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Privyet! (Hello!)
Since our last letter, we travelled throughout the U.S. -- literally from coast to coast -- returned to Ukraine for 10 days, and are currently concluding a week in the beautiful Swiss village of Nods. Believe me that it is hard to stop gazing at the Alps in the distance ... God creates with such diversity, majesty and imagination!! Who would have EVER imagined all the splendor He has on display here?!
But focus we will so that you will all know best how to pray for us and for His ministry through us. We thank each one of you for your consistent prayers on our behalf. It is encouraging and humbling to know that you are lifting us up to the Father who has ALL things under control!
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National Medical Student Conference
Vinnitsia, Ukraine
"Global Issues in Medicine in the 21st Century and the Role of the Church" was the theme for the 4th All Ukrainian Conference for Young Christian Medical Professionals. UMO was privileged to assist in providing support to the organizing committee via advice and encouragement, finances and help in obtaining speakers. An outstanding faculty of 31 speakers was assembled from six countries to teach, encourage and challenge 220 participants.
Having participated in all of the previous conferences, I can say this had the best balance between academic and spiritual topics. A plenary speaker spoke of the importance of re-building trust in the doctor-patient relationship in order to restore the influence of medical professionals. Another spoke of the Biblical characteristics of the Christian medical worker. Marshall Brown, a theologian from Healthcare Christian Fellowship, taught how the concept of the trinity is reflected in the field of medicine causing the participants to consider a broader view of their profession. Jim spoke of the church's role in teaching a Biblical response to the financial crisis in health care. The master classes taught students practical medical skills and critical thinking combined with demonstrating how to share the Christian faith in the exam room.
It is often said that the number of problems facing a Christian endeavor correlates directly with the importance of what God is trying to accomplish through it. This conference had an abundance of challenges. We pray this was because we were trying to attempt something great for God.
Only two weeks before the conference, the organizers found themselves in need of several thousand dollars to fund the conference. God provided in a unique way with another challenge. The week before the conference, the local authorities in Vinnitsa revoked permission for the conference at a public auditorium citing sectarian reasons. The venue had to be moved to a local church which greatly reduced the cost financially. However this was no longer a neutral site. The organizers had hoped to attract all denominations and non-believers.
We praise God for what he did during this time. We pray the students will remember what they learned -- applying biblical principles to their profession and to the glory of God.
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Alek
Salisbury, Maryland
We are amazed at the goodness of our God. Once again, He allowed our entire family to be united as we celebrated the birth of our third grandson. Can you imagine? Jamie, Dasha and Lydian joined Anna, Jim and me as we welcomed the newest addition to the family of Kolya, Jeanne and Milan. Quite amazing when you consider that we are serving in Ukraine and Anna serves in Asia. (Anna has just finished two years of study stateside and will soon return to her ministry outside the US.)
On our last Sunday in the country, Jim stood with the other elders as we witnessed the baptism of a new covenant child.
Praise God.
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In just a couple of short weeks, we will greet a team arriving from Huntsville, Alabama...led by board member Charlie Wingard's wife, our dear friend Lynne. This is the second team from Huntsville to work with us and we look forward with great anticipation to watch God draw His children closer to Him through their ministry. They will again be presenting a 5-day VBS to both children hospitalized with HIV/AIDS as well as those outside the hospital. These camp days will be long, yet rewarding.
Plans are in the works for special meetings with women in our church, for visiting the homebound, for meeting with the youth...as we further grow the relationship between Westminster Presbyterian in Huntsville and the Church of the Holy Trinity in Kyiv.
Please keep these servants in your prayers as they finalize preparations to travel and serve...in addition to finishing school years well (students AND teachers), welcoming a first grandchild (Congrats, Lynne and Charlie), and continuing to be an integral part of the body of the church in Huntsville.
By His grace and for His glory,
Jim and Marianna Peipon
Ukraine Medical Outreach, Inc.
P.O. Box 2824
Salisbury, MD 21802
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Will you pray with us?
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
(Philippians 4:5-6)
Please pray for:
- ongoing opportunities to present the International Saline material.
- safety for young women who could potentially be victims of human trafficking during the Euro2012 soccer tournament being hosted by Ukraine and Poland in June.
- wisdom -- God's will, not our desire
- adopting couples and the children looking for families
- much needed funds for specific medical students who may have to leave the country (and their studies) if they cannot pay their tuition soon.
- additional funding for living expenses as well as special events and ongoing projects
- preparations for international medical student conference taking place in the fall
- Funding for a teacher to work specifically with hospitalized children
- opportunities for medical students to intern at Christian clinics
- efficient and effective use of our time
- preparations for a team from Huntsville coming to minister to HIV+ children and to our church
- safe travel for the Huntsville team
- open hearts amongst the children coming to camp to receive the Gospel, along with family members
- camp participation by members of the Church of the Holy Trinity...campers AND helpers
- Board members
- Jim's preparation to speak at the first Christian medical student conference in the Caucuses to be held in the country of Georgia in July
Praise Him for:
- a successful medical student conference in Vinnitsia
- the safe delivery of our third grandson
- an amazing week-long vacation in Switzerland
- uneventful travel throughout the States and wonderful gatherings of friends, family, and NEW friends in each city
- new opportunities to minister to individual families raising children with disabilities
- open doors at the hospitals.
- ample space in our flat to offer accommodations to many adopting couples and visiting missionaries
- new friends
- His faithfulness to us
- for supporters, both churches and individuals
- the privilege of serving Him and His creation through the profession of medicine
- our board of directors
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Want more?
 UMO Ministry blog
Marianna's blog Jim's blog  UMO, Inc.  UkraineMedical Eli Project (adoption)
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