Thursday, October 27, 2011

Uncertain times

Friends, we need your prayers.  In September a new law in Ukraine was passed concerning visas and we are now seeing the unfortunate affects of that law.  Two missionary families have already had to leave Ukraine indefinitely.  One of those families, dear friends of ours, fly out from the capital city tomorrow.

For now, the new visa regulations state that the longest we can stay in the country is three months at a time.  Then we would have to leave for three months, only to be allowed back in for another three months... and that is the best scenario. [And seriously, who could afford such a lifestyle... buying airline tickets every three months?  In this case, it would certainly take some well thought-out planning with a second missionary family, trading back and forth to keep ministries on both sides of the country going.]

Another scenario dictates that we have 45 days in the country at a time (at a cost of $375 per person), pending more paperwork with the possibility to stay longer.  However, this is paperwork we have tried unsuccessfully at getting in the past.

Our family has until March 2012 on our visa (4 more months), and then only the Lord knows what awaits. Three more Baptist missionaries, two from our region, will learn in the next few weeks if they will be able to stay.  The Van Sants, whom we work with, have purchased tickets to fly to Germany for Thanksgiving to be with their son, who serves there in the US Military. However, if they leave, we learned yesterday that they will not be allowed to re-enter on their visa; therefore, they are going to stay and lose those airline tickets.

We were also making plans of flying to Germany in December for a Missionary Christmas Retreat, but we have already written the hosting pastor to let him know we cannot leave the country for fear of not being able to get back in.

There is a lot of uncertainty here among the missionaries... lots of phone calling between the brethren and many families down on their knees.  Please, please pray with us.  We are trusting the Lord, and doing all we can to ensure that our paperwork is in order so that we are still here for years to come, and we ask you to pray with us that His will would be done.

We don't want to leave.

40 comments:

  1. Jolene, We are praying for you in a SPECIAL way. How unsettling to face this, but what a blessing to know that as always, GOD IS IN CONTROL. Let me know if there is anything you need. Love you MUCHO! ~Ruthie

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  2. We will be praying. It is a difficult situation to deal with governments and paperwork. We know that the Lord is in controll and will do what is best for you and to bring glory to His
    name.

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  3. Oh Jolene! I will be praying for you and for the other missionaries there. We met other families in Odessa and I'm sure this is going to effect them, too :-(

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  4. I'm praying for all of you. Visas are such a hard thing. We waited for three years to get ours into Australia. Thanks for the update.

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  5. Praying for your sweet family and the other missionary families that are being affected by this new law. May the Lord bring all of you peace and guidance.

    Sherie

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  6. We will definitely be praying for you all!

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  7. We will definitely be praying for you all! I know this must be difficult, but truly, God is in control and His way is always perfect! Much love to you all!

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  8. Praying for you and all other Missionaries families that are facing this right now!!

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  9. Hello, I am a reader of your blog and haven't left a comment before. Just wanted you to know I will be praying for you also.

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  10. We will definitely be praying, Jolene!

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  11. We will definitely be praying, Jolene!

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  12. Praying for you all, Jolene.

    Love in Him,
    Steph

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  13. I will be praying for you that God will give wisdom. Sounds like Satan is really at work. It is so hard when you don't want to leave; you want to stay HOME with your people.

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  14. Jolene, I am praying too. Ukraine holds a piece of my heart since that is where my little boy is from. I love your blog, and the glimpses that you give of your family and your lives there. Be assured that God knew this would happen, and He has a plan that will be shown to you (and the other missionaries) in His time.

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  15. praying for you. Gives me goosebumps. Love, Maria

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  16. Aww! I am praying for you! May the Lord keep your smile bright!

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  17. Jolene,

    Along with others, I will be praying for a swift resolution to your visa issues. Our God is good; praising Him during good times is easy, it is when the hard time strike that we can show Him our true love and devotion.

    I have been reading your blog for around 1 year now and although this is my first message please know what a beautiful ministry it is.

    Yours in Christ,
    Alexis

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  18. We are certainly praying for you and will let others know, too, as we are in the middle of our home church Missions Conference. Time is so short and uncertain on the mission field. Important to not miss a single opportunity.

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  19. Definitely pray, but don't worry, please! :-) Changes are always hard, yes, but really looks like these changes are aimed at simplifying things, not kicking everyone out. (In Russia, the changes were specifically to get foreigners out; this is very different.) I guess we'll find out as people start applying for residency. They're supposedly making that easier now.

    My SIL who is a missionary in Odessa got back into the country last night, and none of us were sure that would work out at all.

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  20. Definitely be praying for you!

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  21. Jolene, I just read your post. That's tough! We will certainly put you on the prayer list. Keep us posted.

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  22. Praying for you. Thank you for your faithful work. May God allow you to return to the Ukrainian people.

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  23. Jolene, we're praying for all the Ukranian missionaries during these uncertain times! How unsettled you all must feel! Our prayers are with you all!

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  24. The missionaries in the Ukraine do have our prayers that His word will prevail. He is sovereign. He will be glorified. Prayers will be included for those who have followed Him, that they will grow stronger in faith, becoming the local church needed to continue His work, and that He will give you strength, courage and guidance to follow His will. He has blessed and will continue to bless those who minister in His name.

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  25. "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." What wonderful peace to know that whatever happens, it is all under His control, and He will receive glory.

    You are in our special thoughts and prayers.

    We love you!

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  26. Hey, Jolene! So sorry to hear about your situation, but we're praying for you guys. Love you!

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  27. Praying for your family and those you listed in this post...

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  28. Oh Jolene! I can't imagine the uneasiness you are going through right now! We are praying that the Lord will work something out GREAT through all of this!! Love you all!!

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  29. That is a difficult situation to be in! I am praying for you all and the other missionaries in Ukraine!

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  30. We'll be praying for the situation in Ukraine. May I share this with our church?

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  31. Oh Jolene! Of course I'll be praying! I know God is in control even though we may not understand. My heart is with y'all. May God bless you and keep you! Love, Susie

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  32. I’m praying for you……I can’t imagine…..I’ll be praying. Love you.
    Malinda

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  33. Dave and Jolene, we will b praying extra hard for u.
    Love, T & Mona.
    Ps.116:1-2

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  34. HONEY I AM SO SAD I WILL PRAY AND I SENT YOUR E-MAIL
    TO ALL MY FRIENDS FOR PRAYER I HOPE THE LORD WILL INTERVENE I AM PRAYING AND WILL TELL BRO WIEDO ALSO
    LOVE YOU
    VIRGINIA

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  35. I'll look forward to your blogs! There are a lot praying. LOL

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  36. Hey, Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you. I will be praying for your visa situation. It's so wonderful to know that the Lord already knows all about this. Take care.

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  37. We are praying for you in this important matter! Forwarding to all of our praying friends.

    Nola Holmes
    Jer. 33:3

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  38. We are praying for you all.
    Love, Hannah

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Thank you for your encouraging comments! "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." Proverbs 25:25