Joseph Palen, my bro.in law and my sister , Stephanie Palen, are now both dead.

 This makes me very sad, My bro.in law Joe died a horrible death in August , 2023.

My sister, Stephanie was killed in an auto accident in Minnesota, October 10,2024.

I am very sad the same way as when a person's parents are dead. My Mother, Mary Schissel passed at the age of 80 in 2005 at St. Therese in New Hope , Minn. My Dad, in 2015 at age 92 in Minnesota.

Gregory, my oldest brother, and former Jesuit priest, died at age 72 in 2021.

Only 4 of us left from our big family. I had many happy experiences until about 10 and then our family gradually began to fall apart and many went their seperate ways. As I write, I am in the Eastern European country of Ukraine; a nation at war with Putin's Russia.

I have been teaching English in schools as I have done since 1990 in Eastern Europe. As long as I am polite and persistent, I usually am able to come to the English classes with a nice invitation.

At times, it is lonely, but I know that Jesus is always with me and He will never leave me nor forsake me even unto unto the end of the age [Hebrews 13: 5,6 and Matt.28:18-20.

Life in this sinful world will be far more difficult without Steph and Joe, but death is an appointment we must keep.

Rev. Franklin Graham leads RNC in prayer during full speech endorsing Do...

 July 18, 2024. I have been in Ukraine almost a whole year. I have not written so much, because I only type with 2 fingers and I am very slow.

I am frustrated because I want to get work done for the Lord. Summer seems so lazy and it's hard to find people who want to work for the Lord.

This morning I left my apt., about 0900 with electricity on in the apt.building. Taking the elavator to the 2nd floor, there was a sudden stop with complete darkness in the elavator. I was trapped! Immediantly I prayed for God's help and not to panic. I knew the electricity would be on in the afternoon, but of course it would be a hard, unpleasant wait. The oxygen level began

to slowly go down as I prayed.I thanked the Lord for this lesson and determined to write a sermon/message as a warning to people that we all will face eternity and that we better be on God's side and not the powers of darkness. I prayed more with praise and thanksgiving that I am saved and have everlasting life through Jesus, my Lord and Saviour!

After maybe 2-3 hours a repairman came and was able to get me out. I thanked him profusely and also thanked the Lord! May I learn this lesson He taught me.

Quite a day of going to various schools out in the countryside. As with other occasions in the city of Lviv[where I am based], we passed out Gideon New Testaments and gave very short salvation testimonies . Beautiful , warm Spring day! Colors, brite sunshine and birds singing made it so nice pleasant [as my Dad would say].

Last week was cold/chilly. Now today, very warm as though Summer is hiding Spring!

I am still speaking in schools, but focusing on #8 school right by the Powder House and Park. 

Trying to read as much as I can. Going to both services at many

Baptist churches. Very concerned about the apathy of Baptists here. I also feel intimidated about the Ukr. language being so difficult. 

February 9, 2024

In old Lviv library on Rynok Square. This place has been my refuge many times as I minister here in Ukraine. I just came from #52 School [Mathematics spealty], where I was helping to teach English. I started there in September of this year. Many nice people: Uliana; Olena; Oristea; Svitlana; etc. I am listening to VCY as I write. It takes time, but I want to remember. 

Past weeks:

1. A 14 year old boy committed suicide in one of the schools I have taught in. I met and talked with him a few times.

2. I was taking Ukr. lessons with a teacher [Romaniia]. Very difficult! Must study on my own more.

3. Times at locations: Lviv PolyTech U, I am registered at the library. Been taking notes about Ukr.;

I have been spending much time at 2 synagogues and reading the Tanakh as I attend services. 

Going out with evangelists has been nice. Ideally, I would like to go out more often, but the language barrier and need for translators is a con't problem.

4. Various schools and praying for effective presentations to win friendships and gain trust to give the Gospel. I think it may be God's will for me to eventually stay after classes and give the Gospel to the students.

I have many books, but at night I soon become weary and long to go to bed. Reading "Kruschev Remembers" Fascinating!

As usual, meeting many people. PTL for many Divine appts.!