Update - Fire at Word of Life Ukraine

Dear friends of Word of Life Ukraine:

Last fall we shared with you that a fire completely destroyed the house on the Word of Life property where our missionaries, the Radziwiluk family, lived.

When we wrote you in November, we asked you to do two things: to pray for the ministry in the Ukraine to move forward unhindered, and to ask the Lord how you could help with the rebuilding of the house and replacing furnishings.

We are writing now to give you an update on the ministry and the rebuilding of the house.

In 2008, the Lord surely blessed the ministry in the Ukraine. There were more than 16,700 people who heard the Gospel with 877 recorded salvation decisions. There were 1,480 young people who attended camp and 69 students at the Bible Institute. We praise the Lord that the work has continued to move forward for his glory!

Thanks to the response of many friends like you, the rebuilding project began almost immediately after the fire.

Recently, we received the following note:

We praise the Lord for His provision in times of trial, as we look back to November 19, 2008 and we see that house in flames. Today we see a miracle in front of us that is still hard to believe. Right now, we are almost done with the rough framing and are starting the finish work. Now the tiles are being laid and the electricity and the heating system are being installed. Soon we will start drywall. -Juan Carlos Radziwiluk

Two teams of staff and volunteers from America have helped with this project. We are grateful to God and to you, ans as you can see from this note much has already been accomplished!

Because reliable insurance was not available in Ukraine, we have asked friends like you to help with the cost of rebuilding. Already gifts totaling $59,565 have been received.

To finish this project which includes rebuilding the house and replacing furnishings, another $65,435 is needed to meet the goal.

We realize these are challenging economic times but praise the Lord His Truth keeps marching on. God desires to accomplish His work through His people regardless of the state of the economy.

Would you prayerfully consider a gift to help finish this worth while project? I know it would be a great encouragement to this ministry team. If you have already given, thank you so very much!

Thank you for your ongoing and faithful interest and support.

In His Service,

Don Lough, Jr., Director
Word of Life Fellowship

More information, as well as construction photos and an online giving option, are available at www.wol.org/giving/ukrainefire.php

Letter from Don and Darla Lough Jr.

November 20, 2008

Dear Friends of Word of Life Ukraine:

The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD (Job 1:21b)

God is doing amazing things through the ministry of Word of Life in the Ukraine! The Bible Institute and camping programs are not only reaching the youth in this needy land, but are also expanding into several former Soviet bloc countries.

In the midst of this blessing we have been reminded that we have an adversary who seeks to discourage and destroy.

I have just received word that the home shared by the Radziwiluk family on our Ukraine property was completely destroyed by fire. The fire evidently began in the chimney and quickly engulfed the entire duplex. Two entire families lost their home, their furniture, and their personal belongings.

In spite of this setback, the Radziwiluks and their ministry team are in good spirits and rejoicing that the Lord spared their lives and that no one was injured.

What can you do to help?
1. Pray with us that the ministry in Ukraine will continue to move forward unhindered.
2. Because reliable insurance was not available, we are asking the Lord to touch the hearts of friends who have supported the ministry in the Ukraine and partner with us in a meaningful way.

With winter quickly approaching, there is an urgent need to begin construction on a new home. We are already in the process of mobilizing volunteers to help.

The cost to rebuild the home and to replace the furniture and belongings is expected to be around $100,000. With the urgency of what has occurred, a special project account has been opened.

Would you prayerfully consider a generous gift?

More information, as well as an online giving option is also available at www.wol.org/giving/ukrainefire.php

As you already know, the Radziwiluk family is so faithful and fruitful. It is our heart's desire to encourage them during this challenging time. God has used them in such a wonderful way to reach people with the Gospel. Your gift will help them continue their ministry in this needy land without the distraction of living in an inadequate housing situation.

Thanks, in advance, for considering your role in meeting this urgent need. Please contact me directly with any questions.

In His Service,

Don Lough, Jr., Director
Word of Life Fellowship , Inc.