Keep Up with Chelsey

(http://jennifermccrea.com/wp-content/uploads/radicalgenerosity.jpg) Many of you have shown me this year, what radical giving looks like. I have been blessed by every donation and contribution you have made to Radical Feet. I have been blessed by every encouraging note, prayer, and gift given in 2011! * If you are still looking to make a tax deductible donation this year, you have three days left, just click the tab above that says, " How to Give. " As the New Year, the year 2012, is about to begin, I have started pondering all the things that I hope this year holds. I have started to think about all the people I will meet and how I may impact lives. It can be scary to think of what all might be expected from me, all the challenges that lie ahead. All the good and bad that may be... But the one thing that keeps me filled with hope, and not fear, is what my motto for 2012  will be: Keep close to the Shepherd .  The Lord is my shepherd. He leads and guides me. Just lik...

Me with my younger brother, Evan... Merry Christmas from me and my family! Remember that this is the season of re-dedication... Remember that Christ is the light of this world, and we are called to be light... Take the time to reflect on all that Christ is for you, and how your life reflects that! Be radical my friends, and have a wonderful Christmas and Blessed New Year! Love, Chesley

Back in the 90’s if you came to L’viv Ukraine, you were met with an Ozzie caring man who, before letting you off the plane, had to see you passport and invitation letter that invited you into the country. If you made it through customs, you know after they took out of your luggage everything that they wanted. Once you were in town, you were faced with a dilemma. You couldn’t get anything done, without paying a bribe here, or a bribe there.  And it was a time when people said evangelicals, especially Baptists, ate children as a part of their religious rituals. It was quit ridiculous, and it really wasn’t until these past few years that things have started looking better. More stores opened, more products added to the shelves. Churches began sprouting up here and there, growing in numbers, and for the most part, people started doing their jobs, not always expecting a bribe in return (granted problems still remain).  Now when I moved back, to this country that looks ver...

  I still can not believe the amount of love that was shown, and the concern that was shown for me and my family while we were in our "crisis" situation in Krakow... You all are truly amazing! And I want to say a very special thanks to those who sent funds to help cover the extra expenses we faced! God is amazing, and we made it through... Isn't God good? Every time I feel like I am on the edge and running out of time, God reminds me that he has me in His hands and that he is NEVER late! So thank you for letting the spirit move through you in giving to Radical Feet, and I pray that you be blessed in return, because it is more blessed to give then to receive, and how true that is... So, this is a little late, but I am sure you understand with the events of last week, why it is so... but I finally I have drawn the winner for the Ukrainian hand painted eggs... Aren't they pretty? So the winner was drawn from all of you who made comments on the Radical Feet page, sha...

So, my previous post, is so full of grammatical mistakes, but I am so grateful for the response I got from it... For those who do not know, I am safely back in L'viv with my visa. This trip to Poland was full of trials and spiritual attacks, not to mention extortation and being denied rights but we do not have to go all into details... But just know, that with your prayers doors were opened, literally. I made a phone call to the US Embassy  because our encounter was less than ideal with the Ukrainian Consulate. I simply called to explain that I was fearful that the UA Consulate might deny my visa request, purely from a point of revenge, for the politics going on behind the scenes. And without a visa I would be stuck in Poland with limited funds and no where to go. The US Embassy guy that I talked too said that he would talk to his supervisor and they would see what they could do. Honestly I did not expect anything to come from it, but at least if the worst happened, I had a contact...

Okay, so I find myself at an internet cafe in Krakow... visa application (with my passport) submitted to the Ukrainian consulant here... We have a problem... and well then I have a problem even mroe pressing than that, but lets get to the first one..first... So the first problem, is we were warned before we came that we might have problems with the consulant trying to get us to pay for the money back for their under priced visas that they had previously issued before they were aware of the law change that Ukraine made... so when we arrived yesterday, we went to turn in our application and the guy told us that we would have to pay for those before us, we kindly(and in my convincing ways) said that we would not pay, but we were informed that those who owed money were submitting the money... his attitude changed, and we went on to the bank to pay the correct price... when we got to the bank, they were out of money, so we did not make it back to consulant till today(being the next day).....

Tonight my family and I are leaving for Krakow. Some of you may be wondering what all the hype is about? Well this is why... To be in Ukraine, you have to have a visa. When you enter the country, you have 90 days you are allowed here, before you have to apply for a long term visa through a Ukrainian Embassy in another country. Which means, since I've been in Ukraine, I have been on my 90 days. I can not re enter the country without a visa. Without a Visa I will have to wait another 90 days(or something like that) before I can re enter Ukraine. So for me it is a big deal to get a visa. And the thought of not getting a visa is very stressful. The problem right now, is not a lot of missionaries have been successful with getting visas, and many have faced document problems, money problems and just problems in general. So there is a lot of stress and a bit of uncertainty. But none the less, I have to get out of Ukraine tonight. So please please please, be in prayer! That everything...

So, drum roll please........The winner of round one of prizes is Linda... Thanks for sharing the link to my blog on Facebook! If you have not yet "liked" the Radical Feet Page on Facebook, I encourage you to do so!  The Phase 2 of this cheerful giving, is a gift of Ukrainian hand painted eggs. To enter the drawing, all you have to do is post your favorite, encouraging, Bible verse, or an encouraging quote on the Radical Feet Page ! Everyone who leaves a verse, or note of encouragement, will be entered into the drawing! Simple enough, and this is a great way to be more involved in the Radical Feet Ministry! Again, those of you not in the Facebook world who want to enter, just leave a comment below, and you too will be entered! Now on to more serious matters. This is a bit of a longer post, but its my heart, so please read.... Operation World, on December 2nd , is asking us all to pray for Ukraine. I love that people around the world in one day will be praying for t...