The Telephone

Anyone who knows me knows I don't like to talk on the telephone. Today, I had two odd things happen with the phone. First, a church member, who wasn't at church on Sunday, called me to tell me what a great sermon I preached on Sunday. First, no one has ever done that. Second, it was even odder because she didn't hear the sermon. Apparently, reports were circulating and so she called to say thanks even though she only heard bits and pieces from others. With sermons, you just never know what will strike the cord.

Tonight we came home to find a message on our answering machine, another rare occurrence. Even rarer was that the message was from an American. He wanted to meet tomorrow and as I picked up a pen to write down his phone number, he hung by saying "You can reach me at THIS number." Note to visiting Americans: we don't have caller ID on land lines.

The top part and market side of the Shulyavska metro station burned today and caused quite a lot of damage. A huge tower of black smoke could be seen for a long distance. We could smell it even at our apartment. No known cause yet.

We watched End of the Spear last night. I am conflicted about it. I think it does an incredible job of showing the indigenous perspective. I guess it's a little weak on the missionary perspective. I think they assume that those watching will understand what in the world the missionaries were doing or trying to accomplish. I know the Ukrainian viewers might be a bit confused. I think I will try to get the documentary Beyond the Gates of Splendor or read the book.