Privileged WE ARE! We had the opportunity to celebrate two Easter Sundays! One in the United States and the second one here in Khmelnitskiy, Ukraine! Both were great times, but being a preacher and having the honor of sharing the Word at the conclusion of the Easter Celebration here at Dawn of Life just make it special – SPECIAL!
But what made it EXTRA SPECIAL were the five people who came forward to testify they had received Jesus during the congregation prayer at the altar service. Then to top that off, six more came forward to testify of the healing power of God upon them during the Saturday evening service.
One of those said that while he was praying for another person, God healed him. A lady raised her arms to demonstrate the healing of her arms and shoulders. I can’t remember the others, due to my language problem (It isn’t that I cannot speak – but I cannot hear – but I am not deaf – nor hard of hearing) it is the result of the Tower of Babel – I blame them! But the “Spirit” testified to me of the validity of their testimonies and the shouts of praise brought the second witness testimony — Praise God! I can hardly wait to hear the other testimonies.
One lady told of the 3 or 4 opportunities she had after the service to prayer for sick people, either in person or over the phone. I think she caught the message! She is part of an “Invasion of Healing” by believers. I believe she believes she is a one of those of whom Jesus said, “...these signs shall follow those who believe...they will lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.” (Mark 16:17-18).
Yet one other privilege Marilyn and I had was to spend the evening meal with a beautiful teen, Corina Kudin, she is the oldest daughter of Rostic Kudin (Assistant Pastor at Dawn of Life) who was with us at Life Church almost two years ago). It was a our joy just to have the opportunity to share her dreams and confirm them as well as encourage her to continue the direction and allow God to unfold her destiny step by step.
GLORY!
Now we can spend the rest of the evening resting – along with completing some necessary laundry.
Thanks for reading – praying – and share the Blog with others.
God bless,
Dr D & Marilyn
Sunday, May 5, 2013
UKRAINE MINISTRY BLOG 5 - Location: Khmelnitskiy - Dawn of Life
This is the “Day After Yesterday!” (Brilliant isn’t it?) But “Yesterday” (Saturday for those of you who have forgotten what day “Yesterday” was) – well anyway it was a day full of Divine direction and illumination from Above!
We had a Leaders Seminar – 2 sessions in the afternoon and it was one of those occasions when you heard yourself saying things which had to be the result of the Holy Spirit’s momentary revelation, because though you had worked hard to prepare a teaching, you now had method and words to share what God had previously placed in your heart for the occasion. Confused? Well it was that “special!”
After a break for some typical Ukrainian sandwiches, tea, cookies and fellowship we returned to auditorium for an evening worship service. Great music and I had the thrill of watching a teen participate on the worship team that I have known since she was 3 and always would sit on my lap and allow me to “tease” her. My how fast they grow and mature in the things of Christ.
“Corina, you are a special girl. God bless you! Keep it up!”
And that evening service was – well permit me to say it this way – I cannot remember the last time I was so tired, but inwardly satisfied from above, after ministering the Word. It was special!”
The final outcome will yet be revealed, but many testified to being healed. So “Hallelujah!”
Now try going to bed after a day like that! You are tired, you are ready to sleep, but all the events of the day keep flowing through your head. I did make it but only for spurts of sleep. Enough....
Today we celebrate the Orthodox Easter – which is based on a different calendar dating than the one we use in the US.
God bless and thanks for your prayers...
Dr D and Marilyn
We had a Leaders Seminar – 2 sessions in the afternoon and it was one of those occasions when you heard yourself saying things which had to be the result of the Holy Spirit’s momentary revelation, because though you had worked hard to prepare a teaching, you now had method and words to share what God had previously placed in your heart for the occasion. Confused? Well it was that “special!”
After a break for some typical Ukrainian sandwiches, tea, cookies and fellowship we returned to auditorium for an evening worship service. Great music and I had the thrill of watching a teen participate on the worship team that I have known since she was 3 and always would sit on my lap and allow me to “tease” her. My how fast they grow and mature in the things of Christ.
“Corina, you are a special girl. God bless you! Keep it up!”
And that evening service was – well permit me to say it this way – I cannot remember the last time I was so tired, but inwardly satisfied from above, after ministering the Word. It was special!”
The final outcome will yet be revealed, but many testified to being healed. So “Hallelujah!”
Now try going to bed after a day like that! You are tired, you are ready to sleep, but all the events of the day keep flowing through your head. I did make it but only for spurts of sleep. Enough....
Today we celebrate the Orthodox Easter – which is based on a different calendar dating than the one we use in the US.
God bless and thanks for your prayers...
Dr D and Marilyn
Friday, May 3, 2013
UKRAINE MINISTRY BLOG 4 - Location: Khmelnitskiy - Dawn of Life
Time goes fast - when you schedule is full and you are moving over the roads here in Ukraine – well honestly that IS NOT FAST! Not at this time of the year! The roads are broken up from the many “freezing and thawings” of this past winter. You have to figure on 25-40% more time for a journey from city to city.
So we sing-along: “Over the bum and through the bumps we go – bumpty-bump-buMP!”
Wednesday morning we traveled from Chernivtsi to Khmelnitskiy so we could get settled and then travel back half-way to Kamenents-Podolskiy on Thursday. (Probably spelled wrong but...) We were invited to speak to the youth at their Spring Retreat. Do not get the idea of a fancy retreat site! Pretty it was! But it was “rustic!” One, two and three man tents dotted the woods. No buildings AT ALL! Not even the small ones that we all need to frequent. Ladies go up the hill and men go down the hill!
It did have a beautiful view of the Nester River and some took advantage of the water to swim. But the “some” DID NOT include yours truly, nor his wife!
We did arrive about noon and settled in for fellowship, food fun and sharing of the Word with the youth. It was great and enjoyable because of the opportunity to impart to the youth and to spend time counseling some who are going through tough times.
But it was so good to hit the bed after midnight and allow the eyelids to sink over the eyes so the body would shut down for some rest. But then it was up and at it in preparation for today’s meeting (Friday) with the Pastors and Elders from 2 - 6 and then the Church Leaders from 6 - 8.
I only did the Pastor/Elders sessions and the “Practical Teacher” (of the family - my wife: Marilyn) stood and “wowed” the leaders with teaching that is necessary for serving under and over. I inadvertently committed her to speak without telling her “when” but she more than met the task as she spoke on: “Temperaments - Power Language for Leaders - The Learning Styles - Motivational Gifts for Leaders”.
She was only going to speak for the first session but it went so good and with questions she adequately filled the entire evening and was I happy. Wow!
Now it is back to the computer, prepare for a two hour session tomorrow afternoon with the Leaders and then a “Common” Church service. They wanted to just to preach since I would only have about 15 minutes to wrap-up their Easter presentation on Sunday by giving an altar call for the unsaved.
Once again, THANK YOU for your PRAYERS – they sustain us more than you will ever know.
Dr D and Marilyn
So we sing-along: “Over the bum and through the bumps we go – bumpty-bump-buMP!”
Wednesday morning we traveled from Chernivtsi to Khmelnitskiy so we could get settled and then travel back half-way to Kamenents-Podolskiy on Thursday. (Probably spelled wrong but...) We were invited to speak to the youth at their Spring Retreat. Do not get the idea of a fancy retreat site! Pretty it was! But it was “rustic!” One, two and three man tents dotted the woods. No buildings AT ALL! Not even the small ones that we all need to frequent. Ladies go up the hill and men go down the hill!
It did have a beautiful view of the Nester River and some took advantage of the water to swim. But the “some” DID NOT include yours truly, nor his wife!
We did arrive about noon and settled in for fellowship, food fun and sharing of the Word with the youth. It was great and enjoyable because of the opportunity to impart to the youth and to spend time counseling some who are going through tough times.
But it was so good to hit the bed after midnight and allow the eyelids to sink over the eyes so the body would shut down for some rest. But then it was up and at it in preparation for today’s meeting (Friday) with the Pastors and Elders from 2 - 6 and then the Church Leaders from 6 - 8.
I only did the Pastor/Elders sessions and the “Practical Teacher” (of the family - my wife: Marilyn) stood and “wowed” the leaders with teaching that is necessary for serving under and over. I inadvertently committed her to speak without telling her “when” but she more than met the task as she spoke on: “Temperaments - Power Language for Leaders - The Learning Styles - Motivational Gifts for Leaders”.
She was only going to speak for the first session but it went so good and with questions she adequately filled the entire evening and was I happy. Wow!
Now it is back to the computer, prepare for a two hour session tomorrow afternoon with the Leaders and then a “Common” Church service. They wanted to just to preach since I would only have about 15 minutes to wrap-up their Easter presentation on Sunday by giving an altar call for the unsaved.
Once again, THANK YOU for your PRAYERS – they sustain us more than you will ever know.
Dr D and Marilyn
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
UKRAINE MINISTRY LOCATION NUMBER 3: Chernivtsi
The assignment is completed here in Chernivtsi for this year. In one hour we move to Khmelnitskiy. (Try saying that and get it correct!)
Monday Marilyn met with the ladies and I am not sure what all she told them, but when I walked into their meeting room after I finished with the men they were full of words of appreciation and told me I should have been there. Why? I am not sure! (You all know how “perfect” of a specimen of a man I am – Correct? Please do not say that again. You may hurt my feelings!)
Anyway she “wowed” the with her practical wisdom and insight (which I taught her - lol) – I mean which she derived after living with me for 49 years. Anyway, she did another awesome job and when she is with me I am appreciated more – all because of her.
Last night we were in a cell group meeting here at the home where we stay. It is a “custom” for me to spend the last night at this cell group. Please keep the owner of the apartment in your prayers. She has a crippling disease (has had it for years) and since January has not been able to walk. Last night she responeded in faith and walked from the living room to the kitchen and back, a trip which took her over 10 minutes while we continued in prayer for her.
We are currently awaiting our transportation and a 4-5 hour journey over what is left from a hard freezing winter road to our next assignment.
God bless and thanks for your prayers.
Dr D and Marilyn
Monday Marilyn met with the ladies and I am not sure what all she told them, but when I walked into their meeting room after I finished with the men they were full of words of appreciation and told me I should have been there. Why? I am not sure! (You all know how “perfect” of a specimen of a man I am – Correct? Please do not say that again. You may hurt my feelings!)
Anyway she “wowed” the with her practical wisdom and insight (which I taught her - lol) – I mean which she derived after living with me for 49 years. Anyway, she did another awesome job and when she is with me I am appreciated more – all because of her.
Last night we were in a cell group meeting here at the home where we stay. It is a “custom” for me to spend the last night at this cell group. Please keep the owner of the apartment in your prayers. She has a crippling disease (has had it for years) and since January has not been able to walk. Last night she responeded in faith and walked from the living room to the kitchen and back, a trip which took her over 10 minutes while we continued in prayer for her.
We are currently awaiting our transportation and a 4-5 hour journey over what is left from a hard freezing winter road to our next assignment.
God bless and thanks for your prayers.
Dr D and Marilyn
Monday, April 29, 2013
UKRAINE MINISTRY LOCATION NUMBER 2: Chernivtsi
I could summarize this in three words: “A FULL DAY” and it was but sometimes preachers – at least this one when writing blogs – just uses a lot of words so why should I stop now! It began at 10:30 AM and ended at 10:15 PM when we returned to our home here. But, not only was it “a full day,” but it was a “great day.”
Three services: 11:00 - 3:00 - 5:00 with only a lunch break before the 3:00 service. Word of Life has a “Seminar Sunday” once a month in which they focus on very practical life teachings. And so it was very easy to adapt to their schedule.
We were led by the Lord to minister on the subject of Healing in the 11:00 service and saw the healing power of God displayed in the lives of many – more hands were raised testifying to healing than I could count quickly – so we will leave the numbers to God and rejoice in the display of His power in the lives of the people. But the direction of the challenge from the message was to “take the power of God to the streets and homes of their friends.” It was a continuation of the theme set on Friday evening from 2 Kings 17 – “Covenant People In Troublesome Times”.
The 3:00 service continued the theme of everyone involved in ministry as I shared on: “The Relationship of Kings and Priests” which exhorts the non-five-fold – the congregation to recognize their position and responsibility in the Kingdom of God.
The final service at 5:00 focused on the individual destiny in relationship to the corporate destiny of Word of Life from Psalm 139:13-16 – “You Have A Blueprint For Greatness” – which emphasizes the involvement of God’s planning for their lives as believers.
And the crowing part came as the pastor expressed that the Word was in alignment with his vision and what he had been imparting to the people.
And of course, no “full day of ministry” is complete without food and fellowship. So we had a good time in the home of a couple of the Church setting around a table of typical Ukrainian food.
The day ended, with the satisfaction that God has blessed our efforts and we “plopped down” in our beds to enjoy a night’s rest.
Tonight, a men’s meeting and a women’s meeting.
Thanks for your prayers and for presenting the privilege for us to represent you in Ukraine.
Dr D and Marilyn
Three services: 11:00 - 3:00 - 5:00 with only a lunch break before the 3:00 service. Word of Life has a “Seminar Sunday” once a month in which they focus on very practical life teachings. And so it was very easy to adapt to their schedule.
We were led by the Lord to minister on the subject of Healing in the 11:00 service and saw the healing power of God displayed in the lives of many – more hands were raised testifying to healing than I could count quickly – so we will leave the numbers to God and rejoice in the display of His power in the lives of the people. But the direction of the challenge from the message was to “take the power of God to the streets and homes of their friends.” It was a continuation of the theme set on Friday evening from 2 Kings 17 – “Covenant People In Troublesome Times”.
The 3:00 service continued the theme of everyone involved in ministry as I shared on: “The Relationship of Kings and Priests” which exhorts the non-five-fold – the congregation to recognize their position and responsibility in the Kingdom of God.
The final service at 5:00 focused on the individual destiny in relationship to the corporate destiny of Word of Life from Psalm 139:13-16 – “You Have A Blueprint For Greatness” – which emphasizes the involvement of God’s planning for their lives as believers.
And the crowing part came as the pastor expressed that the Word was in alignment with his vision and what he had been imparting to the people.
And of course, no “full day of ministry” is complete without food and fellowship. So we had a good time in the home of a couple of the Church setting around a table of typical Ukrainian food.
The day ended, with the satisfaction that God has blessed our efforts and we “plopped down” in our beds to enjoy a night’s rest.
Tonight, a men’s meeting and a women’s meeting.
Thanks for your prayers and for presenting the privilege for us to represent you in Ukraine.
Dr D and Marilyn
Saturday, April 27, 2013
UKRAINE MINISTRY LOCATION NUMBER 1: Chernivts
UKRAINE MINISTRY LOCATION NUMBER 1: Chernivtsi
After battling a Kidney Stone for 10 plus days, the trip over was a “breeze,” even though it required 48 hours from crawling out of bed on Tuesday until we arrived here in Chernivtsi. (It is located in the south-western part of Ukraine close to the country of Moldova.
The first leg was air and took only 19 hours flying time to get to Kiev; 7 hours layover waiting on our train and then 14 hours to get to Chernivtsi. It was not bad, because we had “beds,” better “bunks” (and that is using the term loosely.)
Then it was time to get all things in order and discover that our schedule had another service was added to our schedule – making it 3 on Sunday – 11:00, 3:00, and 5:00. But that is the “perilous joy” of this kind of ministry. And it does make time go fast!
Our first schedule was a Thursday evening service with Pastor Dmitry and Natasha Nemchenko at Word of Life. And on Friday evening we had another service. I thought it was to be a communion service, but when I looked and there were no communion elements in sight I decided to inquire. Thank God I did! Even though it was there monthly communion service, the communion was postponed. So I turned immediately to God and asked for the direction. It was interesting. I had been trying to discover why even though I was prepared for a communion service as was previously stated, I had another message burning in my spirit. So a quick switch with my trusty iPad Mini and I was all set. Well, after changing the scriptures in my Kindle Fire for Oksana Smertina, my secretary here in Ukraine and interpreter.
When the service was complete, Pastor Dmitry approached smiling from ear to ear and the top of his head shinning (it is like mine - all ready for the glory to descend with nothing to dull the cloud). He began to tell me how he and the assistant pastor, Vitaliy Pavelenko has spent over three hours discussing the chapter I used as a my text just a couple of days previously. Isn’t God Good?
Then today, Saturday, at 4:00 until 7:00 I became a “teen leader” again. (Do not laugh - I was once s youth pastor and I know all their tricks!) Anyway it was great to see the youth again. The past two years I have been involved with them at picnics and parties. One of the greatest thrills was to see two of the youth who were in the orphanage and to whom Word of Life has ministered, involved in the youth ministry, even though they are no longer in the orphanage.
And of course, there is always the time set aside just to fellowship with the pastors. There is nothing more thrilling than having this privilege.
Marilyn will have a session with the ladies on Monday evening and I have a cell group meeting on Tuesday. Man am I privileged to share the Word with God’s special people here in Chernivtsi.
So tune in again to the blog – watch for notification if you are a friend on Facebook of Marilyn or me.
God bless and thanks for your prayers and for sending us to do this ministry.
Dr D and Marilyn
After battling a Kidney Stone for 10 plus days, the trip over was a “breeze,” even though it required 48 hours from crawling out of bed on Tuesday until we arrived here in Chernivtsi. (It is located in the south-western part of Ukraine close to the country of Moldova.
The first leg was air and took only 19 hours flying time to get to Kiev; 7 hours layover waiting on our train and then 14 hours to get to Chernivtsi. It was not bad, because we had “beds,” better “bunks” (and that is using the term loosely.)
Then it was time to get all things in order and discover that our schedule had another service was added to our schedule – making it 3 on Sunday – 11:00, 3:00, and 5:00. But that is the “perilous joy” of this kind of ministry. And it does make time go fast!
Our first schedule was a Thursday evening service with Pastor Dmitry and Natasha Nemchenko at Word of Life. And on Friday evening we had another service. I thought it was to be a communion service, but when I looked and there were no communion elements in sight I decided to inquire. Thank God I did! Even though it was there monthly communion service, the communion was postponed. So I turned immediately to God and asked for the direction. It was interesting. I had been trying to discover why even though I was prepared for a communion service as was previously stated, I had another message burning in my spirit. So a quick switch with my trusty iPad Mini and I was all set. Well, after changing the scriptures in my Kindle Fire for Oksana Smertina, my secretary here in Ukraine and interpreter.
When the service was complete, Pastor Dmitry approached smiling from ear to ear and the top of his head shinning (it is like mine - all ready for the glory to descend with nothing to dull the cloud). He began to tell me how he and the assistant pastor, Vitaliy Pavelenko has spent over three hours discussing the chapter I used as a my text just a couple of days previously. Isn’t God Good?
Then today, Saturday, at 4:00 until 7:00 I became a “teen leader” again. (Do not laugh - I was once s youth pastor and I know all their tricks!) Anyway it was great to see the youth again. The past two years I have been involved with them at picnics and parties. One of the greatest thrills was to see two of the youth who were in the orphanage and to whom Word of Life has ministered, involved in the youth ministry, even though they are no longer in the orphanage.
And of course, there is always the time set aside just to fellowship with the pastors. There is nothing more thrilling than having this privilege.
Marilyn will have a session with the ladies on Monday evening and I have a cell group meeting on Tuesday. Man am I privileged to share the Word with God’s special people here in Chernivtsi.
So tune in again to the blog – watch for notification if you are a friend on Facebook of Marilyn or me.
God bless and thanks for your prayers and for sending us to do this ministry.
Dr D and Marilyn
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
PERU: THE LAST MEETINGS NOW FOR HOME
When I talked to you last, I had Monday through Thursday free, except for some meetings with pastors and some Peruvian missionaries. Those days were great but it was very hard to “slow down.” Strange but when you are. moving at a fast pace, to slowing down is difficult. But I succeeded.
Friday, October 5th - 7th: Chincha
The two and one-half hour journey south, but that mean you are headed into the cooler climate. That is sometimes hard to get through your mind when at home south means warmer climate. Trip? No problems.
My first meeting was at Mision Cristiana Agape, pastored by Maria Isabel Martinez. This is a new church, but there were about 20 present and on a Friday evening, which is difficult due to their Peruvian lifestyle and work schedules. But upon departing we rejoiced at the new birth of two youth in their twenties. Pastor Maria has here ministerial credentials under Life Church.
Then on Saturday evening we were at Hoja Redonda A/G with pastor Obed and Abigail Nitac. This was one of the churches we worked with through the Wilkerson Ministry and assisted them in rebuilding after the earthquake five years ago. The attendance was about 60-70 and a great service, EXCEPT!
What? Okay I will confess, but be careful what you do with this information. On my way to the platform I passed a large vase filled with fresh flowers. Guess what? You are right! My coat tail caught one of the flowers and upset the vase with all the water right onto the platform all around the pulpit. And the vase broke! Yup! They did not scalp me because who wants a bald scalp. I was forgiven and finally got my composure to get on with the delivery of the Word.
Sunday, two services at Apostolico Temple, A/G pastored by Honorato and Teresa Martinez. Pastor Honorato is the father of both of the girls at the previous two churches. In fact, this Church was the first extension for Universidad Pacto De Vida (Covenant Life University) in Peru. It was their communion service and so the ministry of the Word was all about the Passover Table and how it lead to and gives us a greater understanding of the Lord’s Table.
Now you cannot go to the Martinez house without leaving carrying large sacks of fresh Peruvian fruit, and as always the sacks will contain a new and hitherto never eaten by you, a fruit from Peru. This trip was again the same. A new fruit, a new taste and once again with great insistence told that this fruit is a “miracle fruit for lower blood pressure.” Anyway you get the picture.
October 8th:
Monday we headed home - Lima - so I could spend the afternoon with Dan and Brenda Clowers, WMM Continental Coordinators for Latin America, Caribbean Region (LAMCAR). Though Lima is their home away from home, well that is their home base, we always have a hard time making our schedules so we are here at the same time. But we made it and had a great time discussing the Peruvian ministry and how to proceed with the same pattern, so we are both headed there together.
October 9th:
Packed, waiting to depart my home here for the airport, departing at 2:01 through Panama then Miami.
God bless and thanks for your prayers,
Dr D
Friday, October 5th - 7th: Chincha
The two and one-half hour journey south, but that mean you are headed into the cooler climate. That is sometimes hard to get through your mind when at home south means warmer climate. Trip? No problems.
My first meeting was at Mision Cristiana Agape, pastored by Maria Isabel Martinez. This is a new church, but there were about 20 present and on a Friday evening, which is difficult due to their Peruvian lifestyle and work schedules. But upon departing we rejoiced at the new birth of two youth in their twenties. Pastor Maria has here ministerial credentials under Life Church.
Then on Saturday evening we were at Hoja Redonda A/G with pastor Obed and Abigail Nitac. This was one of the churches we worked with through the Wilkerson Ministry and assisted them in rebuilding after the earthquake five years ago. The attendance was about 60-70 and a great service, EXCEPT!
What? Okay I will confess, but be careful what you do with this information. On my way to the platform I passed a large vase filled with fresh flowers. Guess what? You are right! My coat tail caught one of the flowers and upset the vase with all the water right onto the platform all around the pulpit. And the vase broke! Yup! They did not scalp me because who wants a bald scalp. I was forgiven and finally got my composure to get on with the delivery of the Word.
Sunday, two services at Apostolico Temple, A/G pastored by Honorato and Teresa Martinez. Pastor Honorato is the father of both of the girls at the previous two churches. In fact, this Church was the first extension for Universidad Pacto De Vida (Covenant Life University) in Peru. It was their communion service and so the ministry of the Word was all about the Passover Table and how it lead to and gives us a greater understanding of the Lord’s Table.
Now you cannot go to the Martinez house without leaving carrying large sacks of fresh Peruvian fruit, and as always the sacks will contain a new and hitherto never eaten by you, a fruit from Peru. This trip was again the same. A new fruit, a new taste and once again with great insistence told that this fruit is a “miracle fruit for lower blood pressure.” Anyway you get the picture.
October 8th:
Monday we headed home - Lima - so I could spend the afternoon with Dan and Brenda Clowers, WMM Continental Coordinators for Latin America, Caribbean Region (LAMCAR). Though Lima is their home away from home, well that is their home base, we always have a hard time making our schedules so we are here at the same time. But we made it and had a great time discussing the Peruvian ministry and how to proceed with the same pattern, so we are both headed there together.
October 9th:
Packed, waiting to depart my home here for the airport, departing at 2:01 through Panama then Miami.
God bless and thanks for your prayers,
Dr D
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