We arrived in Kyiv at the end of August just as summer was giving way to fall. Now the leaves are turning a gorgeous yellow as fall is quickly heading into winter. The cycle of the seasons is a healthy reminder that life is about change and that we need to both enjoy and take full advantage of the time we are given by God’s grace.

Kenny is involved in six meetings each week, three online and three in person. The online meetings are with the church family in Gorlovka, our Wednesday night class on relationships, and a Saturday evening group of students from Grinchenko University. The in-person meetings are our Kid’s class, an international Student ministry, and our young adult small group that meets on Sunday nights. The groups are growing and people are learning to love Jesus more deeply and follow him more closely.

In addition to the meetings and classes each week we were also able to make a donation to a humanitarian project in the village of Kolentsi, about 50 kilometers north of Kyiv. A village church was planted there several years ago, and they were raising funds to purchase firewood for babushkas in the village. Our kid’s class made drawings with well wishes for the babushkas. It is amazing how something as simple as drawing a picture and writing some loving words can bring joy to both the kids who create it and the ladies who receive it. Opportunities to share the love of Jesus are literally everywhere.

We are also in the process of purchasing the apartment. We believe we are in the final weeks of the process and we would really appreciate your prayers that the purchase is completed without surprises or complications!

Thanks so much for partnering with us in our work in Ukraine. We are grateful for your encouragement, support, and prayers.

Grace and peace,

Kenny Payne

Cross Culture Update October 2021