In a few weeks we’ll be receiving our YFM team from Belarus/US. We’re excited to begin the Spring semester with them here in Ukraine, and see how God uses them to connect and bring the love of Jesus to their generation.
We’ve begun exploring some regions in Kiev, near Universities where we believe God is leading us to start the next Lighthouse platform. Looking at a major City is quite daunting, but it’s time to take advantage of the freedoms in Ukraine – after 3 months in Belarus, we appreciate them so much more!
Please be praying with us about a creative space, and wisdom as we engage Kiev partners and form strategy for the Spring. I just got off the phone with Ken Steorts (co-founder band Skillet), who we’re partnering with already in Belarus (Visible Music College). He’s planning to join us this summer on some projects, with the hope of sharing resources and opportunities to engage culture even more. I can see the potential for their courses, which are already being translated to Russian and online, being made available in conjunction with our space, and even the Lit Worship events.
It’s dangerous when vision guys get their heads and hearts together – we start looking for the gifted administrators!
We’re almost finished lining up the worship event LIT for this February in St. Petersburg, Russia! I need to be careful what we post online, but at the same time it’s super cool and we want to share our excitement. We’re bringing in our friend Charisah (her website) from few years ago YWAM trip, as well as Collins (his blog) again, and XDH Minsk to join local Russian bands that I’ve heard are very excited (and talented).
Peter is in Russia all next week teaching, and finalizing more details with partners for event. Please pray for him! He’s invaluable to carefully organizing, being ‘legal’ as a music event and building relational bridges within the body of Christ.
We’ve raised 80% of the budget needs – if you feel led to help towards the remaining $2k we need, please click here!
All of the artists, and our staff are volunteers. The event itself is 100% free. Our vision is to circle back to these hubs next year, and make them more relational and educational in a weekend format, with break-out sessions, and creative ways to share the Gospel more deeply.
We have a ton of snow again – it feels like the 3rd winter in as many months. Thankful for a warm toasty home, and so far, stable electricity. The younger kids love the snow, especially Claire – it’s about up to her armpits. Thanks for checking in!
Not been able to keep updating the blog as much as in the past – I’ve been spending more time updating our email list – if you aren’t on that list, and would like to be, send me your email!
Loving the emerging community here at Lighthouse, from the families and students gathering in formal and informal times of prayer, study, and just plain fun.
We’re witnessing in others, and in ourselves, a growing hunger for transparent, vulnerable, raw communion around Jesus and mission.
Bruce & Deb