Message from David and Shannon Goran

[Eric Hays]

Grace United Methodist supported missionaries David and Shannon Goran
for several years. Our congregation also financially supported the
ministry when it was in need of a larger space for worship and
activities. The Gorans returned from the mission field a few years ago
when David suffered an accident, but Shannon recently sent this update:


Dear churches, missions committees, and pastors,

A lot of time has past since we have last communicated with you all in
relation to the mission and ministry in Lviv, Ukraine. But we just
received some exciting news, and thought we should pass it on to you.
Even with all of the unrest currently effecting the country of Ukraine,
St. John's United Methodist Church and Youth to Jesus continue to meet
in Lviv. Not only do they continue to meet, they continue to push
forward. Thursday, September 4th the first worship service was held in
the newly remodeled ministry space that you all helped purchase. David
was invited to participate in the service over skype, as well as the
previous missionary, Fred Vanderwerf.

David was able to see some old faces and meet some new ones. We are so
proud to have been a part of this group that shows such faithfulness,
perserverance and love. As they continue to move forward in this
uncertain time in Ukraine's unrest, please continue to pray for them as
a ministry, for Lubomir who is the pastor of St John's, Volodia who is
the pastor of the student center (and is a new father to a little boy
named Luka as of last Friday), and Erika the preschool director. Yes,
Erika started the preschool last year, and 2014 will mark their second year.

Thank you for your prayers, support and dedication to missions.

Blessings to All -

Shannon Goran
previous missionary to L'viv, Ukraine through GBGM