In two different regions of the Ukraine in May, the Gospel went forth powerfully.   Lives were changed as we ministered to the poor, preached in churches and prayed for the sick.     It was great seeing God move in this part of the world, as many challenges have recently risen up in the Ukraine, including military conflict and a new government.    We ministered in gypsy villages, local churches, homes, on the streets and even in a newly developed camp outside the city of Chernivtsi.    We pray that God will continue to make a difference in these precious people.  

Our small team of Brad Mayer, Chris Ward and Romanian evangelist Levi Szandai  touched many lives in villages in the far eastern region of Hungary in May.    Many villages in this part of the world have a 'gypsy street' where there is often a lot of poverty.  We prayed for the sick, led people to Christ and taught about evangelism in both homes and in a local church.   

Crossing the border from Romania into Moldova was the first time I really felt like I was passing behind the 'iron curtain.' This former communist nation had evidences of days past with numerous concrete block buildings and Soviet-era lookouts at the border crossing.  Maybe the signs in Russian style Cyrillic lettering added to the flavour for us. 

The people were hungry for the Gospel though and it was great to minister with a pastor who not only had a church in Cahul, Moldova, but he was planting another church in Galati, Romania not far away.     Pray for this nation that God would move where many women are unfortunately the victims of human trafficking.  

On my first visit to Romania in 2012, one of the church leaders there told me that many gypsy churches didn't bother ministering to the children because some felt that the Gospel was too difficult for them to understand.  I determined in my heart that if I ever returned to Romania, I would bring teams that would minister to children and teach about Children's Ministry - a very valuable part of bringing the Gospel to the world.   The Gospel is not difficult to understand, and we must bring it to all ages, including children. 

August 2016 marked my third trip to Romania, when our team of five ministered and reached out in public parks and at a children's camp where we made an impact on the next generation.    We painted faces, played games, fed the children, did drama, gave out prizes and preached the Gospel.   We encouraged leaders to keep up the good work in reaching out to children!