Tuesday, November 24
Some days are better than others, they are personally more exciting and then there are days that you have for the benefit of others. And that summarizes today! But there is something exciting about giving without expectation of return! There are days in which you feel “better” about it than others! And that is the lingering “feeling,” reflection about today!
I was “just there”! That can be the best comfort you can give someone that is grieving: “Be there!”
Now comes the task of preparing a message for those who will attend the funeral tomorrow at 10:00. A funeral is the same in any country. The only difference is the location and language. You speak to the living about “living.” You share the person who brings “life.” You present Jesus and thank God it is easier when the deceased was a believer.
So today’s “blog” is short because that is all I can think to say and share with you. I go now to finish a message called, “Inna’s Faith.” It is the result of the Holy Spirit speaking a verse to me and then quoting it to Vadim. When I finished he said to me, “Inna said, ‘It is better to die in faith, than to live without faith.’” So tomorrow we focus on Hebrews 11:13(NKJV) “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”
She saw, she claimed, but confessed she was just passing through this life to another – and there she is!
God bless and thank you for sending me on this timely mission,
Dr D
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
REPORTING ON THE LAST TWO DAYS
Sunday, November 22:
The past 48 hours have been a whirlwind of activity! I have preached twice, traveled to Chernivtsi and back, made arrangements for an Idea Exchange for Pastors in Ukraine, counseled a pastor, and wept with another.
Sunday morning I was privileged to minister the Word at Abundant Life. It was a great service from the first chorus of worship through the salvation of a guest at the conclusion. In-between somewhere I delivered a my heart and the congregation’s response to the revelation they personally received from God was awesome to witness. Forget the preacher! The response of the people to the Word is what I am pointing you toward. Sometimes you “know” when the Word has penetrated their hearts. The message the Lord directed me with was confirmed immediately after the worship time and before I had opportunity to deliver it. A lady who led the congregation in prayer exhorted and prayed some of the key thoughts of my message and I knew I had heard from heaven. And — Heaven Came Down!
I was taken back to the house of my host and had opportunity to eat a quick few bites before I was to leave for the airport and stop to pray with Vadim and Inna – and I spent 30 minutes of intense prayer and worship with them before heading to catch my plane. The flight was only one hour and I was met by my Ukrainian Secretary/Interpreter taken to her flat, got to relax for 15 minutes and then walked 20 minutes to the location for the evening service with Way of Life Church and ministering the Word again.
After the service (it was great also as was the response) I spent three hours of fellowship with Tolik and Oksana (secretary/interpreter) and a couple for the Church with whom I was privileged last spring to spend a couple of days with at their hotel on the northwest coast of Crimea. They have extended me the opportunity of inviting pastors and wives with whom I have a relationship in Ukraine to come and stay for 3-4 days at their hotel on the Black Sea – free room and they only have to assist with a minimal fee for the food.
It is their desire to “invest in the kingdom of God through His servants in Ukraine.” WOW! What a novel idea! And then there is a special twist added to it – well not really a twist but a special invitation for Marilyn and I to spend the next week on vacation without any expense as their guests! That sounds too good to turn down! Not for me as much as for the pastors with whom I labor in Ukraine.
Monday, November 23
I crash about 1:30-2:00 AM and hear the phone ringing at 5:00. I can tell from the sounds it is Vadim and the next words I hear rip me apart: “Inna has just passed away!” I respond by praying with him and then tell him I will change me ticket and return on Monday.
Unfortunately there isn’t the same travel agent in Chernivtsi as in Kiev and so I am forced to purchase a one-way ticket for only 165 Hryvna (pronounced - grevna) that is less about $20 less than a round-trip. It also means that I will probably not be able to get any refund on the unused portion. But ministry to Vadim and the boys is more important than the money.
I will skip the emotional struggle I went through when I walked into Vadim’s apartment and greeted him.
The funeral will be on Wednesday morning and I ask you please keep Vadim and his boys in prayer. I will be involved in some way but I am not sure how as of tonight.
I have no answers as to “Why Lord?” However I do know Jesus Christ is Lord. I know God doesn’t make any mistakes! He is still God!
Thank you for your response to the appeal for finances so I could be here to support Vadim and his family.
God bless you for you prayers.
Dr D.
The past 48 hours have been a whirlwind of activity! I have preached twice, traveled to Chernivtsi and back, made arrangements for an Idea Exchange for Pastors in Ukraine, counseled a pastor, and wept with another.
Sunday morning I was privileged to minister the Word at Abundant Life. It was a great service from the first chorus of worship through the salvation of a guest at the conclusion. In-between somewhere I delivered a my heart and the congregation’s response to the revelation they personally received from God was awesome to witness. Forget the preacher! The response of the people to the Word is what I am pointing you toward. Sometimes you “know” when the Word has penetrated their hearts. The message the Lord directed me with was confirmed immediately after the worship time and before I had opportunity to deliver it. A lady who led the congregation in prayer exhorted and prayed some of the key thoughts of my message and I knew I had heard from heaven. And — Heaven Came Down!
I was taken back to the house of my host and had opportunity to eat a quick few bites before I was to leave for the airport and stop to pray with Vadim and Inna – and I spent 30 minutes of intense prayer and worship with them before heading to catch my plane. The flight was only one hour and I was met by my Ukrainian Secretary/Interpreter taken to her flat, got to relax for 15 minutes and then walked 20 minutes to the location for the evening service with Way of Life Church and ministering the Word again.
After the service (it was great also as was the response) I spent three hours of fellowship with Tolik and Oksana (secretary/interpreter) and a couple for the Church with whom I was privileged last spring to spend a couple of days with at their hotel on the northwest coast of Crimea. They have extended me the opportunity of inviting pastors and wives with whom I have a relationship in Ukraine to come and stay for 3-4 days at their hotel on the Black Sea – free room and they only have to assist with a minimal fee for the food.
It is their desire to “invest in the kingdom of God through His servants in Ukraine.” WOW! What a novel idea! And then there is a special twist added to it – well not really a twist but a special invitation for Marilyn and I to spend the next week on vacation without any expense as their guests! That sounds too good to turn down! Not for me as much as for the pastors with whom I labor in Ukraine.
Monday, November 23
I crash about 1:30-2:00 AM and hear the phone ringing at 5:00. I can tell from the sounds it is Vadim and the next words I hear rip me apart: “Inna has just passed away!” I respond by praying with him and then tell him I will change me ticket and return on Monday.
Unfortunately there isn’t the same travel agent in Chernivtsi as in Kiev and so I am forced to purchase a one-way ticket for only 165 Hryvna (pronounced - grevna) that is less about $20 less than a round-trip. It also means that I will probably not be able to get any refund on the unused portion. But ministry to Vadim and the boys is more important than the money.
I will skip the emotional struggle I went through when I walked into Vadim’s apartment and greeted him.
The funeral will be on Wednesday morning and I ask you please keep Vadim and his boys in prayer. I will be involved in some way but I am not sure how as of tonight.
I have no answers as to “Why Lord?” However I do know Jesus Christ is Lord. I know God doesn’t make any mistakes! He is still God!
Thank you for your response to the appeal for finances so I could be here to support Vadim and his family.
God bless you for you prayers.
Dr D.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
NOW FAITH IS!
Saturday, November 21
Today I ministered to New Time Church, the Church pastored by Vadim and Inna. You could feel the pain and stress they are experiencing. They were much more solemn than at any time previously. Frankly, it was a battle but at then end I know the there was a communication from the Spirit to them.
They still face some emotional struggles with the possibility that their pastor will turn the reigns over to another man for a period of time, if not permanently. No one can say what is ahead. Though he is a shepherd, his first concern is his wife and family. They must be his priority and that is where Vadim is focusing.
So, continue to pray with us and for the Urumyagov family and New Time Church.
We are facing a countdown! There is not much more the physical body undergo naturally. We recognize that the hour is ripe for the display of God’s power in her life. This is the “hour of faith!” Though we cannot see more than the natural, the physical, we rejoice because we do not walk by sight, but by faith!
Sunday will be a busy day. I will minister the Word at Abundant Life, make a quick trip to the Borispol airport and a one-hour flight to Chernivtsi and minister the Word in the evening.
Monday I have several appointments to give guidance and encouragement and then fly back to Kiev Tuesday, arriving at 6:00 PM and spend the evening praying with Vadim and Inna. I will be in contact by phone with them every few hours.
Please maintain your prayers for them,
Dr D
Today I ministered to New Time Church, the Church pastored by Vadim and Inna. You could feel the pain and stress they are experiencing. They were much more solemn than at any time previously. Frankly, it was a battle but at then end I know the there was a communication from the Spirit to them.
They still face some emotional struggles with the possibility that their pastor will turn the reigns over to another man for a period of time, if not permanently. No one can say what is ahead. Though he is a shepherd, his first concern is his wife and family. They must be his priority and that is where Vadim is focusing.
So, continue to pray with us and for the Urumyagov family and New Time Church.
We are facing a countdown! There is not much more the physical body undergo naturally. We recognize that the hour is ripe for the display of God’s power in her life. This is the “hour of faith!” Though we cannot see more than the natural, the physical, we rejoice because we do not walk by sight, but by faith!
Sunday will be a busy day. I will minister the Word at Abundant Life, make a quick trip to the Borispol airport and a one-hour flight to Chernivtsi and minister the Word in the evening.
Monday I have several appointments to give guidance and encouragement and then fly back to Kiev Tuesday, arriving at 6:00 PM and spend the evening praying with Vadim and Inna. I will be in contact by phone with them every few hours.
Please maintain your prayers for them,
Dr D
Friday, November 20, 2009
FRIDAY’S UPDATE
Friday, November 20
Have you ever found that sometimes you just can’t think of any way to say something different about the same thing? That is true today!
But I can say: “Jesus is OUR HEALER!” And I can do that with confidence!
Yes, we are still holding on – praying - ministering - and waiting on the manifestation of our payers – yours, and the untold number of others who have joined us in praying for Inna to be raised from this bed of sickness.
Tomorrow, Saturday at 3:30 PM Ukraine time - 8:30 AM Florida, I will be speaking to New Time Church which is the Church pastored by Vadim and Inna Uruymagov. It has been as hard for the congregation to see their pastor going through this struggle as well as the fact that he has been absent from the pulpit for over one month. I will stand to encourage them to hold steadfast during this time. And I will also set in order interim pastor who will be working under Pastor Vadim for the next few months and who may be in line to replace Pastor Vadim after they have had time to re-group themselves from this struggle.
In the midst of all the personal and family battle, Pastor Vadim’s concern is also for the sheep God has given him responsibility to shepherd. (Here in Ukraine, the Russian word for “pastor” and “shepherd” are the same. There is a definite connection between the two.)
Keep us in prayer as we walk with all of these precious people through this difficult time.
Thanks,
Dr D
Have you ever found that sometimes you just can’t think of any way to say something different about the same thing? That is true today!
But I can say: “Jesus is OUR HEALER!” And I can do that with confidence!
Yes, we are still holding on – praying - ministering - and waiting on the manifestation of our payers – yours, and the untold number of others who have joined us in praying for Inna to be raised from this bed of sickness.
Tomorrow, Saturday at 3:30 PM Ukraine time - 8:30 AM Florida, I will be speaking to New Time Church which is the Church pastored by Vadim and Inna Uruymagov. It has been as hard for the congregation to see their pastor going through this struggle as well as the fact that he has been absent from the pulpit for over one month. I will stand to encourage them to hold steadfast during this time. And I will also set in order interim pastor who will be working under Pastor Vadim for the next few months and who may be in line to replace Pastor Vadim after they have had time to re-group themselves from this struggle.
In the midst of all the personal and family battle, Pastor Vadim’s concern is also for the sheep God has given him responsibility to shepherd. (Here in Ukraine, the Russian word for “pastor” and “shepherd” are the same. There is a definite connection between the two.)
Keep us in prayer as we walk with all of these precious people through this difficult time.
Thanks,
Dr D
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
SOME DAYS JUST SEEM TO REPEAT - ALMOST
Wednesday, November 18
Today was almost the same as yesterday as far as ministry to Vadim and Inna. Pray! Pray! Encourage! Pray some more. Physical evidence points to the soon coming time for a miracle to be revealed. So continue to pray with us!
The only difference was the evening meal and fellowship with Pastor Andre and Ira Ivanov of Abundant Life and their six month old daughter, Katherine. (I hope that is the way they spell it!) Great fellowship, food and time to answer questions about different aspect of Church management.
Then back to my abode and continued warmth and fellowship with the Prudkiy family: Sasha, Alona, Alexandra – Vovo was not here tonight! And of course the new Mexican member of their family - a not so friendly Chihuahua! Need I say more? He sees me as a threat!
God bless and thanks for your prayers,
Dr D
Today was almost the same as yesterday as far as ministry to Vadim and Inna. Pray! Pray! Encourage! Pray some more. Physical evidence points to the soon coming time for a miracle to be revealed. So continue to pray with us!
The only difference was the evening meal and fellowship with Pastor Andre and Ira Ivanov of Abundant Life and their six month old daughter, Katherine. (I hope that is the way they spell it!) Great fellowship, food and time to answer questions about different aspect of Church management.
Then back to my abode and continued warmth and fellowship with the Prudkiy family: Sasha, Alona, Alexandra – Vovo was not here tonight! And of course the new Mexican member of their family - a not so friendly Chihuahua! Need I say more? He sees me as a threat!
God bless and thanks for your prayers,
Dr D
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
THE FIGHT CONTINUES!
Tuesday, November 17:
No one is surrendering. Sickness was already defeated by Jesus!
Though the days and nights are hard, the presence of the Holy Spirit ministering to Vadim and Inna is precious. They both are standing firm and so are many many churches and people who are praying.
Today was just another walk in faith to see the power of God displayed. Today included more time of ministry to Vadim than previously. He has many questions about how to proceed with the Church he pastors and what the future holds for the people. His main concern is the Body of Christ. And so we discussed what God is saying to him, is revealing to him in various ways – through prayer – prophet words from God’s servants – dreams and visions by many from around the world and of course through the Word itself.
Please keep Vadim and Inna in prayer as we continue to minister to them.
I will be speaking to their congregation on Saturday at 3:00 PM Ukraine time (8:00 AM Eastern Standard). Then on Sunday I will be speaking at Abundant Life pastored by Andre and Ira Ivanov and then catch a one hour flight to Chernivtsi to speak that evening, returning on Tuesday to Kiev.
Thanks for your prayers and faithfulness,
Dr D
No one is surrendering. Sickness was already defeated by Jesus!
Though the days and nights are hard, the presence of the Holy Spirit ministering to Vadim and Inna is precious. They both are standing firm and so are many many churches and people who are praying.
Today was just another walk in faith to see the power of God displayed. Today included more time of ministry to Vadim than previously. He has many questions about how to proceed with the Church he pastors and what the future holds for the people. His main concern is the Body of Christ. And so we discussed what God is saying to him, is revealing to him in various ways – through prayer – prophet words from God’s servants – dreams and visions by many from around the world and of course through the Word itself.
Please keep Vadim and Inna in prayer as we continue to minister to them.
I will be speaking to their congregation on Saturday at 3:00 PM Ukraine time (8:00 AM Eastern Standard). Then on Sunday I will be speaking at Abundant Life pastored by Andre and Ira Ivanov and then catch a one hour flight to Chernivtsi to speak that evening, returning on Tuesday to Kiev.
Thanks for your prayers and faithfulness,
Dr D
Monday, November 16, 2009
“With:” The Power of Presence
Monday, November 16
The word “with” sums up much ministry that can and should take place from all of us!
You thought I’d be writing about the day’s activities, didn’t you? Well I just did! That is what I am doing! Being “with” and watching the power of “presence” impact lives. Not only that of Vadim and Inna, but also that of their boys as well as other Ukrainian believers who have found it interesting that a Church would send someone all that distance just to be “with” a pastor and his wife. It has spoken loudly!
O, I am praying!
I also have discovered that this is not a physical battle! It is a spiritual battle! She does not have a “disease,” she is the victim of an attack! Satan is trying to put out a “fire” raging within her!
Proof? The many, many who have had dreams and visions and have reported those to Vadim and Inna. In fact, just this morning a friend from Germany called to say that she had a dream last night. In it she saw Inna in Germany, thin, weak, but recovering because the battle had been won!
What more can I say?
When I am there I do not sense death, but only a spiritual struggle. The is a sweet presence of God when in the room and praying.
Though you are aware that both Vadim and Inna are weary you hear no words of death but only words of “life” flowing regardless of the moment.
I witness others stopping to drop of even meager sacks of food - not much but enough to help. I hear them and I know again – the victory is forthcoming.
Thanks for your prayers,
Dr D
The word “with” sums up much ministry that can and should take place from all of us!
You thought I’d be writing about the day’s activities, didn’t you? Well I just did! That is what I am doing! Being “with” and watching the power of “presence” impact lives. Not only that of Vadim and Inna, but also that of their boys as well as other Ukrainian believers who have found it interesting that a Church would send someone all that distance just to be “with” a pastor and his wife. It has spoken loudly!
O, I am praying!
I also have discovered that this is not a physical battle! It is a spiritual battle! She does not have a “disease,” she is the victim of an attack! Satan is trying to put out a “fire” raging within her!
Proof? The many, many who have had dreams and visions and have reported those to Vadim and Inna. In fact, just this morning a friend from Germany called to say that she had a dream last night. In it she saw Inna in Germany, thin, weak, but recovering because the battle had been won!
What more can I say?
When I am there I do not sense death, but only a spiritual struggle. The is a sweet presence of God when in the room and praying.
Though you are aware that both Vadim and Inna are weary you hear no words of death but only words of “life” flowing regardless of the moment.
I witness others stopping to drop of even meager sacks of food - not much but enough to help. I hear them and I know again – the victory is forthcoming.
Thanks for your prayers,
Dr D
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