Helen's Big Sidewalk Birthday Bash

(by Helen)

This week I have celebrated my birthday with my Sunday School kids. Bryan & I baked hundreds of cupcakes and twisted dozens of animal balloons. Kids brought their self-made birthday cards (they were not allowed to buy one). It's amazing how creative they were. Please enjoy some photos from that day.

(our lesson was on how giving into offense can rob them of the power of God working in their lives)

(kids enjoyed animal balloons)

(Deanna made a very pretty birthday card with a pop-up of my name)

(more animal balloons)

(with some of my faithful girls)

It was a wonderful week with 225 kids showing up for "Helen's Birthday Bash" on my site on Friday. I am looking forward to next week.

Preschool Still Rocks!!!

(by Helen)

Today I was reminded once again why I choose to do what I do. We were teaching the Easter Lesson today. During one of the sessions in our Preschool Class I noticed a little girl who was sitting all the way up the bleacher. I don't think she moved once throughout the entire lesson, her eyes focused on the stage. As the session was over and kids were on their way out, I walked over to her and told her that she did really good and I really wish I could see her the following week. She said that she would love to come but she lives in Pennsylvania so she probably would not be able to any more. That made me think once again how often we only get one shot, one chance to make Jesus known...

Hope you enjoy some pictures from today

Hard C.O.R.E. Training (oh my the interns are here)

(by Helen)


So the interns are here and all this week our Department of Education and Training together with all divisional leaders (I am one of them) had put together a training for them to help them see what we are all about (kind of like a crash course into Sidewalk Sunday School).

They're a good bunch of people and I am excited about this semester.

Workers Training (Spring 2009)

(by Helen)

"All Sidewalk staff born and raised in New York City keep standing"... the room was quiet. Nobody remained standing but the person on the stage who said those words...

I am a Divisional Leader of Sidewalk Sunday School. I am from Belarus. Among 16 teams that go out every day to minister in NYC ghettos only one (!) person was born and raised in the city.

Our vision is to see leaders, teachers, and pastors raised up from the streets of the city worldwide. Then they, in turn, will minister to the next generation.

Today all Sidewalk staff brought all their Sidewalk workers and workers in training to the church for a day of intense training. It was a blessing to see all these people who for different reasons want to serve in Sunday School. And I was excited to be part of the team who helped the leadership to put it together.

Hope you enjoy some pictures from the training:

And here we are singing God Is A Good God (Sidewalk #1 hit)... sorry for the low quality (I forgot to change the setting on my camera...

All through the day the workers got to sit and learn about different areas of being a worker: from learning what's expected from them to how properly set up the truck to the importance of their personal relationship with God. I believe if we spend more time investing in and motivating our workers to grow in God, things will change and we shall indeed see leaders, teachers, and pastors raise up among them.

A Shout Of Praise!!!

(by Helen)

I want to thank all my friends for praying for my green card situation. "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." (Mark 11:24).

I want you to know today that your prayers have been answered. Yay! My green card interview is scheduled for April 7th (a few days before my passport expires). God has been faithful to me.

Thank you for supporting me in prayer and lifting my name up before the throne of God.

Searching for princesses

(by Bryan)

For the last several years Metro Ministries has had the opportunity to throw a Princess Tea Party for some of the girls who attend Sunday School. This is no small event. A church in California sponsors the event and rents an elegant banquet hall to host it in. A queen is present as well as all of your favorite Disney Princesses. The girls get to meet each princess and have their picture taken with them. They also hear an encouraging message about how they are princesses in God's eyes. This year Helen and I once again have the opportunity to select some of the girls who get invited to this spectacular event.

One thing that struck me though was a girl we invited who didn't want to go. Her mom said it was ok but for some reason she did not want to take advantage of this opportunity. Maybe she didn't understand how big of a deal it was. Maybe it was outside of her comfort zone. Whatever it was she missed out. That made me think how we are often that way with God. God often places things in our life to bless us, or grow us, or teach us - but we refuse. Maybe we too don't understand how great these opportunities really are. Maybe we can't get past our own insecurites. Whatever the reason may be, we miss out. We need to remember to keep our eyes open for the wonderful opportunites God places before us.

Helen posted a couple of pics from last year's Princess Tea Party. To see them click here.

Change Is Good

(by Helen)

Just so you all know - this blog will be a family effort now :)
I was reading through Bryan's blog from 3 years ago and was quite impressed...
I have asked Bryan to contribute to this blog and help me out to keep you posted on all the great things that are happening in our life - and he graciously agreed... yay!

With each entry we'll sign it so you know who wrote it and do not get confused with "I did this" and "on my job" and stuff like that...

Valentine Day 2009

So it is Valentine Day... ahhh

We took it easy and stayed at home most of the day. In the evening we went to a Friendship Dinner at church and watched "Fireproof" (good movie for married couples). It was a nice evening.

Today we decided that every day should be Valentine Day... so Bryan kicked me out of the house to go grocery shopping with my friend and made some chocolate chip cookies and chocolate fondue. Here're the photos:

Oh yes - must show you my beautiful Valentine "flowers"/ spring / decoration item...

Quick Update

So what have we been up to recently?

Still settling into our new apartment. Well, it's been 2 months, you might say... but we're taking it easy, making improvements as time and money allows. We bought 2 wardrobes from Ikea on Thursday so now we should be able to finish our bedroom during this week.

I've been busy at the ministry writing lessons for this upcoming year. It is a lot of research and a lot of fighting for your words. On Saturday I finished writing a lesson "Resist the devil with the Word of God". It always amazes me how much you think you know about God until you have to explain it to a child in simple terms.

I hope the weather is nice today. I want to go for a walk.

Defiance Movie

Hollywood has finally gotten around to making a blockbuster film about a significant piece of Belarusian history. The movie is called Defiance, and stars Daniel Craig (the current James Bond guy). It is based on a book by Nechama Tec called "Defiance, the Bielski Partisans". It is the story of a group of Jewish resistance fighters in western Belarus during WWII. I went to watch the movie yesterday. It is rated R and the language is often profane (if it bothers you you probably won't enjoy the movie). However, it was very historically correct and very wonderfully made. It is a beautiful story of human spirit and tenacity in face of horror. You can watch the trailer on www.defiancemovie.com

20 Things About Me

My friend Deanna had that posted on her blog... I am waiting for Bryan so I don't have much to do... Let me erase her answers and fill that in for fun...

4 places I go over and over
1. Yogi Bear Sunday School :)
2. Church
3. Starbucks
4. Facebook :) (he-he-he)

4 people that email me
1. Deanna
2. My mom
3. Better Homes and Gardens
4. Gods Embassy Church from Ukraine

4 of my favorite foods
1. Citrus Salad (new favorite)
2. Salad from Bonobos (raw vegan restaurant in Manhattan)
3. Crepes
4. And hands-down-should-be-on-top-of-the-list MOM'S COOKING

4 places I would rather be right now
1. somewhere a bit warmer :)
2. with Bryan
3. with any one of my closest friends
4. ministering in an orphanage in Belarus

4 movies I could watch over and over
1. Slumdog Millionnaire (my new favorite)
2. Martian Child
3. D'Artagnan & Three Musketeers (Russian version)
4. The Diamond Arm (yet another Russian movie)

Wedding Video

For all of you dear friends who didn't get to come to our wedding - here it is - only 6 months in the making but finally finished - our WEDDING VIDEO :)

Letters to the President

Kids were writing letters to the President today in Kids Church.
Here're a few of my favorites (hope you can see them)

Urgent Prayer Request

Here's the scoop (hope this makes sense)

My passport expires in April and the government of Belarus will not give me a new one unless I go and get it in Belarus. If I go to Belarus, USA will not let me back in because my visa expired and I do not have the green card yet. If I stay in US - I am definitely not getting a green card if I do not have the national passport to prove my identity... oi oi oi

Please pray that my entire green card application will be approved and done with before April which will solve all the problems.

My Reads

Just finished reading this book - it's fictional story about two women's struggle to overcome the pain inside their hearts - read it from start to finish in three days...



Starting "Mere Christianity" today... I've read numerous excerpts from this book times and times again... now it's time to tackle the entire book

Оливье

Well, 'tis New Year's... and I am introducing Bryan to a great Soviet tradition: making "Оливье" salad (all my post-Soviet people, can I hear a witness?)



It was a joy making it with him, and he did a pretty good job doing all that fine chopping.

finished product... yumm!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!!

Wow... it's already 2009 in Belarus...
... called family, waited to ring in the New Year with them (it's only 3.00pm here in Arizona)

So I guess it's not too early to say, HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my friends and family and fellow bloggers!! Wishing you all the best in 2009

Graphics & Myspace layouts

I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus

Santa vs. Jesus

SANTA vs. JESUS

Santa lives at the North Pole...

Jesus is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh...

Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year...

Jesus is an ever present help.

Santa fills up your stockings with goodies...

Jesus supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited...

Jesus stands at your door and knocks,

And then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa...

Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is,

"Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"...

Jesus knew our name before we did.

Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too.

He knows our history and future

And He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly...

Jesus has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is Ho, Ho, Ho...

Jesus offers health, help, and hope.

Santa says, "Better not cry"...

Jesus says, "Cast all your cares on Me, for I care for you".

Santa's little helpers make toys...

Jesus makes new life, mends broken hearts,

repairs broken homes, and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle, but...

Jesus gives your joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts your gifts under a tree...

Jesus became our gift and died on a tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember who Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back into CHRISTmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

First Snow Fight :)

So... it snowed today... for the first time this winter...

The snowflakes were so big and beautiful that all staff members paused and enjoyed the first snow... but there's no telling what happens when Metro people get excited :) (watch below)

The King Of Fruits Experience

Bryan & I found a little raw vegan restaurant in Manhattan.

There we were introduced to DURIAN - known in Southeast Asia as the "King of Fruit"

We had some durian ice-cream which had a very interesting flavor (I should say flavors)... Did some research on the internet and there're many descriptions that I will leave out but if you're interested just visit Wikipedia

New Olympic Sport (well almost)

So here's what happened -

my wonderful interns Ken (Germany) and Sara (Switzerland) have developed a new kind of sport in the course of their training at Metro Ministries.

Ladies & gentlemen!

May I introduce to you - SYNCHRONIZED TARP FOLDING!!!

Prayer Requests

1) Our search for an apartment continues... This morning we have sent in more paperwork. The manager said we should hear from them by the end of the week. Hopefully we'd be able to sign a lease starting November 1st.



2) Still waiting for my green card. The sooner I get my work authorization permit the sooner I'd be able to drive again. It's hard to be part of a bus ministry and not be able to drive.



3) We've had a lot of persecution rising up in my Sidewalk Sunday School area. For weeks, we've had ladies come and disturb peace telling kids not to listen to us, that we hate them and that we're not Christians at all. They're so loud that it makes it almost impossible to continue teaching the lesson. We've tried to reason with them but they walked away promising to do anything so we can't come back.



4) Next Friday is Halloween. Please pray for peace on sites and protection for Sidewalk Sunday School staff & interns as well as those who're going on visitation that Friday.

Robots & People

What an amazing lesson we got to teach this week: YOU NEED TO DECIDE TO LIVE FOR GOD. We talked to the kids about the importance of standing up for God and making your choice whether to live for Him or without Him.

The theme for the week was Robots. It was very challenging for me as I had to practice my robot voices and do the robot dance... Here's a picture of my vain attempt of doing the robot dance... oi oi

I scream... You scream... We all scream...

------- FOR ICE-CREAM!!! -------

This week our team has thrown an ice-cream party for our Sidewalk Sunday School kids.

One of our games was "Create Your Own Sunday" - kids really got a kick out of that :) - and then they got to eat their own creations.

Pastor Bill's Surprise Birthday Party

Our senior pastor and founder of Metro Ministries Pastor Bill Wilson has turned 60 on October 4th. As staff we wanted to express our gratitude for the ministry opportunities he's offered to us. So this Sunday, October 12th, we threw him a surprise birthday party.

(it was a black and white event)

(Pastor Bill was really surprised. In his own words, "I can't believe all of y'all could keep your mouths shut for this long")

(birthday cake: "Which bus is the best bus?")

(as any Metro event the party would not be complete without a play by Gloria)

(looking through the Memory Book we've created for Pastor Bill)

My New Helpers

I had been frustrated for a long time by the absence of workers (kids who are willing to help and get involved in Sunday School) on my site. I have often wondered if I was doing anything wrong. After many attempts of investing into kids who in one way or the other decided not to get involved, I decided... to ask God to show me who are the kids that HE wants me to invest in...

Meet Taheem & Starr - my amazing and wonderful helpers. I've met them one day on visitation in the front of their building. They asked if they could come with me... we asked their parents and they've been helping every week ever since.

I NEED A BUS !!!

That's right... This past two Sundays have offered me a problem to solve... My church attendance has grown significantly and now all the people do not fit into a church van any more... I NEED A BUS

The ministry I'm part of does not have extra resources at this moment to purchase a bus...

A school bus is only $3,000. If I can raise this money I could pick up my people for church on Sundays without having to turn anybody away.

If you'd like to give please contact me and I will give you all the necessary info to make a donation.

New Semester

The new Fall 2008 Semester is in full swing. This weekend is marking the end of the first week of Sidewalk Sunday School.

Our team had to say good-bye to Christfried who is now the leader of his own Sidewalk Sunday School team in the Bronx. I am very grateful for the 2 years that I got to work with him.

So our new team was Tania & me ... Praise the Lord for the interns who come from all over the world for 4 months to learn to do inner-city ministry and the principles of bus ministry and Sidewalk Sunday School. Below is the picture of our new Fall 2008 ministry team (minus me since I'm taking the picture):

(left to right): Tania from France (staff), Damon from USA, Ken from Germany, Janelle from Canada (new staff), Judith from Germany, Sara from Switzerland

We had our challenges going into this semester. There've been a lot of shoot-outs in Far Rockaway and almost every area where we do Sidewalk Sunday School is covered by police neighborhood watch stations.Though necessary to prevent further crime they're also preventing children fromn coming outside. However we had a great week with 611 people in attendance.

Tania & Ken after playing a game on site.