It is all done but the departing! We have completed our assignment for this visit to a land and people we have come to love.
Today we had our final pastoral visit, really it was a “lady visit” as Marilyn and Ira Ivanov and baby Katrina were the focus of this visit. But it was also a “pastoral ministry time for the lady’s. It is always good for pastor’s wives to have someone they can unload their burdens with and know “all is well” - nothing with be misused. This is particularly true when it has been hard to develop close relationships with other pastors and wives.
“Relationships” – I guess that has been the theme of this visit. The time the pastors had just to focus on theological issues and discuss them at the retreat and the relationships that developed from those free-time discussions is invaluable.
You must understand the background and the cultural upheavals which have plagued Ukraine. These pastors were children when their country was under the control of the communists. No one trusted anyone. You were not supposed to. You were schooled on “reporting others” for any misuse, conduct or communications. And so their households were permeated with this spirit of distrust and “isolationism.”
The single most repeated comment from pastors who attended the Idea Exchange in Crimea was focused on the fellowship and the potential of the development of new relationships.
Even now, though the power of communism is no longer visible, the new government has invoked new “rules” which are impacting the Churches. The first visible sign was the huge increase in the rent for any facilities used by Churches – 3 ½ times the previous. In addition, Churches are no longer able to use the facilities of government run schools (Church and State Separation - sound familiar?)
We have spent the last two days with Vadim Uruymagov and his sons, Peter and Mark. Much of our discussion with them has been about their progress since death of Inna, the wife and mother. I am happy to report all are doing well. They are moving on, looking to the future – to discover where God is leading them as a family and for Vadim’s ministry. I will sum this up by saying, “Praise God! They recognize they have future and a hope and are looking forward to it.
So now we look to the future. The owners of the resort, The Equator, have given a verbal invitation to return next year. Several pastors have expressed a desire for a meeting next year. We, Marilyn and I have each shared some thoughts about next year, now we must hear from God. So pray with us.
Until we see you in Ft. Myers,
God bless and thanks for your prayers.
Dr D & Marilyn
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
PENTECOST IN A MESSIANIC JEWISH CONGREGATION (Saturday, May 22nd)
An unexpected/expected invitation took me to a Messianic Jewish Congregation this morning. It was the result of Marilyn counseling with the pastor, Inna Rekhlo from House of Joy on Friday. I had sent notice to her that I would be in Chernivtsi, but she failed to get the email. However on her calendar she had placed the notice “Special Guest Speaker on May 22nd.” At least God knew and had made notice of it in writing.
House of Joy is just that – a “House of Joy” when it comes to worship with a Jewish flavor. And since it was the time of the Feast of Pentecost I ministered on “The Feast of Pentecost,” using the Old Testament instructions from Leviticus on how Israel was to celebrate it and the prophetical aspects as they related to the New Testament Church today. If I may say so (and you are not here to tell me I can’t) it was an “excellent teaching” recalling for them their heritage and set it in perspective for them today.
AND I did it with my “kipa” (translated from the Russian word for it) – that is my special “skull cap” given to me by the pastor’s husband. But there was one problem! How do you keep it on your head when you can not use a bobby pen to fix it to your hair? I mean there isn’t any hair to pen it to! I needed a special “suction cup” fastened to the inside of it and then stuck on my head! It must have been the will of God for me to wear it because it actually stayed on my had during the entire message. “CHUDA!” (Russian for “miracle.”)
Under the direction of the Holy Spirit I was led to speak a word of knowledge to a lady who had been under great stress for several days and was weeping a night under the pressure of the situation. I noticed one lady in particular of the four that raise their hands. I knew which one God was talking about. But little did I know that she was the lady the pastor had requested for Marilyn to meet after the service at the restaurant and counsel. God had put it all together and set her up for the time with Marilyn.
We concluded our day with a dinner engagement (for you who use the term “supper” to refer to the evening meal) I will change and use the term “supper” engagement with Pastor Dima Nemchenko, his wife Natasha and Pastor Vitaliy and Ira Pavlenko. It all began about 5:00 and ended when we returned at 11:00. In reality it was an Apostolic meeting over a meal. The food was great and the opportunity to speak into their lives and give direction for the Church was precious. It seemed like I was speaking to four “sponges” (Not “Sponge Bobs” – that’s TV land) as they soaked up every word from both of us.
It is times like this which give you the realization of how your words and instructions impact lives and can impact generations. Serving God is GREAT!
Now it is time to “lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord, my soul to keep” (you prayer your prayer and I’ll pray mine!).........ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz - See you when I wake up..........
Love and thanks for your prayers,
Dr D and Marilyn
House of Joy is just that – a “House of Joy” when it comes to worship with a Jewish flavor. And since it was the time of the Feast of Pentecost I ministered on “The Feast of Pentecost,” using the Old Testament instructions from Leviticus on how Israel was to celebrate it and the prophetical aspects as they related to the New Testament Church today. If I may say so (and you are not here to tell me I can’t) it was an “excellent teaching” recalling for them their heritage and set it in perspective for them today.
AND I did it with my “kipa” (translated from the Russian word for it) – that is my special “skull cap” given to me by the pastor’s husband. But there was one problem! How do you keep it on your head when you can not use a bobby pen to fix it to your hair? I mean there isn’t any hair to pen it to! I needed a special “suction cup” fastened to the inside of it and then stuck on my head! It must have been the will of God for me to wear it because it actually stayed on my had during the entire message. “CHUDA!” (Russian for “miracle.”)
Under the direction of the Holy Spirit I was led to speak a word of knowledge to a lady who had been under great stress for several days and was weeping a night under the pressure of the situation. I noticed one lady in particular of the four that raise their hands. I knew which one God was talking about. But little did I know that she was the lady the pastor had requested for Marilyn to meet after the service at the restaurant and counsel. God had put it all together and set her up for the time with Marilyn.
We concluded our day with a dinner engagement (for you who use the term “supper” to refer to the evening meal) I will change and use the term “supper” engagement with Pastor Dima Nemchenko, his wife Natasha and Pastor Vitaliy and Ira Pavlenko. It all began about 5:00 and ended when we returned at 11:00. In reality it was an Apostolic meeting over a meal. The food was great and the opportunity to speak into their lives and give direction for the Church was precious. It seemed like I was speaking to four “sponges” (Not “Sponge Bobs” – that’s TV land) as they soaked up every word from both of us.
It is times like this which give you the realization of how your words and instructions impact lives and can impact generations. Serving God is GREAT!
Now it is time to “lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord, my soul to keep” (you prayer your prayer and I’ll pray mine!).........ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz - See you when I wake up..........
Love and thanks for your prayers,
Dr D and Marilyn
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Thursday May 20th Is Over
This was a hard day for both of us. Marilyn is improving with her sore throat, cough and infection. For me it was a rough day trying to get over not sleeping last night and having to do without eating anything to allow my stomach to get back in to shape (if you know what I mean) but this was a double whammy. Something I ate kept my stomach in an uproar with indigestion plus! But with the help of some Ukrainian “Special Grass Tea” I have weathered the fight and look forward to tomorrow and being able to eat something again.
We had a service this evening at Word of Life. There is some false teaching going around here regarding the “law and grace” so I laid some scriptural foundation to combat the heresy In fact one pastor is teaching that God is bringing divorce to families so he can get the people together with the right people - He is “healing” families! All of this under the guise of “grace” plus other additions to make it palatable for the people to swallow – and many are!
To sum up this trip to this point – we have had victories through struggles, physical and spiritual. But God is good and it is a pleasure to see God at work in the lives of these people. During the worship tonight I broke with the thought, “God, why have you allowed me to have this impact on the lives of these sweet people.” I must say, it is humbling and as well carries a tremendous responsibility.
I must hit the sack – of course after checking the emails and sending those Marilyn is about to write.
Thanks for your prayers and God bless,
Dr D & Marilyn
We had a service this evening at Word of Life. There is some false teaching going around here regarding the “law and grace” so I laid some scriptural foundation to combat the heresy In fact one pastor is teaching that God is bringing divorce to families so he can get the people together with the right people - He is “healing” families! All of this under the guise of “grace” plus other additions to make it palatable for the people to swallow – and many are!
To sum up this trip to this point – we have had victories through struggles, physical and spiritual. But God is good and it is a pleasure to see God at work in the lives of these people. During the worship tonight I broke with the thought, “God, why have you allowed me to have this impact on the lives of these sweet people.” I must say, it is humbling and as well carries a tremendous responsibility.
I must hit the sack – of course after checking the emails and sending those Marilyn is about to write.
Thanks for your prayers and God bless,
Dr D & Marilyn
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
A DAY OF STUDY PREPARATION AND LAST MINUTE ADJUSTMENTS (Wednesday May 19TH)
Thanks to everyone for your prayers. I am not 100% - can’t seem to shake this cold but I am better. If laying on a bed would make me well, I would have been well several days ago.
This afternoon, Tanya, who was the main Assistant Pastor at the Church that had problems came to talk with me. I have kept in contact with her every time we have come to Chernivtsi. She really struggled after the problems and hadn’t gone to Church. I just kept encouraging her and talking about the God potential in her. At the time, she had a hard time seeing that God would use her again.
BUT, this time was different. She and her husband are attending Church and God has started giving her dreams about her future and her future ministry. Thank God, His gifts are resident in her to be used for Kingdom purposes. She thanked me over and over for speaking to her. She talked about specific times and places (that I don’t even remember) and though it seemed like she was rejecting what I was saying - the Holy Spirit was dealing with her.
Cell Group met here tonight and I’ll let Dave tell you about that but one of the lady’s who came is a massage therapist. She came in my room and massaged my hands, arms and face with a special cream (and it felt wonderful) praying all the time she was working. Here’s the kicker - when she left she gave special instructions for Oksana. She left fresh milk and told Oksana to warm it, put butter in it and some sugar. Dave didn’t want me to drink it because of the nasal situation and he thought it would make it worse but they believe it will really help. So, when in Ukraine do as the Ukrainians would do - and I drank a half a cup. It was delicious, we’ll see if it does anything to help me.
Cell group meetings are a vital part of the life of the Church in Ukraine. It is often their only other service besides either a service on Saturday or Sunday. It is a non-threatening place to invite people to whom the Church family has ministered. Tonight was no exception. When I entered the room, I noticed that those there were not the usual group. Since I stay in the home where this group meets, I have had the opportunity to speak every time I am here. I mean you are living here, so how can you say anything but “Yes.”
I had been planning on having the usual group but when I saw them I knew I had chosen the wrong teaching from the two I had wrestled with. I chose the one I had fully prepared in the afternoon instead of the one that wasn’t finished. Guess what? I had to use the “unfinished one.” And I am thankful I listened to the voice of the Holy Spirit and made the last minute switch, even though I had to use my computer to teach from.
At the conclusion of the teaching and a long discussion about the topic of God’s sanctification process with our soul the hostess said, “It is a tradition that everyone be prayed for.” So I did as was suggested. There was a young girl here and her sister requested that I pray first for her. She was to return to Italy tomorrow and was afraid of the flight and also needed prayer for a physical problem. As I prayed I began to realize that she was facing a big decision. So I stopped and began to speak to her about her decision. Tears began to flow down, both from her and the sister. You could see the visible move of God upon her. She said she had been attending a Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Italy but after attending this Church and been with these people she knew she had to find a Church like this.
Ministry to the others followed the same pattern as God spoke to each according to their situation. God knows how to speak through you to the hearts of the people even when you do not know the language of the fullness of their cultural backgrounds. It is fascinating to watch their faces as you speak directly to a situation. They know you do not know them and coming from someone with a different language through the interpreter still conveys the same anointing that came from you.
God is Great! Thanks for your prayers.
Dr D and Marilyn
This afternoon, Tanya, who was the main Assistant Pastor at the Church that had problems came to talk with me. I have kept in contact with her every time we have come to Chernivtsi. She really struggled after the problems and hadn’t gone to Church. I just kept encouraging her and talking about the God potential in her. At the time, she had a hard time seeing that God would use her again.
BUT, this time was different. She and her husband are attending Church and God has started giving her dreams about her future and her future ministry. Thank God, His gifts are resident in her to be used for Kingdom purposes. She thanked me over and over for speaking to her. She talked about specific times and places (that I don’t even remember) and though it seemed like she was rejecting what I was saying - the Holy Spirit was dealing with her.
Cell Group met here tonight and I’ll let Dave tell you about that but one of the lady’s who came is a massage therapist. She came in my room and massaged my hands, arms and face with a special cream (and it felt wonderful) praying all the time she was working. Here’s the kicker - when she left she gave special instructions for Oksana. She left fresh milk and told Oksana to warm it, put butter in it and some sugar. Dave didn’t want me to drink it because of the nasal situation and he thought it would make it worse but they believe it will really help. So, when in Ukraine do as the Ukrainians would do - and I drank a half a cup. It was delicious, we’ll see if it does anything to help me.
Cell group meetings are a vital part of the life of the Church in Ukraine. It is often their only other service besides either a service on Saturday or Sunday. It is a non-threatening place to invite people to whom the Church family has ministered. Tonight was no exception. When I entered the room, I noticed that those there were not the usual group. Since I stay in the home where this group meets, I have had the opportunity to speak every time I am here. I mean you are living here, so how can you say anything but “Yes.”
I had been planning on having the usual group but when I saw them I knew I had chosen the wrong teaching from the two I had wrestled with. I chose the one I had fully prepared in the afternoon instead of the one that wasn’t finished. Guess what? I had to use the “unfinished one.” And I am thankful I listened to the voice of the Holy Spirit and made the last minute switch, even though I had to use my computer to teach from.
At the conclusion of the teaching and a long discussion about the topic of God’s sanctification process with our soul the hostess said, “It is a tradition that everyone be prayed for.” So I did as was suggested. There was a young girl here and her sister requested that I pray first for her. She was to return to Italy tomorrow and was afraid of the flight and also needed prayer for a physical problem. As I prayed I began to realize that she was facing a big decision. So I stopped and began to speak to her about her decision. Tears began to flow down, both from her and the sister. You could see the visible move of God upon her. She said she had been attending a Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Italy but after attending this Church and been with these people she knew she had to find a Church like this.
Ministry to the others followed the same pattern as God spoke to each according to their situation. God knows how to speak through you to the hearts of the people even when you do not know the language of the fullness of their cultural backgrounds. It is fascinating to watch their faces as you speak directly to a situation. They know you do not know them and coming from someone with a different language through the interpreter still conveys the same anointing that came from you.
God is Great! Thanks for your prayers.
Dr D and Marilyn
Monday, May 17, 2010
DAY OF REST, RAIN; EVE OF UKRAINIAN PIZZA AND A MALL! (Monday May 17th)
How is that for a “Day of Rest”?” Well, I’d better begin with the service from Sunday evening since Marilyn could not go because of her cold and therefore did not and could not tell you about it.
Worship? Great! Preacher? Maybe we ought not to comment on him, sometimes he has it and sometimes he doesn’t. But “if” the response of the people and their intense looks have any meaning, then he probably did a decent job. Let us leave that in the hands of the final “Judge of All Things.” But his message was titled: “Dare To Believe And Confess.” It was a challenge to remember believing isn’t enough. We need also to “confess our faith” and then “trust” God though the circumstances do not appear to have changed or the future doesn’t seem any brighter.
The service was at Word of Life, pastored by Dima and Natasha Nemchenko. It is the result of a merger of two Churches from the tragedy of the past into one and then the voluntary submission of one pastor to the other and taking the position of assistant. Dima as a student of the Word and an evangelist at heart. So you can expect him to challenge the Church to become involved in a ministry to their city and to reach the lost.
We had approximately 70 (conservatively speaking – that opposite of “evangelistically speaking” – that should help some of you recognize my attempt at “honesty” with numbers.) Anyway we will be involved all week with this Church including: a meeting with the pastors, the leadership, a cell group, a special midweek service, and then again on Sunday evening. And lest the ladies jump on my back – there is a special “Ladies Day” activity on Friday – meaning: “NO MEN ALLOWED!”
Now a “day of rest” simply means “no services” but it does mean a full day of study and message development. And then it also meant an evening with a former interpreter and her husband. They took us out to supper, excuse me, “dinner” which consisted of a soup, a salad, and pizza. Then we went to see the newest mall in Chernivtsi. It is “SOMETHING ELSE!” You should see it! I was surprised! It had a car dealership, many many restaurants which surrounded the ice-skating rink, a pool hall with approximately 60 billiards tables, a bowling alley – state of the art to boot, clothing stores, a household store with everything you would want, and a large grocery store and then to boot – that means “in addition” in case you are not up on the vernacular of today – a drive in theater. What else you ask? I do not know but I am sure I missed something. Oh yes! A music store full of instruments and it was operated by the husband of one of our former interpreters - Vovo (not Volvo!) The interpreter was Nadya Torubalko since you asked.
We made it home by 10:00 and now we are – well Marilyn is waiting for me to finish this so she – I can see if she has any emails from anyone. Therefore, I must stop and send this to be posted and check for incoming emails.
A SIDE NOTE: IF you send or respond to an email, please start a new email and avoid just hitting reply which will send our original back with your response. We do not have WiFI nor an email hook up and so I must use my Ukrainian phone and ISP which is slow, troublesome. But keep them “emails” coming!
Thanks for your prayers,
Dr D and Marilyn
Worship? Great! Preacher? Maybe we ought not to comment on him, sometimes he has it and sometimes he doesn’t. But “if” the response of the people and their intense looks have any meaning, then he probably did a decent job. Let us leave that in the hands of the final “Judge of All Things.” But his message was titled: “Dare To Believe And Confess.” It was a challenge to remember believing isn’t enough. We need also to “confess our faith” and then “trust” God though the circumstances do not appear to have changed or the future doesn’t seem any brighter.
The service was at Word of Life, pastored by Dima and Natasha Nemchenko. It is the result of a merger of two Churches from the tragedy of the past into one and then the voluntary submission of one pastor to the other and taking the position of assistant. Dima as a student of the Word and an evangelist at heart. So you can expect him to challenge the Church to become involved in a ministry to their city and to reach the lost.
We had approximately 70 (conservatively speaking – that opposite of “evangelistically speaking” – that should help some of you recognize my attempt at “honesty” with numbers.) Anyway we will be involved all week with this Church including: a meeting with the pastors, the leadership, a cell group, a special midweek service, and then again on Sunday evening. And lest the ladies jump on my back – there is a special “Ladies Day” activity on Friday – meaning: “NO MEN ALLOWED!”
Now a “day of rest” simply means “no services” but it does mean a full day of study and message development. And then it also meant an evening with a former interpreter and her husband. They took us out to supper, excuse me, “dinner” which consisted of a soup, a salad, and pizza. Then we went to see the newest mall in Chernivtsi. It is “SOMETHING ELSE!” You should see it! I was surprised! It had a car dealership, many many restaurants which surrounded the ice-skating rink, a pool hall with approximately 60 billiards tables, a bowling alley – state of the art to boot, clothing stores, a household store with everything you would want, and a large grocery store and then to boot – that means “in addition” in case you are not up on the vernacular of today – a drive in theater. What else you ask? I do not know but I am sure I missed something. Oh yes! A music store full of instruments and it was operated by the husband of one of our former interpreters - Vovo (not Volvo!) The interpreter was Nadya Torubalko since you asked.
We made it home by 10:00 and now we are – well Marilyn is waiting for me to finish this so she – I can see if she has any emails from anyone. Therefore, I must stop and send this to be posted and check for incoming emails.
A SIDE NOTE: IF you send or respond to an email, please start a new email and avoid just hitting reply which will send our original back with your response. We do not have WiFI nor an email hook up and so I must use my Ukrainian phone and ISP which is slow, troublesome. But keep them “emails” coming!
Thanks for your prayers,
Dr D and Marilyn
Sunday, May 16, 2010
THE “TRIP” and THE “TRAIN” (Sunday, May 16th)
How can one adequately describe our 24 hour trip from Crimea to Chernivtsi??
Our trip to the Train Station was typical of a bad driver on curvy pot hole filled roads. I thought of Tammy and Peggy last year when they didn’t want to repeat one of our trips to a Village. He was going so fast around one curve, he careened into the shoulder. Thankfully, we made it with an hour and a half to spare and had to sit outside and wait on the train. We had outdoor facilities left over from the Soviet days.
There were eight of us - 3 men, 4 women and a child. We realized that we were in three different cars and 5 different “cabins” and ALL of us had upper berths. At one time, I might have been able to do the upper berth but I do have some limitations and knowing that it would be an up and down thing every time there was a need to go to the bathroom, I was a bit apprehensive.
There was a young lady and her daughter in Oksana’s and my cabin. She was not a bit friendly nor did she want to share any of the space under “her” beds. These cabins are not made for American travelers and at best, it is hard to get everything in. But when you don’t have the advantage of any under berth space it is impossible. We spent the time from when we got on until after the next stop trying to figure out what to do. The men were a little impatient with this young lady.
Finally Sveta came with news that she found a gentleman who would trade out his lower berth for my upper one in an entirely different car. We thought we had everything figured out but the women who is “stewardess” (more like a woman craving the position of authority) didn’t like it that we were changing things around although we though we had her convinced that everything was fine - when we got ready to go to bed, she insisted there had to be a child in our cabin. Everyone, shifted again and we were finally settled for bed.
They noticed the young lady who was in the cabin that I went to had a “God is Love” key chain. After a while they ask her about it. She goes to a Church that David has preached in numerous times and she had even read David’s book. She is 37 and had taken her 11 year old son, Igor, to a Sanatorium in Crimea as he has numerous health issues. (Please be praying for him.) Her son was worried about who might be in her cabin and he had prayed that there would not be a lot of men. She said, we were an answer to his prayers. Although she was quite shy, we had the opportunity to pray with her and she let all of us crowd into this cabin to eat our lunch and dinner which was a real blessing.
We arrived at eight this morning to pouring rain. I was the only one with an umbrella so the upper part of me stayed dry while all the rest were soaking wet as well as the suitcases. We had a nearly 3 hour drive to Chernivtsi with one stop for breakfast.
Although there is Church tonight and David is preaching, I am staying home as I got a cold on Friday and believe it is wise for me to rest tonight.
Continue to pray for our health and safety and for continued divine appointments - those we might have planned and those that the Holy Spirit orchestrates. This brings you up to date.
Marilyn
Our trip to the Train Station was typical of a bad driver on curvy pot hole filled roads. I thought of Tammy and Peggy last year when they didn’t want to repeat one of our trips to a Village. He was going so fast around one curve, he careened into the shoulder. Thankfully, we made it with an hour and a half to spare and had to sit outside and wait on the train. We had outdoor facilities left over from the Soviet days.
There were eight of us - 3 men, 4 women and a child. We realized that we were in three different cars and 5 different “cabins” and ALL of us had upper berths. At one time, I might have been able to do the upper berth but I do have some limitations and knowing that it would be an up and down thing every time there was a need to go to the bathroom, I was a bit apprehensive.
There was a young lady and her daughter in Oksana’s and my cabin. She was not a bit friendly nor did she want to share any of the space under “her” beds. These cabins are not made for American travelers and at best, it is hard to get everything in. But when you don’t have the advantage of any under berth space it is impossible. We spent the time from when we got on until after the next stop trying to figure out what to do. The men were a little impatient with this young lady.
Finally Sveta came with news that she found a gentleman who would trade out his lower berth for my upper one in an entirely different car. We thought we had everything figured out but the women who is “stewardess” (more like a woman craving the position of authority) didn’t like it that we were changing things around although we though we had her convinced that everything was fine - when we got ready to go to bed, she insisted there had to be a child in our cabin. Everyone, shifted again and we were finally settled for bed.
They noticed the young lady who was in the cabin that I went to had a “God is Love” key chain. After a while they ask her about it. She goes to a Church that David has preached in numerous times and she had even read David’s book. She is 37 and had taken her 11 year old son, Igor, to a Sanatorium in Crimea as he has numerous health issues. (Please be praying for him.) Her son was worried about who might be in her cabin and he had prayed that there would not be a lot of men. She said, we were an answer to his prayers. Although she was quite shy, we had the opportunity to pray with her and she let all of us crowd into this cabin to eat our lunch and dinner which was a real blessing.
We arrived at eight this morning to pouring rain. I was the only one with an umbrella so the upper part of me stayed dry while all the rest were soaking wet as well as the suitcases. We had a nearly 3 hour drive to Chernivtsi with one stop for breakfast.
Although there is Church tonight and David is preaching, I am staying home as I got a cold on Friday and believe it is wise for me to rest tonight.
Continue to pray for our health and safety and for continued divine appointments - those we might have planned and those that the Holy Spirit orchestrates. This brings you up to date.
Marilyn
Friday, May 14, 2010
A DAY OF GOOD REST (Friday, May 14)
Today was our last day to have a little rest and to get our laundry done. No dryer to dry our clothes so we borrowed a fold out drying rack and put it on our balcony. Started with the jeans wrong side out, turned them over, turned them right side out, turned them over – you get the picture, there is a little work involved. But all of our clothes are clean – woo hoo!! It’s the little things that count in life.
Ate typical Ukranian food today. Actually, at lunch it was something I enjoy. Veraniky - potato stuffed dumplings.
After supper our host took us up the coast and the view of the Black Sea was awesome and changing. It isn’t far but there are NO sandy beaches but cliffs. It is very beautiful. We all had jackets on and by the time we left, I was getting cold. But, brave soul that our host was, he stripped down to his underwear and jumped in. I cannot imagine how cold the water was and no sun to help warm him up and dry him off. Yesterday, with the sun out, only a couple of our friends braved the cold water. It was a delightful trip to view the beautiful Black Sea with vibrant blue and green water.
On the way back someone wanted to sing and everyone, men, women and children, joined in. It was beautiful. I only knew one of the songs but voices raised in praise to our God is a delightful way to wrap up the evening.
Tomorrow we catch the train for a 20 hour train ride and then a 2 ½ hour ride to our destination. Not looking forward to this trip as they couldn’t buy the beds for the entire compartment and we will be sharing with some unknown passenger. They do it here all the time but this is the first time I have had this “pleasure.”
You won’t be hearing anything from us until Sunday night.
Marilyn
Ate typical Ukranian food today. Actually, at lunch it was something I enjoy. Veraniky - potato stuffed dumplings.
After supper our host took us up the coast and the view of the Black Sea was awesome and changing. It isn’t far but there are NO sandy beaches but cliffs. It is very beautiful. We all had jackets on and by the time we left, I was getting cold. But, brave soul that our host was, he stripped down to his underwear and jumped in. I cannot imagine how cold the water was and no sun to help warm him up and dry him off. Yesterday, with the sun out, only a couple of our friends braved the cold water. It was a delightful trip to view the beautiful Black Sea with vibrant blue and green water.
On the way back someone wanted to sing and everyone, men, women and children, joined in. It was beautiful. I only knew one of the songs but voices raised in praise to our God is a delightful way to wrap up the evening.
Tomorrow we catch the train for a 20 hour train ride and then a 2 ½ hour ride to our destination. Not looking forward to this trip as they couldn’t buy the beds for the entire compartment and we will be sharing with some unknown passenger. They do it here all the time but this is the first time I have had this “pleasure.”
You won’t be hearing anything from us until Sunday night.
Marilyn
Thursday, May 13, 2010
The Day After (Thursday, May 13)
This morning was a morning for “good byes.” There was so much appreciation expressed and the words, “this was just what I needed.” Truly, for many, the opportunity to sleep late and relax was very valuable to them - as well as the times we shared the Word and fellowship.
I had one Pastor’s wife ask to speak with me this morning. She is 40 years old, her oldest son is getting married next summer and while she was here and not feeling well she found out she is pregnant. Quite a surprise for them. They have four children and the youngest is eight. She is very actively involved in their ministry and preaches in their services when her husband visits one of their seven daughter churches. She realizes her life is going to make a big change. Oksana and I rejoiced with her and prayed for her.
Another couple ask to speak with us and the Pastor had told Oksana he had a “strange” request. During the time he was expressing his appreciation he told us that several times he had a “strange” request before he finally telling us what it was. He asked David to hug him as a father. It is impossible to predict what the needs of people might be and the close fellowship we shared during this time gave him the security to make this request.
Yesterday’s meeting with the ladies was a great time of sharing. I shared three things - 1. that often times God wants our obedience without us knowing what the finished “product” might look like. 2. That comparisons are deadly and keep us from realizes our “God potential.” 3. The power of our words - but more importantly our thought life because that is where the spoken word originates. Those thoughts opened up a stream of communication that took us several unrelated but valuable directions. Ladies everywhere LOVE to communicate. I had brought them each a gift and that was very meaningful to them.
Today was a day of relaxation. This morning we met with a Pastor and wife who have a large Church here in Ukraine but have also started a Church among Russian speaking people in Korea. They have affiliated with Dr. Cho’s church and he laid hands on them for this ministry. Korea is an extremely evangelized and moral nation. In the City of Seoul there is no alcohol, drugs, cigarettes or open pornography. They are very health conscious and live long lives as 100+ years. They NEVER expose themselves to the sun and eat very healthy.
Dr. Cho’s Church and daughter Churches number 300,000. From this congregation came the Korean lady astronaut who went into space with the Americans. They have 20 people who are members of parliament. The president of the Country is a Baptist and the Baptist are as strong as the Full Gospel Church. He showed us pictures from the 50th anniversary of Dr. Cho’s Church. It was ALL very interesting.
This afternoon we walked down to the Black Sea. It is so beautiful. We sat in the Sun for maybe a half hour and left our friends to come back to our room. We had seen the Black Sea in another area of Crimea and it is entirely different. This place has a sandy beach - the other place, the beach is rocky and it is in a mountainous region.
We had a little time to get the sand off of us before supper. Ah yes, supper. Ukranian food is as I remembered it although this time we have been served something we have never had before. Oatmeal as a side dish for dinner with veggies and creamy sauce over it. INTERESTING!!! Although it might be interesting to try different food - all these special dishes make us long for something, anything, from home. Oh yes, our friends from Korea gave us four packages of seaweed. And, yes, we’re going to use it (at least once).
After supper we spent several hour talking to the owners, the Pastor and his wife from Chernivtsi and Oksana and her husband. Spent time talking about the highlights of these few days and what we might have done to make the interchange of ideas come easier. We all agreed that if people return another time it would be different as they would already know some of the people and feel more comfortable.
We are spending another day here before heading to Chernivtsi. Thank you all for praying.
Marilyn
I had one Pastor’s wife ask to speak with me this morning. She is 40 years old, her oldest son is getting married next summer and while she was here and not feeling well she found out she is pregnant. Quite a surprise for them. They have four children and the youngest is eight. She is very actively involved in their ministry and preaches in their services when her husband visits one of their seven daughter churches. She realizes her life is going to make a big change. Oksana and I rejoiced with her and prayed for her.
Another couple ask to speak with us and the Pastor had told Oksana he had a “strange” request. During the time he was expressing his appreciation he told us that several times he had a “strange” request before he finally telling us what it was. He asked David to hug him as a father. It is impossible to predict what the needs of people might be and the close fellowship we shared during this time gave him the security to make this request.
Yesterday’s meeting with the ladies was a great time of sharing. I shared three things - 1. that often times God wants our obedience without us knowing what the finished “product” might look like. 2. That comparisons are deadly and keep us from realizes our “God potential.” 3. The power of our words - but more importantly our thought life because that is where the spoken word originates. Those thoughts opened up a stream of communication that took us several unrelated but valuable directions. Ladies everywhere LOVE to communicate. I had brought them each a gift and that was very meaningful to them.
Today was a day of relaxation. This morning we met with a Pastor and wife who have a large Church here in Ukraine but have also started a Church among Russian speaking people in Korea. They have affiliated with Dr. Cho’s church and he laid hands on them for this ministry. Korea is an extremely evangelized and moral nation. In the City of Seoul there is no alcohol, drugs, cigarettes or open pornography. They are very health conscious and live long lives as 100+ years. They NEVER expose themselves to the sun and eat very healthy.
Dr. Cho’s Church and daughter Churches number 300,000. From this congregation came the Korean lady astronaut who went into space with the Americans. They have 20 people who are members of parliament. The president of the Country is a Baptist and the Baptist are as strong as the Full Gospel Church. He showed us pictures from the 50th anniversary of Dr. Cho’s Church. It was ALL very interesting.
This afternoon we walked down to the Black Sea. It is so beautiful. We sat in the Sun for maybe a half hour and left our friends to come back to our room. We had seen the Black Sea in another area of Crimea and it is entirely different. This place has a sandy beach - the other place, the beach is rocky and it is in a mountainous region.
We had a little time to get the sand off of us before supper. Ah yes, supper. Ukranian food is as I remembered it although this time we have been served something we have never had before. Oatmeal as a side dish for dinner with veggies and creamy sauce over it. INTERESTING!!! Although it might be interesting to try different food - all these special dishes make us long for something, anything, from home. Oh yes, our friends from Korea gave us four packages of seaweed. And, yes, we’re going to use it (at least once).
After supper we spent several hour talking to the owners, the Pastor and his wife from Chernivtsi and Oksana and her husband. Spent time talking about the highlights of these few days and what we might have done to make the interchange of ideas come easier. We all agreed that if people return another time it would be different as they would already know some of the people and feel more comfortable.
We are spending another day here before heading to Chernivtsi. Thank you all for praying.
Marilyn
The First Idea Exchange Comes To A Close (Wednesday, May 12)
It was a “new concept” to the Ukrainian Pastors. I had spoken to several over the past two years and asked them what they thought about having an “Idea Exchange.” I tried to tell them what it was all about. I told them it was not geared around sessions that would give them new programs, nor around preaching sessions, but around the pastor himself/herself.
Yet it was a struggle to get through this first Ukrainian Idea Exchange. Was it a success? Yes! Allow me to bring you up-to-date on the events. I said very little in blog #2 about what was happening.
Pastors are often closed and protective and isolationists. They have met so much opposition and struggles with their people and often from other pastors that they approach many things with fear and self-protective measures in place. They often wear “masks” to cover up what is really going on. They have had to walk before their people and present a “front” that is almost “false” because it is “expected” of them.” They must be “perfect!” They “represent” God and therefore they must be as God – without faults, and without change.
The truth of the matter is far from that perspective and it is a “killer” in the lives of pastors. Add to that pastors who are almost the front line – first generation – in a country without many “spiritual fathers.” This dynamic along with the cultural, religious and political pressures creates men who love God but walk alone, afraid to relationships.
This was the goal of this Idea Exchange – to break down the walls and introduce those who attended to the concept of relationships. We approached it by presenting the prayer of Jesus in John 17:20-26 – in which Jesus prayed for His people to walk in unity as “one” for their maturity.
The closest and most necessary relationship is of course with God. So we asked them in the first morning session this question: “What is God saying to you? To your Church? To the Church of Ukraine? And to your nation?
It was like pulling teeth to get responses and then to keep them on track. The tendency was to get onto their “work,” their “ministry” rather than to what they were hearing God speak to them personally. By the end of the session I was able to point out to them the theme of the morning – from their words to the rest – all focused around their personal relationship with God.
Tuesday evening, we gave them opportunity to share and then addressed them with a devotional: The Pastor/Preacher as Counselor who gives people a reason to live. As we walked to our room Marilyn and I wondered if anything was happening. We had also opened our afternoon for personal counseling, questions and whatever – but we had no takers. It was hard to read them, though our interpreter, Oksana tried to convince us that she knew everything was making an impact and their response was typically Ukrainian.
Them comes today! We separated the women and men so we could address issues specific to each. By the time I finished at 11:30 I could tell an impact was moving and their defenses were beginning to fall. Immediately upon finishing, the interpreter, a pastor, along with another pastor who did not speak English approached me and requested a meeting immediately in a secure place where no others would be around.
As we walked to the room, I went over what God had directed me to talk about after we spent more time requesting those who had not shared what God was saying to them. I challenged them to guard them selves against the three major pitfalls for pastors: Improper use of their time; greed (money); and women - sexual issues. So I knew I was in for a heavy session as we continued our way to his room.
He needed to someone with whom he could “confess a moral, spiritual failure” as the Word declares, “confess you faults to one-another that ye may be healed.” He had already been confronted by God and had repented but needed to share it so he could be held accountable and also by that confession be “healed” and set free. Needless to say, he did, we prayed and God did!
I’ll let Marilyn share about her experience with the ladies but we – in case you forget – we is “two” – met with a couple who had been presented with a request to pastor a Church and they needed advice on how to approach it and how to determine the will of God and also what they needed to do to come to a “unified response.”
The final session, began with prayer and then spontaneous worship, then a word of knowledge regarding a child of one who was critical at this moment. Sure enough one pastor had just received a phone all and was told his daughter had a very high temperature and the wife/mother did not know what was wrong with her. That was just the beginning and ministry flowed for the next hour.
I concluded the evening with a shortened message to challenge the pastors to be a “confronter” of sin in a generation when it isn’t popular to be a “confronter.” As the evening concluded and they began to move to other areas for fellowship, drink, etc. one pastor whom I had never met but was invited by a friend I do know said to me, “Thanks for the time here. I needed the fellowship. I have never been to a meeting where this kind of fellowship was available.”
Another pastor, a close friend, but one whom I wondered what his thoughts were came up to me. I had not been able to read him and he even missed the morning session. His words were, “This is what we Ukranian pastors need. When are you going to hold another one of these meetings?”
And so we wrapped up the evening watching fellowship take place, relationships being built, personal information being exchanged, hugs of appreciation being given to one-another. I left Marilyn sitting with a large table surrounded by ladies and passing the Sauna and the Billiards room I discovered both were being occupied by the men and relationships growing.
I sit here at the computer and without any personal “back-slapping” but with brokenness of spirit I can hardly keep from weeping. Thank you Father for Jesus and His prayer for us. It is happening! Pastors can become supporters of one-another across union/denominational barriers, even though they are miles apart.
Yes! It is worth it!
Thanks, Life Church – you invested in untold thousands of life as Jesus tarries.
Thank you owners of Equator – may God return your investment into the pastors of your country multiple times over and over!
With love and appreciation,
Dr D and Marilyn
Yet it was a struggle to get through this first Ukrainian Idea Exchange. Was it a success? Yes! Allow me to bring you up-to-date on the events. I said very little in blog #2 about what was happening.
Pastors are often closed and protective and isolationists. They have met so much opposition and struggles with their people and often from other pastors that they approach many things with fear and self-protective measures in place. They often wear “masks” to cover up what is really going on. They have had to walk before their people and present a “front” that is almost “false” because it is “expected” of them.” They must be “perfect!” They “represent” God and therefore they must be as God – without faults, and without change.
The truth of the matter is far from that perspective and it is a “killer” in the lives of pastors. Add to that pastors who are almost the front line – first generation – in a country without many “spiritual fathers.” This dynamic along with the cultural, religious and political pressures creates men who love God but walk alone, afraid to relationships.
This was the goal of this Idea Exchange – to break down the walls and introduce those who attended to the concept of relationships. We approached it by presenting the prayer of Jesus in John 17:20-26 – in which Jesus prayed for His people to walk in unity as “one” for their maturity.
The closest and most necessary relationship is of course with God. So we asked them in the first morning session this question: “What is God saying to you? To your Church? To the Church of Ukraine? And to your nation?
It was like pulling teeth to get responses and then to keep them on track. The tendency was to get onto their “work,” their “ministry” rather than to what they were hearing God speak to them personally. By the end of the session I was able to point out to them the theme of the morning – from their words to the rest – all focused around their personal relationship with God.
Tuesday evening, we gave them opportunity to share and then addressed them with a devotional: The Pastor/Preacher as Counselor who gives people a reason to live. As we walked to our room Marilyn and I wondered if anything was happening. We had also opened our afternoon for personal counseling, questions and whatever – but we had no takers. It was hard to read them, though our interpreter, Oksana tried to convince us that she knew everything was making an impact and their response was typically Ukrainian.
Them comes today! We separated the women and men so we could address issues specific to each. By the time I finished at 11:30 I could tell an impact was moving and their defenses were beginning to fall. Immediately upon finishing, the interpreter, a pastor, along with another pastor who did not speak English approached me and requested a meeting immediately in a secure place where no others would be around.
As we walked to the room, I went over what God had directed me to talk about after we spent more time requesting those who had not shared what God was saying to them. I challenged them to guard them selves against the three major pitfalls for pastors: Improper use of their time; greed (money); and women - sexual issues. So I knew I was in for a heavy session as we continued our way to his room.
He needed to someone with whom he could “confess a moral, spiritual failure” as the Word declares, “confess you faults to one-another that ye may be healed.” He had already been confronted by God and had repented but needed to share it so he could be held accountable and also by that confession be “healed” and set free. Needless to say, he did, we prayed and God did!
I’ll let Marilyn share about her experience with the ladies but we – in case you forget – we is “two” – met with a couple who had been presented with a request to pastor a Church and they needed advice on how to approach it and how to determine the will of God and also what they needed to do to come to a “unified response.”
The final session, began with prayer and then spontaneous worship, then a word of knowledge regarding a child of one who was critical at this moment. Sure enough one pastor had just received a phone all and was told his daughter had a very high temperature and the wife/mother did not know what was wrong with her. That was just the beginning and ministry flowed for the next hour.
I concluded the evening with a shortened message to challenge the pastors to be a “confronter” of sin in a generation when it isn’t popular to be a “confronter.” As the evening concluded and they began to move to other areas for fellowship, drink, etc. one pastor whom I had never met but was invited by a friend I do know said to me, “Thanks for the time here. I needed the fellowship. I have never been to a meeting where this kind of fellowship was available.”
Another pastor, a close friend, but one whom I wondered what his thoughts were came up to me. I had not been able to read him and he even missed the morning session. His words were, “This is what we Ukranian pastors need. When are you going to hold another one of these meetings?”
And so we wrapped up the evening watching fellowship take place, relationships being built, personal information being exchanged, hugs of appreciation being given to one-another. I left Marilyn sitting with a large table surrounded by ladies and passing the Sauna and the Billiards room I discovered both were being occupied by the men and relationships growing.
I sit here at the computer and without any personal “back-slapping” but with brokenness of spirit I can hardly keep from weeping. Thank you Father for Jesus and His prayer for us. It is happening! Pastors can become supporters of one-another across union/denominational barriers, even though they are miles apart.
Yes! It is worth it!
Thanks, Life Church – you invested in untold thousands of life as Jesus tarries.
Thank you owners of Equator – may God return your investment into the pastors of your country multiple times over and over!
With love and appreciation,
Dr D and Marilyn
DAY ONE OF THE IDEA EXCHANGE (Monday, May 10th)
Our home for the next five days is on the western coast of Crimea as we host the Ukraine Idea Exchange. I am not sure of the total attendance as the figures have not reached me yet and some came that we didn't expect and some we expected have not been able to come and some arrived after the first session tonight. But it is safe to say we have crossed over the 30 mark and are headed for 40.
We are pleased with the attendance and I can say with the reception displayed during and after the session this evening. I just do not know what to say to express what I sense and I am not sure I know what to expect. All I know is when I was here last year the wife of one of the owners began to tell me about a dream she had of pastors in a meeting here being led by Marilyn and I. So I stopped her before she could complete her dream and completed it for her. The bottom line is: The owners wanted to sow into the lives of the pastors of Ukraine and invited us to host the Idea Exchange here at no room cost to the pastors. Their only expense was to get here and then to pay for the actual cost of purchasing the food for their meals. There was no additional cost placed on the preparation, serving or clean-up. So for 50 Hryvana -- about $6.50 per person per day for their food. That is what I call SOWING! And there are pastors from Kiev in the north, Lugansk in the east, Chernivtsi in the west and Alusta in the south.
We arrived here about 11:30 this morning from Simferopol. Sadly the wife of our host in Simferopol, Lena Barilo suddenly and without any warning had what seems to be a kidney stone attack and had to return immediately to Simferopol - a two-and-one-half hour drive to be attended to. And the interpreter I was counting on to interpret for me, Vadim Urumyagov missed his plane in Kiev. I need Oksana to interpret for Marilyn. But we have to make some minor changes and thank God another pastor arrived who can interpret for me when we have split sessions. Just some minor shifts!
That is the way it is. The unexpected seems to always show up in some way. Thank God for having it all worked out before it became a reality for us on this one!
Tomorrow our schedule begins at 8:30, the first session from 10-11, the second from 11:30-12:30, then lunch at 1:30 with the afternoon for those attending except for those who would like to have a private session with Marilyn or me. Then it is dinner at 6:00 and the evening session from 7-9 or 9:30. Wednesday it is repeated and we wrap it up Wednesday evening with those attending headed home on Thursday morning.
So now it is time to see what direction we go tomorrow. This isn't a typical seminar. It is a time for the pastors to share what God is saying to them; what He is saying to the Church and the Nation of Ukraine. We will also be open to discuss any issues confronting the pastors. The bottom line is: This is for pastors with pastors as the key people focusing on the establishment of relationships.
The prayer of Jesus for the Church found in John 17:20-26 is the focal point of the entire Idea Exchange. It is not a "do it this way" gathering.
Anyway, that should give you an Idea of the Idea Exchange!
Thanks for your prayers,
Dr D and Marilyn
We are pleased with the attendance and I can say with the reception displayed during and after the session this evening. I just do not know what to say to express what I sense and I am not sure I know what to expect. All I know is when I was here last year the wife of one of the owners began to tell me about a dream she had of pastors in a meeting here being led by Marilyn and I. So I stopped her before she could complete her dream and completed it for her. The bottom line is: The owners wanted to sow into the lives of the pastors of Ukraine and invited us to host the Idea Exchange here at no room cost to the pastors. Their only expense was to get here and then to pay for the actual cost of purchasing the food for their meals. There was no additional cost placed on the preparation, serving or clean-up. So for 50 Hryvana -- about $6.50 per person per day for their food. That is what I call SOWING! And there are pastors from Kiev in the north, Lugansk in the east, Chernivtsi in the west and Alusta in the south.
We arrived here about 11:30 this morning from Simferopol. Sadly the wife of our host in Simferopol, Lena Barilo suddenly and without any warning had what seems to be a kidney stone attack and had to return immediately to Simferopol - a two-and-one-half hour drive to be attended to. And the interpreter I was counting on to interpret for me, Vadim Urumyagov missed his plane in Kiev. I need Oksana to interpret for Marilyn. But we have to make some minor changes and thank God another pastor arrived who can interpret for me when we have split sessions. Just some minor shifts!
That is the way it is. The unexpected seems to always show up in some way. Thank God for having it all worked out before it became a reality for us on this one!
Tomorrow our schedule begins at 8:30, the first session from 10-11, the second from 11:30-12:30, then lunch at 1:30 with the afternoon for those attending except for those who would like to have a private session with Marilyn or me. Then it is dinner at 6:00 and the evening session from 7-9 or 9:30. Wednesday it is repeated and we wrap it up Wednesday evening with those attending headed home on Thursday morning.
So now it is time to see what direction we go tomorrow. This isn't a typical seminar. It is a time for the pastors to share what God is saying to them; what He is saying to the Church and the Nation of Ukraine. We will also be open to discuss any issues confronting the pastors. The bottom line is: This is for pastors with pastors as the key people focusing on the establishment of relationships.
The prayer of Jesus for the Church found in John 17:20-26 is the focal point of the entire Idea Exchange. It is not a "do it this way" gathering.
Anyway, that should give you an Idea of the Idea Exchange!
Thanks for your prayers,
Dr D and Marilyn
Sunday, May 9, 2010
WE ARE NOW IN UKRAINE - SIMFEROPOL, CRIMEA THAT IS!
Saturday:
It was a long and hard trip. Maybe 10 minutes before we were going to take off the Captain came on and said they were having to reroute us because of the volcano. It would be 5 minutes to 2 hours before we left. It was an hour and a half. So, what was to be a 10 hour flight made us be on the plane for nearly 13 hours.
The flight wasn't bad although it is getting more and more difficult for me to "sleep" on the plane. We arrived 1 1/2 hours late and it took nearly an hour to get through customs. We had hoped to get a nice meal somewhere but there wasn't time. We went to McD's and I couldn't finish what I got. My stomach is still not back to normal.
We had a LOOOONG train ride. it was 17 hours. I slept - but fitfully. It was nice to be able to stretch out and not be cramped on a seat. BUT, these seats are like benches and you unroll a lumpy, old mattress to sleep on. (They do give you clean sheets.) This was the oldest and worst train I have ridden on. Probably from the 50's with the dirt accumulation to go along with it.
We were met at the train by our hosts. They have lived on this property for 3 years. They built the house with their own hands. It is five stories (including the cellar). They were city people but have learned to "farm" to be self-sustaining. They have milk cows which brought back memories of the farm. Milk with cream on it. They have pigs, geese, chickens - she makes cottage cheese, sour cream (which really is more like butter) and her own mayo. They have fruit trees and a "green" house and grow veggies. It is an interesting place and they have lots of interesting stories. We have known them for 6-7 years.
They have two children at home (late teens) who love and serve the Lord. As well - they help with ALL the household/farm chores. The daughter actually taught her mother how to milk a cow.
We slept most of the day. Unpacked and rearranged our suitcases. Slept until lunch. After lunch Dave showered and we both went to sleep and slept until dinner. Hopefully - we will sleep tonight. Have to leave for Church at 8:30 so have to be up and around.
Sunday:
We slept fitfully last night. I could not find a place to lay that I could get comfortable. Before five it was getting light so I got up, made myself some tea and oatmeal I had brought from home. The food, though not bad, just isn't appetizing and I don't think I am over whatever it is that I had in Peru. I dread meal time. :-) That isn't all bad except I need to eat what is prepared for me. We brought some nuts with us but unlike when we first came didn't bring a lot of things to snack on.
They had a big change in the government this past year similar to the change we had in ours. Four years ago they were encouraged by the change but people were disillusioned and decided their former form of government was better. The area we are in has always had a strong leaning to communism. Since the new president, the communists have connected with the "new party" and many of the old communistic practices have been reinstated. Obligatory participation by workers at parades of the old style and the such. They are re-erecting statues of Stalin. It is a time of great concern. Undoubtedly this will have some kind of effect on the Church.
The preaching was good this morning but something just isn't right in this Church. The Pastor is losing his hearing (very severe problem) and we have noticed his inability to connect in a conversation. I know he didn't hear ANY of the preaching this morning - very difficult situation. This past year they had a member of long standing leave the Church and demanded his tithe and offerings be returned to him. For whatever reason, they made the decision to return a large portion of it. They were involved with Franklin Graham's Samaritan Purse and had a strong outreach to homeless children. They no longer have that, in part because our economy hinders them receiving funds but there were other reasons as well. They are being investigated by the government for mismanagement of the funds (taking money for themselves) – all because the person in charge did not fill out some documents correctly. Nothing has been solved or resolved but it is hanging over their heads. The trial of their faith.
On a lighter note - they have incubators and presently have geese and chicken eggs in them. The chicken eggs take 20 days and the geese eggs take a month. The eggs have to be turned morning and evening. Their teenage children are very involved with helping them and it is the young man's responsibility to turn the eggs. The children do the chores at night the parents in the morning. But this week, the parents will be gone so the children will do it all. They have quite a little compound here, probably less then a 1/2 acre. They have 4 pigs and 12-14 piglets, chickens, geese, ducks, two milk cows (that pasture during the day outside their property) and two baby calves.
Marilyn
It was a long and hard trip. Maybe 10 minutes before we were going to take off the Captain came on and said they were having to reroute us because of the volcano. It would be 5 minutes to 2 hours before we left. It was an hour and a half. So, what was to be a 10 hour flight made us be on the plane for nearly 13 hours.
The flight wasn't bad although it is getting more and more difficult for me to "sleep" on the plane. We arrived 1 1/2 hours late and it took nearly an hour to get through customs. We had hoped to get a nice meal somewhere but there wasn't time. We went to McD's and I couldn't finish what I got. My stomach is still not back to normal.
We had a LOOOONG train ride. it was 17 hours. I slept - but fitfully. It was nice to be able to stretch out and not be cramped on a seat. BUT, these seats are like benches and you unroll a lumpy, old mattress to sleep on. (They do give you clean sheets.) This was the oldest and worst train I have ridden on. Probably from the 50's with the dirt accumulation to go along with it.
We were met at the train by our hosts. They have lived on this property for 3 years. They built the house with their own hands. It is five stories (including the cellar). They were city people but have learned to "farm" to be self-sustaining. They have milk cows which brought back memories of the farm. Milk with cream on it. They have pigs, geese, chickens - she makes cottage cheese, sour cream (which really is more like butter) and her own mayo. They have fruit trees and a "green" house and grow veggies. It is an interesting place and they have lots of interesting stories. We have known them for 6-7 years.
They have two children at home (late teens) who love and serve the Lord. As well - they help with ALL the household/farm chores. The daughter actually taught her mother how to milk a cow.
We slept most of the day. Unpacked and rearranged our suitcases. Slept until lunch. After lunch Dave showered and we both went to sleep and slept until dinner. Hopefully - we will sleep tonight. Have to leave for Church at 8:30 so have to be up and around.
Sunday:
We slept fitfully last night. I could not find a place to lay that I could get comfortable. Before five it was getting light so I got up, made myself some tea and oatmeal I had brought from home. The food, though not bad, just isn't appetizing and I don't think I am over whatever it is that I had in Peru. I dread meal time. :-) That isn't all bad except I need to eat what is prepared for me. We brought some nuts with us but unlike when we first came didn't bring a lot of things to snack on.
They had a big change in the government this past year similar to the change we had in ours. Four years ago they were encouraged by the change but people were disillusioned and decided their former form of government was better. The area we are in has always had a strong leaning to communism. Since the new president, the communists have connected with the "new party" and many of the old communistic practices have been reinstated. Obligatory participation by workers at parades of the old style and the such. They are re-erecting statues of Stalin. It is a time of great concern. Undoubtedly this will have some kind of effect on the Church.
The preaching was good this morning but something just isn't right in this Church. The Pastor is losing his hearing (very severe problem) and we have noticed his inability to connect in a conversation. I know he didn't hear ANY of the preaching this morning - very difficult situation. This past year they had a member of long standing leave the Church and demanded his tithe and offerings be returned to him. For whatever reason, they made the decision to return a large portion of it. They were involved with Franklin Graham's Samaritan Purse and had a strong outreach to homeless children. They no longer have that, in part because our economy hinders them receiving funds but there were other reasons as well. They are being investigated by the government for mismanagement of the funds (taking money for themselves) – all because the person in charge did not fill out some documents correctly. Nothing has been solved or resolved but it is hanging over their heads. The trial of their faith.
On a lighter note - they have incubators and presently have geese and chicken eggs in them. The chicken eggs take 20 days and the geese eggs take a month. The eggs have to be turned morning and evening. Their teenage children are very involved with helping them and it is the young man's responsibility to turn the eggs. The children do the chores at night the parents in the morning. But this week, the parents will be gone so the children will do it all. They have quite a little compound here, probably less then a 1/2 acre. They have 4 pigs and 12-14 piglets, chickens, geese, ducks, two milk cows (that pasture during the day outside their property) and two baby calves.
Marilyn
Monday, May 3, 2010
Saturday May 1 & Sunday May 2
Saturday, May 1st:
Hi everyone! Well our day was very impacting to say the least. We went to the woman’s orphanage where the oldest was 18 and the youngest was 13. All these girls had a children and were getting the help of these nuns. We had some people from Marco’s church come with us so all together there was about 19 of us that went to go and share something with the girls. There were 2 icebreakers, a skit, Dylon shared his testimony, Katie shared an encouraging word and danced. Dylon finished it off with the salvation message that we all put together and we gave them all the bracelets. After all of that we presented them with a small gift for them and their children. They were a quiet group through the whole presentation but at the end the sister of the orphanage asked if anyone had something to share with us, something that God had put on their heart about our visit. One girl came up and shared with us how although what we had talked about was something that she already knew it was good to have that reminder. How there are many times when they feel lonely or as if there is no hope but having us there just gave them some kind of hope back. She was very touched by what we had all shared.
Hello blog followers, it’s Katie. I’m going to wrap up the end of the day with what Mrs. Marilyn says is my “two sense”. So the girl’s name that shared at the orphanage was Gladis, she was only 17, and had a daughter who was 2yrs old. After our program Rosita and I stayed after talking with her, tears began to roll down her face as she began to talk to us and pour her heart out. I can’t express in words all that she had to say, except that she was mature beyond her years and has experienced God yet struggles in her present circumstance( being a Christian and a 17yr old mother living in a Convent, with no family to support her and her daughter of only 2yrs old). I was so glad to be able to encourage her with the Word and love on her and tell her God still does have a purpose for her life no matter what she may be dealing with at such a young age. She expressed such appreciation to all we had to say, Rosita and I both feel as though she is our sister, and told her we will keep her in prayer. Around 6:30 we headed back to the house, Rosita, Johvanna and I took a taxi to go pick up Papa John’s pizza for everyone and around 8pm David Hodges took us to the water park. This place was amazing, definitely not your typical Floridian water park. Although it was cold outside we couldn’t help but get in the water. Beautiful dancing fountains everywhere, music and a laser show was all included for just 4 soles. David is so much fun to be around, he’s a big kid inside. Before we headed home we just had to make a stop at Starbux.
Sunday, May 2nd:
We woke up about 9am and left at about 10am. We headed to Pastor Gustavo’s church where Dr. D preached. We attended worship and after that we were dismissed to go with the youth. Once we were settled we began by singing a song with them that we have learned since we arrived to Peru which is Tu Eres Dios which was followed by our drum line and stomp. Katie then began to teach her lesson on living life poured out.
-Emily
The crowd was tough at this church. But the good thing is they really did understand what the point was that I was trying to bring home. Which was to not only soak up God’s Word but to pour it out as well.
Katie – she ran out of words! Can you believe that! Katie! Out of Words! No in reality she was so tired she could not think! So I dismissed her and sent her to bed.
Dr D’s Comments:
It is always an interesting as you watch the youth make their way through the cultural ways and yet find a way with God’s help to make an impact on the lives of the people. This trip was no different. They got to see various sizes of Churches. Minister to various economic levels. See and experience the sights and sounds as well as the food – that is always exciting – just to watch their faces as they taste the food. This team was willing to try anything – well almost anything. They stopped when I did. So they were safe.
Will their lives be changed forever because of this experience. Yes! They came to recognize that though this is a different culture and their living is different from ours, the Churches still find a way to exuberantly express their worship and devotion to God. They are not lacking. In fact, they have many things they could teach the North Americans. They have learned their mission is not to tell the people here how to do it, but to do it with them – just to come along side and say, “Let us do it together.!”
So for now we sign off from this trip and head back to our homes. Marilyn and I will be back on the airplane in less than 48 hours after arriving home – Ukraine here we come! We are going to a beachside hotel on the northwest corner of Crimea. The owners are believers and friends. When I was there last year they offered to host – free housing – as many pastors and wives as would come to a three day retreat. The focus of this event will be housed in what I am calling an Idea Exchange. We will gather to share what God is saying, what is happening in our Church, cities and countries and to allow the Spirit of God to “cross-pollinate” our lives and ministries. As of today we have 33 registered pastors and wives.
So continue to follow what is happening. I will attempt to post as often as I have the ability to get on-line.
God bless and thanks for your prayers,
Dr D, Marilyn, Katie, Emily and Dylon
Hi everyone! Well our day was very impacting to say the least. We went to the woman’s orphanage where the oldest was 18 and the youngest was 13. All these girls had a children and were getting the help of these nuns. We had some people from Marco’s church come with us so all together there was about 19 of us that went to go and share something with the girls. There were 2 icebreakers, a skit, Dylon shared his testimony, Katie shared an encouraging word and danced. Dylon finished it off with the salvation message that we all put together and we gave them all the bracelets. After all of that we presented them with a small gift for them and their children. They were a quiet group through the whole presentation but at the end the sister of the orphanage asked if anyone had something to share with us, something that God had put on their heart about our visit. One girl came up and shared with us how although what we had talked about was something that she already knew it was good to have that reminder. How there are many times when they feel lonely or as if there is no hope but having us there just gave them some kind of hope back. She was very touched by what we had all shared.
Hello blog followers, it’s Katie. I’m going to wrap up the end of the day with what Mrs. Marilyn says is my “two sense”. So the girl’s name that shared at the orphanage was Gladis, she was only 17, and had a daughter who was 2yrs old. After our program Rosita and I stayed after talking with her, tears began to roll down her face as she began to talk to us and pour her heart out. I can’t express in words all that she had to say, except that she was mature beyond her years and has experienced God yet struggles in her present circumstance( being a Christian and a 17yr old mother living in a Convent, with no family to support her and her daughter of only 2yrs old). I was so glad to be able to encourage her with the Word and love on her and tell her God still does have a purpose for her life no matter what she may be dealing with at such a young age. She expressed such appreciation to all we had to say, Rosita and I both feel as though she is our sister, and told her we will keep her in prayer. Around 6:30 we headed back to the house, Rosita, Johvanna and I took a taxi to go pick up Papa John’s pizza for everyone and around 8pm David Hodges took us to the water park. This place was amazing, definitely not your typical Floridian water park. Although it was cold outside we couldn’t help but get in the water. Beautiful dancing fountains everywhere, music and a laser show was all included for just 4 soles. David is so much fun to be around, he’s a big kid inside. Before we headed home we just had to make a stop at Starbux.
Sunday, May 2nd:
We woke up about 9am and left at about 10am. We headed to Pastor Gustavo’s church where Dr. D preached. We attended worship and after that we were dismissed to go with the youth. Once we were settled we began by singing a song with them that we have learned since we arrived to Peru which is Tu Eres Dios which was followed by our drum line and stomp. Katie then began to teach her lesson on living life poured out.
-Emily
The crowd was tough at this church. But the good thing is they really did understand what the point was that I was trying to bring home. Which was to not only soak up God’s Word but to pour it out as well.
Katie – she ran out of words! Can you believe that! Katie! Out of Words! No in reality she was so tired she could not think! So I dismissed her and sent her to bed.
Dr D’s Comments:
It is always an interesting as you watch the youth make their way through the cultural ways and yet find a way with God’s help to make an impact on the lives of the people. This trip was no different. They got to see various sizes of Churches. Minister to various economic levels. See and experience the sights and sounds as well as the food – that is always exciting – just to watch their faces as they taste the food. This team was willing to try anything – well almost anything. They stopped when I did. So they were safe.
Will their lives be changed forever because of this experience. Yes! They came to recognize that though this is a different culture and their living is different from ours, the Churches still find a way to exuberantly express their worship and devotion to God. They are not lacking. In fact, they have many things they could teach the North Americans. They have learned their mission is not to tell the people here how to do it, but to do it with them – just to come along side and say, “Let us do it together.!”
So for now we sign off from this trip and head back to our homes. Marilyn and I will be back on the airplane in less than 48 hours after arriving home – Ukraine here we come! We are going to a beachside hotel on the northwest corner of Crimea. The owners are believers and friends. When I was there last year they offered to host – free housing – as many pastors and wives as would come to a three day retreat. The focus of this event will be housed in what I am calling an Idea Exchange. We will gather to share what God is saying, what is happening in our Church, cities and countries and to allow the Spirit of God to “cross-pollinate” our lives and ministries. As of today we have 33 registered pastors and wives.
So continue to follow what is happening. I will attempt to post as often as I have the ability to get on-line.
God bless and thanks for your prayers,
Dr D, Marilyn, Katie, Emily and Dylon
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Thursday, April 29th and Friday, April 30th
Thursday, April 29th
Hello to all the blog followers, it’s Katie; today was mostly an off day. We have been very busy and needed the rest, we slept in till about 12 and really just hung around the house all day. We all felt like walking ZOMBIES.
Finally around 4pm we started to get ready for a youth service at Pastor Eber’s (who has a great testimony, leads worship and is blind) church in Ancon. Service was supposed to start at 8pm and didn’t start till 8:15-8:30. Dylon felt sick ( no need to worry moms, Emily, Dylon, Mrs. Marilyn and I have all experienced this icky feeling, and it started with Emily, we are all feeling great now), but still pushed through his teaching on Unity, and could hardly tell he was sick, Emily sang her beautiful song, and I danced to the Revelation song.
God has been with us through everything we have done no matter how we feel. Before we introduced ourselves and went on with our program, some of the youth there had some special dramas and dances planned for us. “Special” doesn’t even describe it all, these people are so excited to share their gifts with us, and really just love to show how much they appreciate us being with them.
It’s not too organized here and we have become experts at just going with the flow as far as the order of service goes. As Dylon closed, a few people raised their hand for salvation, praise God. They all can’t express enough appreciation towards us all. Peruvians are very warm and welcoming. After I danced a little girl came up to me, Emily and Dylon ( she told me she loved my dance, and loved Emily’s song as well as Dylon’s teaching). This little girl’s name was Hennasis and gave us each one of her beaded bracelets from her wrist.) We left the church after 10pm and after an hour drive, went home to sleep!
Friday, April 30th
Our day was full of endless surprises. We ended up going to a school in the morning which got changed to an hour after the first time so we went to Starbucks and had some coffee. Here Dylon decided to have a shot of espresso so just imagine how our day went. It just got better! When we arrived to school we waited for about 30 minutes and walked down to a block which the school had closed off so that we could share of message with them and so that the kids could share a couple things with us.
Katie taught on the armor of God while Dylon, Rosita and I blew up balloons. To our amazement the balloon part seemed harder. We popped about 5 balloons all together, the kids were talking during the message and a woman who found it necessary to check the microphone every 5 minutes. By the grace of we got through it. We had four girls dance for us to the song “Jesus You’re my Superhero.” After an 11 year old boy started beat boxing which was amazing.
Some of the kids presented us with gifts and we went to lunch at the mall where we all had something different. We hung out there for about an hour and a half and when we went to the car it didn’t start. After pushing about 6 times Marco decided to put us in a taxi so that we could make it to the the pastors church on time. When we got there I got to share my message on being obedient. We gave out a couple prizes, danced, sang and played hot potato.
After service was over we got to see a pig that was a least 4 feet tall, layed out on a table. They had cleaned it out but the experience was a memorable one, especially for Katie! Dylon and I had no problems feeling it but for Katie it was life changing. Ahahahahaha. She freaked out!
After having a brief break we made our way back to another church where Dr. D spoke and Mrs. Marilyn and us LTI students got to entertain and share a message with the kids. After we went out to eat and arrived home at about midnight. This was a very long day for us but we did it! Woooooohhhooo.
Emily here!
Hello to all the blog followers, it’s Katie; today was mostly an off day. We have been very busy and needed the rest, we slept in till about 12 and really just hung around the house all day. We all felt like walking ZOMBIES.
Finally around 4pm we started to get ready for a youth service at Pastor Eber’s (who has a great testimony, leads worship and is blind) church in Ancon. Service was supposed to start at 8pm and didn’t start till 8:15-8:30. Dylon felt sick ( no need to worry moms, Emily, Dylon, Mrs. Marilyn and I have all experienced this icky feeling, and it started with Emily, we are all feeling great now), but still pushed through his teaching on Unity, and could hardly tell he was sick, Emily sang her beautiful song, and I danced to the Revelation song.
God has been with us through everything we have done no matter how we feel. Before we introduced ourselves and went on with our program, some of the youth there had some special dramas and dances planned for us. “Special” doesn’t even describe it all, these people are so excited to share their gifts with us, and really just love to show how much they appreciate us being with them.
It’s not too organized here and we have become experts at just going with the flow as far as the order of service goes. As Dylon closed, a few people raised their hand for salvation, praise God. They all can’t express enough appreciation towards us all. Peruvians are very warm and welcoming. After I danced a little girl came up to me, Emily and Dylon ( she told me she loved my dance, and loved Emily’s song as well as Dylon’s teaching). This little girl’s name was Hennasis and gave us each one of her beaded bracelets from her wrist.) We left the church after 10pm and after an hour drive, went home to sleep!
Friday, April 30th
Our day was full of endless surprises. We ended up going to a school in the morning which got changed to an hour after the first time so we went to Starbucks and had some coffee. Here Dylon decided to have a shot of espresso so just imagine how our day went. It just got better! When we arrived to school we waited for about 30 minutes and walked down to a block which the school had closed off so that we could share of message with them and so that the kids could share a couple things with us.
Katie taught on the armor of God while Dylon, Rosita and I blew up balloons. To our amazement the balloon part seemed harder. We popped about 5 balloons all together, the kids were talking during the message and a woman who found it necessary to check the microphone every 5 minutes. By the grace of we got through it. We had four girls dance for us to the song “Jesus You’re my Superhero.” After an 11 year old boy started beat boxing which was amazing.
Some of the kids presented us with gifts and we went to lunch at the mall where we all had something different. We hung out there for about an hour and a half and when we went to the car it didn’t start. After pushing about 6 times Marco decided to put us in a taxi so that we could make it to the the pastors church on time. When we got there I got to share my message on being obedient. We gave out a couple prizes, danced, sang and played hot potato.
After service was over we got to see a pig that was a least 4 feet tall, layed out on a table. They had cleaned it out but the experience was a memorable one, especially for Katie! Dylon and I had no problems feeling it but for Katie it was life changing. Ahahahahaha. She freaked out!
After having a brief break we made our way back to another church where Dr. D spoke and Mrs. Marilyn and us LTI students got to entertain and share a message with the kids. After we went out to eat and arrived home at about midnight. This was a very long day for us but we did it! Woooooohhhooo.
Emily here!
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