Day 15 - Wednesday: Kiev
Days like today allow you to catch up on back work and to help with the stress of returning home to work that hasn’t been done. I was able to do some pressing writing and reworking of some Covenant Life University courses – as well as clean my computer of unwanted documents and programs, etc. And to focus on decision making for International Institute of Theology - Zoe (CLU in Ukraine).
Now all I have to do is to wrap a few loose items tomorrow, pack and be ready to depart from here at 8:00 AM to get to the airport by 9:15 for my 11:45 departure to Amsterdam.
You can't believe the traffic and the way you drive here! If there are three marked lanes then you be assured there will be no less than four lanes and sometimes five. And if the traffic coming the other way is not heavy, then just drive over one lane into the on-coming traffic. They will stop and allow you to proceed and the cars on your right will allow you to cut in front of them whenever you desire. I have even been in a taxi when the traffic was heavy. He drove over the curb, onto the sidewalk and we continued for almost one mile until we came to the river. He then cut back into traffic without any one blowing their horn or their “stack!”
I have been in cars who were passing and the oncoming car and the car we were passing (even semi-trucks) made a third lane for us to continue in until we could pass all the vehicles we desired. Try sitting in the back seat with your American mind-set and being quiet and not showing any alarm so you do not upset your guests who is doing his best to get you where you need to be on time.
Well, anyway you can get the picture, so I've only one more Ukrainian traffic experience on this trip.
God bless and thanks for your prayers.Dr. D.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Day 14 - Tuesday: Back In Kiev
Today was enjoyable and also sad. I had to leave behind some lovely people and will not see them again until sometime around October. They are hungry for God and eager to learn. They insist that I adjust my fall schedule to come and be with them so I can continue to give them direction as they move forward with their new Churches.
We departed at noon to drive three hours to Khmelnitsky where I was to catch my train back to Kiev. The trip was without incident. AND my mind clicked into gear! We wanted to get something to eat before they took me to the train station so I told them about a cafeteria where I had enjoyed eating on several occasions. I remembered the way! Well, anyway I got the driver to within two blocks where we parked. We would have had to park and walk anyway because the street is closed off for pedestrian traffic. So with one question to request directions to the “Goose” we were on our way to a good Ukrainian meal.
I wish I could describe the food so that you would be able to taste it. It is different and if you know what to get then you do not have any problems. I stay away from boiled liver and several other dishes. Today I wanted salmon, but the two men with us got it before I did and there wasn't any left so I satisfied myself with “pounded chicken white meat” covered in a batter made of eggs.
The ride was good and I was able to complete 8 of 10 chapters of a book I had with me plus get a 45 minute nap. This time I had the room (3 seat coupe) all to my self so I did not have to worry about snoring. Me? Snore! YES! Sitting up, lying down and in any position while lying down. So if you travel with me sometime bring your ear plugs.
Eugene met me at the station and in a short time we were back to my Kiev home and a snack before retiring.
Now I have two days to complete all necessary work with the college and then to fly home.
Dr. D.
Today was enjoyable and also sad. I had to leave behind some lovely people and will not see them again until sometime around October. They are hungry for God and eager to learn. They insist that I adjust my fall schedule to come and be with them so I can continue to give them direction as they move forward with their new Churches.
We departed at noon to drive three hours to Khmelnitsky where I was to catch my train back to Kiev. The trip was without incident. AND my mind clicked into gear! We wanted to get something to eat before they took me to the train station so I told them about a cafeteria where I had enjoyed eating on several occasions. I remembered the way! Well, anyway I got the driver to within two blocks where we parked. We would have had to park and walk anyway because the street is closed off for pedestrian traffic. So with one question to request directions to the “Goose” we were on our way to a good Ukrainian meal.
I wish I could describe the food so that you would be able to taste it. It is different and if you know what to get then you do not have any problems. I stay away from boiled liver and several other dishes. Today I wanted salmon, but the two men with us got it before I did and there wasn't any left so I satisfied myself with “pounded chicken white meat” covered in a batter made of eggs.
The ride was good and I was able to complete 8 of 10 chapters of a book I had with me plus get a 45 minute nap. This time I had the room (3 seat coupe) all to my self so I did not have to worry about snoring. Me? Snore! YES! Sitting up, lying down and in any position while lying down. So if you travel with me sometime bring your ear plugs.
Eugene met me at the station and in a short time we were back to my Kiev home and a snack before retiring.
Now I have two days to complete all necessary work with the college and then to fly home.
Dr. D.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Day 13 - Monday: In Chernivtsi
This was the slowest day since I arrived in Ukraine.
My appointment with one family was canceled because today is a holiday. It is the traditional day when families go to the graveyards and place flowers on the graves of their loved ones. They invite friends of the loved one or those of the same age as the dead person. They stand on one side and hand food or gifts across the grave to those invited guests. The only quiet place was the city.
However, there was a cell group meeting this evening here are the flat where I stay and you cannot avoid being the speaker in such a situation. So I spent the last three hours in sharing the Word, in conversation with those who attended (there were 14 present -- even larger than last Wednesday).
I was able to minister to a very discouraged pastor. He had pastored a small church in a city about one hour from here -- Khotin is its name (Pronounce that with the Kh together as "H"). He had assumed the pastorate in a very difficult time, under very stressful times brought on by the leader who was over the Church. He finally had to just walk away and allow it to die. He was very discouraged and felt like a failure. However, knowing the situation from past experience of ministry there, I believe I was able to give him hope for the future as the Spirit spoke to me. He is going to work with Pastor Dmitry Nemchenko and help the work here in Chernivtsi to grow. I believe if he is faithful in that position he will find that he is in the will of God to work alongside another pastor.
Now all that is left is for me to pack, get some sleep and then travel about 3-4 hours to the city of Khmelnitsky (try pronouncing that one and get the "K" in without making it sound too hard). There I will bet on the "Fast Train" for a four and one-half hour ride to Kiev. Eugene Taits, the Dean of the college will meet me and take me to his house for the final two days of my stay here.
And so the trip is coming to an end. But the questions keep coming: "How soon will you be back to Ukraine? Will you be coming to Chernivtsi? How long will you stay with us? Will you minister in our services? And on and on they go!
The hunger and desire for guidance is here. The people love God and love to receive the Word.
Thanks for allowing me to be your representative to these lovely people.
Dr D.
This was the slowest day since I arrived in Ukraine.
My appointment with one family was canceled because today is a holiday. It is the traditional day when families go to the graveyards and place flowers on the graves of their loved ones. They invite friends of the loved one or those of the same age as the dead person. They stand on one side and hand food or gifts across the grave to those invited guests. The only quiet place was the city.
However, there was a cell group meeting this evening here are the flat where I stay and you cannot avoid being the speaker in such a situation. So I spent the last three hours in sharing the Word, in conversation with those who attended (there were 14 present -- even larger than last Wednesday).
I was able to minister to a very discouraged pastor. He had pastored a small church in a city about one hour from here -- Khotin is its name (Pronounce that with the Kh together as "H"). He had assumed the pastorate in a very difficult time, under very stressful times brought on by the leader who was over the Church. He finally had to just walk away and allow it to die. He was very discouraged and felt like a failure. However, knowing the situation from past experience of ministry there, I believe I was able to give him hope for the future as the Spirit spoke to me. He is going to work with Pastor Dmitry Nemchenko and help the work here in Chernivtsi to grow. I believe if he is faithful in that position he will find that he is in the will of God to work alongside another pastor.
Now all that is left is for me to pack, get some sleep and then travel about 3-4 hours to the city of Khmelnitsky (try pronouncing that one and get the "K" in without making it sound too hard). There I will bet on the "Fast Train" for a four and one-half hour ride to Kiev. Eugene Taits, the Dean of the college will meet me and take me to his house for the final two days of my stay here.
And so the trip is coming to an end. But the questions keep coming: "How soon will you be back to Ukraine? Will you be coming to Chernivtsi? How long will you stay with us? Will you minister in our services? And on and on they go!
The hunger and desire for guidance is here. The people love God and love to receive the Word.
Thanks for allowing me to be your representative to these lovely people.
Dr D.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
DAY 12 - Sunday: In Chernivtsi
Today I celebrated my Second Easter this year! It was a great day!
I shared a message I call, “It Is Finished!” The message tells how long it takes for someone to die on the cross with the emphasis upon the fact, which all the Gospel writers agree, that Jesus was not killed by the crucifixion, but rather He gave up His spirit – He dismissed Himself from His own body! He had victory all through the crucifixion. That is why you and I can have victory. The best thing is that God showed up and miracles took place.
Pastor Alexander Pinchuk came to me before the service and pointed out one lady saying, “She came to me and asked to have you pray for the sick. She was healed of a bad heart the last time you were here.” So after sharing the Word and leading in the Lord’s Supper I called for those who were sick to come. I do not know how many came - 20-15. I just layed hands on them and prayed and not taking a long time due to the lateness of the hour and knowing that many were headed to be with family as soon as the service was over. Before I turned the service back to the Pastor, I asked if the person who had pain in the stomach was healed. I didn’t know who, I just know what God told me. Immediately the person raised their hand. I asked about the person who had the pain in their leg. Another hand went up and the person testified. One lady raised her hand and said that she had severe pain in her kidneys and back but it was gone. I asked for all those who knew God had healed them to raise their hands. It was unbelievable as more raised their hands than had come forward for prayer. God had moved through the congregation in response to their faith.
As I was leaving I stopped to greet a young man I met the first time I came to Chernivtsi. He was now married and with his wife. After hugging him, Oksana pointed out a baby to me and said, "There is their baby. Your prayed for them to have a child."
I had forgotten but God had answered their prayer. Isn't He BIG?
The afternoon was spent in fellowship, without a picnic, at Vika’s house with a couple who were going to be alone that day. While we were there Pastor Pavlenko called and told me the man we had arranged to meet with his wife and pray for her because she had not been able to sleep for days except for one 2-3 hour period called to tell him she had slept all night for the first time in weeks.
That was the focus of our prayer as we took authority over the spirit that was tormenting her. The doctors had not been able to find anything wrong with her so we knew it was a spirit behind her problem. God is the author of victory even if you meet someone along a street and pray for them.
The evening was spent in fellowship with Andre and Inna Gubin. Andre had been our driver on many occasions when we were traveling in Ukraine. It was a joy to see how they were going forward in the Lord and to hear them share what was happening in their lives.
I “finished off” the evening by asking my hosts to take me to find some eating establishment to eat a snack. Guess what! On Easter EVERYONE closes down shop and goes to the villages to be with relatives – tradition reigns here! This town was dead all day and even this evening. We walked 10 blocks one way, turned around walked back and another 5 blocks to the supermarket and bought some prepared food, took it back “home” and had our own catered party.
So now I am full and wondering how I am going to sleep tonight. But I feel satisfied! (Tums for the tummy!)
Tomorrow it is wrap up time. I have a couple of appointments with friends I have not been able to see and will teach at the cell group which meets here on Monday (it met last week on Wednesday because I was arriving).
Talk to you later,Dr. D.
Today I celebrated my Second Easter this year! It was a great day!
I shared a message I call, “It Is Finished!” The message tells how long it takes for someone to die on the cross with the emphasis upon the fact, which all the Gospel writers agree, that Jesus was not killed by the crucifixion, but rather He gave up His spirit – He dismissed Himself from His own body! He had victory all through the crucifixion. That is why you and I can have victory. The best thing is that God showed up and miracles took place.
Pastor Alexander Pinchuk came to me before the service and pointed out one lady saying, “She came to me and asked to have you pray for the sick. She was healed of a bad heart the last time you were here.” So after sharing the Word and leading in the Lord’s Supper I called for those who were sick to come. I do not know how many came - 20-15. I just layed hands on them and prayed and not taking a long time due to the lateness of the hour and knowing that many were headed to be with family as soon as the service was over. Before I turned the service back to the Pastor, I asked if the person who had pain in the stomach was healed. I didn’t know who, I just know what God told me. Immediately the person raised their hand. I asked about the person who had the pain in their leg. Another hand went up and the person testified. One lady raised her hand and said that she had severe pain in her kidneys and back but it was gone. I asked for all those who knew God had healed them to raise their hands. It was unbelievable as more raised their hands than had come forward for prayer. God had moved through the congregation in response to their faith.
As I was leaving I stopped to greet a young man I met the first time I came to Chernivtsi. He was now married and with his wife. After hugging him, Oksana pointed out a baby to me and said, "There is their baby. Your prayed for them to have a child."
I had forgotten but God had answered their prayer. Isn't He BIG?
The afternoon was spent in fellowship, without a picnic, at Vika’s house with a couple who were going to be alone that day. While we were there Pastor Pavlenko called and told me the man we had arranged to meet with his wife and pray for her because she had not been able to sleep for days except for one 2-3 hour period called to tell him she had slept all night for the first time in weeks.
That was the focus of our prayer as we took authority over the spirit that was tormenting her. The doctors had not been able to find anything wrong with her so we knew it was a spirit behind her problem. God is the author of victory even if you meet someone along a street and pray for them.
The evening was spent in fellowship with Andre and Inna Gubin. Andre had been our driver on many occasions when we were traveling in Ukraine. It was a joy to see how they were going forward in the Lord and to hear them share what was happening in their lives.
I “finished off” the evening by asking my hosts to take me to find some eating establishment to eat a snack. Guess what! On Easter EVERYONE closes down shop and goes to the villages to be with relatives – tradition reigns here! This town was dead all day and even this evening. We walked 10 blocks one way, turned around walked back and another 5 blocks to the supermarket and bought some prepared food, took it back “home” and had our own catered party.
So now I am full and wondering how I am going to sleep tonight. But I feel satisfied! (Tums for the tummy!)
Tomorrow it is wrap up time. I have a couple of appointments with friends I have not been able to see and will teach at the cell group which meets here on Monday (it met last week on Wednesday because I was arriving).
Talk to you later,Dr. D.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
DAY 11 - Saturday: In Chernivtsi
I thought today would be an easy day, since I did not have any speaking engagement. It was and it wasn't.
However it was a day in which I was able to spend time with Vika Kosovan and her daughter, Alena. It was good to see the healing that has taken place in their lives and how they are going forward with God. Alena will be 18 in November and will complete one year of Bible Institute at her Church. The youth graduate from High School around the age of 16-17. I always delight in the time she takes to talk and share her life with me and the four hours passed quickly as the conversation went from youth talk to adult with her mother and back again.
Pastor and Ira Pavlenko met me there and took me to a restaurant. The food was excellent and the time was centered around more questions from an eager pastor who desired to lead his people forward into their new found freedom. I was able to sense the heart of him even more during the conversation as he focused on meeting the needs of his people without the baggage of their past experiences.
As we were preparing to go I stopped by a table where the sound of voices clearly indicated they were from the USA. He was from Wisconsin and his wife from West Palm, Florida. I found out that he works for the US Embassy in Kiev.
His question to me was, “It is obvious you work with a religious group, which group is it?” I told him I was with the Charismatic - Pentecostal group. He then said, “They are on of the two groups that the communists could not destroy. The other was the Baptists.”
Faith made it through the dark years here! And faith will still take anyone through the dark days.
Sunday is coming – Easter Sunday here! The schedule after the service has changed three times in the past three days. First I was scheduled to eat dinner with the pastor. Then we were going to have a picnic in the forest after the service. Now we will all meet at Vika’s house and have our picnic in her back yard. I’ll take that over the picnic in the forest.
Standing by until tomorrow,
Dr. D.
I thought today would be an easy day, since I did not have any speaking engagement. It was and it wasn't.
However it was a day in which I was able to spend time with Vika Kosovan and her daughter, Alena. It was good to see the healing that has taken place in their lives and how they are going forward with God. Alena will be 18 in November and will complete one year of Bible Institute at her Church. The youth graduate from High School around the age of 16-17. I always delight in the time she takes to talk and share her life with me and the four hours passed quickly as the conversation went from youth talk to adult with her mother and back again.
Pastor and Ira Pavlenko met me there and took me to a restaurant. The food was excellent and the time was centered around more questions from an eager pastor who desired to lead his people forward into their new found freedom. I was able to sense the heart of him even more during the conversation as he focused on meeting the needs of his people without the baggage of their past experiences.
As we were preparing to go I stopped by a table where the sound of voices clearly indicated they were from the USA. He was from Wisconsin and his wife from West Palm, Florida. I found out that he works for the US Embassy in Kiev.
His question to me was, “It is obvious you work with a religious group, which group is it?” I told him I was with the Charismatic - Pentecostal group. He then said, “They are on of the two groups that the communists could not destroy. The other was the Baptists.”
Faith made it through the dark years here! And faith will still take anyone through the dark days.
Sunday is coming – Easter Sunday here! The schedule after the service has changed three times in the past three days. First I was scheduled to eat dinner with the pastor. Then we were going to have a picnic in the forest after the service. Now we will all meet at Vika’s house and have our picnic in her back yard. I’ll take that over the picnic in the forest.
Standing by until tomorrow,
Dr. D.
Day 10 - Friday: In Chernivtsi
I must be adjusting to the time change! I wake up early! That is good and bad. Good, because I have one more week before getting on the plane to return home. Bad because I'll have to go through the adjustment of returning to my “original body clock time.” But that is part of the traveling in different parts of the world.
My time during the day has been trying to catchup on communication with the Ukrainian pastors with whom we have relationship; keeping my overseas records up-to-date; preparing messages for the services here; attempting to get ready for the Peru trip which follows in just five days after returning home as well as spending time with the pastors and leaders.
Today, I had the honor or laying hands on Pastor Pavlenko and his wife and “officially” setting their Church in order and presenting the shepherd to the flock. It was a joyous occasion, yet sad. Sad because of the pain the people have been through because of the decisions made by their former pastor. Yet it was joyous because they have now reached a place where the pain is no longer fresh and they have been able to put it behind them.
Joining in the celebration of the evening was Pastor Dmitry Nemchenko and his wife Natasha. We will be doing the same for him in the fall, even though he has already announced the beginning of the church he pastors, The Light of God’s Love.
Life Church now has four Churches overseas, two in Ukraine and two in Peru. So with the starting of our new Spanish Church in Cape Coral, we now number SIX and we know more will be coming.
Sunday I will be speaking in Restoration Church – a Methodist related congregation. Pastor Alexander Pinchuk has insisted that I speak for him every time I am here. He is hungry and open to the full Gospel message. His congregation has been very hospitable to those people who were without a Church for almost two years. They have worshiped together and he has allowed them to use his building for their services. So it is a privilege to minister there this Sunday – which is Easter here. They celebrate it according to the Jewish Passover timing which varies from our calendar dating method.
God bless and thanks for your prayers.
Dr. D.
I must be adjusting to the time change! I wake up early! That is good and bad. Good, because I have one more week before getting on the plane to return home. Bad because I'll have to go through the adjustment of returning to my “original body clock time.” But that is part of the traveling in different parts of the world.
My time during the day has been trying to catchup on communication with the Ukrainian pastors with whom we have relationship; keeping my overseas records up-to-date; preparing messages for the services here; attempting to get ready for the Peru trip which follows in just five days after returning home as well as spending time with the pastors and leaders.
Today, I had the honor or laying hands on Pastor Pavlenko and his wife and “officially” setting their Church in order and presenting the shepherd to the flock. It was a joyous occasion, yet sad. Sad because of the pain the people have been through because of the decisions made by their former pastor. Yet it was joyous because they have now reached a place where the pain is no longer fresh and they have been able to put it behind them.
Joining in the celebration of the evening was Pastor Dmitry Nemchenko and his wife Natasha. We will be doing the same for him in the fall, even though he has already announced the beginning of the church he pastors, The Light of God’s Love.
Life Church now has four Churches overseas, two in Ukraine and two in Peru. So with the starting of our new Spanish Church in Cape Coral, we now number SIX and we know more will be coming.
Sunday I will be speaking in Restoration Church – a Methodist related congregation. Pastor Alexander Pinchuk has insisted that I speak for him every time I am here. He is hungry and open to the full Gospel message. His congregation has been very hospitable to those people who were without a Church for almost two years. They have worshiped together and he has allowed them to use his building for their services. So it is a privilege to minister there this Sunday – which is Easter here. They celebrate it according to the Jewish Passover timing which varies from our calendar dating method.
God bless and thanks for your prayers.
Dr. D.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Day Nine
Today has been different. All the ministry activity began at 4:30 with the arrival of Pastor Vitaliy and Ira Pavlenko. He came to talk to me about ordaining him to the ministry on Friday evening at his Prayer Meeting. I shared with him that we were talking about a close relationship in which we would be there to support him, give him advice and counsel.
He is sharp and because of our meeting on Tuesday with his leadership and their questions he recognizes some of the abuses he and the others have seen when the pastor has no one to whom he/she answers. He is seeking to avoid that same scenario so that the people who are with him will feel secure and trust his leadership.
Then they drove us, Oksana and I, to the Seder Celebration under the direction of Pastor Inna Rekhlo of the House of Joy. They are the local Jewish believers. Her first husband was the pastor and died with a kidney disease caused by sugar diabetes. She assumed the work and had done a very good job. I was privileged to attend her wedding about 2 years ago when I visited here. Her daughter by her first husband is special to us as we ministered to her right after her father’s death.
The evening focused on explaining the Jewish Passover in all its areas and bringing it to a conclusion showing how Jesus is the Messiah. He is the one their song about the coming of Elijah the prophet speaks. He is the one for whom the keep the special seat available waiting for their Messiah to come. And he is the one who on the night He took the Passover with his disciples picked up the untouched, special cup of wine after supper and declared that this “cup is the New Testament in My blood which is shed for you.”
I was honored to be asked to pray for those who were invited but were not believers and give them an opportunity to receive their Messiah. Time will only tell how many did.
The best part of the evening was when one lady from the Messianic Jewish congregation came up to me and said, “Do you remember when you spoke a word saying that there was a lady in the audience greatly concerned about her child, but do not fear God will bring the child back home?” I did remember and told her I did. She pointed to a lovely young lady standing by me hold a infant in a quilted baby carrier. She said, “This is my daughter and she is the one you spoke about. And look, in there is my grandchild.” With that I got a big Jewish kiss on the cheek and a very warm hug.
God is faithful!
Dr. D.
He is sharp and because of our meeting on Tuesday with his leadership and their questions he recognizes some of the abuses he and the others have seen when the pastor has no one to whom he/she answers. He is seeking to avoid that same scenario so that the people who are with him will feel secure and trust his leadership.
Then they drove us, Oksana and I, to the Seder Celebration under the direction of Pastor Inna Rekhlo of the House of Joy. They are the local Jewish believers. Her first husband was the pastor and died with a kidney disease caused by sugar diabetes. She assumed the work and had done a very good job. I was privileged to attend her wedding about 2 years ago when I visited here. Her daughter by her first husband is special to us as we ministered to her right after her father’s death.
The evening focused on explaining the Jewish Passover in all its areas and bringing it to a conclusion showing how Jesus is the Messiah. He is the one their song about the coming of Elijah the prophet speaks. He is the one for whom the keep the special seat available waiting for their Messiah to come. And he is the one who on the night He took the Passover with his disciples picked up the untouched, special cup of wine after supper and declared that this “cup is the New Testament in My blood which is shed for you.”
I was honored to be asked to pray for those who were invited but were not believers and give them an opportunity to receive their Messiah. Time will only tell how many did.
The best part of the evening was when one lady from the Messianic Jewish congregation came up to me and said, “Do you remember when you spoke a word saying that there was a lady in the audience greatly concerned about her child, but do not fear God will bring the child back home?” I did remember and told her I did. She pointed to a lovely young lady standing by me hold a infant in a quilted baby carrier. She said, “This is my daughter and she is the one you spoke about. And look, in there is my grandchild.” With that I got a big Jewish kiss on the cheek and a very warm hug.
God is faithful!
Dr. D.
DAY EIGHT - Wednesday: In Chernivtsi
“Great,” I thought as I rolled out of bed, “I can get started early today.” But NO! When I got to the bathroom I discovered that there was no electricity. There went my plans! And I had to forget the shower, shaving and all that daily preparation. But that is the potential you face in Ukraine. And I would have to forgo working on my computer because I had used the battery and there wasn't much life left in it.
Pastor Dmitry Nemchenko of The Light of God’s Love arrived about 20 minutes late (11:20) but because of the transportation and road network it is almost expected that being on time will not happen and no one thinks twice about it – except ME! But who am I here?
Pastor Dema stayed for 5 hours, asking questions about pastoring and wanting to know if he could become a “spiritual son” and draw information and assistance from that relationship. He also asked if it would be possible to lay hands on him and ordain him in a service this fall. He wants it to be after his church has completed its registration process and has been able to rent an auditorium. He contemplates that it will take another month or more to complete the process.
This request was not unexpected and because of the demonstration of his life and commitment to the ministry in the pastor eight years that we have known him it was a welcome request. Now the question is: How do I add coming back to Chernivtsi this fall along with a commitment to minister in Donetsk with Heart-To-Heart and Svetlana Pokhodina for a week, then another week in Crimea – which I have to do because of the cancellation of ministry there last fall because of the situation with my parents? And I am supposed to go to Israel at the request of three of the pastors with whom we have a relationship. That trip is normally tagged onto a trip to Ukraine because of the savings on airfare from here.
I had a couple of hours to get my thoughts together for the Cell Group meeting which is held here at the flat where I stay when I come to Chernivtsi. It is a cell group under the direction of Pastor Dema and I always take time to share the Word when here. The time was profitable and was a blessing to the people but also a blessing to me as I was able to see the continued growth and love for God coming from those who attended.
You never just teach, but always become involved in a question and answer session about spiritual problems and issues. And then it seems that they want to know more about America and often about the American political situation. The believers here have begun to recognize the qualities of President Bush despite the negative press they receive from the European countries. That was a refreshing reprieve from times past.
The evening ended with Ukrainian Pizza. You have never had pizza until you eat it in Ukraine. Good? At the best eatable. BUT the pizza fixed by my hostess and secretary here is absolutely the best I’ve had in Ukraine and is delicious.
Oh – it is 11:30 and bedtime.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Dr. D
Pastor Dmitry Nemchenko of The Light of God’s Love arrived about 20 minutes late (11:20) but because of the transportation and road network it is almost expected that being on time will not happen and no one thinks twice about it – except ME! But who am I here?
Pastor Dema stayed for 5 hours, asking questions about pastoring and wanting to know if he could become a “spiritual son” and draw information and assistance from that relationship. He also asked if it would be possible to lay hands on him and ordain him in a service this fall. He wants it to be after his church has completed its registration process and has been able to rent an auditorium. He contemplates that it will take another month or more to complete the process.
This request was not unexpected and because of the demonstration of his life and commitment to the ministry in the pastor eight years that we have known him it was a welcome request. Now the question is: How do I add coming back to Chernivtsi this fall along with a commitment to minister in Donetsk with Heart-To-Heart and Svetlana Pokhodina for a week, then another week in Crimea – which I have to do because of the cancellation of ministry there last fall because of the situation with my parents? And I am supposed to go to Israel at the request of three of the pastors with whom we have a relationship. That trip is normally tagged onto a trip to Ukraine because of the savings on airfare from here.
I had a couple of hours to get my thoughts together for the Cell Group meeting which is held here at the flat where I stay when I come to Chernivtsi. It is a cell group under the direction of Pastor Dema and I always take time to share the Word when here. The time was profitable and was a blessing to the people but also a blessing to me as I was able to see the continued growth and love for God coming from those who attended.
You never just teach, but always become involved in a question and answer session about spiritual problems and issues. And then it seems that they want to know more about America and often about the American political situation. The believers here have begun to recognize the qualities of President Bush despite the negative press they receive from the European countries. That was a refreshing reprieve from times past.
The evening ended with Ukrainian Pizza. You have never had pizza until you eat it in Ukraine. Good? At the best eatable. BUT the pizza fixed by my hostess and secretary here is absolutely the best I’ve had in Ukraine and is delicious.
Oh – it is 11:30 and bedtime.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Dr. D
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
DAY SEVEN- Tuesday: In Chernivtsi
Last night was a tough night for sleep. My body hasn't adjusted yet to the time change. But I maybe it was because I did not get to bed until 2:30 AM (that’s 7:30 PM in Florida). Anyway after taking a couple of PM’s for sleep I think about 3:30-4:00 here, I did fall asleep. I didn't want to get out of bed but the clock said it was 10:50 AM!
Lazy? No! I needed to get some rest. But then I heard the shuffling of the Oksana’s husband’s aunt coming down the hall. I turned over because I knew it would be at least one hour before she was through in the bathroom. She is crippled. Tolik (Oksana’s husband) has taken care of her for several years.
Finally just before noon I rolled out and got ready to face the day.
3:30 arrived before I wanted to see it and we were off to spend the evening with Pastor Vitaliy Pavlenko and his leadership team. They are just beginning their Church and as yet have not settled on a name. They are part of the people who were devasted by the fallout from a pastor who divorced his wife and married the worship leader. I have been guiding them for over one year toward this step. It has been very painful experience for them. But God has brought them through. The evening was spent at the home of the wife of the former pastor. She is part of the team and had prepared food for the meal we were able to enjoy.
The children of the hostess greeted me by jumping into my arms and holding me tight for what seemed like an eternity. They are blossoming even through the trauma of what the break-up of the marriage of their parents.
I share some fundamentals for starting a new church. Then it was time for them to ask questions about any thing that was on their mind. It was interesting to hear their questions and to recognize the false teaching and the unbalanced teaching they had received. I can see even more reasons why the situation developed into the breakdown of the marriage and the pain the people have had to endure.
Five hours later Oksana and I were able to depart and the pastor shared how the issues I began with were right on target and answered directly the questions he had on his heart. I was glad I had recorded the teaching and could put it on a CD for them to have.
I call this type of teaching: Apostolic Table Talk. I added it to the collection of such teachings we make available through the college office in Kiev. This way such material can be accessed by the pastors with whom we have a relationship.
I concluded the day by doing the “usual”. I went online through my computer and cell phone to get my mail from home, as well as send the necessary info back to Florida.
Thanks for your prayers.
Dr. D.
Lazy? No! I needed to get some rest. But then I heard the shuffling of the Oksana’s husband’s aunt coming down the hall. I turned over because I knew it would be at least one hour before she was through in the bathroom. She is crippled. Tolik (Oksana’s husband) has taken care of her for several years.
Finally just before noon I rolled out and got ready to face the day.
3:30 arrived before I wanted to see it and we were off to spend the evening with Pastor Vitaliy Pavlenko and his leadership team. They are just beginning their Church and as yet have not settled on a name. They are part of the people who were devasted by the fallout from a pastor who divorced his wife and married the worship leader. I have been guiding them for over one year toward this step. It has been very painful experience for them. But God has brought them through. The evening was spent at the home of the wife of the former pastor. She is part of the team and had prepared food for the meal we were able to enjoy.
The children of the hostess greeted me by jumping into my arms and holding me tight for what seemed like an eternity. They are blossoming even through the trauma of what the break-up of the marriage of their parents.
I share some fundamentals for starting a new church. Then it was time for them to ask questions about any thing that was on their mind. It was interesting to hear their questions and to recognize the false teaching and the unbalanced teaching they had received. I can see even more reasons why the situation developed into the breakdown of the marriage and the pain the people have had to endure.
Five hours later Oksana and I were able to depart and the pastor shared how the issues I began with were right on target and answered directly the questions he had on his heart. I was glad I had recorded the teaching and could put it on a CD for them to have.
I call this type of teaching: Apostolic Table Talk. I added it to the collection of such teachings we make available through the college office in Kiev. This way such material can be accessed by the pastors with whom we have a relationship.
I concluded the day by doing the “usual”. I went online through my computer and cell phone to get my mail from home, as well as send the necessary info back to Florida.
Thanks for your prayers.
Dr. D.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Day One!
The Trip to Kiev
I made it! I was beginning to wonder! Everything started off with a 2 hour delay at RSW in Ft. Myers. A Lear Jet – landing or taking off – I am not sure which had its nose landing gear collapse. No one was injured but it stopped all planes from landing and taking off.
The plane on which I was to depart was diverted to Port Charlotte. It finally arrived and we were able to get in the air about 2:45 – only one hour and thirty minutes late. But fortunately, for the first time, my schedule had a four and one-half hour layover in Detroit. To make it even better, when I arrived there, my next flight departed from the same terminal and only (10 gates down).
It gets even better from there. The flight was less than half-full so I had plenty of room to stretch out, sleep and snore in peace. YES! I do snore, even sitting up! The bad thing is that I also wake myself up when snoring while sitting up. So my nights sleep consisted of 4-5 hours of catnaps, but what I did get was beneficial.
The next leg, from Amsterdam was also intriguing. I debarked just two minutes walk away from my the gate for my flight to Kiev.
So with all the great events, I finally landed in Kiev 30 minutes late because of a back-up in air-traffic getting out of Amsterdam.
Then things changed! My ride ran out of gas on the way to the airport but did make it before I got through customs. And that is the last time I use the VIP entry! Their prices have gone beyond what is reasonable. So from now on it is through what we call here the cattle gate. But I do have a connection who will meet me and walk me through in a very expedient manner.
We drove out of KBP the Kiev airport at about 5:30 but the traffic here is so bad that after trying attempting three different routes to the flat where the Dean of the College lives, we finally made it between 7:30-7:45 PM. But thank goodness, a warm meal of vegetable soup, salmon, rice and broccoli topped off with a cup of Green Melissa Tea and ONE piece of Ukrainian Chocolate I then retired to my room to unpack, get on-line to get my emails and then to write this blog.
I will be teaching Friday evening (7-10) and Saturday from 9:30-4:00 material on How to Study The Bible to our Kiev college students. Then at 5:00 I will minister in New Time Church, pastored by Vadim Uruymagov and his wife Inna.
Please pray for Inna. She has just received news that she may have a malignant tumor in one breast. They pastor a small congregation and receive very little money thus putting proper care almost out of the picture.
Tomorrow is a day to get things in order, rest and prepare for the coming days here in Ukraine.
God bless and thank you for your prayers,
Dr. D.
I made it! I was beginning to wonder! Everything started off with a 2 hour delay at RSW in Ft. Myers. A Lear Jet – landing or taking off – I am not sure which had its nose landing gear collapse. No one was injured but it stopped all planes from landing and taking off.
The plane on which I was to depart was diverted to Port Charlotte. It finally arrived and we were able to get in the air about 2:45 – only one hour and thirty minutes late. But fortunately, for the first time, my schedule had a four and one-half hour layover in Detroit. To make it even better, when I arrived there, my next flight departed from the same terminal and only (10 gates down).
It gets even better from there. The flight was less than half-full so I had plenty of room to stretch out, sleep and snore in peace. YES! I do snore, even sitting up! The bad thing is that I also wake myself up when snoring while sitting up. So my nights sleep consisted of 4-5 hours of catnaps, but what I did get was beneficial.
The next leg, from Amsterdam was also intriguing. I debarked just two minutes walk away from my the gate for my flight to Kiev.
So with all the great events, I finally landed in Kiev 30 minutes late because of a back-up in air-traffic getting out of Amsterdam.
Then things changed! My ride ran out of gas on the way to the airport but did make it before I got through customs. And that is the last time I use the VIP entry! Their prices have gone beyond what is reasonable. So from now on it is through what we call here the cattle gate. But I do have a connection who will meet me and walk me through in a very expedient manner.
We drove out of KBP the Kiev airport at about 5:30 but the traffic here is so bad that after trying attempting three different routes to the flat where the Dean of the College lives, we finally made it between 7:30-7:45 PM. But thank goodness, a warm meal of vegetable soup, salmon, rice and broccoli topped off with a cup of Green Melissa Tea and ONE piece of Ukrainian Chocolate I then retired to my room to unpack, get on-line to get my emails and then to write this blog.
I will be teaching Friday evening (7-10) and Saturday from 9:30-4:00 material on How to Study The Bible to our Kiev college students. Then at 5:00 I will minister in New Time Church, pastored by Vadim Uruymagov and his wife Inna.
Please pray for Inna. She has just received news that she may have a malignant tumor in one breast. They pastor a small congregation and receive very little money thus putting proper care almost out of the picture.
Tomorrow is a day to get things in order, rest and prepare for the coming days here in Ukraine.
God bless and thank you for your prayers,
Dr. D.
Finally our Life Missions Blog is up!
Were very sorry for the technical difficulties with our blog. We will be posting updates from Dr. Deatons trip to the Ukraine as soon as possible. Please be sure to post a comment, we love to hear from you!
Thanks
LifeChurchBlogTeam!
Thanks
LifeChurchBlogTeam!
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