Hi As you heard in my previous letter, I am in Plavni. Before going to Plavni, I stayed in Reni for a couple of days, there I started on Rick Warren’s book, "Purpose Driven Life", for those who don't know, the book is a 40 day "process". I thought I'd work though it and focus on the lord before I went to Plavni. This time of focusing was really needed, by myself. Each time I think I am really spiritual and focused, I realize how "unfocused" I am and how easily, I "miss the mark" On a day, I was walking to the place where I am living, thinking about having a place that I can call home, thinking about settling down, getting my own transport and maybe even having a wife to care for... When I got home, I took my book "My utmost for His Highest" and read the next day piece. The heading was - "The surrendered life" - In reading this I realized I was very focused... Focused on my own needs and desires. I pray a good deal... For myself. "Lord, I want this.", "Lord help me with that.", "I need that other thing!" I realized that I am not living the Surrendered Life I set out to live at the begining. I saw that I had picked up many of those "things" I sacrificed. I Sacrificed my life to God, but I didn't keep on sacrificing my life. It’s an ongoing process. Galatians 2:20 says: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Jesus, the Son of God, not only died a humiliating death on the cross as an innocent man, but He also sacrificed His place in heaven and came to earth for us. WOW, I can't understand that people can know this and yet not respond by giving their lives and living fully for the Lord. This does not mean you must pack your bags and come to the Ukraine... It simply means completely submitting to the rule and reign of God in your life. Being "Sold Out" for God!!! Back to me... When I realized that I missed the boat (In afrikaans we say: Ek't die pot mis gesit), I went into a time of prayer and sacrificed everything anew. I don't want to have a home, wife, laptop, or car if it isn't 300% in the will and time of the Lord! My priorities were seriously challenged in the last few days. Can I ask you: Where do your priorities lie? Where is your "heart"? Like I said, I'm in Plavni. This place needs the Lord! Please pray! There are lots of problems with alcohol and immorality. In the next letter I'll tell more about Plavni. Please pray that I'll stay focused on the Lord. Pray that I will be able to bring my sacrifice to the Lord, and keep on bringing my sacrifice. With being in Plavni I will be unable to e-mail all that often, but I would like you to e-mail me with you prayer requests. With my cellphone breaking I lost all my birthday and anniversary info. PLEASE send me all your important dates!!! If you are interested to read the day-piece I read in the book "My Utmost for His Higest", you can go to http://www.vineyardlife.co.za/preach/index.html May the Lord bless you, and keep you safe in His loving hands. Love Al the Pote