We begin this new year with many worries as far as the future of the country is concerned. The trigger of unrest in Europe which began with Russia, Ukraine, and Syria is continuing to spread. Migrants and refugees from the Muslim third-world are causing an uproar in ways Europe has not seen in perhaps hundreds of years. The church must not run and hide but respond in resolved and Spirit-led ways. More than 1500 years ago, the Goths, Huns, Vandals, and others invaded and pillaged Europe. The early church, having come through the persecutions that the Roman Empire imposed on them, overcame not by force but by the word of their testimony. The invading nations were themselves “invaded” by the Gospel of Christ’s love and Christianity spread further. Will God resurrect such a testimony in a Europe that has all but forgotten about God? May God allow Ukraine and our humble efforts at the Lviv Theological Seminary to be a part of the Holy Spirit’s next big victory in reaching Europe and the Muslim world.

For us, things are going well. Although east and west in Ukraine now feel like two different countries, in Lviv, people still go to restaurants and museums and wander around after 6 pm. And yes, Christians are still signing up to study the Bible and theology. Lack of space is a concern right now at LTS. The big plan for the next while is to make 5 extra rooms in the Bible school’s attic. This will allow us to house 20 more students per week. The cost of the first step is about $5000 (floors, walls, and ceilings). Let us know if you would like to help.

Students were busier than ever this past Christmas with a total of 10 presentations in 10 orphanages and boarding schools around Lviv. Each of the 940 children we visited received a gift of candies and heard a simple message of the love of Jesus for them. Since students visit most of these children throughout the year, there is continuity to this work.

Over the past year, we have been a little more involved in our local church. My wife and I like the fact that our boys are connecting with other children in kid’s church and so most Sundays we attend the church that is next to the Bible school. I sing and preach periodically and for the first time together with other children’s ministry workers, we organized a Christmas musical for children at the church and for the community. We praise God that this was successful.

What to pray for:

• Pray for continued progress in the implementation of the ceasefire. It is presently Ukrainian’s top concern.
• Pray for this winter semester, that LTS teachers and programs would continue to have an impact on the students. Pray that God would lead their hearts toward reaching people with the message of hope in Christ.
• Pray for my influence as student pastor, that my words would be wisdom from God for their future ministries in this country.
• Pray for God’s provision for our budget.

One last thing: we are now in the planning stages of our trip to Canada this summer. I plan on being in Canada starting in the beginning of May. Please remind me if there’s a date that works better for you so I can begin planning with you in mind.

Paul, Joanna, Alex, and Dima Lasanté