at school. He said that one day a younger kid was afraid of something and decided he wanted to go home so he just climbed the fence and ran home. He described it as though it was something like a prison break.

Edna helping Oksana with her English

Now that school has started, several of the kids come over to get help with their English homework. Edna usually helps Oksana from downstairs and I usually help Maxime. It’s so strange to hear Maxime speak English. When we first met him he didn’t know a single word. We taught him to say, “Hey guys” instead of “Hi people”. When I was first learning Ukrainian I would sometimes write out English words phonetically in Ukrainian. It was interesting, but I thought at the time that it was a pretty worthless talent. I never imagined how helpful it would be for teaching Ukrainian children how to properly pronounce English words. Edna’s knowledge of Spanish has also been a blessing as she continues to meet with 15 year old Masha and teach her Spanish. It has been a great opportunity for Edna to disciple and pray with Masha. Masha is shy and dresses conservatively compared to the other kids in school so she is often teased. Edna has been blessed to be able to encourage her and offer her friendship.

Maxime

We have been trying to get Maxime to come to church with us but the answer has always been the same, “My mom says no”. Joshua has continued to pray that Maxime would someday come to church with us, but we were still a little surprised when his mother finally gave him permission to go one Sunday. We ended up cutting church a little short because Joshua was suffering from an ear infection and needed to go to the children’s hospital. Maria, our good friend and language teacher, helped us jump through the hoops of getting Joshua treated. After seeing three different doctors and walking between two different buildings, we were told that Joshua needed to spend the next week in the hospital with an IV in him. We politely declined that treatment plan and settled on twice daily antibiotic injections at home. Maxime was with us the whole time so we took him out to get something to eat before we brought him back home.

Joshua, Dasha, Veronyka, and Masha playing Uno with Edna

The real blessing happened the following Sunday. Dominic and I were out of town up near Chernihiv where Calvary Chapel and like minded churches were meeting for a conference. We had a good father and son time and great fellowship while we were there. Edna and Joshua, who had fully recovered from his ear infection, had looked for Maxime before church, but couldn’t find him. They went to church a little disappointed that Maxime wasn’t with them. During church Edna told me that she heard the door open while they were praying and she looked up to see Maxime and another little girl, named Veronika, standing in the doorway. The two of them had walked to the bus stop and taken the bus all the way across town by themselves to go to church.
The church here had been praying for people to come that would be able to do children’s ministry before we came to Ukraine. There weren’t many children, but it was their hope that if the ministry were there, children would follow. It’s a blessing to see some of the first fruit from our efforts and prays.

(l. to r.) Zhenya, Olena, Vika, Joshua, Masha, Veronyka, and Dasha

Edna left for Visalia, California on the 26th to help my mom while she is dealing with ruptured disks in her back. She hopes to be a blessing there and to return back at the end of October. She is planning to travel over to San Luis Obispo on the weekend of the 20th and 21st of October.

Дім Милосердя (House of Mercy), our church here

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” –Matthew 19:14

“Our faithful God is an ever flowing well of delight, and our fellowship with the Son of God is a full river of joy. Knowing these glorious things, we cannot be discouraged.”
-Charles Spurgeon

Prayer Requests

That God would continue to lead us according to His plan
Learning the Ukrainian language and culture
For the children in our neighborhood and in the church: Maxime, Veronika, Masha, Oksana, Anya, Angela, Yaroslav, Olena, the twins (Masha & Dasha), Vika, Marina, Katya, and Zhenya.
For the boys as they adjust to Ukrainian public school
Wisdom in sharing the Gospel
Opportunities for discipleship and service
Financial provisions
Health and safety
For Edna as she travels and for our household as she is absent from it
Spiritual growth and discernment
Pray for the country of Ukraine as tensions are high after the September 30^th elections

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua
Our blog: On Second Thought
Our photos: We Desire Him

August 2007 Update - Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

2007-09-01T12:00:00.002-07:00

Dominic and Joshua cashing in on scrap metal

This month seems to have gone by quickly, especially for the boys who will hopefully be starting school on Monday (we’re still working on enrolling them). They’ve had a lot of fun and adventures this summer and they’ve made some new friends. I don’t think they’re quite ready to have it end. We don’t have a lot of things around the house to keep them busy, but we’ve noticed that they never seem to get bored. One of the ways they’ve found to entertain themselves and earn a little bit of money is to collect and sell scrap metal. The people next door that they sell it to, Andre and Luda, are really nice people and they get a kick out of the two hard working American boys.

Maxime, the little boy that lives across the street, still comes over to play whenever he can. We took him with us to the river one day and barbequed. We all had a great time and wondered why we hadn’t done it sooner. The night before, Maxime’s mother Vera, came to our apartment and gave us permission to take him. She gave us all a hug and kept telling us thank you. After we got back from the river I printed out some of the picture I took of Maxime and he gave them to his mother. When ever she sees Edna now, she talks to her like she’s an old friend. We are greatly encouraged by how much she has warmed up to us. We are still hoping to take Maxime with us to church one day.

The girls in our neighborhood are always coming by to hang out with Edna, so she decided to have them over for a tea party. We thought it would be a good opportunity to tell the girls what we’re doing here in Bila Tserkva. We had Maria come over to help translate and answer questions. Edna asked one of the girls named Tanya how she was doing in Ukrainian and Tanya just looked at her and didn’t answer. Then one of the girls repeated what Edna had said in Russian and Tanya answered Edna in Russian. Edna thought it was a little strange that Tanya didn’t understand Ukrainian until she told her that she was Russian. Tanya is from St. Petersburg, Russia and was just visiting for the summer. So Tanya turned out to be the guest who had traveled the farthest. The girls all had a good time and a few of them expressed an interest in going to church with us. Edna taught them how to play the card game Uno and it was an instant hit. Two of the girls, Oksana and Anya, stayed until it got dark and their parents called for them.

Edna has always joked about how the time she spent learning Spanish was a waste because she’ll never use it here, but now we aren’t so sure about that. Edna was sitting at the table with a girl named Masha and she told her that if she ever needed any help with her English homework that she could help. Masha was very grateful, but she said the language she really wanted to learn was Spanish. She said that she couldn’t find any books on it or anyone that could help her learn. Her face lit up when Edna told her that she would be more than happy to help teach her. She is planning to come back with her little sister Olha and have Edna teach her some basic Spanish. We still can’t believe what a great opportunity it will be to share with her about Christ. Already, she has had several questions about prayer and the true role of Jesus in our lives.

Anya, Edna, and Joshua on Independence Day

On Independence Day, August 24th, we all went with Anya (one of the girls from the tea party) to a little amusement park in the center of town. She talked us into riding a few rides that left us a little pale to say the least. I guess as adults we’ve kind of forgotten that if it doesn’t make you sick or in genuine fear for your life, then it isn’t fun. The ride that spins you around in a swing suspended by chains was pretty fun though. Edna went on it twice. Anya likes hanging out with “Miss Edna” as she calls her and it gives Edna a chance to get a break from us boys.

Just as we were getting to know Halla and Yaroslav, they moved out of our building. Yaroslav is in the Army so they said they are use to moving, but that Bohdon will really miss Joshua. Halla said that Joshua was always so kind and patient with Bohdon. We’ll miss little Bohdon too.

We met a new friend here in Bila Tserkva named Katya. She has been going to church in Kaharlyk and didn’t really know anyone here until Danny Foote got her in contact with us. She went to church with us here last Sunday and then came by our apartment the next day. She speaks English, but after a few hours we were starting to give her a headache. We promised we’d learn more Ukrainian before next time.

Bohdon and Joshua saying goodbye

Last week we went with Maria and her mother to visit her aunt, Baba Hanya, in the hospital where she was recovering from an injury to her elbow. The conditions we saw in the hospital made us feel grateful that God has kept us all in good health. It was a blessing for us to see how happy Baba Hanya was to meet us and visit with us.

Baba Hanya is now home so we spent yesterday in her small village about 20 minutes away from where we live. We went with Maria’s father, Fedir, her mother, Vala, her sister, Stacia, and a neighbor, Valeri to help Baba Hanya and her uncle, Serhiy, harvest their potatoes. (Maria’s aunt and uncle are brother and sister. Neither of them ever married so they live together in their old age.) As we got off the bus to walk the couple of miles to the village, it began to rain. It made for a beautiful walk as we descended into the misty valley below. The rain stopped just as we got to Baba Hanya’s place. We had a delicious breakfast and then headed for the potato field.

Edna, Baba Hanya, and Dominic

I helped the men dig up the potatoes as Edna and the women gathered them in baskets and then into sacks. The sun came out after awhile, but it didn’t get that hot. It turned out to be a beautiful day for harvesting potatoes. Dominic and Joshua had fun with all the animals. Baba Hanya has chickens, pigs, cats, and a dog named Topeek. Joshua especially liked all the Ukrainian songs that Valeri would sing as we worked in the field.

Me and Edna harvesting potatoes

When it was time to go and we were all cleaned up, they made sure we had plenty of fresh vegetables to take home with us and of course some salo (salted pork fat). Needless to say we were all pretty tired by the time we got home. We took some of the freshly harvested potatoes and made Deroony (Ukrainian potato pancakes) for dinner.

Today both of us are a little sore and a little tired, but we feel so blessed to have been able to help Maria and her family. They have been so kind and helpful to us and are living examples of how Christ is glorified here in Ukraine.

Joshua and Dominic enjoying kvas (a non-alcoholic Ukrainian drink made from black bread)

Now that school is starting and children are back in the city from the villages and from vacations to the sea, we are praying that they would be back in church here. We are starting a children’s ministry in the church here so please pray that the parents would start bringing their children and that more children would be brought to Christ here. We are excited to see what God has planned for these little ones.

Sometimes we are surprised by how well we are received here by our neighbors. Ukrainians are a warm friendly people, but normally only to people they know and accept. So we feel blessed when our neighbor Olya comes to our door to share the food she has prepared or invites us into her home to celebrate her birthday with her family. We feel blessed when the woman that Joshua helps in her garden, who we call Babusya Natalia, brings Edna a bouquet of her best flowers from her garden. And we can’t help but feel blessed when a little old woman who can hardly walk, gathers cooking spices from her garden and offers them to our family. When we first arrived here, we were met with suspicious stares and silence when we offered a greeting. All I can say is that God continues to open doors and soften hearts.

“Now I am happy in my Saviour’s love. I can thank Him for all, even the most painful experiences of the past, and trust Him without fear for all that is to come.”

-James Hudson Taylor

Prayer Requests

• That God would continue to lead us according to His plan
• Learning the Ukrainian language and culture
• For the children in our neighborhood and in the church
• For the boys as we enroll them in school and supplement with home schooling
• Wisdom in sharing the Gospel
• Opportunities for discipleship and service
• Financial provisions
• Health and safety
• Spiritual growth and discernment

Support can be sent to:
Calvary SLO
P.O. Box 1463
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
With an attached note: "For Greg and Edna Silva"

“And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.” – Matthew 18:5

In Christ,
Greg, Edna, Dominic, and Joshua
Our blog: http://m24expert.blogspot.com/
Our photos: www.flickr.com/photos/wedesirehim