All good things must come to a close and this trip has been good and is coming to a close. I’ve finished everything I need to do except had a final few words with Eugene.
I’ve made the necessary and important last minute phone calls to special friends to say, “Goodbye, see you next trip.” I’ve sent some text messages to others to encourage them. I have completed packing all that I can pack until morning.
I've taken my stomach on a special trip to allow it to indulge in American food -- TGI-Fridays! However, I treated it with gentleness and only ate a chicken, BLT with fries and an appetizer of onion rings and a diet coke (two times). Well, you know, I must get it started on eating American food. In reality, when I start thinking about packing and going home, my stomach always puts in its request and I honor that request. I mean what else can you do -- what would you do?
So what else can I say? It is all over but crawling into the seat of the airplane and trying to get comfortable for 13 or 14 hours of air time. Just a word to Northwest Airlines: YOU BETTER HAVE MY AISLE SEAT AND NO ONE NEXT TO ME!
Flying in the middle of the week normally provides me more opportunity to have a vacant seat beside me which certainly allows for a more comfortable flight.
So until I see you all face to face or see you via the blog – God bless and keep you.
I am going to try to keep some information posted in the blog in-between trips about what is happening in missions – so keep checking and I’ll do my best to keep writing.
Thanks for reading and praying.
God bless,
Dr. D.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Sunday, October 19
Finished! The trip is all but completed. All I have to do is finish some details with Eugene, the Ukrainian Dean and pack for departure on Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. from the flat and 11:45 a.m. from Borispol Airport – then sit in the airplane and reflect on what God has wrought.
Today was a highlight, not because of being granted the honor of preaching in a Church running 10,000 but to have the privilege of spending some time with the pastor prior to the first service – well at least prior to the time to deliver the Word.
He is a visionary and is using great and unique ways to accomplish the vision God has given him. His vision is to reach the Muslim world. He is an African, with a Ukrainian wife, pastor a large Church in Kiev, another in Moscow (he flies there on Friday, preaches on Saturday and flies back to preach two times here at the mother Church on Sunday. Then Monday through Wednesday he is either here or is involved in crusades through out Ukraine. He has a midweek service on Thursday and then spends most of the day Friday with his family and departs of Moscow.
Today, a few minutes after I began to minister he departed for Pakistan. He was supposed to go last week, but a call from a secret believer in the know advised him to put it off until things settled down there. The man called him a couple of days ago and said, you can come if you believe God will protect you, but I cannot guarantee your protection. So today Pastor Henry Madava and fourteen team members departed to hold a pastors’ conference and a crusade Friday and Saturday. They expect 150,000 people in the Saturday night meeting.
The Church is training born-again people from Moslem countries to be missionaries to the Moslem world. The they send them back and support them to accomplish the work of God. They are doing this not only for the Moslem world but also in India, China and other eastern countries.
One of his burdens are the families of pastors in Viet Nam and the surrounding countries. The pastors have been killed and no one cares for the children and wives who remain. One son relayed to him, that his father died preaching the gospel and now where is Jesus and His people to help him, his brothers, sisters and mother. Because of their father’s death they children get no education and are able only to beg and try to survive.
Pastor Henry told me that he is using some unique ways to spread the gospel in Kiev. The Greek Orthodox and Catholic Churches have trained their people to go to confession. So Victory Church has established many “Confessional Booths” throughout the city where those who are accustomed to them can come and request prayer. There they are given the gospel message and told that they can pray directly to their Heavenly Father. This method is not looked upon by some Churches as “proper,” but it is successful and is reaching many for Christ.
His goal is to establish 5,000 Churches in the next 5 years. The Mother Church establishes a Church and the daughter Church is expected to begin another Church in one year and each new Church has the same commission.
Not only do they use that method, but whenever anyone moves from Kiev and leaves the Mother Church they are given extensive training about starting a new Church. They are expected not to attend another Church but to start a new Church.
These Churches are not left to their own devices. But Pastor and teams of people from Victory here in Kiev travel to the new Churches which are small and hold crusades. They do street witnessing and pass out invitations to the crusade, but only to new converts. No invitations are given to the general public who pass by. But each person is required to lead people to Jesus, then give them the invitation to the crusade. The crusade has an emphasis on healing. Pastor Henry is used mightily by God and they are seeing many miracles as a result. When they depart, the Church there is left with sometimes hundreds of new converts, as was demonstrated by the video they showed Sunday about the crusade in Chernigov, which is a few miles from Chernobyl.
An additional goal is that of sending out 300 teams of 10 in various countries of Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe with the purpose of each one leading one to Christ each day. Just think of that! Get out your calculator and do some figuring.
And they do not do anything “second rate” but only with “excellence!”
With that kind of vision, can you imagine the response one gets when ministering to his people! They are with you throughout the message!
Today the altars were filled with believers who had experienced emotional or physical abuse; with those who had been rejected by a father or mother; and those who had been abandoned by relatives. I cannot even begin to put a true number on those who came in each service. Conservatively, I would guess that there were 200+ in the first service and 150+ in the second. More that ten (10) received Christ in the first and seven (7) in the second.
Each service lasted about three and one-half hours. I was allowed one-hour and twenty minutes for ministering the Word and an altar service.
The staff of the Church we very gracious, very hospitable, very helpful and very sweet. I enjoyed my day with those from Victory Christian Church.
And to top it off, the Administrator, Kata, relayed a message from Pastor that I was welcome in Victory Church anytime it would work into both our schedules. She told me that Pastor is very cautious about who he allows to speak in the Church and specifically when he is not there. So I count it an honor to have had the privilege of speaking two times when the pastor was not there – even though he introduced me today in the first service, stayed for a few minutes and then departed for their flight to Pakistan. O yes! Pastor also extended an invitation to join him on one of his overseas crusades and be one of the team.
Thank you Life Church for permitting me to be your apostolic missionary to the nations of the world. This special opportunity is because of your faithfulness to be a missionary church by responding to the command of Jesus to go into “all the world”..
God bless and remember to pray for my return trip,
Dr. D.
Today was a highlight, not because of being granted the honor of preaching in a Church running 10,000 but to have the privilege of spending some time with the pastor prior to the first service – well at least prior to the time to deliver the Word.
He is a visionary and is using great and unique ways to accomplish the vision God has given him. His vision is to reach the Muslim world. He is an African, with a Ukrainian wife, pastor a large Church in Kiev, another in Moscow (he flies there on Friday, preaches on Saturday and flies back to preach two times here at the mother Church on Sunday. Then Monday through Wednesday he is either here or is involved in crusades through out Ukraine. He has a midweek service on Thursday and then spends most of the day Friday with his family and departs of Moscow.
Today, a few minutes after I began to minister he departed for Pakistan. He was supposed to go last week, but a call from a secret believer in the know advised him to put it off until things settled down there. The man called him a couple of days ago and said, you can come if you believe God will protect you, but I cannot guarantee your protection. So today Pastor Henry Madava and fourteen team members departed to hold a pastors’ conference and a crusade Friday and Saturday. They expect 150,000 people in the Saturday night meeting.
The Church is training born-again people from Moslem countries to be missionaries to the Moslem world. The they send them back and support them to accomplish the work of God. They are doing this not only for the Moslem world but also in India, China and other eastern countries.
One of his burdens are the families of pastors in Viet Nam and the surrounding countries. The pastors have been killed and no one cares for the children and wives who remain. One son relayed to him, that his father died preaching the gospel and now where is Jesus and His people to help him, his brothers, sisters and mother. Because of their father’s death they children get no education and are able only to beg and try to survive.
Pastor Henry told me that he is using some unique ways to spread the gospel in Kiev. The Greek Orthodox and Catholic Churches have trained their people to go to confession. So Victory Church has established many “Confessional Booths” throughout the city where those who are accustomed to them can come and request prayer. There they are given the gospel message and told that they can pray directly to their Heavenly Father. This method is not looked upon by some Churches as “proper,” but it is successful and is reaching many for Christ.
His goal is to establish 5,000 Churches in the next 5 years. The Mother Church establishes a Church and the daughter Church is expected to begin another Church in one year and each new Church has the same commission.
Not only do they use that method, but whenever anyone moves from Kiev and leaves the Mother Church they are given extensive training about starting a new Church. They are expected not to attend another Church but to start a new Church.
These Churches are not left to their own devices. But Pastor and teams of people from Victory here in Kiev travel to the new Churches which are small and hold crusades. They do street witnessing and pass out invitations to the crusade, but only to new converts. No invitations are given to the general public who pass by. But each person is required to lead people to Jesus, then give them the invitation to the crusade. The crusade has an emphasis on healing. Pastor Henry is used mightily by God and they are seeing many miracles as a result. When they depart, the Church there is left with sometimes hundreds of new converts, as was demonstrated by the video they showed Sunday about the crusade in Chernigov, which is a few miles from Chernobyl.
An additional goal is that of sending out 300 teams of 10 in various countries of Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe with the purpose of each one leading one to Christ each day. Just think of that! Get out your calculator and do some figuring.
And they do not do anything “second rate” but only with “excellence!”
With that kind of vision, can you imagine the response one gets when ministering to his people! They are with you throughout the message!
Today the altars were filled with believers who had experienced emotional or physical abuse; with those who had been rejected by a father or mother; and those who had been abandoned by relatives. I cannot even begin to put a true number on those who came in each service. Conservatively, I would guess that there were 200+ in the first service and 150+ in the second. More that ten (10) received Christ in the first and seven (7) in the second.
Each service lasted about three and one-half hours. I was allowed one-hour and twenty minutes for ministering the Word and an altar service.
The staff of the Church we very gracious, very hospitable, very helpful and very sweet. I enjoyed my day with those from Victory Christian Church.
And to top it off, the Administrator, Kata, relayed a message from Pastor that I was welcome in Victory Church anytime it would work into both our schedules. She told me that Pastor is very cautious about who he allows to speak in the Church and specifically when he is not there. So I count it an honor to have had the privilege of speaking two times when the pastor was not there – even though he introduced me today in the first service, stayed for a few minutes and then departed for their flight to Pakistan. O yes! Pastor also extended an invitation to join him on one of his overseas crusades and be one of the team.
Thank you Life Church for permitting me to be your apostolic missionary to the nations of the world. This special opportunity is because of your faithfulness to be a missionary church by responding to the command of Jesus to go into “all the world”..
God bless and remember to pray for my return trip,
Dr. D.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Saturday, October 18
Finally! The best night’s sleep since arriving in Ukraine. The problem however is this: Three nights and I go home – and face another adjustment! But that’s life in the overseas apostolic ministry. Maybe the success of it is found in “late to bed and late to rise” – well 12:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
I was able to finally determine the message for today, edit it, print it and then complete some other work. And eat another Ukrainian meal. Today it was: first course - soup (a mixture of various vegetables); fried potatoes and then trout. Before you jump up and down and say that sounds great, let me tell you that the trout was prepared during the week that we were in Chernivtsi, that’s two weeks ago. Well it was prepared to eat raw. Lena’s mother did it on her way through Kiev back to Moscow where she lives. I was told that it is very expensive and was done in a special way. What I do not know. So I did my best and ate two one inch wide by six inches long. Not bad, but I declined any more with the comment that I needed to treat my stomach carefully and not create a problem since I had to preach this afternoon and two times tomorrow.
O yes! I did my final load of laundry, put it in the dryer, took it out only to discover that I used the wrong settings and it was still very damp. I decided to put it back but the dryer rejected it saying that the drum was empty and it would not do any further drying. So I just took the clothes and spread them around my room to let them air dry.
The service at New Time Church was exciting. Why? Because I was the preacher! Why else? You should know that by now!
However, the exciting thing was two testimonies. Both are the result of what happened when I ministered there in April. A lady had severe back problems. Her back was in such bad condition that she could not stand for more than 20 minutes. And because of it she was bent over and always in pain. Her testimony is that God healed her and she now is able to stand, do her work and has no pain and is not bent over.
The second is from a young man (I say that but he is probably in his late twenties, I guess or early thirties. I remember the pastor asking me specifically to pray for him because he had just recently returned to Christ and was in bad financial situation. I’d forgotten exactly what I did until I heard his testimony of how I told him to get his wallet. I took it and prayed for God to fill it and to bless him and change his life.
He said that he went home and began to pray for money. But God told him to stop and pray for a change in his mind. Then he said that the Lord told him to go look in his wallet. He said, “There was money in it that I did not have before.” His story continues as he related that God also told him to use his mind to design. He was employed as a driver for a marble plant. So he began to design things that required marble. His boss, a believer, saw it and gave him a promotion and he is now a designer for the company and gives God the thanks for the financial blessings that have come his way.
These are just common people who have taken God at His Word, exercised their trust in Him and walk by faith, just like you and I.
The testimonies came just before I spoke. They were a confirmation of the message that God had laid on my heart: The Making of A Miracle or What Does It Require To Have A Miracle? I can hardly wait to hear what God has done through the people who were in the service. The challenge was to use their hands, as the hands of Christ and lay hands on the sick for their healing. If what happened at the conclusion is any way related to what will happen we should hear some more great testimonies.
Well it is time to finish this and say....
God Bless and thanks for your prayers,
Dr. D.
I was able to finally determine the message for today, edit it, print it and then complete some other work. And eat another Ukrainian meal. Today it was: first course - soup (a mixture of various vegetables); fried potatoes and then trout. Before you jump up and down and say that sounds great, let me tell you that the trout was prepared during the week that we were in Chernivtsi, that’s two weeks ago. Well it was prepared to eat raw. Lena’s mother did it on her way through Kiev back to Moscow where she lives. I was told that it is very expensive and was done in a special way. What I do not know. So I did my best and ate two one inch wide by six inches long. Not bad, but I declined any more with the comment that I needed to treat my stomach carefully and not create a problem since I had to preach this afternoon and two times tomorrow.
O yes! I did my final load of laundry, put it in the dryer, took it out only to discover that I used the wrong settings and it was still very damp. I decided to put it back but the dryer rejected it saying that the drum was empty and it would not do any further drying. So I just took the clothes and spread them around my room to let them air dry.
The service at New Time Church was exciting. Why? Because I was the preacher! Why else? You should know that by now!
However, the exciting thing was two testimonies. Both are the result of what happened when I ministered there in April. A lady had severe back problems. Her back was in such bad condition that she could not stand for more than 20 minutes. And because of it she was bent over and always in pain. Her testimony is that God healed her and she now is able to stand, do her work and has no pain and is not bent over.
The second is from a young man (I say that but he is probably in his late twenties, I guess or early thirties. I remember the pastor asking me specifically to pray for him because he had just recently returned to Christ and was in bad financial situation. I’d forgotten exactly what I did until I heard his testimony of how I told him to get his wallet. I took it and prayed for God to fill it and to bless him and change his life.
He said that he went home and began to pray for money. But God told him to stop and pray for a change in his mind. Then he said that the Lord told him to go look in his wallet. He said, “There was money in it that I did not have before.” His story continues as he related that God also told him to use his mind to design. He was employed as a driver for a marble plant. So he began to design things that required marble. His boss, a believer, saw it and gave him a promotion and he is now a designer for the company and gives God the thanks for the financial blessings that have come his way.
These are just common people who have taken God at His Word, exercised their trust in Him and walk by faith, just like you and I.
The testimonies came just before I spoke. They were a confirmation of the message that God had laid on my heart: The Making of A Miracle or What Does It Require To Have A Miracle? I can hardly wait to hear what God has done through the people who were in the service. The challenge was to use their hands, as the hands of Christ and lay hands on the sick for their healing. If what happened at the conclusion is any way related to what will happen we should hear some more great testimonies.
Well it is time to finish this and say....
God Bless and thanks for your prayers,
Dr. D.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Friday, October 17
This was another busy day in the office – my traveling office. It – my office just seems to follow me everywhere I go. I’ve tried to lose it but it keeps finding me. So I have to utilize it and work it for all its worth. The problem is my secretary. He doesn’t want to work (that “he” is “me”). But when I add a little pressure, such as, “If you don’t the work will pile up and you will never catch up, so get busy!” All it requires is a little pressure and “he” responds.
Now if my computer will respond correctly all will be well. But that is a “horse of a different color.” My keyboard seems to have developed a will of its own. Sometimes it will just automatically erase a couple of sentences, or jump back up (it just did it again) a couple of lines and begin to insert the letters I just typed in previous sentenc(again)e – and then it erased half of the paragraph (but I got it back). It is time to take it to a computer chiropractor and gets it adjusted.
Tonight I taught a group of leaders from Andre and Ira Ivanov’s Church – Abundant Life, and about 12 students of our Kiev College. The subject was “leadership” (how about that since it was a group of leaders – what else do you expect.) Anyway we keyed in on David, his call to leadership and his schooling in Bethlehem, Adullam and Hebron. There are great lessons there, but you will have to attend my class on leadership if you want more. (I know – that’s rotten – but that’s the way I am!)
The trip to the facility where the class is held is the story of the evening. Eugene told me we were leaving at 6:30 but at 6:15 we departed. I always get ready early and expect to leave late – that is the norm. He had to get gas and as he passed the way we normally go I called his attention to the traffic in the lane going the opposite direction – the one we were going to be in after getting gas. So he decided to go a different way – much to our chagrin. The first five blocks went great. Then it stopped – the traffic that is and we would go about five to six car lengths and stop. This continued for twenty minutes and he recognized that we were not going to make it on time. The class started at 7:00, it was not 6:45. So he called and had Roslan (his assistant) alerted.
Seven o’clock came and we were not there. Now I am getting nervous. My assignment was to teach three sessions a group of lectures that normally requires five to six hours anyway. I could prophecy that there was no way now that I would even come close. We arrived at 7:25. Nothing was set up! Plus, I had to set up my computer, hook up my overhead projector to it, unpack my microphones (I carry a wireless unit with two mic – one for me and the other for my interpreter). It always requires a lot of patience when I hand them receiver and ask, “Which set of wires to you need?” I carry a combination that will allow me to hook up to almost any amplifier in various ways.
Finally we - my Ukrainian helpers and me accomplished the task. I was ready! But nothing else was. They had to finish setting up their sound system. Go find a screen. Then when all of that was done, they had to wait to get the video equipment set up. By this time I could have been steaming, but I kept my cool (go ahead and pat me on the back) and waited patiently until I got the high sign. I was just glad they did not take time to have a prayer meeting and worship service as they have in times past.
The blessing of the evening was my interpreter, Luda. She is a piece of dynamite. She will allow me to get started and then while I am talking she begins and keeps up with me and I pause to give her time, but I don’t think she needs it. I think she is has a “time delay mechanism” in her and my words are delayed, stored and then come out her mouth. She doesn’t miss a beat. She was one of two interpreters Marilyn and I had the first time we were in Chernivtsi. I have not had her for a long time and forgot how good she is or has become. Thank God for people like her and my secretary in Chernivtsi who can do likewise. I appreciate them both.
No I did not get finished. I only made it through one and three-quarters of lectures. I felt sorry for those there, but they will all have the ability to get a DVD or CD of the entire lectures. These were recorded about two years ago so they will not miss anything. This is the norm. When I teach a new class, we video it and put it on DVD and CD so that we can bicycle it throughout Ukraine to the various campuses of Zoe University.
We returned home about 10:30 to a cheese omelet Ukrainian style, with chocolate candy and tea to top it off. And now I am writing this blog before I go on-line to check my emails and respond to any that are necessary before I turn in.
Saturday, I have a 3:30 Sunday worship service. Yes I typed it correctly. Many churches meet Saturday. It all depends upon the type of work of the majority of the congregation and the availability of an auditorium for the to use a their sanctuary.
So before I get sleepy and the “z’s” begin to show up in repeated fashion, I sign off with....
God bless and thanks for your prayers,
Dr. D.
Now if my computer will respond correctly all will be well. But that is a “horse of a different color.” My keyboard seems to have developed a will of its own. Sometimes it will just automatically erase a couple of sentences, or jump back up (it just did it again) a couple of lines and begin to insert the letters I just typed in previous sentenc(again)e – and then it erased half of the paragraph (but I got it back). It is time to take it to a computer chiropractor and gets it adjusted.
Tonight I taught a group of leaders from Andre and Ira Ivanov’s Church – Abundant Life, and about 12 students of our Kiev College. The subject was “leadership” (how about that since it was a group of leaders – what else do you expect.) Anyway we keyed in on David, his call to leadership and his schooling in Bethlehem, Adullam and Hebron. There are great lessons there, but you will have to attend my class on leadership if you want more. (I know – that’s rotten – but that’s the way I am!)
The trip to the facility where the class is held is the story of the evening. Eugene told me we were leaving at 6:30 but at 6:15 we departed. I always get ready early and expect to leave late – that is the norm. He had to get gas and as he passed the way we normally go I called his attention to the traffic in the lane going the opposite direction – the one we were going to be in after getting gas. So he decided to go a different way – much to our chagrin. The first five blocks went great. Then it stopped – the traffic that is and we would go about five to six car lengths and stop. This continued for twenty minutes and he recognized that we were not going to make it on time. The class started at 7:00, it was not 6:45. So he called and had Roslan (his assistant) alerted.
Seven o’clock came and we were not there. Now I am getting nervous. My assignment was to teach three sessions a group of lectures that normally requires five to six hours anyway. I could prophecy that there was no way now that I would even come close. We arrived at 7:25. Nothing was set up! Plus, I had to set up my computer, hook up my overhead projector to it, unpack my microphones (I carry a wireless unit with two mic – one for me and the other for my interpreter). It always requires a lot of patience when I hand them receiver and ask, “Which set of wires to you need?” I carry a combination that will allow me to hook up to almost any amplifier in various ways.
Finally we - my Ukrainian helpers and me accomplished the task. I was ready! But nothing else was. They had to finish setting up their sound system. Go find a screen. Then when all of that was done, they had to wait to get the video equipment set up. By this time I could have been steaming, but I kept my cool (go ahead and pat me on the back) and waited patiently until I got the high sign. I was just glad they did not take time to have a prayer meeting and worship service as they have in times past.
The blessing of the evening was my interpreter, Luda. She is a piece of dynamite. She will allow me to get started and then while I am talking she begins and keeps up with me and I pause to give her time, but I don’t think she needs it. I think she is has a “time delay mechanism” in her and my words are delayed, stored and then come out her mouth. She doesn’t miss a beat. She was one of two interpreters Marilyn and I had the first time we were in Chernivtsi. I have not had her for a long time and forgot how good she is or has become. Thank God for people like her and my secretary in Chernivtsi who can do likewise. I appreciate them both.
No I did not get finished. I only made it through one and three-quarters of lectures. I felt sorry for those there, but they will all have the ability to get a DVD or CD of the entire lectures. These were recorded about two years ago so they will not miss anything. This is the norm. When I teach a new class, we video it and put it on DVD and CD so that we can bicycle it throughout Ukraine to the various campuses of Zoe University.
We returned home about 10:30 to a cheese omelet Ukrainian style, with chocolate candy and tea to top it off. And now I am writing this blog before I go on-line to check my emails and respond to any that are necessary before I turn in.
Saturday, I have a 3:30 Sunday worship service. Yes I typed it correctly. Many churches meet Saturday. It all depends upon the type of work of the majority of the congregation and the availability of an auditorium for the to use a their sanctuary.
So before I get sleepy and the “z’s” begin to show up in repeated fashion, I sign off with....
God bless and thanks for your prayers,
Dr. D.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Thursday, October 16
My first day off – that is with no schedule – but a work day anyway. A day to catch up on ministry records, to prepare for teaching Friday evening; to focus in on the two remaining Churches and what God would have be say to them, to get some material and a record of our discussions ready to present to Eugene and with the other couple of hours – try to rest.
So there isn’t much to read today. It has been profitable and I am satisfied so I’ll probably spend the rest of the evening from 8-11 just relaxing – IF I can.
Thanks again for your prayers,
Dr. D.
So there isn’t much to read today. It has been profitable and I am satisfied so I’ll probably spend the rest of the evening from 8-11 just relaxing – IF I can.
Thanks again for your prayers,
Dr. D.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Wednesday, October 15
Marilyn is in the air from Newark to Ft. Myers as I write this. I have completed a great day of meetings that will advance the Christian educational program in Ukraine.
My meeting with Bishop Valeriy Reshetinsky of Christian Hope Center who leads 120 Churches in Ukraine and is Chairman of the Board of ICCL (International Center for Christian Leadership) can be classified as a “Meeting of Visions.” Both of us shared our vision and found out it was same for each of us. We have the same goals for elevating the Christian Educational System of Ukraine. Therefore, we will be networking our educational program with what he is now doing and taking some of his educational programs and adding them to ours so we can offer a degree in those areas – for example: Missions - Establishing Churches in Small Villages and Cities.
The Bishop has accepted our request to re-register Covenant Life University - known now as International Institute of Theology - Zoe here in Ukraine and probably to be changed to Zoe University when the documents are filed. He also offered office space and classrooms for Zoe in his facility. Exactly how all of this will look is yet to be determined, but Eugene Taits, Dean of IIT-Zoe is pleased. I am thrilled! And other pastors have offered their comments and they all confirm my evaluation of Bishop Reshetinsky: “He is a well-respected leader with high standards and ethics.”
We have requests for campus extensions from Germany, Italy, France, Georgia, Israel, Russia, and Russian speaking congregations in the United States as well. And we have many requests from Pastors who have completed our bachelor program to begin graduate courses (Masters through Doctorate).
The facility of Christian Hope Center has 12,000 square meters. For you who have forgotten how to convert from square meters to square feet, allow me to use my special converter and tell you that equals 129,167 square feet or 2.9 acres of floor space.
The original price was 5 million dollars. The pastor told them they would not pay that price. So they owners asked how much will you pay. $500,000 was the reply. The owners began to curse and finally said $1,000,000. The finally settled on $850,000 or which the Church only had less than $12,000. To shorten the story – they were to pay $100,000 immediately to which the pastor responded, we will pay you in 18 months. The day was approaching to make the payment and they were very, very short. But God led David Wilkerson to their Church service – after he had refused to minister their on that Sunday – the ushers sent word to the pastor that David was in the building. Pastor Valeriy asked him to come to the platform and David shared that God told him he was to go to Christian Hope and give them $50,000 but he did not know how to get there. God said, “Ask!” He did and found the service.
But that was not enough and on the day the payment was due a man, whose name is lost, came into their office and said that he was leaving on an airplane in a few hours but that God directed him to come and give them $100,000 from the sale of his facility – a Church. The story continues and today the building is paid for and now has a value of $40-50 million dollars!
There is much work to be done to this incomplete former sports training center – but they have a section with offices, class rooms for college and rooms for 40 students to live (10 to a room) for their 2-3 week courses of ICCL. As well they have an auditorium on the third floor that seats 1100 but during the winter they cannot use it because it lacks heat. They need approximately $150,000 to purchase the furnaces for this section. When they complete the main auditorium it will seat 3,500.
So you can see this leader is a Visionary extraordinary. How could I forget to tell you that he is a – I believe – a nuclear physicists (he has his doctorate in that field).
I wrapped up the day by spending time with Pastor Andre and Ira Ivanov (who visited us in the US in 2006). They made their requests for ministry during the coming year – a ladies seminar. That seems to be a key request now as the pastors are recognizing the need of the Ukrainian ladies. The women of Ukraine come to Christ with such enthusiasm they get their lives out of balance and many neglect their homes – children and husbands and claim they are “working for Christ,” so it is okay. But thank God some pastors are seeing the problem for what it is and want to do something about it.
It is time to crash – since I have been up now for almost 20 hours.
God bless and thank you for praying, (I teach in the College Friday, minister Saturday at New Time Church and Sunday at Victory (2 services).
Dr. D.
My meeting with Bishop Valeriy Reshetinsky of Christian Hope Center who leads 120 Churches in Ukraine and is Chairman of the Board of ICCL (International Center for Christian Leadership) can be classified as a “Meeting of Visions.” Both of us shared our vision and found out it was same for each of us. We have the same goals for elevating the Christian Educational System of Ukraine. Therefore, we will be networking our educational program with what he is now doing and taking some of his educational programs and adding them to ours so we can offer a degree in those areas – for example: Missions - Establishing Churches in Small Villages and Cities.
The Bishop has accepted our request to re-register Covenant Life University - known now as International Institute of Theology - Zoe here in Ukraine and probably to be changed to Zoe University when the documents are filed. He also offered office space and classrooms for Zoe in his facility. Exactly how all of this will look is yet to be determined, but Eugene Taits, Dean of IIT-Zoe is pleased. I am thrilled! And other pastors have offered their comments and they all confirm my evaluation of Bishop Reshetinsky: “He is a well-respected leader with high standards and ethics.”
We have requests for campus extensions from Germany, Italy, France, Georgia, Israel, Russia, and Russian speaking congregations in the United States as well. And we have many requests from Pastors who have completed our bachelor program to begin graduate courses (Masters through Doctorate).
The facility of Christian Hope Center has 12,000 square meters. For you who have forgotten how to convert from square meters to square feet, allow me to use my special converter and tell you that equals 129,167 square feet or 2.9 acres of floor space.
The original price was 5 million dollars. The pastor told them they would not pay that price. So they owners asked how much will you pay. $500,000 was the reply. The owners began to curse and finally said $1,000,000. The finally settled on $850,000 or which the Church only had less than $12,000. To shorten the story – they were to pay $100,000 immediately to which the pastor responded, we will pay you in 18 months. The day was approaching to make the payment and they were very, very short. But God led David Wilkerson to their Church service – after he had refused to minister their on that Sunday – the ushers sent word to the pastor that David was in the building. Pastor Valeriy asked him to come to the platform and David shared that God told him he was to go to Christian Hope and give them $50,000 but he did not know how to get there. God said, “Ask!” He did and found the service.
But that was not enough and on the day the payment was due a man, whose name is lost, came into their office and said that he was leaving on an airplane in a few hours but that God directed him to come and give them $100,000 from the sale of his facility – a Church. The story continues and today the building is paid for and now has a value of $40-50 million dollars!
There is much work to be done to this incomplete former sports training center – but they have a section with offices, class rooms for college and rooms for 40 students to live (10 to a room) for their 2-3 week courses of ICCL. As well they have an auditorium on the third floor that seats 1100 but during the winter they cannot use it because it lacks heat. They need approximately $150,000 to purchase the furnaces for this section. When they complete the main auditorium it will seat 3,500.
So you can see this leader is a Visionary extraordinary. How could I forget to tell you that he is a – I believe – a nuclear physicists (he has his doctorate in that field).
I wrapped up the day by spending time with Pastor Andre and Ira Ivanov (who visited us in the US in 2006). They made their requests for ministry during the coming year – a ladies seminar. That seems to be a key request now as the pastors are recognizing the need of the Ukrainian ladies. The women of Ukraine come to Christ with such enthusiasm they get their lives out of balance and many neglect their homes – children and husbands and claim they are “working for Christ,” so it is okay. But thank God some pastors are seeing the problem for what it is and want to do something about it.
It is time to crash – since I have been up now for almost 20 hours.
God bless and thank you for praying, (I teach in the College Friday, minister Saturday at New Time Church and Sunday at Victory (2 services).
Dr. D.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday - Tuesday, October 13-14
Back in Kiev!
Monday was a day off, if that is what you can call it! We got everything packed that we could before breakfast – you know I can’t believe I eat breakfast in Ukraine when I do not in the US except on special occasions – and then were taken downtown Makeevka, population 400,000 to see some sites and to stop at a Baptist printing plant.
The city was a coal mining center during the Soviet occupation. It was built around the mines and specifically for the mines and miners. The processing area covers hundreds of acres but the majority of the buildings and accompanying tracks, lifts, conveyors, etc. are in terrible condition and the majority of the facility is not being used. We are told that one hundred plus miners are killed per month in the mines. But it doesn’t make the news because it is such a regular occurrence. The sad thing is that the coal is not mined for the Ukrainians, nor is the coke made from the coal used by Ukraine, but is exported primarily to Russia.
We returned to the Church for lunch and then took a trip to downtown Donetsk which has a population of over one-million. We walked around the center area and through one of the many parks lined with outside eateries, playgrounds for children and benches filled with the “young-and-in-love”; the babushka’s (grandmothers) with their grandchildren; and many others. The city plant over one-million roses each year in the city. Can you imagine what it looks like and smells like when they are in bloom? And that is only the beginning of the many flowers and flowering plants as well as a variety of trees the fill the landscape.
Supper came too soon and we begged off with just something to drink and saved that delightful occasion for the train ride which began at 7:25 p.m. and ended at 7:01 precisely as listed in Kiev. I think we have probably mastered the time and meal changes because we both slept relatively good on the trip. Hallelujah! We were on Track #1. I know that doesn’t mean anything to you, but when we bring you to Ukraine and you have to take your luggage off the train with the narrow steps down and the up the equivalent of three flights of stairs, then across the walkway covering the 15 tracks and then out to the van one to two blocks away, you will appreciate that we came in on Track #1! All we had to do was walk out the gate beside the station house about one block to wait on our ride. Just think – nine (9) pieces of luggage and two ladies and ME! Come on now, have SOME mercy!
A side stop on the way to our accommodations to pick an item to take to the states for a friend along with a stop at McDonald’s for a bite of breakfast. Then a quick shower and jump in the car by 10:30 to make my twelve o’clock appointment. The traffic is horrendous at this hour and we had to go all the way to downtown Kiev and meet Vadim Uruymagov who was to be my interpreter for this meeting with Bishop Valeriy Reshetinsky to discuss the registration process of Covenant Life University way Ukraine. On our way a phone call informed us that he was called by the Mayor of Kiev to a meeting. The Mayor is a believer and often calls upon some of the pastors for assistance in various ways. It was rescheduled for Wednesday. Since we were to meet Vadim at McDonald’s (a different one from my breakfast encounter) and he had been promised a meal, we (Eugene and I) dined with him.
Meanwhile back at the ranch (I mean the flat) Marilyn was catching up on some happenings from Ira Ivanov – the pastor’s wife of Abundant Life – some of you may remember that she and her husband Andre were with us in Life Church in 2006. And she was preparing her suitcases for her early morning departure from the flat (4:00 a.m.) to meet her 6:45 a.m. departure from Kiev and schedule arrival in Ft. Myers at 6:10 p.m. with a stop in Amsterdam and Newark.
We are presently taking care of the final details and trying to determine how to get to some sleep before we ride the elevator down to the car and then travel completely through the city to the Borispol airport 10-15 miles outside the city. I will remain alone for one more week to take care of some college business and scheduled ministry.
God bless and thanks again and again for your prayers,
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Monday was a day off, if that is what you can call it! We got everything packed that we could before breakfast – you know I can’t believe I eat breakfast in Ukraine when I do not in the US except on special occasions – and then were taken downtown Makeevka, population 400,000 to see some sites and to stop at a Baptist printing plant.
The city was a coal mining center during the Soviet occupation. It was built around the mines and specifically for the mines and miners. The processing area covers hundreds of acres but the majority of the buildings and accompanying tracks, lifts, conveyors, etc. are in terrible condition and the majority of the facility is not being used. We are told that one hundred plus miners are killed per month in the mines. But it doesn’t make the news because it is such a regular occurrence. The sad thing is that the coal is not mined for the Ukrainians, nor is the coke made from the coal used by Ukraine, but is exported primarily to Russia.
We returned to the Church for lunch and then took a trip to downtown Donetsk which has a population of over one-million. We walked around the center area and through one of the many parks lined with outside eateries, playgrounds for children and benches filled with the “young-and-in-love”; the babushka’s (grandmothers) with their grandchildren; and many others. The city plant over one-million roses each year in the city. Can you imagine what it looks like and smells like when they are in bloom? And that is only the beginning of the many flowers and flowering plants as well as a variety of trees the fill the landscape.
Supper came too soon and we begged off with just something to drink and saved that delightful occasion for the train ride which began at 7:25 p.m. and ended at 7:01 precisely as listed in Kiev. I think we have probably mastered the time and meal changes because we both slept relatively good on the trip. Hallelujah! We were on Track #1. I know that doesn’t mean anything to you, but when we bring you to Ukraine and you have to take your luggage off the train with the narrow steps down and the up the equivalent of three flights of stairs, then across the walkway covering the 15 tracks and then out to the van one to two blocks away, you will appreciate that we came in on Track #1! All we had to do was walk out the gate beside the station house about one block to wait on our ride. Just think – nine (9) pieces of luggage and two ladies and ME! Come on now, have SOME mercy!
A side stop on the way to our accommodations to pick an item to take to the states for a friend along with a stop at McDonald’s for a bite of breakfast. Then a quick shower and jump in the car by 10:30 to make my twelve o’clock appointment. The traffic is horrendous at this hour and we had to go all the way to downtown Kiev and meet Vadim Uruymagov who was to be my interpreter for this meeting with Bishop Valeriy Reshetinsky to discuss the registration process of Covenant Life University way Ukraine. On our way a phone call informed us that he was called by the Mayor of Kiev to a meeting. The Mayor is a believer and often calls upon some of the pastors for assistance in various ways. It was rescheduled for Wednesday. Since we were to meet Vadim at McDonald’s (a different one from my breakfast encounter) and he had been promised a meal, we (Eugene and I) dined with him.
Meanwhile back at the ranch (I mean the flat) Marilyn was catching up on some happenings from Ira Ivanov – the pastor’s wife of Abundant Life – some of you may remember that she and her husband Andre were with us in Life Church in 2006. And she was preparing her suitcases for her early morning departure from the flat (4:00 a.m.) to meet her 6:45 a.m. departure from Kiev and schedule arrival in Ft. Myers at 6:10 p.m. with a stop in Amsterdam and Newark.
We are presently taking care of the final details and trying to determine how to get to some sleep before we ride the elevator down to the car and then travel completely through the city to the Borispol airport 10-15 miles outside the city. I will remain alone for one more week to take care of some college business and scheduled ministry.
God bless and thanks again and again for your prayers,
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Sunday, October 12
10:00 P.M. The day is done and we are “done in.” It has been a good but tiring day! It all began at 6:30 this morning. Get up, get ready and depart for Marinovka and the Church of Christ Savior. I was there first outside speaker and I was really outside – from the US. The Church is a daughter Church of the Church in which I was to minister in the evening.
I was joined by one of the three choirs from the Mother Church. My interpreter was a young college grad with his master’s degree in tourism hospitality. He works in the computer field. He can speak excellent English but is still “green” in the art of sermon interpretation. This was my third service with him and I must say his best yet – the other attempts had been somewhat frustrating. Now I know I am hard to interpret because of the way I phrase things, but he was still “green”. In fact, he has only been attending a Pentecostal Church for about six months. And the Pentecostal Churches in Ukraine over-all are ultra-conservative. Time and space and good sense prohibits me from explaining further. But since this was one of their own, we made it successfully.
About the time that I was ready to begin the final prayer and conclude the message, something that I thought would never happen in Ukraine DID! I got one of those “phone calls from Heaven” – you know – those that come while you are in Church and only God would call during a service. I never considered that someone would call me in Ukraine. So few people who have my Ukraine phone number speak English. But it was someone who knew me! Who? Answer: My wife. She had been told that the service was over at 10:30 when in reality it was not to be over until 11:00+. Svetlana and requested she call me to verify that we had already departed so we would be back in time to minister at 12:00 for the 11:00 service. Anyway I was able to turn the phone off, I thought, but only to discover that it blurted out the medley assigned to it again. By this time I had closed the service and requested the pastor to come.
We “flew” on top of the road back to our destination and arrived with about 20 minutes to spare before time to ascend the platform and preach. This Church is a Charismatic Church and the atmosphere provided for an easier presentation of the Word of God. One young man received Christ and many testified of receiving a healing during the prayer time.
Dinner was in our private dinning room with the Pastor Vladimir and Luda Gorbachev and Natasha, a lady who works for Svetlana here and was our driver for this occasion. I completed my meal, dismissed myself (the pastor had already taken leave) and crashed on the bed for a hour of rest before scheduled to depart for the last service of the day.
The evening assignment was in a Church pastored by Alexander and Vera (last name missing from my mind). They are the parents of thirteen (13) children. Five of them are married and they have provided eight grand-children. That means they still have eight at home or at least unmarried. Six of their children are girls and that leave seven boys. Their oldest son is the second in command. One son-in-law directs one of the their three choirs (they also have six complete worship teams). Another son-in-law was my interpreter for Saturday and for this evening. We got along good and I attribute any problems to my state of mind which was in a tired condition.
They have the nicest building in which we have ministered in all of Ukraine. The pastor spent either fifteen or sixteen years building their facility because they did not hire any professionals but did all the work themselves. It is very–very–very nice! I believe you could place to gymnasiums in it and have ample room for spectators. It has two stories with a balcony. The pastor may be from a conservative group here in Ukraine but his vision is not limited by that relationship. His son, Volodia told me that over 90% of those who attend have been born again in the Church or because of someone who led them to the Lord and brought them to Church. I would guess that there were 400 present and I know that some of them were at a special cooperative service elsewhere in town where they had been reading the Bible aloud and were completing the process.
The worship team for the evening were all youth. They had a beautiful sound and their sweetness totally overshadowed any weakness a critic may point out. After my ministry their main choir entered in their robes and filled the auditorium with some beautiful music. You can tell that many, if not all had trained voices, meaning they had been involved in some type of professional training. The arts are highly valued in the cultures of the former Soviet Union. Oh, yes! Before the choir came one lady came forward and received Jesus as a result of the message.
We closed out the evening there by joining the pastor, his wife along with Svetlana and Olga – a beautiful girl, an orphan and now a consistent believer and worker in a local bank – and is the product of Svetlana’s efforts to reach the orphaned children of Ukraine.
We finally closed out the evening by stopping by a super-market and getting some traveling foods for our journey back to Kiev on the overnight train Monday evening. But you always conclude the evening with some tea, cookies, candies, cheese or whatever you desire. We did and we finished at 10:00 p.m.
God bless and thanks for your prayers,
Dr. D. & Marilyn
I was joined by one of the three choirs from the Mother Church. My interpreter was a young college grad with his master’s degree in tourism hospitality. He works in the computer field. He can speak excellent English but is still “green” in the art of sermon interpretation. This was my third service with him and I must say his best yet – the other attempts had been somewhat frustrating. Now I know I am hard to interpret because of the way I phrase things, but he was still “green”. In fact, he has only been attending a Pentecostal Church for about six months. And the Pentecostal Churches in Ukraine over-all are ultra-conservative. Time and space and good sense prohibits me from explaining further. But since this was one of their own, we made it successfully.
About the time that I was ready to begin the final prayer and conclude the message, something that I thought would never happen in Ukraine DID! I got one of those “phone calls from Heaven” – you know – those that come while you are in Church and only God would call during a service. I never considered that someone would call me in Ukraine. So few people who have my Ukraine phone number speak English. But it was someone who knew me! Who? Answer: My wife. She had been told that the service was over at 10:30 when in reality it was not to be over until 11:00+. Svetlana and requested she call me to verify that we had already departed so we would be back in time to minister at 12:00 for the 11:00 service. Anyway I was able to turn the phone off, I thought, but only to discover that it blurted out the medley assigned to it again. By this time I had closed the service and requested the pastor to come.
We “flew” on top of the road back to our destination and arrived with about 20 minutes to spare before time to ascend the platform and preach. This Church is a Charismatic Church and the atmosphere provided for an easier presentation of the Word of God. One young man received Christ and many testified of receiving a healing during the prayer time.
Dinner was in our private dinning room with the Pastor Vladimir and Luda Gorbachev and Natasha, a lady who works for Svetlana here and was our driver for this occasion. I completed my meal, dismissed myself (the pastor had already taken leave) and crashed on the bed for a hour of rest before scheduled to depart for the last service of the day.
The evening assignment was in a Church pastored by Alexander and Vera (last name missing from my mind). They are the parents of thirteen (13) children. Five of them are married and they have provided eight grand-children. That means they still have eight at home or at least unmarried. Six of their children are girls and that leave seven boys. Their oldest son is the second in command. One son-in-law directs one of the their three choirs (they also have six complete worship teams). Another son-in-law was my interpreter for Saturday and for this evening. We got along good and I attribute any problems to my state of mind which was in a tired condition.
They have the nicest building in which we have ministered in all of Ukraine. The pastor spent either fifteen or sixteen years building their facility because they did not hire any professionals but did all the work themselves. It is very–very–very nice! I believe you could place to gymnasiums in it and have ample room for spectators. It has two stories with a balcony. The pastor may be from a conservative group here in Ukraine but his vision is not limited by that relationship. His son, Volodia told me that over 90% of those who attend have been born again in the Church or because of someone who led them to the Lord and brought them to Church. I would guess that there were 400 present and I know that some of them were at a special cooperative service elsewhere in town where they had been reading the Bible aloud and were completing the process.
The worship team for the evening were all youth. They had a beautiful sound and their sweetness totally overshadowed any weakness a critic may point out. After my ministry their main choir entered in their robes and filled the auditorium with some beautiful music. You can tell that many, if not all had trained voices, meaning they had been involved in some type of professional training. The arts are highly valued in the cultures of the former Soviet Union. Oh, yes! Before the choir came one lady came forward and received Jesus as a result of the message.
We closed out the evening there by joining the pastor, his wife along with Svetlana and Olga – a beautiful girl, an orphan and now a consistent believer and worker in a local bank – and is the product of Svetlana’s efforts to reach the orphaned children of Ukraine.
We finally closed out the evening by stopping by a super-market and getting some traveling foods for our journey back to Kiev on the overnight train Monday evening. But you always conclude the evening with some tea, cookies, candies, cheese or whatever you desire. We did and we finished at 10:00 p.m.
God bless and thanks for your prayers,
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Saturday, October 11
Saturday began and ended. (That’s a reverse version of the statement in Genesis – “and the evening and morning were the first day.”).
Nine o’clock and we climbed into the pastor’s new Nissan mini-mini van (five seats) and headed for the location of our one day conference. Ten churches were represented with their people and pastor. I am not sure how big the crowd was, but they were crowded into the foyer of a former Lenin Cultural Center which the church in that city purchased for $5,000 (I wish I knew the name of the city – at least spell it since I would have a hard time pronouncing it.) I can only imagine what the building looked like when it was new. It is a smaller version of the building here where we are living. They have not completed the renovation of the entire building and so we were only able to use the foyer.
I toured this one on Friday and it is huge. There are three floors in the front and rooms almost too numerous to count and I probably could if I tried, since I did pass the first grade with flying colors. I’ll show you the pictures of this when we return.
Anyway, back to the conference. There were three services scheduled. When we entered I was handed a schedule for the day with every event listed and the time for each to start and finish. Now that is hard on me. But since they allotted me one hour to preach I settled in to wait for my moment. The wait was well worth it because the worship was super! The Spirit of God moved throughout the worship and I knew that God was wanting to do something special today. I did not even take time to say anything about what I do or where I am from or any such thing, I just started preaching. As they say, confession is good for the soul and so I will confess I used slightly more than my hour but the shouting and response in the latter part of my message just inspired me and moved me in such a way that if it had not been for the timer on my IPOD which I was using to record the service I might still be preaching.
Svetlana Pokhodina requested a place for us to rest while they had their seminar and took care of some networking business. The pastor – man I can’t believe I forgot to tell you about him. Driving up to the facility a tall, well dressed young man reached out and opened the door and then almost shouted, “I know you! I attended your college in Kiev. Dr. Deaton, welcome to my church.” Anyway, he took us to his apartment and allowed us to rest, drink tea and wait for his return.
Lunch was served at the orphanage he operates in a neighboring city. God also provided a miracle for him and he was able to acquire a building in which he now houses about one dozen children who were either or the streets or abandoned by their parent(s). The building is clean and neat but there is so much work to be done before. Many of us would look and the building and agree with the building department of our city and say “Close the doors now!” But you can see from the Church and the Orphanage and his home that this pastor does everything with excellence and has a vision for ministry. O - the food was simple - salanka soup, corn/potato sea-food salad, chicken cutlets and mashed potatoes and capped off with tea, lemon slices, some kiwi, banana slices, and another fruit (which I can’t remember).
A short trip returned us to the site of the conference with the service underway. Again the place was packed tight and sitting on the front row I had the worship team so close I could reach out and touch them without a hard stretch. We were all tired but as we drew to the close of the message the Spirit began to move and the healing power of God began to flow. I cannot tell you how many miracles were testified to by the raising of hands but it seemed as though everyone had their hand raised to say I received at least one healing. Praise God!
We returned to our abode (I like that word!) about 6:45 p.m. and served nourishment to our flesh which was crying out for some food.
That ends the experiences of Saturday. Except – it seems that every place we go there is someone around us that is sick with some type of virus. The pastor with whom we are staying got very sick during the first service and spent the rest of the day in his van. We are trusting the Lord to keep us well so we can continue the ministry set before us. We have two days left here in the Donetsk area. Sunday I have three services 8:00 (it is one hour from the second), 11:00 and 5:00. I will not return to the second service except in time to walk into the pulpit and share the Word. I’ve told Marilyn to be ready because I might just have to spend a lot of time praying for the people in the first service and so she would share the Word. Guess what reaction I got! Your are correct!
Anyway, God bless and thanks for your prayers!
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Nine o’clock and we climbed into the pastor’s new Nissan mini-mini van (five seats) and headed for the location of our one day conference. Ten churches were represented with their people and pastor. I am not sure how big the crowd was, but they were crowded into the foyer of a former Lenin Cultural Center which the church in that city purchased for $5,000 (I wish I knew the name of the city – at least spell it since I would have a hard time pronouncing it.) I can only imagine what the building looked like when it was new. It is a smaller version of the building here where we are living. They have not completed the renovation of the entire building and so we were only able to use the foyer.
I toured this one on Friday and it is huge. There are three floors in the front and rooms almost too numerous to count and I probably could if I tried, since I did pass the first grade with flying colors. I’ll show you the pictures of this when we return.
Anyway, back to the conference. There were three services scheduled. When we entered I was handed a schedule for the day with every event listed and the time for each to start and finish. Now that is hard on me. But since they allotted me one hour to preach I settled in to wait for my moment. The wait was well worth it because the worship was super! The Spirit of God moved throughout the worship and I knew that God was wanting to do something special today. I did not even take time to say anything about what I do or where I am from or any such thing, I just started preaching. As they say, confession is good for the soul and so I will confess I used slightly more than my hour but the shouting and response in the latter part of my message just inspired me and moved me in such a way that if it had not been for the timer on my IPOD which I was using to record the service I might still be preaching.
Svetlana Pokhodina requested a place for us to rest while they had their seminar and took care of some networking business. The pastor – man I can’t believe I forgot to tell you about him. Driving up to the facility a tall, well dressed young man reached out and opened the door and then almost shouted, “I know you! I attended your college in Kiev. Dr. Deaton, welcome to my church.” Anyway, he took us to his apartment and allowed us to rest, drink tea and wait for his return.
Lunch was served at the orphanage he operates in a neighboring city. God also provided a miracle for him and he was able to acquire a building in which he now houses about one dozen children who were either or the streets or abandoned by their parent(s). The building is clean and neat but there is so much work to be done before. Many of us would look and the building and agree with the building department of our city and say “Close the doors now!” But you can see from the Church and the Orphanage and his home that this pastor does everything with excellence and has a vision for ministry. O - the food was simple - salanka soup, corn/potato sea-food salad, chicken cutlets and mashed potatoes and capped off with tea, lemon slices, some kiwi, banana slices, and another fruit (which I can’t remember).
A short trip returned us to the site of the conference with the service underway. Again the place was packed tight and sitting on the front row I had the worship team so close I could reach out and touch them without a hard stretch. We were all tired but as we drew to the close of the message the Spirit began to move and the healing power of God began to flow. I cannot tell you how many miracles were testified to by the raising of hands but it seemed as though everyone had their hand raised to say I received at least one healing. Praise God!
We returned to our abode (I like that word!) about 6:45 p.m. and served nourishment to our flesh which was crying out for some food.
That ends the experiences of Saturday. Except – it seems that every place we go there is someone around us that is sick with some type of virus. The pastor with whom we are staying got very sick during the first service and spent the rest of the day in his van. We are trusting the Lord to keep us well so we can continue the ministry set before us. We have two days left here in the Donetsk area. Sunday I have three services 8:00 (it is one hour from the second), 11:00 and 5:00. I will not return to the second service except in time to walk into the pulpit and share the Word. I’ve told Marilyn to be ready because I might just have to spend a lot of time praying for the people in the first service and so she would share the Word. Guess what reaction I got! Your are correct!
Anyway, God bless and thanks for your prayers!
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Friday, October 10, 2008
Friday, October 10
This day began too fast – too early! But the sleep was good. And it means that I have finally rounded the curve and made the adjustment to the seven hour time difference. NOW – if only my stomach will make that curve and adjust to the different eating schedule. Marilyn even said that she slept good!
Today was a heavy day, particularly for Marilyn. She had two teaching sessions. Both of us began at 11:00 and finished at 1:30. I gathered with the pastors and Marilyn with pastor’s wives.
My assignment was to share about Church Leadership and authority and then open the floor for questions. I took about 45 minutes and then after a slow start the questions began. Questions about elders and their qualifications and how to select them. Questions about the amount of authority is vested in a pastor. What position do you hold on lady pastors? How do you handle difficult “sheep? And on and on go the questions.
Marilyn only had two wives in her first session, but it was very profitable time of sharing and dealing on a more personal level about the difficulties of being a pastor’s wife and handling of the home and all the other duties that come their way. Once again, these wives have the same struggles as the wives of the pastors in the US, Peru, Belgium, Australia and on around the world. The only difference is the various pressures and difficulties of the different societies and cultures.
Lunch provided a welcome break and an opportunity to share on a different level as we all met in the youth room and were provided a nice meal – chicken (I still wonder how they get the skin so crisp and tasty – oh get off of it – my cholesterol is okay, too bad yours isn’t or you could enjoy the crispy skin and the great flavor of the meat because of the way they fry it.)
I returned to our room to complete my assignment of preparing Marilyn’s scriptures in Russian for the interpreter. It makes it much easier and smoother to hand the interpreter a list of scriptures in their language and in order of need. I discovered this the first time I preached in Ukraine. In fact, my first interpreter asked for a list of scriptures but still was too slow for me in finding the slips of paper used to mark them. So I started preparing a list. How? One of my Bible programs has over 100 Bibles of various languages and by entering the English reference it will also present the selected scripture in the desired language. Nifty!
Marilyn’s second session began at 5:00 and lasted until 7:30. There were over 70 ladies in the meeting. I slipped up at 6:15, 6:30, 6:45 and 7:15 and the action was still taking place. On the 6:45 viewing, it seemed to me that every lady in the room was talking. In fact the majority were. I suppose she made one of those statements of hers that set the Ukrainian ladies back on their heels. Apparently, from all that Marilyn told me afterwards, they knew what she said was true, but wanted to justify why they could not change and adjust to spend more time on the priorities of family and their home. When I went back the last time she was surrounded by ladies asking personal questions.
We, Svetlana, Marilyn and I, were joined about 8:30 by Pastor Validimir Luda Gorbachev for a light supper. The laughter began as the three ladies expressed the concerns of those in their session. At one time, Svetlana, had to go out on her own and tell one lady that she was asking the same question for the fourth time and if she did not want to change then give one more year and if nothing changed to leave her husband, grown children. Sounds bad? No they were already divorced but she still lived there as a slave and served vodka, beer to both her ex-husband and children. Do you know what? That lady never heard anything! She was so engrossed in self-pity she could not live without the negative, immoral behavior of her children and her ex-husband. Sad – sad – sad!
And then Marilyn was in the kitchen area talking with a pastor's wife until 10:00 p.m.
O yes! This day actually began in a very frustrating manner. When I opened my computer to check the emails my computer had deleted the Internet Provider control and I had to re-do it. In fact I have had to do it the last two mornings. Something is not right! Then of all things, the phone I used to connect to Svit-on-Line had exhausted its pre-purchased time. So I had to wait until 8:00 this evening to complete the re-installation and secure our days emails. I can handle that, but not Marilyn. She waits with great anticipation to get the three or four (average) emails that we receive. It keeps her in touch with home and those she loves. So thank all of your for helping keep her happy. By-the-way: PLEASE do not send pictures or attachments or forward emails with nice things to read and look at and listen to. I have to download through our cell phone and the speed is very slow and it takes too long. So I stop everything and close out AOL and then go back on and instead of doing Automatic AOL which is faster and easier, I do the one-step-at-a-time and then delete the picture and large attachment emails. Sorry, but it has taken over 10 minutes and even more to download some great and loving things that you send. If you need to send a document, just copy it and insert it in the email itself. It works much easier and faster. If we need something that is large, or pictures, then we will tell you who to send it to so we can then get it.
Thanks for all your help and love.
Saturday comes and then Sunday. Saturday we leave at 8:30 and will return about 7:30 (I think). I will be ministering in two services and sandwiched in-between will be lunch and a business session for the network of Churches who we are serving.
God bless!
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Today was a heavy day, particularly for Marilyn. She had two teaching sessions. Both of us began at 11:00 and finished at 1:30. I gathered with the pastors and Marilyn with pastor’s wives.
My assignment was to share about Church Leadership and authority and then open the floor for questions. I took about 45 minutes and then after a slow start the questions began. Questions about elders and their qualifications and how to select them. Questions about the amount of authority is vested in a pastor. What position do you hold on lady pastors? How do you handle difficult “sheep? And on and on go the questions.
Marilyn only had two wives in her first session, but it was very profitable time of sharing and dealing on a more personal level about the difficulties of being a pastor’s wife and handling of the home and all the other duties that come their way. Once again, these wives have the same struggles as the wives of the pastors in the US, Peru, Belgium, Australia and on around the world. The only difference is the various pressures and difficulties of the different societies and cultures.
Lunch provided a welcome break and an opportunity to share on a different level as we all met in the youth room and were provided a nice meal – chicken (I still wonder how they get the skin so crisp and tasty – oh get off of it – my cholesterol is okay, too bad yours isn’t or you could enjoy the crispy skin and the great flavor of the meat because of the way they fry it.)
I returned to our room to complete my assignment of preparing Marilyn’s scriptures in Russian for the interpreter. It makes it much easier and smoother to hand the interpreter a list of scriptures in their language and in order of need. I discovered this the first time I preached in Ukraine. In fact, my first interpreter asked for a list of scriptures but still was too slow for me in finding the slips of paper used to mark them. So I started preparing a list. How? One of my Bible programs has over 100 Bibles of various languages and by entering the English reference it will also present the selected scripture in the desired language. Nifty!
Marilyn’s second session began at 5:00 and lasted until 7:30. There were over 70 ladies in the meeting. I slipped up at 6:15, 6:30, 6:45 and 7:15 and the action was still taking place. On the 6:45 viewing, it seemed to me that every lady in the room was talking. In fact the majority were. I suppose she made one of those statements of hers that set the Ukrainian ladies back on their heels. Apparently, from all that Marilyn told me afterwards, they knew what she said was true, but wanted to justify why they could not change and adjust to spend more time on the priorities of family and their home. When I went back the last time she was surrounded by ladies asking personal questions.
We, Svetlana, Marilyn and I, were joined about 8:30 by Pastor Validimir Luda Gorbachev for a light supper. The laughter began as the three ladies expressed the concerns of those in their session. At one time, Svetlana, had to go out on her own and tell one lady that she was asking the same question for the fourth time and if she did not want to change then give one more year and if nothing changed to leave her husband, grown children. Sounds bad? No they were already divorced but she still lived there as a slave and served vodka, beer to both her ex-husband and children. Do you know what? That lady never heard anything! She was so engrossed in self-pity she could not live without the negative, immoral behavior of her children and her ex-husband. Sad – sad – sad!
And then Marilyn was in the kitchen area talking with a pastor's wife until 10:00 p.m.
O yes! This day actually began in a very frustrating manner. When I opened my computer to check the emails my computer had deleted the Internet Provider control and I had to re-do it. In fact I have had to do it the last two mornings. Something is not right! Then of all things, the phone I used to connect to Svit-on-Line had exhausted its pre-purchased time. So I had to wait until 8:00 this evening to complete the re-installation and secure our days emails. I can handle that, but not Marilyn. She waits with great anticipation to get the three or four (average) emails that we receive. It keeps her in touch with home and those she loves. So thank all of your for helping keep her happy. By-the-way: PLEASE do not send pictures or attachments or forward emails with nice things to read and look at and listen to. I have to download through our cell phone and the speed is very slow and it takes too long. So I stop everything and close out AOL and then go back on and instead of doing Automatic AOL which is faster and easier, I do the one-step-at-a-time and then delete the picture and large attachment emails. Sorry, but it has taken over 10 minutes and even more to download some great and loving things that you send. If you need to send a document, just copy it and insert it in the email itself. It works much easier and faster. If we need something that is large, or pictures, then we will tell you who to send it to so we can then get it.
Thanks for all your help and love.
Saturday comes and then Sunday. Saturday we leave at 8:30 and will return about 7:30 (I think). I will be ministering in two services and sandwiched in-between will be lunch and a business session for the network of Churches who we are serving.
God bless!
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Thursday, October 9
The journey from Kiev to Donetsk begins with getting accustomed to your “coupe.” After all luggage is stored and the stewardess comes by and takes your linens while mumbling something in Russian that you later find out means, “They are doing an inspection and I must take these to the inspectors.” As she rumbles of muttering to herself we try to order “chi” (tea) and after one hour we come to the realization that she did not hear us or chose to ignore us.
Suddenly she appears sand when translated it means, “I’ll bring your linens in a little while.” With a quick interjection the “chi” is reordered and again she rumbles of muttering to herself. But this time she reappears still muttering but with a cup of “chi” in her hand. Before arriving in Donetsk she comes with her hand out with the tab to collect the eight “hryvna” (pronounced with a “g”) for four cups of “chi” (about 18 cents per cup).
We break out the food from the sacks and indulge our flesh with some cheese on bread with butter, some water and/or “chi,” some Pringles, some yogurt and some cookies. You can tell that this was “Some Meal!”
Finally about 10:00 (that’s two and one half hours after leaving Kiev) someone suggests that we make our bunks and go to bed. Picture this: Three adults standing between two bunks - two high in a space about 24-30 inches wide and each one trying to unroll a three-inch thick bedroll, place a sheet on it and then another to cover up with. We accomplish it and then I step out so ... well-let me put it this way: Suppose I was traveling by myself and purchased a bunk in a coupe. There are four bunks in each. I have no choice as to whom my room mates would be. They could be male and they could be female; sober or drunk; old or young – but when it comes time for bed you take turns stepping into the hall while the one or two of the same sexes put on their “PJ’s” (you read that correctly: pajamas”). Back to the real story: Since I was the only male I got out into the hall and waited. Then because I slept in the clothes I had on, I was permitted back in and pulled my tired body up to the top.
What do you do now? You are supposed to sleep! But it is too early! So I watch two movies on my IPOD and then take to sleeping aids, climb down, and lead my wife, who has decided to join me, down to the end of the car to the necessary room. We return, and climb into our bunks – mine up high and shuffle the pillow around and attempt to go to sleep.
The car lunges and you hear the air brakes being applied, recognizing that we are making another stop to pick up or let off passengers. The lurching tells you that we are leaving this station and so you tell yourself that you are going to “SLEEP!” Now for a person who snores and had been told about it often - wife, son, daughter, grand kids and anyone else who had the honor of sleeping the same room or who entered the house when I was asleep on the couch – you tend to feel self-conscious. So you say with all faith -“I will not snore tonight. I don’t want to awaken our one traveling companion who is already asleep.” So either by a subconscious thought process or by the many and various sounds of the moving train over the rails or maybe by your own snoring, you awaken many times hoping that you have not been sawing the logs too loudly. In the morning almost the first thing out of your wife’s mouth is the confirmation of that which you feared. O well, that is the privilege of traveling with such a ???? – whatever.
You know? I can’t believe I have said all this when I am supposed to be telling you about what is happening.
We arrived on time and were met by the pastor’s wife, a deacon and a pastor from on of the Churches in the same Union (that’s denomination in the US). We are whisked away, luggage and all, to the Church van but not before Marilyn and I look to our right as we carry our luggage down on set of stairs and the rest turn to their left. Suddenly we find ourselves all alone. Strangers all around and not one familiar face. We stand still – that is after I have moved more than she wants me to. In a few moments a familiar face heads our way and we move in that direction and continue our way to the van.
One hour later we pull up to what was at one time a fabulous building – a Cultural Center in honor of Lenin. It is now the home of Rhema Church. Thank God for the Lenin and Stalin. Without them the Church in Ukraine would not have any buildings. They built them for themselves they thought BUT GOD had other plans.
We climb the semicircular stairs to the second floor, enter a double set of doors and traverse down the hall to our room. Excellent! Perfecto! (Oops that last word is Spanish – I think). Since it is just 8:30, we are told that in one hour we will have breakfast. We unpack everything and hang up our dress clothes so the wrinkles will fall out.
Breakfast is served - oatmeal, ham, cheese, bread, some sweets, some candy, of course - tea (I mean Chi). We get acquainted with Ludmilla, the pastor’s wife and are informed about the course of the services –ladies’ service that is and so I make my exit to get some sleep before lunch which will be at 1:30. Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z – I got it!
As we eat lunch Pastor Gorbachev arrives and we share our life history and listen to his – that is after we each asked for it. Plans are made for the coming days and we head back to room to prepare for departure for the Rehabilitation Center at 5:00 and service at 6:00. The drug-rehab center is government sponsored but Bible based - and is the only one like it in Ukraine with a constant population of sixty male or female combinations.
Marilyn and I enjoy their worship, share the Word and as they depart everyone comes by to greet you and give you a hug. One lady hands her Bible to me and indicates she wants me to autograph it. I do and that causes a snow-effect. And so I oblige with my name and the title of the message for the evening – both have the same initials – D D – Dig Deep and they begin to ask Svetlana (Anya’s Mother) what it means – she asks me about the big scribbled D’s and the little words inside them and then tells them. They write it all down in Russian and proceed to depart.
We depart and head back to our room, stop to purchase some food and return to eat it before setting down to get ready for Friday. Marilyn’s assignment is to minister at 11:00 to Pastor’s wives and answer questions while I to the Pastors and then she will speak to the ladies - Pastor’s wives, leaders’s wives and whomever is invited at 5:00. I think I have it free the rest of the day but face two long seminar sessions on Saturday and three sermons on Sunday.
God bless you for your prayers.
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Suddenly she appears sand when translated it means, “I’ll bring your linens in a little while.” With a quick interjection the “chi” is reordered and again she rumbles of muttering to herself. But this time she reappears still muttering but with a cup of “chi” in her hand. Before arriving in Donetsk she comes with her hand out with the tab to collect the eight “hryvna” (pronounced with a “g”) for four cups of “chi” (about 18 cents per cup).
We break out the food from the sacks and indulge our flesh with some cheese on bread with butter, some water and/or “chi,” some Pringles, some yogurt and some cookies. You can tell that this was “Some Meal!”
Finally about 10:00 (that’s two and one half hours after leaving Kiev) someone suggests that we make our bunks and go to bed. Picture this: Three adults standing between two bunks - two high in a space about 24-30 inches wide and each one trying to unroll a three-inch thick bedroll, place a sheet on it and then another to cover up with. We accomplish it and then I step out so ... well-let me put it this way: Suppose I was traveling by myself and purchased a bunk in a coupe. There are four bunks in each. I have no choice as to whom my room mates would be. They could be male and they could be female; sober or drunk; old or young – but when it comes time for bed you take turns stepping into the hall while the one or two of the same sexes put on their “PJ’s” (you read that correctly: pajamas”). Back to the real story: Since I was the only male I got out into the hall and waited. Then because I slept in the clothes I had on, I was permitted back in and pulled my tired body up to the top.
What do you do now? You are supposed to sleep! But it is too early! So I watch two movies on my IPOD and then take to sleeping aids, climb down, and lead my wife, who has decided to join me, down to the end of the car to the necessary room. We return, and climb into our bunks – mine up high and shuffle the pillow around and attempt to go to sleep.
The car lunges and you hear the air brakes being applied, recognizing that we are making another stop to pick up or let off passengers. The lurching tells you that we are leaving this station and so you tell yourself that you are going to “SLEEP!” Now for a person who snores and had been told about it often - wife, son, daughter, grand kids and anyone else who had the honor of sleeping the same room or who entered the house when I was asleep on the couch – you tend to feel self-conscious. So you say with all faith -“I will not snore tonight. I don’t want to awaken our one traveling companion who is already asleep.” So either by a subconscious thought process or by the many and various sounds of the moving train over the rails or maybe by your own snoring, you awaken many times hoping that you have not been sawing the logs too loudly. In the morning almost the first thing out of your wife’s mouth is the confirmation of that which you feared. O well, that is the privilege of traveling with such a ???? – whatever.
You know? I can’t believe I have said all this when I am supposed to be telling you about what is happening.
We arrived on time and were met by the pastor’s wife, a deacon and a pastor from on of the Churches in the same Union (that’s denomination in the US). We are whisked away, luggage and all, to the Church van but not before Marilyn and I look to our right as we carry our luggage down on set of stairs and the rest turn to their left. Suddenly we find ourselves all alone. Strangers all around and not one familiar face. We stand still – that is after I have moved more than she wants me to. In a few moments a familiar face heads our way and we move in that direction and continue our way to the van.
One hour later we pull up to what was at one time a fabulous building – a Cultural Center in honor of Lenin. It is now the home of Rhema Church. Thank God for the Lenin and Stalin. Without them the Church in Ukraine would not have any buildings. They built them for themselves they thought BUT GOD had other plans.
We climb the semicircular stairs to the second floor, enter a double set of doors and traverse down the hall to our room. Excellent! Perfecto! (Oops that last word is Spanish – I think). Since it is just 8:30, we are told that in one hour we will have breakfast. We unpack everything and hang up our dress clothes so the wrinkles will fall out.
Breakfast is served - oatmeal, ham, cheese, bread, some sweets, some candy, of course - tea (I mean Chi). We get acquainted with Ludmilla, the pastor’s wife and are informed about the course of the services –ladies’ service that is and so I make my exit to get some sleep before lunch which will be at 1:30. Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z – I got it!
As we eat lunch Pastor Gorbachev arrives and we share our life history and listen to his – that is after we each asked for it. Plans are made for the coming days and we head back to room to prepare for departure for the Rehabilitation Center at 5:00 and service at 6:00. The drug-rehab center is government sponsored but Bible based - and is the only one like it in Ukraine with a constant population of sixty male or female combinations.
Marilyn and I enjoy their worship, share the Word and as they depart everyone comes by to greet you and give you a hug. One lady hands her Bible to me and indicates she wants me to autograph it. I do and that causes a snow-effect. And so I oblige with my name and the title of the message for the evening – both have the same initials – D D – Dig Deep and they begin to ask Svetlana (Anya’s Mother) what it means – she asks me about the big scribbled D’s and the little words inside them and then tells them. They write it all down in Russian and proceed to depart.
We depart and head back to our room, stop to purchase some food and return to eat it before setting down to get ready for Friday. Marilyn’s assignment is to minister at 11:00 to Pastor’s wives and answer questions while I to the Pastors and then she will speak to the ladies - Pastor’s wives, leaders’s wives and whomever is invited at 5:00. I think I have it free the rest of the day but face two long seminar sessions on Saturday and three sermons on Sunday.
God bless you for your prayers.
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tuesday/Wednesday, October 7-8
It is time to update and this is Wednesday here but actually Tuesday’s Blog. Why? Because I finally used up all my Svit-On-Line time. I have not added any time to my account since November of 06 so I guess it was time for it to hit the bottom of the barrel.
We spent the part of the time yesterday determining what we “had” to take with us to Donetsk. That is after I did the laundry. Yes, you got the pronoun right - “I”! Because I understand the machines and their method of operation. Anyway we accomplished the task and have reduced the luggage for this trip to two suitcases - one each and our carry-ons. It was a monumental task but satisfactorily completed.
We had a lunch-dinner (I am not sure what to call it because it was at 2:00) fellowship - encouragment time with Pastor Vadim and Inna Uruymagov. Inna is believing God to deliver her from a very aggressive form of breast cancer. Her biggest struggle seems to be the emotional pressure and harassment of the accuser, not the physical though she does have pain from time to time.
They were in the United States, Florida, and to be exact - Lakeland for three weeks in July. The first service they attended after arriving in the US - at a Church in the Orlando area - a man of God called them out and told her that she would not die from that which was attacking her. They had never met. Their first time in the service and he was a guest speaker. He was also the last pastor to speak to them about the situation and again restated what he had said and added that there was much more for her to accomplish for the Lord. They attended the revival in Lakeland where many others they met shared the same message from the Lord.
Her husband said that she now preaches better than he and with greater anointing than before. You can see and hear the work of God that is going on in both of them as they have come to recognize that there is more to life than life! They said that they have been able to “release life” from their own control and have grasped hold of God more than at anytime before.
Lena the wife of Eugene Taits, who is our host and the Dean of International Institute of Theology - Zoe (Covenant Life University here in Ukraine) is ill with a chest congestion/cold, etc. Remember her in prayer.
It seems that IIT-Zoe is attracting the attention of many Russian speaking pastors from other countries of Europe: France, Germany, Italy, and Israel is about to re-open, and a Church in Moscow. So everything is moving forward.
Wednesday at 5:30 we leave the apartment here and journey to the train station for a twelve hour over-night ride to Donetsk where we begin with a Thursday evening service in a Rehabilitation Center. Marilyn and I each have a service Friday evening - she with the Pastor’s wives and me with the Pastors and leaders. Saturday seminars at 10 and 2 and then three services on Sunday - 9, 11 and 5.
God bless and thanks for your prayers.
Dr. D. & Marilyn
We spent the part of the time yesterday determining what we “had” to take with us to Donetsk. That is after I did the laundry. Yes, you got the pronoun right - “I”! Because I understand the machines and their method of operation. Anyway we accomplished the task and have reduced the luggage for this trip to two suitcases - one each and our carry-ons. It was a monumental task but satisfactorily completed.
We had a lunch-dinner (I am not sure what to call it because it was at 2:00) fellowship - encouragment time with Pastor Vadim and Inna Uruymagov. Inna is believing God to deliver her from a very aggressive form of breast cancer. Her biggest struggle seems to be the emotional pressure and harassment of the accuser, not the physical though she does have pain from time to time.
They were in the United States, Florida, and to be exact - Lakeland for three weeks in July. The first service they attended after arriving in the US - at a Church in the Orlando area - a man of God called them out and told her that she would not die from that which was attacking her. They had never met. Their first time in the service and he was a guest speaker. He was also the last pastor to speak to them about the situation and again restated what he had said and added that there was much more for her to accomplish for the Lord. They attended the revival in Lakeland where many others they met shared the same message from the Lord.
Her husband said that she now preaches better than he and with greater anointing than before. You can see and hear the work of God that is going on in both of them as they have come to recognize that there is more to life than life! They said that they have been able to “release life” from their own control and have grasped hold of God more than at anytime before.
Lena the wife of Eugene Taits, who is our host and the Dean of International Institute of Theology - Zoe (Covenant Life University here in Ukraine) is ill with a chest congestion/cold, etc. Remember her in prayer.
It seems that IIT-Zoe is attracting the attention of many Russian speaking pastors from other countries of Europe: France, Germany, Italy, and Israel is about to re-open, and a Church in Moscow. So everything is moving forward.
Wednesday at 5:30 we leave the apartment here and journey to the train station for a twelve hour over-night ride to Donetsk where we begin with a Thursday evening service in a Rehabilitation Center. Marilyn and I each have a service Friday evening - she with the Pastor’s wives and me with the Pastors and leaders. Saturday seminars at 10 and 2 and then three services on Sunday - 9, 11 and 5.
God bless and thanks for your prayers.
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Monday, October 6
Get Up! Clean Up! Pack! Eat! Load Car! Travel! Take unexpected detour! Driver doesn’t know the way to the train station! Recall Immediately! Perfect! Extra Time! Find Restaurant! 65 Minutes Train Departs! Eat! Go to Train! Board Train! WHEW!
That is a summary of the day. It was all complicated because we have not been able to make the “sleep” adjustment. Your stomach is seven hours off. You are just getting sleepy and the sun is coming up. Even when you have taken two Tylenol PM’s the eyes just will not get heavy enough to close. So you watch a movie on your IPOD or listen to the Bible being read from the IPOD. But your adjust and keep on keeping on during the day.
It was hard to say goodbye to Chernivtsi and the people we have loved for nine years even though we know we will return in the Spring (April sometime). You can hear the unsaid words, “Hurry back. We need you. We want to have more fellowship.” But Donetsk and Kiev are calling. So you give them a hug and say, “God bless you. See you sometime in April.” Then you crawl into the vehicle and begin the journey to Khmelnitsky.
As you are departing the city of Kamenets-Podolosky (when I first heard it I thought they were saying, Communist Podolosky) a policeman signals that the road is closed and you have to take a detour. The road is narrow, hilly, and rough. Some places the pavement has become mixed with mud and potholes are everywhere. The traffic is slower and you wonder if we will make it to the train station on time. We do and even much sooner that I expected going the normal route. Thank God!
We do have time to eat and it will help those who brought us to Khmelnitsky to eat now instead of after they place us and our luggage on the train. While in the restaurant, The Big Goose, I notice a man looking and smiling in my direction. He starts to get up and then stops but decides after I nod at him to come over. Would you believe it? He is a member of the Dawn of Life Church in Khmelnitsky where we have ministered many times. And he speaks English. So we greet one-another and after a brief chat go back to eating.
The train ride takes four hours and twenty-three minutes according to the schedule. Normally they run right on time. Tonight they take fifteen minutes longer but we arrive and Eugene Taits is there as scheduled to take us to his house for the next thirty-eight hours. We arrive at his house and discover that his wife and youngest son, Nathan are sick. Eugene takes over and we converse for a couple of hours and then settle into the preparation for Tuesday which includes laundry, re-packing and meeting Pastor Vadim and Inna Uruymagov in downtown Kiev for a time of food and fellowship.
They are going through a tough time. Inna has been diagnosed with breast cancer - a very radical type. They have decided to believe God for her healing. My call to Vadim to confirm the meeting informs me that Inna has had a rough time during September. You can tell they need us to spend time with them.
And I ask you to place them on your prayer list to stand with them for God’s divine healing.
God bless.
Dr. D. & Marilyn
That is a summary of the day. It was all complicated because we have not been able to make the “sleep” adjustment. Your stomach is seven hours off. You are just getting sleepy and the sun is coming up. Even when you have taken two Tylenol PM’s the eyes just will not get heavy enough to close. So you watch a movie on your IPOD or listen to the Bible being read from the IPOD. But your adjust and keep on keeping on during the day.
It was hard to say goodbye to Chernivtsi and the people we have loved for nine years even though we know we will return in the Spring (April sometime). You can hear the unsaid words, “Hurry back. We need you. We want to have more fellowship.” But Donetsk and Kiev are calling. So you give them a hug and say, “God bless you. See you sometime in April.” Then you crawl into the vehicle and begin the journey to Khmelnitsky.
As you are departing the city of Kamenets-Podolosky (when I first heard it I thought they were saying, Communist Podolosky) a policeman signals that the road is closed and you have to take a detour. The road is narrow, hilly, and rough. Some places the pavement has become mixed with mud and potholes are everywhere. The traffic is slower and you wonder if we will make it to the train station on time. We do and even much sooner that I expected going the normal route. Thank God!
We do have time to eat and it will help those who brought us to Khmelnitsky to eat now instead of after they place us and our luggage on the train. While in the restaurant, The Big Goose, I notice a man looking and smiling in my direction. He starts to get up and then stops but decides after I nod at him to come over. Would you believe it? He is a member of the Dawn of Life Church in Khmelnitsky where we have ministered many times. And he speaks English. So we greet one-another and after a brief chat go back to eating.
The train ride takes four hours and twenty-three minutes according to the schedule. Normally they run right on time. Tonight they take fifteen minutes longer but we arrive and Eugene Taits is there as scheduled to take us to his house for the next thirty-eight hours. We arrive at his house and discover that his wife and youngest son, Nathan are sick. Eugene takes over and we converse for a couple of hours and then settle into the preparation for Tuesday which includes laundry, re-packing and meeting Pastor Vadim and Inna Uruymagov in downtown Kiev for a time of food and fellowship.
They are going through a tough time. Inna has been diagnosed with breast cancer - a very radical type. They have decided to believe God for her healing. My call to Vadim to confirm the meeting informs me that Inna has had a rough time during September. You can tell they need us to spend time with them.
And I ask you to place them on your prayer list to stand with them for God’s divine healing.
God bless.
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Sunday, October 5 - Chernivtsi
Our time is coming to a close here in Chernivtsi for this trip. It is always hard to leave the loving people of God with whom we have such precious fellowship. It has been a rewarding time of ministry to the faithful.
Marilyn spent four hours in ministry with one former staff member of a local Church. She has been through a lot of agony in her soul and spirit from the events of the past having faced disappointments in the life of her former pastor. Marilyn reported that she has finally come to the place where she is ready to risk it again by once again going to Church, but now she must make the choice of which Church.
The service this evening was special. The congregation of forty were intense in their worship and a sweet spirit filled the room as the Holy Spirit ministered to the worshipers. We were able to present an Ordination Certificate to Pastor Vitaliy Pavalenko and challenge him to be the kind of Pastor Christ would have him be. It was on my last trip here that I laid hands on him and set him apart to the call of God, however I did not have the necessary documents available to present his certificate at that time.
Pastor Pavalenko stated that the Word this evening was “right on” as to his needs and the prayer of his heart, being just what he needed. We ministered prophetically to several and again the report was “right on.” As always we took time to minister to the needs of those who came forward for prayer.
Saying “good-by” is always hard when we are here and it was no different this evening. We had to make a promise to return in April or thereabouts and to promise to spend some special time with some of the people. Of course that is part of what we enjoy the most. We do not come to Chernivtsi to just be with pastors but many of the leaders and people have become very special to us after almost nine years of ministry in the city. It is as though we leave part of our heart here when we depart.
So now it is time to finish the reproduction of the sermons preached, leave some material for the pastors to study, then proceed to pack and be ready to leave via car to “Khmelnitsky and catch the evening “fast train” to Kiev, arriving there about 9:03 P.M.
We will have two day, well almost, in Kiev to do some laundry meet with a pastor and his wife and then depart for Donetsk.
Dr. D. and Marilyn
Marilyn spent four hours in ministry with one former staff member of a local Church. She has been through a lot of agony in her soul and spirit from the events of the past having faced disappointments in the life of her former pastor. Marilyn reported that she has finally come to the place where she is ready to risk it again by once again going to Church, but now she must make the choice of which Church.
The service this evening was special. The congregation of forty were intense in their worship and a sweet spirit filled the room as the Holy Spirit ministered to the worshipers. We were able to present an Ordination Certificate to Pastor Vitaliy Pavalenko and challenge him to be the kind of Pastor Christ would have him be. It was on my last trip here that I laid hands on him and set him apart to the call of God, however I did not have the necessary documents available to present his certificate at that time.
Pastor Pavalenko stated that the Word this evening was “right on” as to his needs and the prayer of his heart, being just what he needed. We ministered prophetically to several and again the report was “right on.” As always we took time to minister to the needs of those who came forward for prayer.
Saying “good-by” is always hard when we are here and it was no different this evening. We had to make a promise to return in April or thereabouts and to promise to spend some special time with some of the people. Of course that is part of what we enjoy the most. We do not come to Chernivtsi to just be with pastors but many of the leaders and people have become very special to us after almost nine years of ministry in the city. It is as though we leave part of our heart here when we depart.
So now it is time to finish the reproduction of the sermons preached, leave some material for the pastors to study, then proceed to pack and be ready to leave via car to “Khmelnitsky and catch the evening “fast train” to Kiev, arriving there about 9:03 P.M.
We will have two day, well almost, in Kiev to do some laundry meet with a pastor and his wife and then depart for Donetsk.
Dr. D. and Marilyn
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Saturday, October 4
An exciting event has been the return of the water heater – we have HOT WATER! You can actually feel “clean” and refreshed. It is amazing how much you take for granted when you have it and then miss whatever it is when you do not – even such a simple thing as being able to take a shower with warm water cascading down upon you.
Marilyn and Oksana went for a walk with the express purpose of going to see Nadya a girl who has done a lot of translation work with us in the past. They did find her at her work and received a warm welcome. We hope she will join us in service Sunday evening.
Because of the 600th Anniversary Celebration downtown today and with the President and Premier of Ukraine here we were not able to have any services. But we spent the evening with Pastor Vitaliy and Ira Pavalenko at a very nice restaurant outside of Chernivtsi. We had a small dinning room in a courtyard area that would seat at the most comfortably six. The portions and quality of the food was excellent. But as we were surprised at the order in which the food was brought to us. The waitress brought the salad – so far so good. Then she brought my side plate of roasted potatoes – it turned out to be a large plate. We asked about the soup and were told that they served it after the second course. That means, eat the salad, the potatoes, then your soup (salanka) and then she brought my meat.
The others had their meals brought to them in a similar manner. Then we were asked about desert. But when asked about Marilyn’s main course – her meat plate which was plate of verenika (meat filled dumplings) we were told that it was presently being cooked and would be out shortly. So we told her to be sure and bring it before she brought the desert. When all was said and done, the evening was great, the food was superb and our stomachs accepted the order in which it was placed in its care.
We were able to continue sharing pastoral philosophy about caring for God’s sheep, working with pastors of other denominations and persuasions and how to handle those delicate areas that arise with relationships. Not all apostolic ministry is in the pulpit. In fact the majority of it is directly to the pastors and leadership.
Marilyn has an 11:00 meeting with a lady who was one of the former staff pastors of a Church which underwent a devastating trauma. She hasn’t been able to get back to even attending Church at this time. Remember her in your prayers.
Our final service here will be Sunday evening and then we journey back to Kiev for a day and one half then on to Donetsk.
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Marilyn and Oksana went for a walk with the express purpose of going to see Nadya a girl who has done a lot of translation work with us in the past. They did find her at her work and received a warm welcome. We hope she will join us in service Sunday evening.
Because of the 600th Anniversary Celebration downtown today and with the President and Premier of Ukraine here we were not able to have any services. But we spent the evening with Pastor Vitaliy and Ira Pavalenko at a very nice restaurant outside of Chernivtsi. We had a small dinning room in a courtyard area that would seat at the most comfortably six. The portions and quality of the food was excellent. But as we were surprised at the order in which the food was brought to us. The waitress brought the salad – so far so good. Then she brought my side plate of roasted potatoes – it turned out to be a large plate. We asked about the soup and were told that they served it after the second course. That means, eat the salad, the potatoes, then your soup (salanka) and then she brought my meat.
The others had their meals brought to them in a similar manner. Then we were asked about desert. But when asked about Marilyn’s main course – her meat plate which was plate of verenika (meat filled dumplings) we were told that it was presently being cooked and would be out shortly. So we told her to be sure and bring it before she brought the desert. When all was said and done, the evening was great, the food was superb and our stomachs accepted the order in which it was placed in its care.
We were able to continue sharing pastoral philosophy about caring for God’s sheep, working with pastors of other denominations and persuasions and how to handle those delicate areas that arise with relationships. Not all apostolic ministry is in the pulpit. In fact the majority of it is directly to the pastors and leadership.
Marilyn has an 11:00 meeting with a lady who was one of the former staff pastors of a Church which underwent a devastating trauma. She hasn’t been able to get back to even attending Church at this time. Remember her in your prayers.
Our final service here will be Sunday evening and then we journey back to Kiev for a day and one half then on to Donetsk.
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Friday, October 3, 2008
Friday - October 3rd
Slow days come and go without a lot of fanfare. This was one of those days. There wasn’t a lot on the schedule. In fact, there wasn’t anything until 6:30 this evening. So we were able to do some preparation for the coming days that will not be classified as “slow days.”
I thought I would be wise and instead of preparing a list of the scriptures in Russian for my interpreter, I would do them in Ukrainian. Why? Because that is the norm for being here in Western Ukraine and it has been requested that way in the past. But to my dismay Oksana turned to me during the worship time and said, “I will borrow a Russian Bible from someone because that lady does not understand Ukrainian.” So I guess you never know which to have prepared but from now on I’ll have both.
Tonight we were with Vitaliy and Ira Pavalenko and the people of the Church their pastor for their Friday evening prayer meeting. The group was small tonight but the spirit of their worship was excellent. They have been a long time in getting started with the official status of having a Church. The delay has been getting over the past disappointments and hurts. It has only been in the recent weeks that they added a Sunday service. So my message was directed toward that goal with the challenge from Exodus 14:15 – “Go forward!” The content dealt with forgetting the past, with not looking back but acting out their faith by moving toward the goal they have spent months praying about. There does come a time when God says, “Stop praying and go forward.” There is a time when faith must be acted upon if it is faith.
O Yes! This weekend Chernivtsi is celebrating its 600th Anniversary. The main part of the city will be closed to transportation. They have been redoing many of the facades of the building in preparation for this day. We were here last year for the 599th Anniversary and it was a nightmare trying to get through the people and traffic. I can’t wait to see what it will be like this weekend. The celebration begins tomorrow so I will not have to wait long.
Thanks for your prayers.
Dr. D. & Marilyn
I thought I would be wise and instead of preparing a list of the scriptures in Russian for my interpreter, I would do them in Ukrainian. Why? Because that is the norm for being here in Western Ukraine and it has been requested that way in the past. But to my dismay Oksana turned to me during the worship time and said, “I will borrow a Russian Bible from someone because that lady does not understand Ukrainian.” So I guess you never know which to have prepared but from now on I’ll have both.
Tonight we were with Vitaliy and Ira Pavalenko and the people of the Church their pastor for their Friday evening prayer meeting. The group was small tonight but the spirit of their worship was excellent. They have been a long time in getting started with the official status of having a Church. The delay has been getting over the past disappointments and hurts. It has only been in the recent weeks that they added a Sunday service. So my message was directed toward that goal with the challenge from Exodus 14:15 – “Go forward!” The content dealt with forgetting the past, with not looking back but acting out their faith by moving toward the goal they have spent months praying about. There does come a time when God says, “Stop praying and go forward.” There is a time when faith must be acted upon if it is faith.
O Yes! This weekend Chernivtsi is celebrating its 600th Anniversary. The main part of the city will be closed to transportation. They have been redoing many of the facades of the building in preparation for this day. We were here last year for the 599th Anniversary and it was a nightmare trying to get through the people and traffic. I can’t wait to see what it will be like this weekend. The celebration begins tomorrow so I will not have to wait long.
Thanks for your prayers.
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Thursday - Chernivtsi, Ukraine
One update to yesterday’s blog: The afternoon was spent with Pastor Dema and Natasha Nemchenko. They came and we fellowshipped with them, shared insights and encouraged them to go forward in faith for the work that God has placed before them. They will begin Sunday services on October 12th with their new congregation – The Light of God’s Love. So remember then in your prayer.
Today began as yesterday – trying to finish out enough sleep to get through the day without yawning while meeting with members of the Body of Christ. But it also had a unique twist. Taking a shower-bath with two quarts of water! You read it correctly!
When the hot water tank has opted to quit and the new one has not arrived and you have not had a bath in two days you will find a way too get the clean feeling. That is just part of the excitement of traveling abroad and staying in the home of God’s people. I would just as soon have this minor inconvenience than stay in hotel. You get closer to the people by living with them and experiencing life with them on their terms.
This afternoon and evening from 1:00- 9:00 was spent in personal and apostolic ministry. First, we were with Vika Kosovan and her children. The two younger children (Igor and Rostislava) have really grown and Alena has become a beautiful teen graduate. It is always a pleasure to have fellowship with them and to talk about what God is doing in Vika’s life. She is moving forward and we believe into a greater ministry from the Lord. And she certainly is an excellent cook. In fact we sat down immediately to eat and it seems we ate all the time we were there.
At 4:30 we were taken to a meeting with Pastor Vitaliy and Ira Pavalenko and his leadership. After eating a delicious meal at a table spread with enough food for three times the number present, we were bombarded with question on how to establish the church with proper guidelines and a Biblical foundation. The hunger and eagerness of those leaders were presented a platform for Marilyn and I to teach from the Word and share from our experiences. And of course who can eat at a Ukrainian’s table without some “Chi,” Ukrainian chocolate candy and pastries. So we left, full of food, fellowship and with the lingering of laughter from the time with God’s people.
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Today began as yesterday – trying to finish out enough sleep to get through the day without yawning while meeting with members of the Body of Christ. But it also had a unique twist. Taking a shower-bath with two quarts of water! You read it correctly!
When the hot water tank has opted to quit and the new one has not arrived and you have not had a bath in two days you will find a way too get the clean feeling. That is just part of the excitement of traveling abroad and staying in the home of God’s people. I would just as soon have this minor inconvenience than stay in hotel. You get closer to the people by living with them and experiencing life with them on their terms.
This afternoon and evening from 1:00- 9:00 was spent in personal and apostolic ministry. First, we were with Vika Kosovan and her children. The two younger children (Igor and Rostislava) have really grown and Alena has become a beautiful teen graduate. It is always a pleasure to have fellowship with them and to talk about what God is doing in Vika’s life. She is moving forward and we believe into a greater ministry from the Lord. And she certainly is an excellent cook. In fact we sat down immediately to eat and it seems we ate all the time we were there.
At 4:30 we were taken to a meeting with Pastor Vitaliy and Ira Pavalenko and his leadership. After eating a delicious meal at a table spread with enough food for three times the number present, we were bombarded with question on how to establish the church with proper guidelines and a Biblical foundation. The hunger and eagerness of those leaders were presented a platform for Marilyn and I to teach from the Word and share from our experiences. And of course who can eat at a Ukrainian’s table without some “Chi,” Ukrainian chocolate candy and pastries. So we left, full of food, fellowship and with the lingering of laughter from the time with God’s people.
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Wednesday, October 1
Another day has come to a close in Ukraine.
We spent the day trying to catch up on sleep -- but not all day, just until 3:00 AM Florida time (10:00 AM here.) I know it sounds like we were lazy but we are still trying to adjust to the time difference (7 hours) and the lack of sleep on the flight here.
The afternoon I spent in preparation for this evening and also in thought for the coming activities, meetings and services here in Ukraine.
It seems that all of our "homes" away from home are having some type of water problem. Svetlana, Anya Beach's mother's flat has problems with their water system so plans are up in the air for it. The home of our Dean, Eugene Taits, had severe water damage that went down two floors into the flats of others because some guests who stayed there while they were visiting his father in New York turned on the hot water and when nothing came out, they did not turn it off and water, water everywhere. My secretary's flat had their hot water tank go bad and the company has not arrived as promised to install a new one-----but we will survive and find new ways to keep refreshed.
Back to the "spiritual"! Tonight we ministered or as they say "served" the cell group under the direction of Pastor Dema and Natasha Nemchenko which meets in the flat where we stay with Tolik and Oksana (my Ukrainian secretary)and Tolik's aunt, Luda. We had a good meeting! What else do you expect me to say when I was the teacher? Seriously, we had a good time of fellowship both physically and spiritually. Their hearts are open to hear, learn and receive ministry.
Then it was time for the best Pizza in Ukraine made and served by our hostess. It may even be better than the best Pizza in Florida. We had a traditional Ukrainian salad with it made of tomatoes, cucumbers, goat cheese, celery, and olives.
All this after 9:30 PM and I am supposed to sleep with this in my stomach! But it will take us some time to get to sleep because we have not completely adjusted to the time.
Well, If I am going to get some sleep or attempt to, I'd better stop and move to the bedroom.
God bless and keep us in your prayers,
Dr. D.
We spent the day trying to catch up on sleep -- but not all day, just until 3:00 AM Florida time (10:00 AM here.) I know it sounds like we were lazy but we are still trying to adjust to the time difference (7 hours) and the lack of sleep on the flight here.
The afternoon I spent in preparation for this evening and also in thought for the coming activities, meetings and services here in Ukraine.
It seems that all of our "homes" away from home are having some type of water problem. Svetlana, Anya Beach's mother's flat has problems with their water system so plans are up in the air for it. The home of our Dean, Eugene Taits, had severe water damage that went down two floors into the flats of others because some guests who stayed there while they were visiting his father in New York turned on the hot water and when nothing came out, they did not turn it off and water, water everywhere. My secretary's flat had their hot water tank go bad and the company has not arrived as promised to install a new one-----but we will survive and find new ways to keep refreshed.
Back to the "spiritual"! Tonight we ministered or as they say "served" the cell group under the direction of Pastor Dema and Natasha Nemchenko which meets in the flat where we stay with Tolik and Oksana (my Ukrainian secretary)and Tolik's aunt, Luda. We had a good meeting! What else do you expect me to say when I was the teacher? Seriously, we had a good time of fellowship both physically and spiritually. Their hearts are open to hear, learn and receive ministry.
Then it was time for the best Pizza in Ukraine made and served by our hostess. It may even be better than the best Pizza in Florida. We had a traditional Ukrainian salad with it made of tomatoes, cucumbers, goat cheese, celery, and olives.
All this after 9:30 PM and I am supposed to sleep with this in my stomach! But it will take us some time to get to sleep because we have not completely adjusted to the time.
Well, If I am going to get some sleep or attempt to, I'd better stop and move to the bedroom.
God bless and keep us in your prayers,
Dr. D.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Ukraine Tuesday - September 30th
Kiev - Chernivtsi
We arrived safely and without any problems. We got to Eugene and Lena’s 20 hours after we left home. We had a three hour layover in Detroit and Amsterdam. Thankfully, we had a vacant seat between us which certainly allows us a little room to move and also makes it easier to get a limited amount of rest.
We spent several hours in the evening visiting with Eugene and Lena, spent time repacking our bags for the train trip today. We had to be at the train station at 6:00 this morning and made the five hour trip and were met by Oksana and a gentlemen who drove his car to pick us up. Had a quick lunch and left for the three hour drive to Chernivtsi.
The drive brought back many memories of our early ministry here in Ukraine. We would drive those same roads to visit different Churches in the surrounding area. One big change is the number of vehicles on the road as well as the many places to buy gasoline. Also, there is lots of construction with developments of homes outsides the cities and villages.
As in the United States, the prices of properties has greatly increased beyond the means of the average person. There has been a increase in the price of goods as well. Oksana and Tolig are wanting to buy a car and a 20 year old car would cost $4,000 - $5,000. Something 10 years old would be closer to $10,000.
Chernivtsi is where we started our ministry in Ukraine. We have many friends here and will see several different groups, minister and encourage them. In fact, we just received a call and a young Pastor and his wife are coming tomorrow afternoon to talk with us.
Continue to pray for every facet of our trip – including our health as the young man in the home where we are staying has been sick for several days. Five of us are staying in this 500 square foot flat so there isn’t much opportunity to stay clear of the sick one.
Marilyn
We arrived safely and without any problems. We got to Eugene and Lena’s 20 hours after we left home. We had a three hour layover in Detroit and Amsterdam. Thankfully, we had a vacant seat between us which certainly allows us a little room to move and also makes it easier to get a limited amount of rest.
We spent several hours in the evening visiting with Eugene and Lena, spent time repacking our bags for the train trip today. We had to be at the train station at 6:00 this morning and made the five hour trip and were met by Oksana and a gentlemen who drove his car to pick us up. Had a quick lunch and left for the three hour drive to Chernivtsi.
The drive brought back many memories of our early ministry here in Ukraine. We would drive those same roads to visit different Churches in the surrounding area. One big change is the number of vehicles on the road as well as the many places to buy gasoline. Also, there is lots of construction with developments of homes outsides the cities and villages.
As in the United States, the prices of properties has greatly increased beyond the means of the average person. There has been a increase in the price of goods as well. Oksana and Tolig are wanting to buy a car and a 20 year old car would cost $4,000 - $5,000. Something 10 years old would be closer to $10,000.
Chernivtsi is where we started our ministry in Ukraine. We have many friends here and will see several different groups, minister and encourage them. In fact, we just received a call and a young Pastor and his wife are coming tomorrow afternoon to talk with us.
Continue to pray for every facet of our trip – including our health as the young man in the home where we are staying has been sick for several days. Five of us are staying in this 500 square foot flat so there isn’t much opportunity to stay clear of the sick one.
Marilyn
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Ukraine Ministry Schedule
Here is our schule while iin Ukraine. You can use this to pray for us.
Sunday, 9/28 – 3:14 PM - Depart Ft. Myers for Kiev
Sunday, 9/29 – Arrive Monday – Kiev 4:45 PM - NW 8385 [KL 385]
Tuesday, 9/30 – 6:40 A.M. Depart for Khmelnitsky
Tuesday, 9/30 – 11:05 Arrive Khmelnitsky - then drive to Chernivtsi
Wednesday, 10/1 – Dima Nemchecko’s Cell
Thursday, 10/2 – 1:00 - Vika Kosovan
Friday, 10/ 3 – Vitaliy’s Church Prayer Meeting
Saturday, 10/4 – 5:00 Supper with Vitaliy and Ira
Sunday, 10/5 – 6:00 Vitaliy’s Church
Monday, 10/6 – 11:00 Depart for Khmelnitsky
Monday 10/6 – 4:40 Depart Khmelnitsky for Kiev
Monday, 10/6 – 9:13 Arrive Kiev - met by Svetlana - stay at her apartment
Tuesday, 10/7– Afternoon with Vadiim and Inna
Wednesday, 10/8 – 5:00 PM Depart for Train with Svetlana
Wednesday, 10/8 – 7:15 Depart Kiev for Donetsk
Thursday, 10/9 – 7:30 AM Arrive Donetsk
Thursday, 10/9 – 5:00 PM Dr D - Rehabilitation Center
Friday, 10/10 – 5:00 Ladies Seminar - Marilyn
Dr D with Pastors
Saturday, 10/11– 10:00 - Seminar
12:30 - Lunch
2:30 - Seminar
Sunday, 10/12 – 9:00 - Service
11:00 - Service
5:00 - Service
Monday, 10/13 – 6:30 PM Depart Donetsk for Kiev
Tuesday, 10/14 – 7:00 AM Arrive Kiev - met by Eugene Taits
Wednesday, 10/15 – 6:45 AM Marilyn departs for US
Wednesday 10/15 – 6:10 PM Marilyn arrives Ft. Myers
Friday, 10/17 - 6:30 Teach at IIT-Zoe
Saturday, 10/18 – 3:30 New Time Church
Sunday, 10/19 – 10:00 & 2:00 - Victory Church, Kiev
Tuesday, 10/21 – 11:45 AM Depart Kiev for US
Wednesday, 10/22 – 12:01 AM Arrive Ft. Myers
Thanks and we will update this as we are able to get on line.
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Sunday, 9/28 – 3:14 PM - Depart Ft. Myers for Kiev
Sunday, 9/29 – Arrive Monday – Kiev 4:45 PM - NW 8385 [KL 385]
Tuesday, 9/30 – 6:40 A.M. Depart for Khmelnitsky
Tuesday, 9/30 – 11:05 Arrive Khmelnitsky - then drive to Chernivtsi
Wednesday, 10/1 – Dima Nemchecko’s Cell
Thursday, 10/2 – 1:00 - Vika Kosovan
Friday, 10/ 3 – Vitaliy’s Church Prayer Meeting
Saturday, 10/4 – 5:00 Supper with Vitaliy and Ira
Sunday, 10/5 – 6:00 Vitaliy’s Church
Monday, 10/6 – 11:00 Depart for Khmelnitsky
Monday 10/6 – 4:40 Depart Khmelnitsky for Kiev
Monday, 10/6 – 9:13 Arrive Kiev - met by Svetlana - stay at her apartment
Tuesday, 10/7– Afternoon with Vadiim and Inna
Wednesday, 10/8 – 5:00 PM Depart for Train with Svetlana
Wednesday, 10/8 – 7:15 Depart Kiev for Donetsk
Thursday, 10/9 – 7:30 AM Arrive Donetsk
Thursday, 10/9 – 5:00 PM Dr D - Rehabilitation Center
Friday, 10/10 – 5:00 Ladies Seminar - Marilyn
Dr D with Pastors
Saturday, 10/11– 10:00 - Seminar
12:30 - Lunch
2:30 - Seminar
Sunday, 10/12 – 9:00 - Service
11:00 - Service
5:00 - Service
Monday, 10/13 – 6:30 PM Depart Donetsk for Kiev
Tuesday, 10/14 – 7:00 AM Arrive Kiev - met by Eugene Taits
Wednesday, 10/15 – 6:45 AM Marilyn departs for US
Wednesday 10/15 – 6:10 PM Marilyn arrives Ft. Myers
Friday, 10/17 - 6:30 Teach at IIT-Zoe
Saturday, 10/18 – 3:30 New Time Church
Sunday, 10/19 – 10:00 & 2:00 - Victory Church, Kiev
Tuesday, 10/21 – 11:45 AM Depart Kiev for US
Wednesday, 10/22 – 12:01 AM Arrive Ft. Myers
Thanks and we will update this as we are able to get on line.
Dr. D. & Marilyn
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Peru 20 Somethings Completed
The "20 Somethings" (College & Career) trip to Peru was a great success.
There was a lot of work completed with difficult working conditions, tools, weather conditions. "Weather?" right! It is t heir winter season and it never rains or hasn't rained in the Lima area for over 125 years. BUT---But there can be a heavy mist that will go on and on and on (forever it seems.)
Consider this: Though the temperature did not get lower than 50 degrees F -- you have a concrete building; windows that are far from being weather tight; steel outside doors that have no seal around them; no heat in the building (this is typical of all homes in Peru -- at least where I have been); clouds that seem to sit on you all day long, therefore no rays from the sun; the fine mist making everything outside damp -- including you; PLUS - limited lighting and very limited hot water for a shower and do not forget that you sleep on air-mattresses on the floor.
This with 7 US raised college age students in such surroundings should equal problems! NO! NO! Not with this group! We never heard one word or complaint or bickering about their conditions. Not even when you add in the source of many of their meals was peanut butter and jelly with scrambled eggs and maybe some Peruvian sliced deli meat.
What did we get? WORK! SMILES! LAUGHTER! THANKFULNESS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE!
As leaders, Marilyn and I cannot but praise the "Seven".
They painted three rooms -- two coats; removed the installed single unit hot/cold water shower controls and installed different ones by hammering out the concrete around the originals and around the PVC so we could adjust for the double control; wired for the new gas powered washer dryer combo -- yes electricity is required to turn the tubs; uncovered and fixed the sewage system even though they had to work in very unsanitary conditions; piped and wired for the pump to pump out the shower and sink water that will be used to water the landscaping; installed the pump for the water system along with its battery power; installed a reverse osmosis system under the sink to provide pure water for the house; used picks, large toothed gravel rakes and shovels to begin the process of providing a level courtyard area for parking the missionary's car when it arrives (said by faith for its provision) and for the small amount of grass and flowers that will beautify that area.
Add to that the account of the loose "four-footed first fruits offering" that got loose on Sunday and created laughter during the worship service. That is the "pig" that got loose and caused four very dignified 20 Somethings to kneel and rub its belly to try to stop the squeal that emits from an anxious, nervous PIG!. Then imagine two of them very gingerly and lovingly picking it up and carrying it back to its pen! (I cannot image it -- I wasn't there but they did it.)
Did they do "any ministry?" Yes! They had three sessions with the children and people of Jicamarca, one with the youth of Communidad Cristiana La Vina, Pastor Edgard Guillermo and also with the youth of New Strength, Pastor Agustin Ciccia.
And all of this began with an early departure from Ft. Myers because of the approach of Hurricane Fay. We had to leave on Monday evening for Miami International by way of Clewiston to avoid the potential wind and rain so we could get to the airport and be ready to depart on Tuesday morning. This meant sleeping in the airport on benches all night -- well some tried, some succeeded but at Dr. D. failed to get any sleep. He survived! That's what leaders do -- they survive.
Thank you Chase York, Ryan York, Nick York (a brother from Maryland), James Galante, Paul Janiak, Carrie Naimeth, Bethany Wolff for being so fabulous on this work - ministry trip to Peru to bless our Missionaries: David and Ceci Hodges.
Dr D and Marilyn
There was a lot of work completed with difficult working conditions, tools, weather conditions. "Weather?" right! It is t heir winter season and it never rains or hasn't rained in the Lima area for over 125 years. BUT---But there can be a heavy mist that will go on and on and on (forever it seems.)
Consider this: Though the temperature did not get lower than 50 degrees F -- you have a concrete building; windows that are far from being weather tight; steel outside doors that have no seal around them; no heat in the building (this is typical of all homes in Peru -- at least where I have been); clouds that seem to sit on you all day long, therefore no rays from the sun; the fine mist making everything outside damp -- including you; PLUS - limited lighting and very limited hot water for a shower and do not forget that you sleep on air-mattresses on the floor.
This with 7 US raised college age students in such surroundings should equal problems! NO! NO! Not with this group! We never heard one word or complaint or bickering about their conditions. Not even when you add in the source of many of their meals was peanut butter and jelly with scrambled eggs and maybe some Peruvian sliced deli meat.
What did we get? WORK! SMILES! LAUGHTER! THANKFULNESS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE!
As leaders, Marilyn and I cannot but praise the "Seven".
They painted three rooms -- two coats; removed the installed single unit hot/cold water shower controls and installed different ones by hammering out the concrete around the originals and around the PVC so we could adjust for the double control; wired for the new gas powered washer dryer combo -- yes electricity is required to turn the tubs; uncovered and fixed the sewage system even though they had to work in very unsanitary conditions; piped and wired for the pump to pump out the shower and sink water that will be used to water the landscaping; installed the pump for the water system along with its battery power; installed a reverse osmosis system under the sink to provide pure water for the house; used picks, large toothed gravel rakes and shovels to begin the process of providing a level courtyard area for parking the missionary's car when it arrives (said by faith for its provision) and for the small amount of grass and flowers that will beautify that area.
Add to that the account of the loose "four-footed first fruits offering" that got loose on Sunday and created laughter during the worship service. That is the "pig" that got loose and caused four very dignified 20 Somethings to kneel and rub its belly to try to stop the squeal that emits from an anxious, nervous PIG!. Then imagine two of them very gingerly and lovingly picking it up and carrying it back to its pen! (I cannot image it -- I wasn't there but they did it.)
Did they do "any ministry?" Yes! They had three sessions with the children and people of Jicamarca, one with the youth of Communidad Cristiana La Vina, Pastor Edgard Guillermo and also with the youth of New Strength, Pastor Agustin Ciccia.
And all of this began with an early departure from Ft. Myers because of the approach of Hurricane Fay. We had to leave on Monday evening for Miami International by way of Clewiston to avoid the potential wind and rain so we could get to the airport and be ready to depart on Tuesday morning. This meant sleeping in the airport on benches all night -- well some tried, some succeeded but at Dr. D. failed to get any sleep. He survived! That's what leaders do -- they survive.
Thank you Chase York, Ryan York, Nick York (a brother from Maryland), James Galante, Paul Janiak, Carrie Naimeth, Bethany Wolff for being so fabulous on this work - ministry trip to Peru to bless our Missionaries: David and Ceci Hodges.
Dr D and Marilyn
Monday, August 25, 2008
Sunday A Day For The Pig
Just another day in missions! During the Sunday service at Jicamarcas as Bethany and James were leading in worship some members noticed that David's pig was out of the pen and on the mountain.
Marco and Ryan ventured onto the mountain to catch the wayward pig. Pastor Hodges appeared and joined in the pursuit along with Chase. For the next 15 minutes they scurried upon the mountain to surround the pig, but to no avail. Marco got close enough to grab its legs. Pastor Hodges told them to rub the pig's belly to cause him to settle down, but the squealing continued as they carried him by the church on the way to his pen.
Now you will hear various versions of this depending on who you talk to, but believe me this was an exciting begining to the worship service.
When the service ended they spent 2-3 hours casting a demon out of one attendee. Victory on both sides. The pig was back and the demon was out!
It is Monday evening as I write this as it is being dictated to me by Ryan. We are in my favorite place and that of the whole team -- "Four Bucks!" We will soon be on our way to Jicamarca to pack, move the Hodges belongings downstairs and the leave about 12:00 for the airport.
Until we see you on Wednesday -- sometime -- that is if we get out of bed!
God bless and thanks for your prayers.
Dr D and the Gang
Marco and Ryan ventured onto the mountain to catch the wayward pig. Pastor Hodges appeared and joined in the pursuit along with Chase. For the next 15 minutes they scurried upon the mountain to surround the pig, but to no avail. Marco got close enough to grab its legs. Pastor Hodges told them to rub the pig's belly to cause him to settle down, but the squealing continued as they carried him by the church on the way to his pen.
Now you will hear various versions of this depending on who you talk to, but believe me this was an exciting begining to the worship service.
When the service ended they spent 2-3 hours casting a demon out of one attendee. Victory on both sides. The pig was back and the demon was out!
It is Monday evening as I write this as it is being dictated to me by Ryan. We are in my favorite place and that of the whole team -- "Four Bucks!" We will soon be on our way to Jicamarca to pack, move the Hodges belongings downstairs and the leave about 12:00 for the airport.
Until we see you on Wednesday -- sometime -- that is if we get out of bed!
God bless and thanks for your prayers.
Dr D and the Gang
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Sunday - A Day of Battles
We are very busy as you can tell from the previous posting. Along with the "hard" work which the 20 Something's approached with vigor, consistancy and no complaining there have been those among us who have been attacked physically. Four of us have had battles with stomach problems.
Since I am not with the team today or tomorrow (Monday) I do not know the condition of the one who got sick Saturday, but I heard by phone today that he is still having problems. And then whatever it is or was grabbed me this morning before service -- but I made it through and we had a great service.
I spoke to David Hodges earlier this evening and he updated me on the manifestation of the devil through one of his wife's nieces. They spent much time praying and in worship to see her devlivered from a demon. I am sure the team memebers will never forget what they saw -- the screaming, the biting of the inside of her mouth USA. There is no connection in Jicamarca and the only reason we have been able to send one email and to add it to the blog is because I am in Lima with Pastor Agustin today and tomorrow we will travel to Chincha to check on the progress of the rebuilding of some of the churches which were damaged, even destroyed in the earthquake one year ago this month.
God bless and thank you for your prayers.
Dr. D.
Since I am not with the team today or tomorrow (Monday) I do not know the condition of the one who got sick Saturday, but I heard by phone today that he is still having problems. And then whatever it is or was grabbed me this morning before service -- but I made it through and we had a great service.
I spoke to David Hodges earlier this evening and he updated me on the manifestation of the devil through one of his wife's nieces. They spent much time praying and in worship to see her devlivered from a demon. I am sure the team memebers will never forget what they saw -- the screaming, the biting of the inside of her mouth USA. There is no connection in Jicamarca and the only reason we have been able to send one email and to add it to the blog is because I am in Lima with Pastor Agustin today and tomorrow we will travel to Chincha to check on the progress of the rebuilding of some of the churches which were damaged, even destroyed in the earthquake one year ago this month.
God bless and thank you for your prayers.
Dr. D.
20 Somethings - Peru
Hello,
There is no way that I can describe or write all that has taken place in the time we have been here. It has been a busy trip -- some of the plans that were made have been accomplished but a lot more has been done as well.
Because of the Hurricane (Tropical Storm) My husband and I along with Carrie, Chase and Ryan went to Miami on Monday night. We spent the night in the Airport -- we were determined to make our flight and we had no problem. It was an interesting night in the Airport and we have pictures of our experience. Chase and Ryan's brother, Nick, met us in Miami and was able to fly "stand-by" with us to Lima. Bethany went to Ft. Lauderdale on Monday night and made her flight with Spirit on Tuesday. James and Paul were able to fly stand-by to Houston Monday night and we all arrived in Lima at our scheduled time.
We are staying at David and Ceci's new house in Jicamarca. Although it is new -- it isn't finished and there were/are lots of things yet to be done. The girls are sleeping upstairs (on air mattresses) and the guys downstairs. It gets cold at night. The temperature may not be under 50 -- but it is damp and the building soak in the moisture. It is a challenge staying warm while sleeping.
They have no refrigerator and their showers are still not working as they should -- it is a true camping experience. Tonight is our first opportunity to be where there is Internet (which is a challenge). I have never experienced as many flies in my entire 62 years under any circumstances. It is winter, and they are swarming and lethargic which is something I have never seen. They and swarming -- I can't imagine what their summer will bring.
Lima is desert - but this particular area has huge boulders and lots of dirt and dust. The only thing "green" you will find is something someone has planted and is watering. It is not like our desert where you find cactus and other growing things. Because this is winter a heavy mist settles down and the result is mud which is tracked everywhere. It keeps a person busy just trying to clean up the dirt and mud.
The guys have been working on electrical things and the plumbing. They came with a plan (and a water pump) and they have done all the right things but the pump (and battery) just aren't powerful enough to pump the amount of water that needs to be pumped. They have spent countless hours working on it. The pump for the septic system has been installed and is working. They put in light in their laundry area and other odds and ends as well as installing a reverse osmosis system so they can have pure drinking water.
My husband, the girls, Paul and James have painted the downstairs and the living room. When that was finished they tried get the courtyard level and they made great progress on that.
They have had a service for adults, one for children and two for youth. Tomorrow they have one for children and one for adults. My husband and I had a seminar for couples last night. My husband speaks for Agustin on Sunday and is going to Chincha on Monday to visit the Pastors and see what has happened since the Earthquake two years ago. Sunday and Monday afternoon and evening we will do some shopping and sight seeing.
Sorry we haven't been able to communicate -- believe me, we like it better when we have daily contact with home.
James and Paul leave Monday night and the rest of us on Tuesday. The group has worked hard and harmoniously - they have been uncomplaining in trying situations. It has been a delight to be with them.
Thanks for your prayers -- we have been mostly healthy and James is extremely happy as this is the first Missions Trip he has taken and NOT been sick. However Paul is sick with stomach cramps. So pray for all.
Marilyn
There is no way that I can describe or write all that has taken place in the time we have been here. It has been a busy trip -- some of the plans that were made have been accomplished but a lot more has been done as well.
Because of the Hurricane (Tropical Storm) My husband and I along with Carrie, Chase and Ryan went to Miami on Monday night. We spent the night in the Airport -- we were determined to make our flight and we had no problem. It was an interesting night in the Airport and we have pictures of our experience. Chase and Ryan's brother, Nick, met us in Miami and was able to fly "stand-by" with us to Lima. Bethany went to Ft. Lauderdale on Monday night and made her flight with Spirit on Tuesday. James and Paul were able to fly stand-by to Houston Monday night and we all arrived in Lima at our scheduled time.
We are staying at David and Ceci's new house in Jicamarca. Although it is new -- it isn't finished and there were/are lots of things yet to be done. The girls are sleeping upstairs (on air mattresses) and the guys downstairs. It gets cold at night. The temperature may not be under 50 -- but it is damp and the building soak in the moisture. It is a challenge staying warm while sleeping.
They have no refrigerator and their showers are still not working as they should -- it is a true camping experience. Tonight is our first opportunity to be where there is Internet (which is a challenge). I have never experienced as many flies in my entire 62 years under any circumstances. It is winter, and they are swarming and lethargic which is something I have never seen. They and swarming -- I can't imagine what their summer will bring.
Lima is desert - but this particular area has huge boulders and lots of dirt and dust. The only thing "green" you will find is something someone has planted and is watering. It is not like our desert where you find cactus and other growing things. Because this is winter a heavy mist settles down and the result is mud which is tracked everywhere. It keeps a person busy just trying to clean up the dirt and mud.
The guys have been working on electrical things and the plumbing. They came with a plan (and a water pump) and they have done all the right things but the pump (and battery) just aren't powerful enough to pump the amount of water that needs to be pumped. They have spent countless hours working on it. The pump for the septic system has been installed and is working. They put in light in their laundry area and other odds and ends as well as installing a reverse osmosis system so they can have pure drinking water.
My husband, the girls, Paul and James have painted the downstairs and the living room. When that was finished they tried get the courtyard level and they made great progress on that.
They have had a service for adults, one for children and two for youth. Tomorrow they have one for children and one for adults. My husband and I had a seminar for couples last night. My husband speaks for Agustin on Sunday and is going to Chincha on Monday to visit the Pastors and see what has happened since the Earthquake two years ago. Sunday and Monday afternoon and evening we will do some shopping and sight seeing.
Sorry we haven't been able to communicate -- believe me, we like it better when we have daily contact with home.
James and Paul leave Monday night and the rest of us on Tuesday. The group has worked hard and harmoniously - they have been uncomplaining in trying situations. It has been a delight to be with them.
Thanks for your prayers -- we have been mostly healthy and James is extremely happy as this is the first Missions Trip he has taken and NOT been sick. However Paul is sick with stomach cramps. So pray for all.
Marilyn
Friday, June 27, 2008
Sending a short blog now, since I have a few moments. If you do not see another blog do not be concerned, I may not get back to Maria´s for the remainder of our trip to update again.
If I have not told you there is a real working bathroom in David and Cesi´s house now! The men made a make shift door so it can be used by all. And, of course the question of the day was, "Does the water in the toilet bowl really swirl the opposite way in the southern hemisphere than in the northern hemisphere?" The answer is "Yes!"
Yesterday the men and myself were very tired. David went to the hardware store in the afternoon so we did not need to go in the evening. Yeah!!! So some of the men went to bed really early and others went to relax in the hotel sauna. We had ordered pizza delivered to the hotel.
Today is our last real day to accomplish projects at Jicamarca. Tomorrow we will only be there until noon and will finish projects started and clean up the site.
Lunch today consists of chicken, rice, potatoes and vegies. Maria is an exceptional cook and all the meals have been wonderful. She always has different sauces she makes with fruits and vegetables to put on your food. Everything is very healthy because it is all made from scratch. The men have really enjoyed filling up with this good, wholesome food. There is always a big supply of fresh rolls from the market also which we have really enjoyed, maybe a little too much!!
Wives be prepared to cook next week and get those rolling pins out! It may take the men awhile to adjust back to life in the states!!!
Must sign off as we are taking lunch to Jicamarca now. If I get a chance to update again later today I will. Our flight leaves Lima at 5:30am on Sunday so will need to be at the hotel and it bed early Saturday night.
If I have not told you there is a real working bathroom in David and Cesi´s house now! The men made a make shift door so it can be used by all. And, of course the question of the day was, "Does the water in the toilet bowl really swirl the opposite way in the southern hemisphere than in the northern hemisphere?" The answer is "Yes!"
Yesterday the men and myself were very tired. David went to the hardware store in the afternoon so we did not need to go in the evening. Yeah!!! So some of the men went to bed really early and others went to relax in the hotel sauna. We had ordered pizza delivered to the hotel.
Today is our last real day to accomplish projects at Jicamarca. Tomorrow we will only be there until noon and will finish projects started and clean up the site.
Lunch today consists of chicken, rice, potatoes and vegies. Maria is an exceptional cook and all the meals have been wonderful. She always has different sauces she makes with fruits and vegetables to put on your food. Everything is very healthy because it is all made from scratch. The men have really enjoyed filling up with this good, wholesome food. There is always a big supply of fresh rolls from the market also which we have really enjoyed, maybe a little too much!!
Wives be prepared to cook next week and get those rolling pins out! It may take the men awhile to adjust back to life in the states!!!
Must sign off as we are taking lunch to Jicamarca now. If I get a chance to update again later today I will. Our flight leaves Lima at 5:30am on Sunday so will need to be at the hotel and it bed early Saturday night.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
We have some very exciting news. One of the Peruvian men that is working on the job site this week accepted Christ this morning! Felipe had been speaking with him and asked him if he knew where he would go if he died today. He hung his head low and said, "To hell." Felipe continued to speak to him about that and prayed with him!!! Praise the Lord. We are working on getting him plugged into a church so he can be decipled.
Yesterday the men worked until dark and returned to the hotel to clean up. They again needed supplies from, yes you guessed it - the hardware store!! The plumbing supplies here are not properly manufactured and they do not go through quality control. So they do not always fit properly. Paul has had to try many fittings just to find one that will work.
We also went to Applebies for dinner. The men had planned on going to a soccer game, but it was raining here and they needed to go to the hardware store. Yes, it does rain here. Like a very heavy mist, but enough to make puddles. It never storms with lightening or thunder, just mist.
Today was an early start back to Jicamarca after breakfast at the hotel. Maria, JoVanna and I brought out a Peruvian meal of Rice, Beans, Hamburgers and Vegies. Tom had been wondering what a Tres Leche dessert was. So we surprised them by bringing a large cake out today. It is a cake that is made with three different milks and is very good.
Yesterday at the hardware store I had asked Marco where the restroom was and he pointed. Well it was not marked very good and I found myself in a mans bathroom! Thank God no one was inside!! Everyone thought that was just too funny expecially Marco. Today I found out that Gary had walked into a womans bathroom when at Applebiels last night but there was someone in there! He was very embarrased!!
Thank you for your continued prayers. David is feeling much better, just a sniffly nose and no fever. Continue to pray, the week has been long and the end is near. The rain and dreariness have made it challenging to work in at Jicamarca. God has been so faithful and good to each one. We have had time to sit and chat about the week and what the Lord is speaking to us. We are blessed to be here.
Yesterday the men worked until dark and returned to the hotel to clean up. They again needed supplies from, yes you guessed it - the hardware store!! The plumbing supplies here are not properly manufactured and they do not go through quality control. So they do not always fit properly. Paul has had to try many fittings just to find one that will work.
We also went to Applebies for dinner. The men had planned on going to a soccer game, but it was raining here and they needed to go to the hardware store. Yes, it does rain here. Like a very heavy mist, but enough to make puddles. It never storms with lightening or thunder, just mist.
Today was an early start back to Jicamarca after breakfast at the hotel. Maria, JoVanna and I brought out a Peruvian meal of Rice, Beans, Hamburgers and Vegies. Tom had been wondering what a Tres Leche dessert was. So we surprised them by bringing a large cake out today. It is a cake that is made with three different milks and is very good.
Yesterday at the hardware store I had asked Marco where the restroom was and he pointed. Well it was not marked very good and I found myself in a mans bathroom! Thank God no one was inside!! Everyone thought that was just too funny expecially Marco. Today I found out that Gary had walked into a womans bathroom when at Applebiels last night but there was someone in there! He was very embarrased!!
Thank you for your continued prayers. David is feeling much better, just a sniffly nose and no fever. Continue to pray, the week has been long and the end is near. The rain and dreariness have made it challenging to work in at Jicamarca. God has been so faithful and good to each one. We have had time to sit and chat about the week and what the Lord is speaking to us. We are blessed to be here.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Written Wednesday, June 25th
Thank you God:
Yesterday afternoon Maria, JoVanna and I brought a sandwich dinner up to Jicamarca since we had planned on staying for the prayer and worship service at David Hodges church at 7:00pm. We ate in the Hodge´s dining room with a light on!! We now have power!! After dinner David and the team needed supplies to continue their work today so we were unable to stay for the prayer service.
I was dropped off at the hotel since I was not interested in shopping at the hardware store again this week. Not my usual place to shop if you know what I mean. Tom and Walker decided not to go as well, making it an early night for them. The rest of the team shopped and purchased the supplies needed and arrived back at the hotel around 10:30pm.
This moring I woke to laughter, lots of it! The men have been having breakfast down the hall from our rooms at 6:45am. I have been sleeping until 8:00 since I am not picked up until 9:00am to go to Maria´s to cook. The hotel is tiled from ceiling to floor so any noise in the hallway can be heard by all. When the men get together they are so full of joy and love to have fun. They are laughing and joking all the time. I believe everyone sleeping at the hotel this morning heard the joy of the Lord through these men as they fellowshiped at breakfast!!
Maria and I (mostly Maria) made a really good meal of rice, beef and vegies. We also made a delicious Peruvian dish. We rolled mashed potatoes like you would roll cookie dough, which had lime juice and an orange pepper mashed in also. Then we stuffed a little avocado inside. So very good, I will be trying this dish at home!
The men accomplished a lot this morning. By lunch time they had installed a ceiling fan, a real toilet, numerous other lights and outlets. The steel work continues with all the stair railing done. Marco is finishing and painting it before it can be installed. More plumbing is being done on the roof for a washer and sink as well as for the gray water and sewer on the lower level.
Tonight some of the men are talking about going to a soccer game. David felt wonderful throughout the day yesterday but ran a fever last night and today his sinus´s are causing him some problems. He has decided to call it an early night and get some rest.
Continue to pray that all the men get the rest they need. They are doing fine but they are working very hard, long days and we are now entering into the end of the week. Pray also for David that he feels better and is healed of whatever is causing these symptoms.
Blessings
Yesterday afternoon Maria, JoVanna and I brought a sandwich dinner up to Jicamarca since we had planned on staying for the prayer and worship service at David Hodges church at 7:00pm. We ate in the Hodge´s dining room with a light on!! We now have power!! After dinner David and the team needed supplies to continue their work today so we were unable to stay for the prayer service.
I was dropped off at the hotel since I was not interested in shopping at the hardware store again this week. Not my usual place to shop if you know what I mean. Tom and Walker decided not to go as well, making it an early night for them. The rest of the team shopped and purchased the supplies needed and arrived back at the hotel around 10:30pm.
This moring I woke to laughter, lots of it! The men have been having breakfast down the hall from our rooms at 6:45am. I have been sleeping until 8:00 since I am not picked up until 9:00am to go to Maria´s to cook. The hotel is tiled from ceiling to floor so any noise in the hallway can be heard by all. When the men get together they are so full of joy and love to have fun. They are laughing and joking all the time. I believe everyone sleeping at the hotel this morning heard the joy of the Lord through these men as they fellowshiped at breakfast!!
Maria and I (mostly Maria) made a really good meal of rice, beef and vegies. We also made a delicious Peruvian dish. We rolled mashed potatoes like you would roll cookie dough, which had lime juice and an orange pepper mashed in also. Then we stuffed a little avocado inside. So very good, I will be trying this dish at home!
The men accomplished a lot this morning. By lunch time they had installed a ceiling fan, a real toilet, numerous other lights and outlets. The steel work continues with all the stair railing done. Marco is finishing and painting it before it can be installed. More plumbing is being done on the roof for a washer and sink as well as for the gray water and sewer on the lower level.
Tonight some of the men are talking about going to a soccer game. David felt wonderful throughout the day yesterday but ran a fever last night and today his sinus´s are causing him some problems. He has decided to call it an early night and get some rest.
Continue to pray that all the men get the rest they need. They are doing fine but they are working very hard, long days and we are now entering into the end of the week. Pray also for David that he feels better and is healed of whatever is causing these symptoms.
Blessings
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Written Tuesday, June 24th at 4:00pm
WHEN HIS PEOPLE PRAY...
Felipe is back!! He arrived Monday night at 12:00am and is working hard today!!
David was very ill yesterday and ended up in bed with fever, chills, aches, etc. He woke up a new man this morning like nothing had ever happened!!
The generators are working efficiently even with the load that is required!!
Praise the Lord and thank you for praying.
Yesterday afternoon David took ill and had to return to the hotel for the afternoon and the evening. The men did an awesome job in his absense and knew exactly what to do. I opted to stay at the site in Davids absense and had a wonderul time with the Lord on the mountain and did a little construction clean-up. Walker and Tom went to town on the stair railing. The two were quite a team and got a lot done. Paul worked on plumbing and assisted Gary who is working on the electricity.
Maria cooked a wonderful American spagetthi lunch which I helped to prepare along with Cesi´s niece JoVanna and took it to the site. In the evening we went to Pardos Chicken a restaurant where they cook this very good chicken, then it was off to the hardward store for a few items before heading back to the hotel. Gary volunteered to go with Marco to the airport and get Felipe.
This morning everyone including David and Felipe headed back to Jicamarca after breakfast at the hotel. We brought a lunch to them, very good Peruvian chicken dish and brought a new fruit, Chire Moya, for everyone to try. It is a very good juicy sweet fruit.
I can´t say enough about this team of men. Each one has worked very hard, pitches in at a moments notice, gives expertise advise, is flexible and I have never heard a grumble. Well, except maybe there isn´t enought hot water. Yesterday when we arrived back at the hotel these grown men were running down the hallway of the hotel trying to outbeat the others to their room, claiming, "I´m in the shower first" so they would get the hot water before it ran out!!! Lots of work but lots of laughter and fun too.
Keep praying for our men and remember to include Marco as well. He works for David and Cesi Hodges and is with us night and day. We couldn´t do this without his help. He tranlates, drives, helps with construction and his knowledge of the local area, customs and people is so valuable to us.
Till tomorrow...
Felipe is back!! He arrived Monday night at 12:00am and is working hard today!!
David was very ill yesterday and ended up in bed with fever, chills, aches, etc. He woke up a new man this morning like nothing had ever happened!!
The generators are working efficiently even with the load that is required!!
Praise the Lord and thank you for praying.
Yesterday afternoon David took ill and had to return to the hotel for the afternoon and the evening. The men did an awesome job in his absense and knew exactly what to do. I opted to stay at the site in Davids absense and had a wonderul time with the Lord on the mountain and did a little construction clean-up. Walker and Tom went to town on the stair railing. The two were quite a team and got a lot done. Paul worked on plumbing and assisted Gary who is working on the electricity.
Maria cooked a wonderful American spagetthi lunch which I helped to prepare along with Cesi´s niece JoVanna and took it to the site. In the evening we went to Pardos Chicken a restaurant where they cook this very good chicken, then it was off to the hardward store for a few items before heading back to the hotel. Gary volunteered to go with Marco to the airport and get Felipe.
This morning everyone including David and Felipe headed back to Jicamarca after breakfast at the hotel. We brought a lunch to them, very good Peruvian chicken dish and brought a new fruit, Chire Moya, for everyone to try. It is a very good juicy sweet fruit.
I can´t say enough about this team of men. Each one has worked very hard, pitches in at a moments notice, gives expertise advise, is flexible and I have never heard a grumble. Well, except maybe there isn´t enought hot water. Yesterday when we arrived back at the hotel these grown men were running down the hallway of the hotel trying to outbeat the others to their room, claiming, "I´m in the shower first" so they would get the hot water before it ran out!!! Lots of work but lots of laughter and fun too.
Keep praying for our men and remember to include Marco as well. He works for David and Cesi Hodges and is with us night and day. We couldn´t do this without his help. He tranlates, drives, helps with construction and his knowledge of the local area, customs and people is so valuable to us.
Till tomorrow...
Monday, June 23, 2008
Peru Missions Trip June 2008
Monday, June 23rd 11:00 am
This is the first opportunity to sit at the computer and write. One of the most important things taught and learned by a missions team is the need to be flexible!!
We arrived in Lima, Peru without incident. Both flights were on time and lines were short. All of our luggage was slightly underweight and this was after David Hodges has packed additional items for the family and the church. It is a blessing we were able to bring so much of their things along with our tools for the week.
Once we landed in Peru, though, things started to change. Felipe was not allowed to enter the country because; being a citizen of Honduras he needed a Visa, which he was not aware of since he has traveled many times to Latin American countries and this was not needed. He was flown back to Panama where he will try to get a visa and return. Once Felipe returned to Panama the airline admitted that they should have caught this in Miami and because of their error they have put him up in a 5- star hotel with food vouchers until he can get his visa on Monday! Please pray, Felipe is trying to get his visa today and return to Peru. We know that God chose Felipe to be part of this team, he is still part of this team and we expect that he will be returning shortly to Peru.
After regrouping we set off to claim our baggage and go through customs. We got three red lights and two green lights. Red lights mean that they want to check your baggage and could tax you on items such as tools. The good news is we received favor, we were questioned on the tools, but they did not tax us!
We then went to the hotel, David had already checked us in so we went right to our rooms and had a few minutes to get ourselves settled. Then it was off to Maria´s (Cesi´s) sisters home for a wonderful Peruvian meal. Rice, potatoes, mixed beef with vegtables. Then back to the hotel for a good night of sleep.
We need two generators to work at Jicamarca. David came down early to purchase one and rent one. The purchased generator was not in stock when he got here but will be on Monday. The rented one was supposed to be available for pick-up on Saturday but later this changed and would not be available until Sunday. So with no power it would be difficult to accomplish much in Jicamarca on Sunday. So a new plan was developed.
We went to Jicamarca first thing Sunday morning after breakfast at the hotel. Jicamarca - WOW. No words can explain it. Lots of rock, dirt and mountains. The team spent time looking over the job site and walking the property. They discussed plans and laid out the work for the week. I too walked the property while the men were stratigizing. When near the base of the mountain you look around and there is so much poverty. Poverty I have never experienced like this before. Through tears the Lord spoke to me and said it is not about the job site we have spent so much time concentrating on, it is about what is around the job site. The people need this church and David and Cesi´s ministry in a mighty way.
After we left Jicamarca we went to a mall on the beach. Gary, did not want the culture shock to get to us too bad and treated us to Tony Roma´s! What a blessing. Then it was off to get the rented generator an hour away and we did some sight seeing on the way along the beach.
The generator was not in good order. So we decided not to try to fix it and use it for the welding not knowing if it would be able to handle the job. So an unexpected purchase was made of a 2nd generator. More blessings though as several of the men pitched in to purchase the generator which will give opportunity for David and Cesi to rent it in the future and will give them additional funds for the ministry.
This morning the men have gone to the job site and I am at Maria´s cooking spaghetti to bring to the men at noon. We have been stretched in the last 48 hours but the Lord is good and we have seen God´s hand in all of it. The team is great, they have been so helpful and funny! They have laughed a lot and have enjoyed one another while working through the challenges. God knew what He was doing when He put this team together.
Please pray for Felipe´s return to Peru-TODAY, that the generators do what is required for this week of work and for David who was not feeling his best this mornng (chills and aches).
God Bless
This is the first opportunity to sit at the computer and write. One of the most important things taught and learned by a missions team is the need to be flexible!!
We arrived in Lima, Peru without incident. Both flights were on time and lines were short. All of our luggage was slightly underweight and this was after David Hodges has packed additional items for the family and the church. It is a blessing we were able to bring so much of their things along with our tools for the week.
Once we landed in Peru, though, things started to change. Felipe was not allowed to enter the country because; being a citizen of Honduras he needed a Visa, which he was not aware of since he has traveled many times to Latin American countries and this was not needed. He was flown back to Panama where he will try to get a visa and return. Once Felipe returned to Panama the airline admitted that they should have caught this in Miami and because of their error they have put him up in a 5- star hotel with food vouchers until he can get his visa on Monday! Please pray, Felipe is trying to get his visa today and return to Peru. We know that God chose Felipe to be part of this team, he is still part of this team and we expect that he will be returning shortly to Peru.
After regrouping we set off to claim our baggage and go through customs. We got three red lights and two green lights. Red lights mean that they want to check your baggage and could tax you on items such as tools. The good news is we received favor, we were questioned on the tools, but they did not tax us!
We then went to the hotel, David had already checked us in so we went right to our rooms and had a few minutes to get ourselves settled. Then it was off to Maria´s (Cesi´s) sisters home for a wonderful Peruvian meal. Rice, potatoes, mixed beef with vegtables. Then back to the hotel for a good night of sleep.
We need two generators to work at Jicamarca. David came down early to purchase one and rent one. The purchased generator was not in stock when he got here but will be on Monday. The rented one was supposed to be available for pick-up on Saturday but later this changed and would not be available until Sunday. So with no power it would be difficult to accomplish much in Jicamarca on Sunday. So a new plan was developed.
We went to Jicamarca first thing Sunday morning after breakfast at the hotel. Jicamarca - WOW. No words can explain it. Lots of rock, dirt and mountains. The team spent time looking over the job site and walking the property. They discussed plans and laid out the work for the week. I too walked the property while the men were stratigizing. When near the base of the mountain you look around and there is so much poverty. Poverty I have never experienced like this before. Through tears the Lord spoke to me and said it is not about the job site we have spent so much time concentrating on, it is about what is around the job site. The people need this church and David and Cesi´s ministry in a mighty way.
After we left Jicamarca we went to a mall on the beach. Gary, did not want the culture shock to get to us too bad and treated us to Tony Roma´s! What a blessing. Then it was off to get the rented generator an hour away and we did some sight seeing on the way along the beach.
The generator was not in good order. So we decided not to try to fix it and use it for the welding not knowing if it would be able to handle the job. So an unexpected purchase was made of a 2nd generator. More blessings though as several of the men pitched in to purchase the generator which will give opportunity for David and Cesi to rent it in the future and will give them additional funds for the ministry.
This morning the men have gone to the job site and I am at Maria´s cooking spaghetti to bring to the men at noon. We have been stretched in the last 48 hours but the Lord is good and we have seen God´s hand in all of it. The team is great, they have been so helpful and funny! They have laughed a lot and have enjoyed one another while working through the challenges. God knew what He was doing when He put this team together.
Please pray for Felipe´s return to Peru-TODAY, that the generators do what is required for this week of work and for David who was not feeling his best this mornng (chills and aches).
God Bless
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
PERU MISSONS TRIP FINAL POST
Wednesday - May 21:
HEADLINES: DR. D. CAUSES LANDSLIDE - Dr. D. Falls 7 Feet And Lands on His Face!
Yes! But it isn’t really that bad. We were at the Hodges Home building site. I needed to get some pictures of the progress from the first Saturday we were here. I moved to get another view and needed to climb the rock and sand pile that was in my path. I moved slowly up the hill and just as I planted my foot on the top, half of the pile began to slide to my left. I tried to shift my weight to the right foot and then the entire top began to slide. I rode it as long as I could and then tried to run down with it – but to no avail..
I knew I was in trouble when the ground started coming up to meet me! I fell almost face first but managed to change position so that I landed almost parallel with my body. I felt my teeth hit a rock and then warmth began to flow. I got up to the impatient voice of a concerned wife trying to find out if I was alright. How do you answer when you don’t know and everything seems to be hurting?
A quick check told me that me teeth were still intact, but that I had cut my upper lip. I felt for broken bones but they were whole. As I tried to dust myself off I felt bruises on my knees like I had been kneeling on cement for hours. I completed the inspection process and found out the only other visible damage was about one inch south of my mouth.
The next inspection was that of my two cameras. The video camera was in its case and it was okay. However my digital camera suffered damage to the moving parts of the lens. It would not shut.
Now I noticed that I could not see very good and discovered that my glasses were very, very dusty. In the process of pouring water over them two parallel scratches were discovered on my right lens. That was how close the projection of the one rock came to my eye.
I am okay, but I do have a few aches.
We completed the round of unique shopping areas this afternoon and returned home to finish the final packing process, load the bus and wait for the clock to reach 7:00.
Everyone is downstairs chatting and spending the last few minutes with the Ciccia family. They have been very gracious.
The students are ready to go home. They have had a good time – both in ministry and fellowship with the people. And of course, with the three children of Agustin and Jessica - our hosts. I think the kids believe that our team came here just to play with them.
We will be looking forward to seeing you Sunday – or perhaps before.
We should arrive at the Church sometime between 10 and 11 o’clock. I am sure that those students who have phones or who have the ability to twist the arm of a friend (which means “ALL”) will call their parents, relatives, friends, and even part-time friends on the way from Miami to Ft. Myers. If you have not heard anything, call the Church office for the projected arrival time.
God bless,
Dr. D. - Marilyn, Zac - Brian - Bethany - Lindsay - Mikaela
HEADLINES: DR. D. CAUSES LANDSLIDE - Dr. D. Falls 7 Feet And Lands on His Face!
Yes! But it isn’t really that bad. We were at the Hodges Home building site. I needed to get some pictures of the progress from the first Saturday we were here. I moved to get another view and needed to climb the rock and sand pile that was in my path. I moved slowly up the hill and just as I planted my foot on the top, half of the pile began to slide to my left. I tried to shift my weight to the right foot and then the entire top began to slide. I rode it as long as I could and then tried to run down with it – but to no avail..
I knew I was in trouble when the ground started coming up to meet me! I fell almost face first but managed to change position so that I landed almost parallel with my body. I felt my teeth hit a rock and then warmth began to flow. I got up to the impatient voice of a concerned wife trying to find out if I was alright. How do you answer when you don’t know and everything seems to be hurting?
A quick check told me that me teeth were still intact, but that I had cut my upper lip. I felt for broken bones but they were whole. As I tried to dust myself off I felt bruises on my knees like I had been kneeling on cement for hours. I completed the inspection process and found out the only other visible damage was about one inch south of my mouth.
The next inspection was that of my two cameras. The video camera was in its case and it was okay. However my digital camera suffered damage to the moving parts of the lens. It would not shut.
Now I noticed that I could not see very good and discovered that my glasses were very, very dusty. In the process of pouring water over them two parallel scratches were discovered on my right lens. That was how close the projection of the one rock came to my eye.
I am okay, but I do have a few aches.
We completed the round of unique shopping areas this afternoon and returned home to finish the final packing process, load the bus and wait for the clock to reach 7:00.
Everyone is downstairs chatting and spending the last few minutes with the Ciccia family. They have been very gracious.
The students are ready to go home. They have had a good time – both in ministry and fellowship with the people. And of course, with the three children of Agustin and Jessica - our hosts. I think the kids believe that our team came here just to play with them.
We will be looking forward to seeing you Sunday – or perhaps before.
We should arrive at the Church sometime between 10 and 11 o’clock. I am sure that those students who have phones or who have the ability to twist the arm of a friend (which means “ALL”) will call their parents, relatives, friends, and even part-time friends on the way from Miami to Ft. Myers. If you have not heard anything, call the Church office for the projected arrival time.
God bless,
Dr. D. - Marilyn, Zac - Brian - Bethany - Lindsay - Mikaela
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