CEE Story From The Mission Field
“We Are Not Dead Yet …”
May 7, 2003
When a nation’s national anthem begins with the phrase, “We are not dead yet…” you know it has to be a nation steeped in despair. Such is the case for Ukraine. The people there will tell you that all of life is suffering…and then comes death. In this society, where the economic situation is bleak and the population is declining, most have surrendered to a life of hopelessness. Walking down the streets of the cities, one is lost in the bleak expressions that shroud the faces of pedestrians. They reveal a heart without hope and a soul without expectation.
However, we know that Jesus came to bring life abundantly. As ambassadors of Christ, we have the privilege and responsibility to share the message of hope. Only Jesus can take them out of darkness and into His marvelous light.
It is for this reason that CEE has adopted the motto, “Hope for Every Heart.” This motto is also being used in Kharkov, Ukraine for a small group bible study that is aimed at setting people free from the bondage of depression, as well as helping all people overcome feelings of helplessness, by introducing them to Jesus. This bible study is being led by Michael and Liz Caldwell, Masters ISC Missionaries in Kharkov, Ukraine
One Thursday night, before the first depression class began, Liz visited the ESL class, at New Hope Center. She made an announcement and gave a brief testimony. She shared how she struggled with depression for 16 years and how God delivered her from its bondage. Then she invited everyone to come to the new group--Hope for Every Heart—that would be a study on how to be freed from depression.
As she spoke, she noticed that Sasha, a young man in the back of the classroom had his head down. When he looked up his eyes were red. After the class ended, Sasha with tears in his eyes came up to Liz and asked her when he could talk to her. She asked him if it was about this class on depression and he said that it was. He said with desperation in his voice, “Can I come?” Liz of course said yes. Sasha said that he doesn’t believe in God but by the third lesion, Liz noticed that his countenance was different. He is considering the cost of becoming a Christian. Please pray for Sasha and the many others who are like him.
Please join us in praying that God will use this study to bring many Ukrainians to Jesus and free them from sin. Pray that those who are truly struggling with depression will see that Jesus wants to give them hope. Pray for Michael and Liz as they share the Living Word each week. Ask God to show you how you can join us in giving hope to the people of Central and Eastern