I am not sure why and not sure who... but while on a 3-day getaway to the Carpathian Mountains with the family I got a call from Lubomir, our assistant pastor, saying he arrived at 10 am to work on Friday morning only to find the front door had been badly burned. See photos in album.

 

As far as we know we have no enemies, it could have been just a random act of vandalism. We doubt it was attempted burglury because it is clear to most that the door is made of metal and the wood is simply the facade.  We all have our suspicions of who it might of been, and all have a good arguments to counteract those suspiscions. Regardless it was someone who is hurting for some reason, so we lift up prayers for that hurting soul.

 

We will need $100 to repair the wood facade on the door, and aproximately $50 to do some repainting in the hallway. In general the hallway was in bad condition so added smoke damage doesn't make it look much worse. The hallways in these Ukrainian cities are the responsibility of the city super, but rarely get cared for. Perhaps another $20 will be needed to replace the welcome mat, some cleaning supplies, and spruce things up a little.

 

Overall we are very grateful that the whole building did not catch on fire. It could have very easily as the wood steps leading up to the door still had burning embers in them when the fire dept came to inspect on Friday afternoon. We are also glad that we invested in a metal door 15 months ago when we moved in.  We have seen colleagues get broken into recently, and should the arsonist been able to enter he could have done extensive damage as well as stolen much needed equipment.

 

We pray, of course, that this was in no way related to our confession of faith, and that we have not wronged anybody in such a way that they felt they needed to retaliate.  This may simply have been an act of kids in the building playing with matches, or any number of men who drink to much but reside in the building. We are quite confident that what someone meant for evil God will use for good.  We are not frightened and suprizingly have been able to keep a good and humorous attitude about us.

 

We would appreciate your prayers that such behavior would not continue. We offer thanks to God for the protection of His saints and this humble ministry!