Ukrainian Refugee Center in Nampa!
Saturday, May 28 was the grand opening for the Ukrainian Refugee Center in Nampa, Idaho. The building at 16th Avenue North and 3rd Street was first a church building, then several years ago became the Lighthouse for serving homeless people and ministering as a rehab ministry to enable people to come Home to Jesus and recover from addictions (as a branch of Boise Rescue Mission). At the grand opening, Bill Roscoe, director of Boise Rescue Mission, told us that about a year ago they were serving meals to as many as 100 men each evening, but the need had shrunk down to only two or three per evening – so they decided to close the building. Then he got a call from a team of individuals who asked him if he would consider turning that building into a Ukrainian Refugee Center. He said that he did not understand what God was planning for that building/ministry until he got that call! Praise God, there was a great response and turnout of interested people for the Grand Opening! Iryna Yagilnicky has been helping with the preparations for the grand opening, and they invited her to come back to help them. The actual title is “Ukrainian Welcome Center” displayed in the yellow and blue flag colors.
I had met Bill Roscoe several years before because we have donated lighting and some of our books for the mission. After his speech, I introduced him to Della and told him that I have lost count on how many mission trips I’ve made to Ukraine, but now I won’t be making more trips because Della has multiple health issues and I need to fulfill my first commitment which I made in our wedding vows. His comment: “Now God is bringing Ukraine to you!” Please pray with us for His wisdom for us and for Stephen and Iryna about what He would have us to do in this situation. (How He wants us to serve.)
The Foundations of Science and Truth
Are the foundations of science and truth found in the so-called theory of evolution – or in The solid Rock? Do you want to build the foundation of your life on the sand of naturalistic philosophy or on the solid Rock of Truth, the Genius Who is the original Inventor of everything? “Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.” Psalm 102:25 (NKJV) Are you aware that almost every branch of science was founded by a creationist with a Biblical worldview? That the early founders of the scientific method considered science to be “thinking God’s thoughts after Him”? Are you aware that evolutionism is actually the philosophy of naturalism that infiltrates educational institutions? If you are tempted to compliance by the mantra, “Follow the science!”, think of this:
- Paul warned Timothy to beware of science falsely so-called (see 1 Timothy 6:20-21). An astute creationist declared that the problem is not that evolutionists are ignorant, but rather, that “they know so much that ain’t true!” Evolutionism is built on the wild speculations of ancient Greek philosophers and fraudulent so-called evidence. If you want documentation about these assertions, feel free to contact me. If you consider my assertions to be overstated or untenable, I invite you to do your own research about so-called evidences for evolutionism with “Nebraska Man,” Piltdown Man,” “Java Man,” and others. Also, check out the fraudulent claims of Ernst Haeckel concerning his recapitulation theory. For over 140 years evolutionism has been promoted by means of Haeckel’s wild theory that the development of a baby in his or her mother’s womb is a recapitulation of the evolution of mankind for millions of years. In 1874 Haeckel’s own university exposed his fraudulent theory with his fake sketches, yet the promotion of his theory and display of his fake “evidences” has continued to appear in textbooks well into the 21st century. Why? Do you suppose it is because evolutionists have no genuine evidence?
- If we follow true science, it will always lead us to the original Scientist, Who created all things.
- If we follow true science, it will lead us to believe in the Creator, worship Him, accept His Word as the ultimate test of truth, and reject all forms of fake science (including evolutionism, scientism, racism, uniformitarianism, man-made climate change, and transgenderism). For example, Biblical truth abolishes racism because there is only one race – the human race! Consider this amazing passage: “God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands… And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth,…Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” Acts 17:24-31 (NKJV) The One we worship and adore is the One Who conforms us to the image of Christ and forms us into His One Body!
The Pro-death Mentality
Are you recognizing the pro-death mentality that is so prevalent in modern society? Why are so many “elites” promoting, pushing, even demanding abortion “rights,” suicide, euthanasia, etc.? Why has the holiday that celebrates death become so popular? Why are skull and crossbones, skeletons, and monsters as decorations and tattoos popular? Why do hospitals get paid from our government when someone dies of covid – but not if he gets well? Isn’t there a good possibility that the mantra that the world is way over-populated the primary motivation for promoting such pro-death mentality? And isn’t the other mantra that “evolution is a fact” the logical basic philosophy promoting the pro-death mentality? That “God is dead” and man is master of his own fate? Isn’t death the hero of evolutionism?
Irrational?
The concept of our self-existent, uncreated, eternal God, Who is the first cause of everything else, is not irrational – it is essential! Therefore, the question, “Who created God?” is irrational and a total misunderstanding of Who God is by His very nature! Isn’t it irrational to ask who created the first cause of everything? Who God is by His very nature is foundational truth to all rationality and revelation! “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?’ For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:33-36 (NKJV)
Conclusion
“Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalm 33:8-9 (NKJV)
“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth… Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast… The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance… Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.” Psalm 33:6, 8-9, 11-12, 18-19 (NKJV)
God’s Perspective on Children
“Your wife is like a vine – children are like olive plants. The olive plant was a symbol of prosperity to God’s people, Israel. Children are a blessing – not a burden. Children do not make a rich man poor – they make a poor man rich! A rich man can not take his riches to heaven, but a poor man can take his children with him to heaven!” ~ Adrian Rogers
I would share God more clearly and intimately with my children. I would encourage them more, enjoy them more, and laugh with them more. “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate. Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord. The Lord bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Yes, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel!” Psalm 127-128
Potent Quotes
“The cross shows us the seriousness of our sin – but it also shows us the immeasurable love of God.”
~ Billy Graham
“The task of the church is not to assemble ‘seekers’, but to make disciples!”
~ Chuck Swindoll
Inscription on Lenin’s coffin which is displayed in Red Square:
“He was the greatest leader of all nations…”
“He was the founder of a new humanity”
“He was our Savior”
Lenin’s dead body is prominently displayed in his coffin along with the false inscriptions inspired by the religious cult of Marxism. The Communist Trinity – Marx/Engles/Lenin – All of them are dead!
Now here are the facts:
Jesus’ body is not on display in Jerusalem or anywhere else. He is risen!
He is the greatest leader of all nations…
He is the founder of humanity
He is our Lord and Savior!
My perspective of Peter’s motto after his worst sin – then repentance and forgiveness – I would rather speak the truth bluntly than to speak a lie politely (or even with curses and vows). “When we have confidence in God the Father and communion with God the Son, then we will have courage in God the Holy Spirit!” It’s time to get out of the boat and go for God!” ~ Adrian Rogers
From Our Mailbox to Your Mailbox
(Included are some messages we would have shared sooner if we had had room for them!)
Insights from Shannon Haynie
As most of you know, I was a missionary with Pioneer Bible Translators in Ukraine for nearly 12 years. The crisis happening right now in that country is heartbreaking. I have been in contact with several friends, and no matter who they are or where they are in Ukraine, they are all saying the same thing. They are scared. Some of my friends have been able to leave the country by car into neighboring countries. Others do not want to leave or can’t leave, so they are in bomb shelters under the ground. I have seen pictures of the underground subway system packed full of families in their sleeping bags, trying to get some rest. Several are fleeing to Western Ukraine where several places, like a YWAM base, are opening their doors to house as many as possible. My friend Natalka, with whom I worked for a few years, now lives in Western Ukraine, and she is opening her home to a refugee family. She asks for prayer that she will be wise in choosing a good family to invite into her home. Many others are doing the same. Poland is welcoming refugees, and citizens of Poland are standing near the border with signs saying they have a free room available to house a refugee family. Near Kyiv is a Christian orphanage that I was able to visit for a week with Shepherd’s Purse several years ago. They’ve had to take the children underground and can hear bombing nearby. A husband of one of my acquaintances was called in to fight for Ukraine, and now he is in Kyiv, defending his capital. A couple of days ago, one of my friend’s friends, who lives near Kyiv, said that they are going to bed with their clothes on, because they may need to run during the night.
There’s been hope in the darkness. You’ve seen the bravery of the Ukrainians on the news. They…are so inspiring! Even among Russians, good things are happening. Some soldiers surrendered as POWs to Ukraine, because they said they didn’t know they were going to war. They were told they were just having training exercises. Several bombs did not detonate. Several Russian tanks ran out of gas and can’t go anywhere because Ukraine blew up the railroad tracks from Russia. Several Russians are lost, because Ukrainians took down the road signs. And many Russians are still gathering to protest this war in Russia.
Here in the U.S., we have Ukrainian students in our universities. They must be distraught. I know for sure that my friend Mariia at WMU is distraught. She texts me a few times each day with such pain in her heart. Her family’s town has been invaded by the Russians, and they are hiding below ground. She’s lost connection with them. She can’t sleep. I imagine that all Ukrainian students here in the U.S. feel this way.
What can we do to help our Ukrainian students? I have asked Mariia how I can help, and it helps her to just talk about how she’s feeling and what she hears happening. I invited her to supper Thursday and Friday night – I don’t want her to be left alone with her worries. Mariia said she is so grateful for people’s support and interest in her country. I have also reached out to the WMU faculty to see how I can be a support to our Ukrainian students (we have only 2). They are planning a flag raising and vigil next Tuesday and invited me to be a part. I am canceling other appointments to make sure I am there…”
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“Thanks so much, Brother Rick, Sister Della, for your very encouraging newsletter and uplifting words for the new year 2022! Wishing you both good health in the coming year and God’s richest blessings as you continue to serve Him! We will be praying for those needs you shared, both in the U.S. as well as in the Ukraine! God willing, we’ll be able to meet again some time in the new year, either here or there! Warmest regards from Sunny, but cold Tuebingen, Germany. – Jim and Naomi Kautt (International Student Mission, 1/22/22)”
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“I really appreciated all the articles and information in this issue. Good writing and good thinking of those thoughts and ideas that encourage. Keep well. Keep writing. Keep your heart in heaven and your eyes in His Word. – Larry Whittington 1/13/22”
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“Three frogs story. Action on a decision is critical for progress. Your entire newsletter was challenging and inspiring. So many are blessed. Encouraged and challenged by your thoughtful writings. Della’s thoughts were encouraging also. I am forwarding it to others. – Coral Fife 1/13/22”
(Next is one that Sergei Golovin sent us a couple years ago.)
“Personal stories and testimonies are fairly alien to our post-communist culture. Generations of fear and totalitarianism made our people rather reticent and reserved. Also, people here get embarrassed when somebody else tells something about them. Yet, here is the story I can share now without hesitation. Actually, I can’t help but share it! This is a glorious illustration of how the Lord has been using our ministry’s strategy to identify, encourage and equip key leaders who can train and equip others according to 2 Timothy 2:2 approach.
The story started in the early 1990s, soon after the Soviet Union had collapsed. People were facing the shortage of food, clothing and other essentials. During the night, the city streets were filled with gang shoot-outs. We had just recently started a family ministry. A hundred-square-feet room served as our bedroom, warehouse, office and print shop. Some days we had no time to cook, because of the people coming and leaving. At nights, we kept half-sleeping and half-listening to the buzz of a dot matrix printer under our bed. When the sound stopped, it meant I needed to wake up and fix a paper jam. The tracts and brochures we produced had to be mailed from a public post office. There was no Internet or cell phones. Actually, having a landline phone at home was considered a luxury. Usually, people had to go to a phone booth at a street intersection in case of any emergency.
At that point I received the first letter from Dr. Vladislav Olkhovsky, Professor of the National Institute for Nuclear Research and one of the leading national physicists. He was wondering if it was true that we were sending out some materials that claimed to reconcile science with faith in God? We sent him everything we had. The immediate response was: ‘Thank you very much, but this is nonsense. Please do not send me anything like this anymore.’ Nevertheless, the next letter came a year later: ‘Could you send me more please?’ We certainly did and very soon Dr. Olkhovsky committed his life to Jesus. It took time for a person of his position to reconsider the foundational concepts of his worldview!
That laid the foundation for our 25-year-long friendship and ministry partnership. As he impacted leading national scientists, Dr. Olkhovsky started one of the most influential chapters of our Eurasian Apologetics Society. From that time on, leading students, professors and researchers to Jesus became the main passion of his life. Vladislav took part in all the apologetic conferences, summits and retreats we ran, to encourage, train and equip national leaders for effective evangelism in the culture that had been misapplying science to worship atheism for decades.
The most tangible of Dr. Olkhovsky’s contributions was into our biannual Man and Christian Worldview academic symposiums – the short-term missions to the tribes of the post-soviet intellectuals. Leading professors of the former Soviet Union universities attended the event, and our task was to find the Christian opponents of the same academic and scientific level for them. The goal was not so much to debate, but to build professional and personal connections to be used as bridges for the Gospel message. It is hard to overestimate the significance of involvement of such national Christians as Olkhovsky and his fellows, considering their level! Dozens of professors, scientists and even some top functionaries of research institutes had a chance to be freed from the dogmas of the Soviet atheistic propaganda and reconsider their understanding of the Bible message!”
(Note from Rick: Sergei Golovin invited me to come as a presenter to the “Man and the Christian Worldview Symposium” in May 2001, and it was definitely a privilege to participate in the symposiums and conferences for over ten years. I got to meet and interact with Dr. Olkhovsky and hear him express his deep, heartfelt thanks to Georges Carillet and Sergei Golovin for the symposiums. He told us that his science was still important to him – but no longer the most important. Sharing the Biblical worldview apologetics had become more important to him – and he was writing a book about it. Several years later I heard him share a powerful, clear, Biblical worldview and gospel message at a conference in Russia. {He was speaking in Russian, but I had a very good interpreter. Besides, Dr. Olkhovsky’s body language and voice inflections emphasized his passion for truth!})
My Responses to Some Messages
Good morning, Valentin,
Thank you so much for the updates. Our hearts are aching, and we are praying often for Almighty God to put a hedge of protection around all of you believers and give you wisdom and boldness to share His truth – that Jesus is The Way! The Truth! The Life!
Yesterday I heard a broadcast of a message by John MacArthur about the contrast between the “wisdom of men” and the wisdom of God. James 3:13-18 is a powerful and clear summary of the difference! “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (NKJV)
John MacArthur also referred to the Biblical account in 2 Chronicles 32:1-23 when Sennacherib, king of Assyria set out to conquer Judah and especially Jerusalem. Hezekiah, king of Judah consulted with his leaders and commanders – but the wisdom of men was not sufficient. The king of Assyria mocked them. Verse 20 says: “Now because of this King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, prayed and cried out to heaven.” In a parallel passage, 2 Kings 19, we have the prayer of Hezekiah recorded for us: “Then Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said: ‘O Lord God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God. Truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands—wood and stone. Therefore they destroyed them. Now therefore, O Lord our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone.’” 15-19 (NKJV) What did God do about it? He sent one angel! One angel against a massive, vicious army! What was the result? “And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the Lord went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses—all dead. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away, returned home, and remained at Nineveh. Now it came to pass, as he was worshiping in the temple of Nisroch his god, that his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Then Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place.” 2 Kings 19:35-37 Let’s pray for Almighty God to protect the various regions of Ukraine! And let’s remember Who we are praying to!
May the resurrected Lord Jesus be always your joy, your hope, your comfort, your strength and victory! May you come to know Him deeper, love Him dearer and follow Him nearer!
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all peace and joy as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Respectfully yours & His, Rick
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Good morning, Sergei (N.),
Your message is so special! Thank you! I’m very thankful that you consider me a positive influence in your life. I remember your dedicated service in translating without charge because you did it as a service for our King! I have been praying for you often – for God’s hedge of protection – and I’m so glad to know that you are alive. Are you well? Do you have contact with your family members? Are they safe and well?
One of our co-workers is able to get supplies (humanitarian aid) into Ukraine. Do you, or your family members, have the help you need? Is there a way to get help to you or them? Do you have contact with Zhenya?
Your friendship is a treasure!
Respectfully yours & His, Rick
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“Rick, I surely am not trying to be dramatic when I write these words – only truthful: whenever I go to the mailbox and find a correspondence from you – whether the monthly newsletter or some other literature or some CD’s – as was the case yesterday – I am truly joyful. Thank you for your repeated kindnesses – the recordings really are a blessing – thank you. My Dear Lord has blessed greatly in a beautiful day here in Missouri. I hope that you and Della are experiencing a beautiful day of the Very Near Presence of Jesus. May He bless you both richly.
I really do thank you greatly. Ken (Morris)”
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“Dear Rick: May 25, 2022
Thank you for sending your May newsletter. It is always good to hear from you. The portions of Scripture with which you opened your letter certainly ‘got things going’ with a solid start. Rich passages, each one! Of course, of which part of the Bible could this not be said? 😊 Your ‘worldly foolishness’ heading was an apt way of describing many of the issues popping up in the culture these days that are departures from reality – revealed to us in God’s Word, which is in its every word truth. Concerning your contemporary example of transgenderism, it indeed is a sad thing to see that something as self-evident as gender could be doubted, confused, or denied. Turning our backs on God (as a nation) has had dire consequences, hasn’t it? Even the distortions in understanding present in our government leaders offers evidence that politics is not the solution to our cultural dilemma. Only Christ can right this ship that has been cast adrift!
Please be assured of our continuing prayers for Ukraine and its people. Our understanding is that Ukraine has been a significant center of the dissemination of the gospel in eastern Europe. On a spiritual level, is it any wonder that this country has come under attack? Per your request, we certainly will pray that God will do an awakening work in Ukraine, Russia, and America – much needed in all three regions. We also are praying that He will protect and embolden His people, continuing to use them as reflectors of light in our darkened and darkening world.
Thank you again for writing. May our sovereign and loving God bless you and Della and your loved ones, and may He continue to use you with tremendous impact for His sake in your spheres of influence!
Sincerely,
David Harleyson
Office of the President (Dr. James Dobson Family Institute)
P.S. Sidenote: In reading the quote of Psalm 33:6 in your ‘Why Creation Matters’ insert, a thought crossed my mind. Inasmuch as we know that all things came into being through the Word (Jn. 1:3), that it was by the Son that all things were created (Col. 1:16), and that the Spirit was ‘moving over the surface of the waters’ (Gen. 1:2), do you think ‘the word of the Lord’ and ‘the breath of His mouth’ of this verse may be implicit references to the Son and the Spirit (or would that amount to reading into the text)?” [No problem! David was reading what the text indicates.]
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“Dear Rick and Della,
Our hearts are aching for the people of Ukraine. We pray our contribution may aid their suffering. May God bless you as you help the Ukrainians.
With love and prayers, in Jesus Christ, Steve & Adalaide Fredricksen”
DELLA’S PAGE
As we were preparing this Prayer Letter, we got word that a long-time friend of ours, Gretchen Nutt, went home to Jesus, whom she loved with all her heart. In spite of severe pain for the last five years, she remained faithful to her Lord, and was an example for us and many others who knew her. Now we are asking our Lord to help us so that He will also “find us faithful” until we leave these earthly bodies to go to our Eternal Home.
Find Us Faithful
By Steve Green
We’re pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road,
And those who’ve gone before us
Line the way.
Cheering on the faithful,
Encouraging the weary,
Their lives a stirring testament
To God’s sustaining grace.
O may all who come behind us
Find us faithful,
May the fire of our devotion
Light their way.
May the footprints that we leave,
Lead them to believe,
And the lives we live
Inspire them to obey.
O may all who come behind us
Find us faithful.
Surrounded by so great
A cloud of witnesses,
Let us run the race
Not only for the prize,
But as those who’ve gone before us.
Let us leave to those behind us,
The heritage of faithfulness
Passed on thru godly lives.
After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone,
And our children sift thru all we’ve left behind,
May the clues that they discover, and the mem’ries they uncover,
Become the light that leads them, to the road we each must find.
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Jon Mohr
Find Us Faithful lyrics © Birdwing Music, Jonathan Mark Music
Rick’s Note: In view of the desolation in Ukraine, the persecution of multitudes of Christians around the world, and now the death of a very special lady in our lives, the words of Steve Green’s potent song are particularly pertinent!