Greetings from Kyiv, Ukraine.  

After arriving in Ukraine on July 13, we spent two weeks in quarantine in our apartment. We submitted our documents for Temporary Residents Permits (TRP) at the end of July and completed our annual registration last week.  

Due to Covid-19 concerns we began hosting “Sundays in the Park” on August 9th. We meet each week from 4 to 9 PM in Natalka Park near our apartment, hosting a picnic complete with food, games, and a Bible study. Attendance is great each week and includes visitors. This format is working so well that we will continue meeting in the park as long as weather permits. We also meet with individuals or small groups of less than ten during the week to encourage and spend time with them.

The church family in Gorlovka is continuing to meet via Skype each week. The ladies are all doing well, but the virus is spreading rapidly in Gorlovka currently. Please keep them in your prayers.

The number of Covid-19 cases across Ukraine is trending up, along with an increase in the death rate. Authorities responded by closing the borders to foreigners until the beginning of October. School started this week, and like the rest of the world there is a great deal of uncertainty about how this semester will work out. Our International Students decided that they wanted to continue meeting online until at least October. Many people are afraid to use public transportation due to risk of infection. There have been government predictions that the number of Corona virus cases will spike after several weeks of school.

We have received more donations since “$30,000 in 30 Days” ended, but we still need almost $9,000 to reach full funding for the remainder of 2020. We would be grateful if you could help us reach our funding goal!

While we are all living in uncertain times, we serve a God of great love and provision! We are experiencing God’s presence in our ministry and his provision through so many generous friends. Thank you for being part of our Cross Culture family. We are praying for you all and we appreciate your prayers for our family and our ministry.

Kenny Payne