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“Our neighbor, who is an airline pilot, saw our House Church’s garage sale from the sky, so I know God saw it!” laughed Marina Pakhutko of Lombard, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. God certainly did see and bless the efforts of a small band of disciples who worked for two months preparing for two big days in May. The money raised went toward Eurasian Missions which planted a new church in Summa, Ukraine on the day of the Missions Contribution.
Victor and Marina Pakhutko grew up in Kyrgyzstan and as a young couple moved to the United States in 1996. In 1998 they were met by Curt and Heidi Ammons of the Chicago Church of Christ and were soon baptized. Now God has blessed them with three children: Kevin 12, Emily 9 and Neal 6 years old and US citizenship. The Pakhutkos hosted Missions Garage sales for the past five years. Victor shares that the annual event started when he was out of work and had no money for the Special Missions contribution. The first sale raised a total of $400 which has multiplied each year. Even though God has blessed Victor with a great job with one of Chicago’s largest commercial contractors, the Pakhutkos continue to sacrifice their time and their space for the Missions sale.
Along with enthusiastic Lisa Wiechert, the gathering, repairing and cleaning items for the sale starts months in advance. Marina launders all clothing items. Besides disciples' donations, another source of items were found on designated days in nearby communities when people can place unwanted items on their curb sides. Many of the items discarded 
are either broken or just unwanted. “It feels good to use good stewardship to the earth as well as the Kingdom,” said Lisa. Victor joyfully shared how God even provided a discarded power washer which saved a lot of time and effort!
Lombard disciples agree, “Lawn mowers, electronic equipment, furniture…we haven’t found anything yet that Victor can’t repair.” Victor is a master craftsman and carpenter who believes it is important to sell items that are repaired and clean because, “The quality of the re-used items reflect on us and God; we have repeat shoppers because they know they can trust us.”
“We let people know that their money goes to Eurasian Missions.” said Lisa, “That opens the door to share our faith and invite people to church.” Several other disciples help with the setup and sales. House Church leader and print shop owner, Bill Schaub, made large signs about the mission and maps of the Ukraine Churches. It was a joy knowing the new church planting in Summa, Ukraine was begun on the same Sunday as the Missions Contribution. Click here to read about the 340 who attended!
So what were the secrets to their success? HARD WORK FOR MONTHS as the Pakhutkos filled their garage and prepared and repaired the items. PRAYERS for the weather and God’s blessings; FOCUS on the goal of saved souls; GENEROUS HEARTS of the sacrificial disciples toward those poorer people who were grateful for the affordable prices.
PHOTO: Another blessing of the weekend was the baptism of Alyssa Schaub the following day!
