Around the world

Most of the work Straight Ahead Ministries does is in the United States and in Ukraine, but we also have affiliates in India, Canada and Nigeria and have helped others around the world who want to minister with kids in the juvenile justice system. Recently, we received word on some exciting things that are happening in India. This came out on our e-newsletter, concerning a book Straight Ahead wrote for new believers:

A Fresh Start for India   One book printed in three languages carries a message across the country Translations of A Fresh Start, printed in both Telugu and Hindi, have been widely distributed in India, thanks to the work of our ministry affiliate there.  Recently we received an exciting ministry update from India – along with a request for funds to print more copies.  Here are some highlights from that report: 5,000 copies in Hindi language are now printed and being distributed according to all of the requests we are receiving by e-mail, postal letter and mobile messages. We have received requests for "A Fresh Start" from 18 states in India. Not only Christians are being blessed, but also Hindus and Muslims. Last week a pastor from Karnataka, called to say that four people had just accepted Christ as Savior after reading the book. Many church pastors, and children and youth ministry leaders have asked us to supply copies to their churches, and to homes for children. More copies have been sent to ministry organizations, Bible colleges, students, and individuals. We could not meet several personal and bulk requests because the English copies we printed last June are out of stock. India has 28 states and 7 union territories. Almost every state has a different language. Hindi is common in the north, but over all English is the most common language. Please pray with us about meeting this need for more English copies. When we first published this 30-day devotional, told in the voice of brand-new Christian youth, we never dreamed that God would use it to encourage and support new believers all over India!   We would like to raise $2000 to help our ministry affiliate with this current need. If you can help spread the Gospel through A Fresh Start, please designate your contribution to: A Fresh Start, India.

On Wait

"Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14. One time at a detention center Bible study we told the kids that God answers prayers in three ways: yes, no and wait. The next week, a kid came in, leaned over and whispered, "I'm on wait." OK, I hate waiting. Never been good at it and never liked it. I know it's good for me, especially when I'm paying attention, as the Lord often keeps us there to learn.

Yana and Seroja-Traditions!

This past weekend, some of the being on wait ended in a good way. We had a great wedding celebration for Seroja and Yana, both of whom grew up at the internat/orphanage in Kaniv, and who have lived here at the Safe Haven house for a couple of years. The wedding was in the back yard, Anya and her friends made the food, Lena made a wonderful cake, Alisa decorated the yard and took photos, Olya did hair, and everyone pitched in to make it a special day. Seroja's only blood relative, his sister, was here, but so was the family that the Lord has made for him and for Yana.

Kersa, Vova, Dima and Zhivchik

What was also nice was that kids we've gotten to know over the years from the camps, who are now on their own, also came. We were also blessed as Inna and Roma, who help out leading the camps, came up from Cherkassy with Ruslan and Zhivchik, two kids who have become a big part of my life and the lives of others who have helped at the camps. Both of them talked about wanting to live here one day when they finish at the internat. Awesome.

Me and Ruslan

Waiting is OK, but sometimes these yes's are also mighty nice. Thank you Lord.