Singing has long been one my favorite things to do. When I was around Zackary’s age, one of my friends would sit with me on the front pew at church and challenge me to see who could sing the loudest. During my years in grade school, I found myself in special choir and singing groups—even taking a leading role in a musical in high school. I still enjoy singing today, and count it a blessing to blend my voice with yours as we praise God in worship here at Brownsburg. Whether it is with two hundred fifty saints here every Sunday or singing with the handful of saints in Ukraine it is an honor to sing to God. He has blessed us abundantly and singing is just one of the ways we can demonstrate our appreciation for Him.
One of my most cherished memories of last summer’s trip to Mariupol was singing with the young Christians that make up that congregation. Kipp Campbell remembers this with fondness too. He called me late last week. While on the phone, I could hear the hymn I Need Thee Every Hour playing on his CD player. “Bring back any memories?” he asked. “Absolutely,” I replied. When we arrived there last July, the saints had learned only a few hymns—five or six if I remember correctly. Their favorite hymn was I Need Thee Every Hour. We sang it at every study we had with them. Brethren, there is something soul stirring when you sit across the table from a group of people whose language you don’t understand but are able to praise God together in psalm and hymn. It is with pleasant memories like these that I prepare to return to Ukraine tomorrow afternoon.
This will be my second trip to Mariupol in less than twelve months. My thanks and appreciation go out to the elders here for allowing me to make this trip. Also, let me thank in advance those of you who will be “filling in” during my absence. Several of you have volunteered to teach my classes and some of you have responded favorably to Rick Green’s request to preach on the two Sunday’s I’m gone. Thank you! And, thanks to those of you who have so graciously contributed to this effort financially. Your great generosity and love do not go unnoticed! Because of you, not only will we be able to meet the spiritual needs of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters but some much needed physical needs as well!
While there, we plan on teaching on a variety of matters. Lessons on commitment, sacrifice, attendance at Bible classes/worship; and Christian living will be some of the main themes dwelt upon. We will also work to increase their bible knowledge of the first century church by assisting them in their continuing study of the book of Acts. Also, we hope to help clear up some issues that have caused a sister and brother to quit worshipping with the congregation. With God’s help, and because of the good relationships we had with this sister and brother last year, we hope to persuade them to come to repentance.
Accompanying Kipp and me will be Mitch Davis. Mitch is a native of Hawaii and currently labors with the church in Fayetteville, GA. We are really excited about this great opportunity to encourage and edify the saints! And, it will be a pleasure to get to know Matt Duggin who will be residing in Mariupol for the next few years. Matt moved from Murfreesboro, TN to Ukraine three weeks ago. He has long had a desire to live and preach in Russia. When Russia delayed in getting his entry VI SA approved earlier this year, he decided to go to Mariupol. We’re glad he did, and the saints over there are already letting him know of their appreciation for his being there.
Brownsburg church of Christ has long held a great reputation for its efforts in supporting foreign evangelism around the globe—especially in the former Soviet Union since the fall of communism. Thanks again for giving me the opportunity to go and please know I appreciate your encouragement and prayers for me on this trip. We return on June 15.
Matthew Allen
mhallen@sbcglobal.net
Editor’s Note: We look forward to hearing from you while we’re away. You can contact me at the email address to the right while I’m gone. Also, I’m sure Kipp would appreciate your emails. His email is soupboy76@netzero.net. Mitch Davis’ email is mitchdavis@earthlink.net.
Here are a few of the saints as we
wrapped up a bible study last July in Mariupol. Pictured left to right are
Evgenia; Olga; Galena; Alexandra; and Valentine. Olga, Evgenia, and Alexandria
were the first converts in Mariupol in Sept., 2002. Valentine & Galena were
converted in Dec., 2002. The church meets in their flat. Right now, Alexandria
is not worshipping with the group. A top priority of ours will be to work to get
her restored.