Welcome to the Army!!!

Here we are - a new semester of Sidewalk Sunday School started today. I would like for you to meet my team this semester

Janelle from Canada (my "old" staff), Bryan & I, Susi from Germany (my new staff - yay!!!), Jessica from Germany, Zanita from USA and in the front - Stephan from Holland

Watch out - they are the ones that are making it happen this semester ;)

We kicked off with a great day today. It was cold and windy in Queens but we had a great time teaching the kids how they are soldiers in God's army and what that means for them.

Please pray for us this semester.

“Fight on for God” (1 Timothy 6:12a)

What Am I Laboring For?

"Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it." (Psalm 127:1)

I am not laboring for acceptance or promotion, recognition or reward.
I am laboring to see His fruit in my life.

Our trip to Belarus

Bryan and I returned from our trip to Belarus on Friday. Bryan will write more about his observations later but for now I just wanted to share a quick slide show from the trip with you.

I found Chester!!!

Looks like Chester is doing really well these days...



if you're like... WHAT??? - then watch the post below ;)

"Chester"

So... this is Jeremiah - my brother-in-law... I think this video is hilarious...

Fun Zone 2009

(by Helen)

We have just finished 2 weeks of Summer Day Camp here in New York. It is difficult for me to find proper words to express to you what a wonderful time this had been. So I put together a small video instead.

Our First Anniversary

(by Helen)

Bryan & I have been married for a year already.

Even with all the gifts we've been getting from family and friends and all the facebook wishes I don't think it fully hit us until this morning. But when it did - it hit us with an overwhelming gratitude to God for giving us each other, for giving us this year together, for sustaining us on our journey.

our anniversary breakfast in an undisclosed location in Brooklyn

our anniversary date - New Jersey Festival of Ballooning
(we found this little forgotten airplane and I couldn't resist climbing it)

The Diner With The Best View

(by Helen)

Yesterday we had a party for my friend Lydia. Lydia was an intern on my team in Fall 2006 and later came back on staff to do Sidewalk Sunday School in Harlem. After 2.5 years on staff Lydia is moving on & going to Bible School in California. I'll miss her but I am excited about the things that God has in store for her.

(Lydia & I in Preschool Class)

We went to the beach for a little bit and then we discovered (ok, I know Christfried found it like a year ago but that was my first time being there) this beautiful little diner. We had to wait quite a bit for our food but the food was yummy... and let me share the view.

Independence Day 2009

Green Card Update

(by Helen)

Just so everyone knows - I got my permanent resident card in the mail last week.

Yay!

Close enough to Jesus

(by Helen)

This past Saturday Bryan & I were at Celebrate America held annually at Eisenhower Park in Long Island. Part of the program was the world class fireworks show. I've never considered myself big fan of fireworks. They were pretty all right but hardly so wonderful as to bother being stuck in a crowd fighting for a decent view of a few colorful splashes. So I never really cared much about fireworks.

This Saturday I changed my mind. Bryan & I were sitting on top of a small hill only a few yards away from the fireworks, the entire show unveiling right in front of our eyes. I was mesmerized by beautiful colors of the fireworks staged perfectly to the music. I discovered that I love watching fireworks!!!

As I traveled home I thought how that could apply to my life with God. I know that miracles and wonders will follow those who believe. I know that our God is great in splendor and majestic in glory... and yet... I don't always see that... I get distracted... stressed... disappointed... and consequently lose joy and love for God, people around me and what I do in ministry...

... could it be that I am not close enough???

See, I fell in love with fireworks when I got close enough to see them in all their beauty. I've learned this weekend that if I only get close enough to the heart of God all the petty things will cease to matter and my eyes will be fastened on Him in all His glory.

"...let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us..." Psalm 90:17

I Am Grateful...

(by Helen)

As I look back at the past four months of Spring Semester 2009 here at Metro Ministries - I am oh so grateful.

1) I am grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ who has given me hope and encouragement and strength without measure (and I needed lots this semester).

2) I am grateful for my husband Bryan who loved me every day... and still does :)

3) I am grateful for my teammate Janelle who carried a double load this semester with great attitude.

4) I am grateful for my interns: Danielle, Emily, Tobias who determined to do whatever it takes to reach kids in Queens and tried their hardest to do their best.

5) I am grateful for the leadership of Metro and pastor Bill Wilson who gave me an opportunity and covering to preach the gospel on the streets of New York City.

6) I am grateful for sunny days on Sidewalk ;)

7) I am grateful for all my friends - here in NYC and all over the world (yes, that means YOU)

We're going to the MOVIES !!!

(by Helen)

This Sunday we took several kids from our Sidewalk Sunday School sites to watch The Night At The Museum II: The Battle Of The Smithsonian. We had so much fun

Barbershop & Nail Parlor Week @ Sunday School

(by Helen)

We had a good week in Sunday School as we turned our Sidewalk Sunday School truck into a barbershop and nail parlor.

Bounce House Fun

(by Helen)

Today we had a chance to take a bounce house with us on site. Kids had a lot of fun.

Amazing Race Divisional Outing

(by Helen)

This Sunday our Sidewalk Sunday School team got together with another team from Queens. We decided to send them on a race through the city. Enjoy a little video I put together ;)

for all of you from Division 13 who did not come - y'all missed out

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
(1 Corinthians 4:2)

(by Helen)


Yesterday our church hosted our annual Viva Mexico outreach. It was exciting to see that many people did come out and stayed for the event despite heavy rain. The party migrated inside. It was really packed but still about 75 people came up for an altar call at the end.

Instead of retelling you all the things that happened at Viva Mexico, I would like to introduce you to one child. His name is Jy'Len. I met Jy'Len and his family when I was doing Sidewalk Sunday School in Harlem. They were wonderful people. I was trying hard to get them to church and they did come for a while and then stopped again.

It was frustrating for me to see that despite many efforts Jy'Len's family was no longer in church. Time came for me to move on and take over my current team in Queens. I said good-bye to Harlem but as much as it depended on me I tried to keep in touch with Jy'Len's family.

Several weeks ago I walked into a church service and could not believe my eyes: I saw Jy'Len's grandmother with Jy'Len. They started coming to church and so far I've seen them every week. I am so grateful that I have been here in the ministry long enough to see the fruit of my effort. Sometimes it's easy to want to quit because as we pour into the lives of the children here in the ghettos of NYC we often see little change. But this month as I reconnected with their family I was reminded once again that if I stay faithful I may be able to see more fruit.

Jy'Len & I at Viva Mexico

Rain Rain Go AWAY (and do NOT come back)

(by Bryan)

They say no weather will keep postal workers from their appointed rounds. Well, the same is true of Sidewalk Sunday School teachers. We have had quite a few rainy days on our site, but that doesn't stop us from preaching the Word of God. Below is a video of me teaching a story in pouring down rain. As you can see, children are hungry for the love of God and they can't be kept away by a few rain showers either.

M&M's dance

(by Helen)

This week past we had an M&M's Madness week in our Sidewalk Sunday School.

Enjoy the M&M's dance!!

(starring Emily as Red & Danielle as Yellow)

Cardboard testimonies

Bumped into this through a friend's blog... so powerful... reposting
Watch it here.

Princess Tea Party 2009

- Do you really think I'm royalty?

(Meg Ryan as Anastasia in "Anastasia")

(by Helen)

This year I had an incredible opportunity to bring 18 girls from the areas we minister to Princess Tea Party - a special event sponsored by Women of Excellence Foundation. The girls loved getting dressed in pretty outfits, learning the princess wave, meeting Disney princesses, eating food, and taking pictures. They had an amazing time. I was trying to think of words to explain how much it meant to them - but I thought I'd rather let the girls speak for themselves (see video)

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!