“God’s hard at work, because the devil is getting desperate.”
~Andrew Kelly, our ministry host.
Around 3:30am this past Thursday, our ministry focus changed a bit. Daniel and Janna Ross, a missionary couple from Colorado, live here in Kolentsi and work with Jeremiah’s Hope (our ministry partner this month). They are a couple woven together with Christ in the middle; two of the most caring people I’ve met. Their hearts overflow for at-risk children and teens, their desire to build relationship is visible with all they do.
Around 3:30am this past Thursday, their house caught fire. After calling the fire department for the trucks to show up and not have enough water, their entire home was up in flames. The only untouched room was their bedroom. The firetrucks had to go back to the water source to refill. In this time, the roof was engulfed. They were able to save some of their clothes, a few kitchen items, their laptops, passports, and most importantly, themselves. Their home will have to be completely rebuilt from the ground up.
For me, Daniel and Janna’s strong marriage has been the light through it all in this event. My teammate Elizabeth and I had the pleasure of being driven to Kiev by Daniel and Janna a few weeks prior, and that hour and a half long car ride was some of the best conversation I’ve had. Their hearts for serving and loving others are ever-present in their dialogue: they shared about their amazing supporters back in the states, their love for at risk children and teens, and their craving for all the Lord has to offer. They love others and each other so tenderly, yet with an undeniable strength. You can see how much they care in all they do; the love of the Lord is at the heart of every piece.
There is a ropes course on the campus we are living on, this course includes a rock wall, two zip lines, and some crazy rope ladders. Daniel and Janna are the ones in charge of running this course. Our team has learned how to run the ropes course from their guidance, and their patience has been key. They joke and laugh with us through it all, even when we mess up and have no clue what we’re doing. Their love is patient and kind, nor does it boast. They encourage us as well as the children participating in the course. Daniel and Janna love to minister through fun activities like the ropes course, but also with board games. Game nights are a way for them to minister to the older teens as well as other adults. Sadly, all of their games were lost in the fire. If you’d like to help rebuild their board game ministry, there’s been an amazon wish list created to help fill this! Here is the link:
https://www.amazon.com/registry/giftlist/YGGHMOM61SOM/ref=cm_sw_r_fa
While they walk the steps of rebuilding their lives, steps they’ve never imagined taking, I see their relationship growing. I know I don’t know much about either Janna or Daniel, but I continuously see the Lord at work between the two of them. He is knitting them tighter than ever before. Anytime he talks about Janna and Daniel, our ministry host Andrew always speaks in a positive light. The quote at the top of my blog was said by Andrew after the fire. He knows how great of an influence Daniel and Janna are and how much of an affect they have on the kingdom. I love the truth in this quote. The devil’s goal is to steal, kill, and destroy and he is doing anything he can to do these things to Daniel and Janna.
We are praying hard for them and their ministry, as well as for them to feel encouraged and loved at all times. We would love if you would join us in prayer for these things, as well as prayer for finance and funding. Rebuilding a house from the ground up as well as refilling it with items to add comfort will not be cheap. If you feel led to donate to the financial portion, you can contribute through the link below. It is tax exempt and all funds donated will go to reconstruction efforts!
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=O-_CSBL4qUnKCT3sq7wEoQgSt0lHOHd-vyOc982fvhAHGetGCN_Z1_qvfFPU_U3–CVjcG&country.x=US&locale.x=US
The Lord is good and is the ultimate provider. I see Daniel and Janna walking in this truth every step of the way; please pray for this to continue.
I love you all. Thank you for continuing to love me so well!
Bernadette, you are so fortunate to be around these beautiful and caring people. This will only help you know what you want later on in your relationships. So sad that this had to happen to Daniel and Jenna but I will remember them in my prayers. It sounds like they like to do fun things (climbing ropes, playing games) that bring the children closer to God through their good examples. I love your new picture. You look sooo happy and having the time of your life!! Love you, Mama
That’s a really sucky situation, but it’s awesome to hear God’s glory shines through it all!
Down with Satan!!
Love you,
Nick
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Praying. Thanking God for the victory. Thank you for sharing. Your insight is inspiring!
What a blessing hearing from you…an exciting life. I have a nice Chinese Checker game I can send…tell me how and where I can send it
Jim and I wear our shirts then we can share what you are doing in touching lives!????????
Sweetie, thank you for sharing this… praying for you all!! Will go to both sites and will help! Thank you for letting us know about these opportunities!! Love you! xoxoxox
Wow that is so unfortunate!!! We will definitely pray for them. They sound like such an inspiring couple! And love their ways to connect with the kids through board games and the course. It’s great that through all of this you are seeing God work through them and them be a wonderful example of love. Love & Hugs to you!