Hello prayer partners,

I met with a thoracic surgeon today about my aneurysm of the ascending aorta measuring a bit more than 4 by 4 (cm). Surgery for my body size is not recommended until it is more than 5 cm, even 5.5 cm. 
So, I will get an annual scan to see if it is growing and if so, at what rate. Then if necessary, have it monitored every six months. And, then, if necessary, surgery. 

People often are unaware of having an aneurysm and discover it incidentally, like I did (while having my lungs checked).
There are no restrictions for normal activities and exercise; just keep an eye on the blood pressure. 

As for my pulmonary fibrosis, a scan in three months will reveal if there is any change and it will be a  higher resolution scan than the norm to try to ascertain better the cause and nature of the affected areas of the lungs. 
 
Praise the Lord that our plans for ministry and travel will continue as they were before it was discovered that I have some potential health issues: eight ministry trips (Ukraine, Crimea, Berlin, & Prague) and one extended vacation trip to Europe. 

March 8 is International Women’s Day, a major holiday in many of the post-Soviet countries and a lesser holiday in many other countries, including Papua New Guinea. It is also the day that we hope the orthopedic surgeon will exchange LaVerne’s non-walking cast with an orthopedic boot. Praise the Lord for how well LaVerne has done with the cast and healing and managing to keep off that leg. She will have been 12 weeks getting about in a wheelchair. 

Join me in praying for the Lord to call someone to assume the ministry in Crimea by the end of 2017  — assuming the ministry is able to continue. Though the team manages most everything without the need to consult with me, there are issues that require administrative attention, including financial oversight, and there is the matter of fundraising to cover the ministry expenses not covered by the Center’s hostel/dorm income  – $24,000 a year. 
 
As long as health allows, I hope to continue teaching modular courses at seminaries in Ukraine and presenting seminars as outreach events in Ukraine and other European countries.

Pray for our intrepid and dedicated staff in Crimea, and the residents and students that they serve in the name of Christ. During my visit two weeks ago, I asked them if they would like to relocate the ministry, close the ministry, or otherwise recast the ministry in Crimea. Two of the four would not leave Crimea. None of the four wanted to close the ministry. I will share more of the stories of ‘touched’ and changing/changed lives in my newsletters. These illustrate the tangibles that keep the staff focused on ministry and committed to using the House on the Hill to reach students and recent graduates. (Sadly for the team, Shannon will leave the end of this semester.)
 
Thank you for your prayers,
Georges (and LaVerne)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Viktoria (Vika), Anastasia (Nastya), Shannon, Olga (Olya), and Natalka