UKRAINE MINISTRY BLOG 20 - LOCATION: Khmelnitiskiy Dawn of Life & Starokonstantinov: Dawn of Life

Dawn of Life in Starokonstantinov Worship Team

Congregation Dawn of Life in Starokonstantinov

 Pastor Sergey & Lena on right

The mission is completed!  I thought!  I thought the last meeting was tonight!  But another is scheduled for tomorrow morning.  Well, that is Missions!
       
A long day is finished - almost 12 hours from the time I departed by nice home here in Khmelnitskiy until I was able to return.  A 45 minute drive to Starokonstantinov and Dawn of Life (daughter Church of Dawn of Life in Khmelnitskiy) to share with Pastor Sergey and Lena Iichyshen at their 12:00 service.  Then a time of sharing over Ukrainian Pizza, salad and dessert then a short drive to the home of one of the leaders where all the leaders of the Church gathered for me to spend one hour of answering questions about leadership and how to handle some recent problems created by deviant teaching for outside and some former members who were holding ill feelings toward leadership.

Then back to Khmelnitskiy to pick up the Kudin family from their 5:00 service and then to the Kudin home for a time of fellowship with the youth leaders which lasted from 6:00-10:00 and a taxi back to my home here.  As you can see it was a busy day but a good day. 

Now to pack and be ready to make the morning meeting then head to the train station for my 5 hour trip to Kiev and the Prudky family home for 36 hours and then the Delta Connection for my flight to the USA.

Thanks again for your prayers – without it – well it would be very VERY difficult!

See you soon...

Dr D

UKRAINE MINISTRY BLOG 19 - LOCATION: Khmelnitisky - Return for Unfinished Assignment

A "Lighter" Moment in a Wedding Yesterday

Surrounded by the Beauty of the Kudin Ladies: Karina, Kristina and Sveta

Some “Assignments” from God do not lend themselves to a lot of words for “Blogs.”  And this is one of those.  But my return here is to complete the work I began with the Elders and Pastoral Staff of Dawn of Life, pastored by Valentyna and Franz Melnyk and with their Assistant Pastor, Rostic Kudin, whom many of you met when he was at Life Church a two or three years ago.

We are working our way through the restructuring of their leadership in preparation for the growth of the Church.  Dawn of Life has been in a plateau and desire to move forward but recognized they needed help to re-do their present leadership format.  So we have spent “hours after hours in meetings” looking at their present “flow chart” to establish one that will grow with them as more people are added to their congregation.

Now that you have that understanding you will recognize that for me to fill in all the long details, you would be bored.  So I SAVED YOU from those details.  Now you know I am still alive – well barely and finding the end of my endurance like never before.  Yet, a very pleasant “satisfaction” and “peace” hoover, knowing, witnessing the new unity in their Leadership as we have worked our way through a maze of very difficult areas for them.

Although I did not return to minister the Word from the pulpit, the Word has been extended through the “work sessions” to assist them in preparing a biblical pattern for growth and expansion of their leadership team.  But Sunday I will go to a Dawn of Life Daughter Church in Starokonstantinov to encourage that Body of Believers and pastor after having been “raided” by unscrupulous people and causing many to leave the Church.

Today I rest!  (I hope!)  But as always on the Mission Fields of the World, the “unexpected” seems to be a course of life.  So I will just “go with the flow” which may develop and permit the Holy Spirit to continue to lead the way.

God bless and thanks for your prayers,

Dr D

UKRAINE MINISTRY BLOG 18 - LOCATION: Yenakievo - Rock of Salvation & Living Waters

MISSION ACCOMPLISH!  In the Donetsk Region – Yenakievo, Gorlovka, Karlomarksovo!

The final service here - Rock of Salvation (Pastor Edward & Liana Malyshev) and Living Waters (Pastor  - Muslim & Olga Mernick) from Gorlovka came together for a GREAT service.

The worship started with a “bang” and we were off and running and jumping (literally).  And created a problem for me.  My “Overseas Sanguine Personality” suddenly appeared and – well some of you may have been ashamed of me – if you were with me – but you are not and I had a great time of declaring the Word. 
You dare ask: “How long did I preach?”  Well it was longer than any 20 minute sophisticated popular sermon time limit anyway.  AlI know is that I was given the service about 11:40 and I gave it back to the pastor at 1:45! 

HOLD EVERYTHING!  It was not “all” preaching.  I had to do communion after preaching and then it was time to defeat the devil in the area of sickness and pain.  So we beat him up real good for about one hour.  That leaves about one hour of delivering the Word.  I did not come all this distance to give them a “little ditty – a little poem – a short prayer – a quick good-by-thank-you!”  Not for one minute.

If you had heard the almost immediate response to the prayer for healing, prayed by the body as they laid hands on one-another and witnessed the expression on their faces as the testified to the disappearance of pain – you would have jumped with me.  All I can say is: “This final service here exploded with the power of God as the Holy Spirit poured through the vessels to other members of the Body of Christ.

Suffice it to say: “We had Church!” “WE HAD CHURCH!”

Now sitting here exhausted – but “satisfied” – attempting to relay it all to you – well it is difficult!

Tomorrow we (Oksana and I) go by car to Donetsk – about 70+/- kilometers – and board the train for Khmelnitksky to complete the second phase of my ministry to Dawn of Life.  We get on the train at 1:39 PM and arrive at our destination at 9:00 AM the next morning.

So until you hear from me at that destination, God bless and thanks for your prayers.

Dr D

UKRAINE MINISTRY BLOG 17 - LOCATION: Karlomarksovo

 

Top: 11:00 Service -- Bottom: 2:00 Service -- Children were gone to their classes.

 Saturday is over (almost) and Sunday is coming!  It will be the last day of this trip in the Yenakievo area of the Donetsk Region.  It is a good feeling but also a sad feeling.  Good to know you have completed a task assigned by our Heavenly Father, but sad because will be leaving some old and new friends (old only in terms of knowing them for a longer period of time than the “new” friends I have met on this trip.)  In fact, I better correct myself: CORRECTION!  I saw again some of my “family” and met some I have never met!  The Family of God!

Today at Good News Church, with Pastor Alexander and Tamara Gorbachev we had their Sunday Services on Saturday – at 11:00 and 2:00.  Why?  Because they desired for me to be in their Church and switched their services to Saturday so other Pastors could keep theirs on Sunday.  That almost sounds “Christian”!!!!!  At least the “spirit” of brotherly love between pastors and Churches.

It is thrilling to sit down and just talk to these pastors and discover how God saved them and placed them in the ministry position they have leading their Churches.  And to hear their burden for the lost and how they have heard from God the direction they are to use to accomplish their assigned task.

Pastor Alexander, four times, recited the events that led him to the Olenivka Pastors’ Retreat.  He had given me his card when I was here in this area and speaking at Rock of Salvation (where I will be tomorrow) and that was back in 2008.  Then when we started the Retreat in 2010 we sent everyone whose name we had an invitation.  He saw the location, noticed it was on the beach and a resort.  Saw the “cheap price for food” (as he said) and noticed there was no cost for the rooms, so he decided he needed a rest so he came just to get the “freebies.”  But God touched him and has ministered in a special way to him each year.  The last words he said to me as he left the house this evening was: “I will see you next year in Olenivka!”

He has a quiet demeanor and I had conversations with him at the retreat, but he was hard to “gage.”  In fact this last year he was one I asked to bring devotions one morning.  I was shocked!  When he opened the Word, his whole personality changed and a “dynamic” Alexander appeared.  So spending this time with him was a privilege and I am honored to be able to count him as a “friend.”

O yes!  The services!  How were they?  They WERE GREAT!  I mean how do you explain the leading of God to share His Word – 4 times while here in Good News – and to hear the Pastor and other leaders tell you how you spoke directly to their needs as a Body and to them personally.  Then to lead them in body ministry praying for one-another and see the expressions on their faces as God healed them.  And to spend time praying individually for others and hear God put something in your mind and you tell them and they begin to weep, wondering how you knew their personal situation.  Only God!  I am blessed to be a “Pipeline” for the Holy Spirit’s flowing into these precious people.

Tomorrow is the last service and I am looking forward to a great move of God.

Thanks for your prayers.

Dr D

PS: Nicole got the car home safe and fixed.  Thanks for you prayers

UKRAINE MINISTRY BLOG 16 - LOCATION: Yenakievo & Karlomarksovo

Two days have moved very fast and on this morning of Saturday, June 1, it is time to “catch-up” on those two days.

The Malyshevs: Adam, Liana, Edward

The Rehab Center:

Thursday, in Yenakievo, Rock of Salvation Church – pastored by Edward and Liana Malyshev we (my interpreter) Oksana and I spent the evening with the leadership and then a beautiful time of fellowship inthe pastor’s home.  I return there on Sunday morning and I am expecting a great Sunday with them.

If you have been reading the blogs you will notice that in almost every Church where we have more than one service, at least one meeting is with their leadership.  And this is regardless of the size. 

Because the majority of pastors have to supplement their income by working, they depend upon the body to fill needed leadership positions in order to carry out the goals and ministry of the Church.  They need encouragement and direction, so we are called upon to speak specific “requested” words to them – words of encouragement as well as admonishments. And as well, any “word” God has laid upon me for their Church.  This is challenging and also very rewarding as you see the “lights” being turned on while sharing.

Friday, we began our day at 7:15 and departed for the Karlomarksovo (a village named after Karl Marks) and the Rehab Center of Good News Church, which is pastored by Alexander and Tamara Gorbachev.  They have a very interesting and successful Rehab Center.  There are 5 houses, with gardens, chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, goats, cows and “hot-houses” for growing during the winter – all to keep the ladies and men busy as they progress through the progam.

Then it was back to our abode, some “sleep” because I had not slept good for two nights and preparation for the 5:00 leadership meeting. 

Thank God for “Skype” and the ability to communicate with family who are in a crisis.  Nicole took Marilyn and David (her son - my grandson) to the Miami airport.  And on the way home the water pump’s pulley came off close to Ikea in the Miami area.  It came off at the very time I had placed a call to her, having been alerted of a possible problem by a previous call to check to see if Marilyn had arrived and was in line for check in.   Anyway, I was able through several hours to maintain contact and give advice and insturctions and permission to use my debit card to get it repaired.  Because of the time, they had to get a motel, spend the night and wait until after 3:00 on Friday (this all started Thursday eve) to get back on the road to Ft. Myers.  She made it home safely.

Now to stop and get final preparations ready for two services today: 11:00 and 2:00.

God bless,

Dr D with Oksana Zeleniviska - my interpreter and Ukrainian Secretary

UKRAINE MINISTRY BLOG 15 - LOCATION: Yenakievo Last Night / Gorlovka Tonight

  Picture: Love of God - Gorlovka

Boy! Or Man Time sure flies when you are having “God Fun!”

Yesterday was fabulous.  We were in Yenakievo with Alexander and Natasha Naidanov at Word Of Life.  The service was “power packed” with the Holy Spirit and therefore the ministry was easy – it just flowed.  Prophetic ministry, prayer for healing – it all took place.  The Church is small in number (20 +/-) but BIG in receiving from the Word of God. 

NEWS BULLETIN: And the preacher, well he was flowing in a new temperament – almost sanguine!  I am “almost ashamed” of him.  You better pray for him BIG TIME and “llloonngg!”  He needs help.  I do not even recognize him.  But I can tell you one thing: He was having FUN doing it (preaching the Word that is).  You do not want him to come home like he is.  Now, back to the “regular scheduled blog.” 

Pastor Alexander was once the personal body guard for Ukrainian Maffia.  I call him “Goliath.”  His smile fits the “giant” he is.  Anyway you can easily see him fitting the former life style.  He go saved playing cards!  As he tells it, a man came to the office and said he wanted to talk to him (as best I can remember the story) and Alexander asked him if was a Christian.  The man said, “Yes,” so Alexander took him into another room and laid a deck of cards on the table and said if you want to talk then you will play cards with me.  The man refused telling him he did play cards, but after insisting they did.  The man then prayed that no one would come in the room while they were there.  And guess what?  No one did even though Alexander’s boss and others were looking for him throughout the office complex.  During the card came, the man led Alexander to Jesus.  He said he wanted to scream so he went to the window and threw it open and yelled as loud as he could – five stories in the air.  He said, it felt so good and he felt “free” for the first time in his life.  He is sending me he complete story and I am sure I will have to make some corrections to this but you get the idea.

The night was not over until we had fellowship and FOOD with the pastoral family and were entertained by their youngest who wanted attention but were also blessed by the talent of their oldest daughter, Dasha on the saxophone. – and she is also trained on the piano – and only 13!  And then it was home after seeing the Musical Fountain in the center area of Yenakievo – which is the home town of the present President of Ukraine.

Tonight we were in Gorlovka at Love of God with Pastor Anatoliy and Valentina Roy.  Well, let me say, we thought it was “tonight” (6:00) according to our records, but at 3:20 we had a call from the Pastor telling us he was outside waiting for us to come out and go to the service. So a quick change of clothing and a grab at my travel bag and we were out the door for a 40 minute ride to the Church. 

We were greeted with an applause for 40-50 people as we walked in “late” but there!  The evening was interesting.  I wondered as did Oksana whether they were getting anything out of the message (His Church - My Responsibility) but after closing and telling the Pastor I would pray for those who wanted prayer (I should know better - it is always over 75% who do) the first lady waked up and said she wanted the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.  I asked her to wait until we had prayed for the others for healing. 

While sharing with her about the Holy Spirit and giving instructions what to expect and the part she had to play in receiving the Holy Spirit with tongues as the outward evidence and praying with her another lady walked up and now there were two.  Both did!  And they testified to the sound of another language that flowed from their lips.  Bless the Lord.  And on top of that others testified to the healing power of God.

And again, the evening is not complete without a meal and fellowship with the Pastor and some leaders from the Mother Church.  But the GOOD thing was, because the service was early, we got back to our “home” earlier.  Now maybe I can get a good night’s sleep.

God bless,
Dr D

UKRAINE MINISTRY BLOG 14 - LOCATION: Good News Church, Marganets, Ukrain

UKRAINE MINISTRY BLOG 14 - LOCATION: Good News Church, Marganets, Ukraine

I am, now in Yenakievo, Ukraine, having just settled in my “abode.”  There has been no time to write a blog until now.  What was scheduled to be three services in Marganets, when I left the US, became eight (8)!   But each one was unique and had a prophetic thread running through from the first to the last.  So permit me to bring you up to date by giving you a synopsis of the week.

We took a train on Wednesday May 22, from Evpatoria, which is about one hour’s drive from Olenivka where the Pastors’ Retreat was held.  Pastor Oleg and Inna Lugovosky met us in Zaporozhie and drove us to Marganets a journey of about 70 kilometers.  Then the activities of ministry began with a Leaders Meeting on Thursday evening and an assigned subject taken from a teaching I did at the Retreat: Vessels In The Potter’s House.

Friday evening the focus was on healing.  And the manifestation of the power of God was there as the Holy Spirit flowed through the people as they laid hands on those who had pain at that time and then on anyone who had a diagnosis of any disease from a medical person.

One lady (see the picture above) had broken her leg for the third time and the skin had turned black.  While she was being prayed for by another believer, right in front of their eyes, the skin turned PINK!  Talk about shock and excitement.  Many others testified to the disappearance of pain.

On Sunday morning a one lady, a gypsy, told the congregation how great the pain had been in her knees as she walked to church on Friday evening, but going home her friend could not keep up with her because she was running and jumping– pain free!  Another told how the burning in her stomach ceased after the prayer.  And on and on and on...

Saturday was a Three Session Seminar on The Gifts Of the Holy Spirit from 10-2 and then back again for the youth service.  YES I can still speak “youth”!  We had a great time together both with the Word and young spirited fellowship.  Did you happen to catch the short video I put on Facebook of some of their “games?”

Sunday began at 9:45 AM and ended at 9:30 PM.  Two services, one on generational living and the 5:00 service included a 15 minute teaching on faith and then an hour of answer any question the congregation had.  “HAD!” And they “had” them!  But I found it interesting and challenging and Spirit led.  They challenged me because of the cultural differences and thought patters, but the Holy Spirit so directed my answers that two or three “loaded” questions were “headed off at the pass” with the initial words from my mouth – words that normally would not have said in the majority of such sessions I have had in Ukraine.  Hallelujah! 

What did I do between services?  Glad you asked!  I had a “dual ministry” at the tables of believers.  Ministry to my body and to the Body of Christ.  After the morning service and after the evening service!  Then back to my private “prophet’s quarters” completed just for my arrival by the pastor and his family.  But then it was ministry in the cool of the evening on my porch to the son and daughter-in-law (Sergey and Anya), and then to receive my second welcomed massage from their son, Daniel (50-60 minutes of enjoyable TORTURE!) Vitaliy and Denis, their other sons, are also involved in active ministry at the Church.  Just a great family – all united in the call of God to their city!

It is special when you can minister confirmation and set a course of action for a Body of Believers but have it confirmed by the pastor and leadership as the direction God was speaking to them about, but to be the vessel God used to release it to the congregation in prophetic form.  Isn’t God GOOD!

Thanks for your prayers as this week begins here in Yenakievo area – a service every night and two on Saturday.

Dr D with my Ukrainian secretary/interpreter - Oksana Zeleviniska