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I have a bachelor’s degree in Math and Computer
Science from the University of Colorado and have worked as a
database or system administrator since graduating in 1987.
Currently I work at a high-tech company in Broomfield.
At the age of six, I began playing the guitar. I
have always believed that my love of the guitar and any gift I have
for playing it came from and belongs to the Lord. I always have had
the privilege of using that gift in some way in whatever church we
belonged to. Recently I have been putting more time and effort into
developing this gift and continue to be involved in our Church’s
worship band.
Following a presentation at our church by Rich
Richmond and Kimberly Weynen, we felt called to go as a family to
Ukraine with The Least of These
during the summer of 2004. The experience changed our lives. Not
only was it the first time overseas for all of us, we got to be a
part of an amazing ministry and truly see God at work.
We worked with Pastor Vitalik and several
seminary students at an Orphanage in Kerch, Crimea. The programs
and activities we did for the children there were very similar to
Vacation Bible Schools as I knew them, and the impact was
incredible. Through music, crafts, puppet shows and drama, we were
able to actively participate in spite of the language barrier. It
was awesome to see and be a part of. Several kids responded
positively to an opportunity to pray for salvation.
I think everyone in my family left a piece of
their hearts in that orphanage by the Black Sea. Lord willing, we
are going back again this summer and can hardly wait.
Why me? Why Ukraine? Ukraine interests me on
several levels. The history in that part of the world is endlessly
fascinating. In spite of flunking a Russian language class in
junior high, I am thoroughly enjoying attempting the language
again. With the breakup of the Soviet Union and the exciting
recent political developments there, Ukraine seems to me a country
poised on the threshold of great things. Seeing spiritual doors
open in a country that has been suppressed for decades is also hard
to describe with words.
Ultimately though, the reason is this - the
children. They are eager to be loved, and eager for hope. Carrying
the ultimate Message of Hope and Love to them in that far corner of
Ukraine is the greatest privilege I have ever had.
Someone once asked me if I made my decision for
salvation at too young an age to really understand the
ramifications. I understand that thinking, but remember how Jesus
responded. He was indignant when the disciples tried to turn away
children, and called them to Himself. Moreover, He said that anyone
who would not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child would
never enter it.
If it was important to Jesus, it should be
important to me. |
