UKRAINE MINISTRY BLOG 13 - LOCATION: Olenivka - Equator & Alushta - Center of Restoration

Rudenkos - Dr D -Gudymas

A few days have passed but they have been busy.  Ministry NEVER ceases when you are overseas.  Everyone you see is another opportunity to pour into their Vessel!  And I LIKE doing that!

Marilyn and Jason have departed and should be landing in the US about 4:30 your time.

My time has been used in catching up on some “ministry records” (so I do not preach/teach the same thing the next time I come) and preparing for future engagements. 

Sunday my hosts here at the Equator Resort, Roma and Tanya Gudyma and their son, Oleg, transported me along with Oksana (my secretary/interpreter) to Alushta and Center of Restoration Church.  It is a 3-4 hour journey and weather complications from fog made it even more difficult for the first couple of hours.  But by God’s grace we made it safely.

It is interesting how a schedule can grow from one day to the next.  I discovered on Saturday they were expecting me to minister two times on Sunday – the first at 10:00 AM and the second at 4:00 PM – and my calendar only had the first.  But, how can you say “No” to hungry hearts and needy people?   Not me!  But I suggested we do the second about 30 minutes after the first because it would free up the people and they would stay for the second whereas to return later we probably would not have as many.  Plus that would make it easier for us to return back to Olenivka – village of the Equator Resort.

WOW!  Did we ever have a service.  There was such a sweet presence of the Holy Spirit minister during the worship.  I stepped to the pastor and requested permission to “take the service”.  He allowed me and the Holy Spirit ministered to the people, including Pastor Ruslan Rudenko and his wife, Barbara. 

Center of Restoration is a small church, and they have been through a “revolving door” of pastoral leadership in the past 3 years.  Pastor Ruslan has only been there for one year, in fact he accepted the responsibility after last years Pastors Retreat.  God permitted me to step in and accept a spiritual relationship with the Rudenkos – as a “Spiritual Father” to them and their Church.  The response from those present was resoundingly in favor and I believe our relationship will bring stability into the life of the Church and those who have gone through the trauma caused by the changing of “Shepherds.”

Two messages, 30 minutes apart followed by 30-45 minutes of prayer for 90% of those present.  And God manifested Himself as was attested by the testimonies of many for whom we prayed and we are expecting more testimonies to come from others in the coming days.

I sum it up with the words from the Gudyma’s: “We were blessed!  It was a good day!”

I was asked this question by my hosts: “Why are so many pastors who came to the retreat hurting so much?” 
I could only say: “God knows and he sent you and your partners with a heart of compassion to extend the love of God to the pastors of Ukraine who are hurting.  I thank God for you and your partners for responding to the leading of God to offer Equator as a place of rest and restoration to the leaders of churches here in Ukraine for three days and giving me the honor of ministering to them.”

If I could only say in printed words the sound of compassion that came from that question, you would “weep!”

God bless and thanks for sending us!

Dr D and Marilyn

UKRAINE MINISTRY BLOG 12 - LOCATION: Olenivka - Equator - Pastors Retreat

BUSY THREE DAYS!  TIRED!  BUT WITH A HAPPY FEELING INSIDE!

Yup! That is the way it was and what I am left with.  It was amazing how the Holy Spirit coordinated the retreat again this year.  I struggled with direction for all of the events, but He was never late – although I almost panicked – better be honest – Correct?

It was another year of increased attendance with new faces as well as some that have been here for all four years.  I will never cease to be amazed at how the Holy Spirit applies the Word to the hearts and lives of His people in ways I would never consider.  And so I sit here to attempt to re-construct something for you to read but I am not sure I can.  (As you can no doubt notice by the “rambling words.”)

Suffice it to be said: “Only the hugs, tears and invitations to come to their city” can explain the emotions and appreciation for the time together with fellow Pastors and Church Leaders.  AND for their appreciation for the owners of Equator for opening their doors and hearts to minister to the Churches of Ukraine with a beautiful place to come for a retreat, coupled with good food and hospitality that is SUPERIOR!

Emotional? Yes!  Exciting - words fail!

One story: A pastor who was also in the Grad School Class in Armyansk and who lives close brought his  six day old son and requested that we would dedicate him to the Lord on Wednesday evening.  And then prior to the service asked if he could call a lady from one of his cell groups and have them bring her at 9:00 PM for special prayer.  She “heard” (I put that in quotes because I am not sure “how” she “heard”) about a service where the sick were being prayed for.  There was no advertising locally of anything, but she “heard” and she came.  She had a tumor in her female organs.  As we were praying, she bent backwards and began to shake.  I spoke “peace” to her and gave her some instructions.  After praying again, I asked her if she could notice any difference.  She said, “I felt something lifting me up and bending back as though something was being taken away.”  We await further testimony, but it was evident God was working in her as well as others during the prayer.

The final service was again a “break-through time” and brought to a conclusion of our time together but you could see a “break-through- beginning” for them as God moved upon us.

Marilyn and Jason have departed for Kiev and their return on Monday to the US.  Karina Kudin is on her way back to Khmelnitskiy.  Oksana and I are here, preparing or a journey to Alushta tomorrow for two services – one more than I had on my calendar.  We will return to Olenivka and the Equator Sunday late and rest for two days and then on to our next assignment (which has also added an additional two more services to the schedule.)

But the need is great and while here I want to pour out what God has for His Servants here in Ukraine.  I see it as is stated in Nehemiah 8:10 (MSG):  He continued, "Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don't have anything: This day is holy to God. Don't feel bad. The joy of GOD is your strength!"  This is a “holy day” and I want to share the “fat and drink the sweet” and give to those who do not have from what God has blessed me.

Thank you for your prayers and support....

Dr D & Marilyn - Jason Edouard and Karina Kudin

UKRAINE MINISTRY BLOG 11 - LOCATION: Olenivka - Equator - Pastors Retreat

Well here I am again.  Marilyn has joined me along with Jason Edouard and Karina Kudin.  So the family is back together.  And the attendees are beginning to arrive already.  In fact, the registration already exceeds last year’s – but they have not all arrived and as always there will be some who inform us at the last minute they will not be able to come.  So to go to the “history lesson” of today – that is what happened.

We had a excellent worship time and well, the preacher was not all that bad, but God came on the scene.  There were so many hands raised for prayer, there was no way I could last long enough to lay hands on all of them.  And since my assignment from heaven this trip is to lead the people into laying hands on people and believing God to heal.

So I followed the pattern I have been doing in every church to this point.  I noticed a man down to my left who with his cane shuffled over to a couple nearest him and they laid hands on one another.  My eyes and mind were focused on the prayer and watching the flow of the Spirit.  So I did not notice what happened.  But at the conclusion of the service the pastor came over and informed me of the healing that had taken place to the man with the cane.  He had given it away and was not walking without a limp.  He came over to me and we conversed (that means “talked”).  That is him in the picture with this blog.

God had spoken to me about the following areas in lives of people He was going to speak to in this service: depression, lack, oppression, sickness, addiction -mentally and physically, rejection and paralyzing fear.

I cannot remember all the testimonies from people who just walked by and indicated God had brought healing to them. Thank You Jesus!  I will anxiously await the follow-up testimonies.

Hey everyone, this is Jason. I interrupted Dr. D to share my experience in Ukraine thus far! After 40 hours of travel, I finally arrived in Simferopol where I met Mama D, Pastor Yuri and Karina, my interpreter for the weekend. We visited a church by the name of, “School of Christ”, and got to participate in their mid-week worship service, morning prayer, connect group and Sunday morning service. These people are on fire for God! Though I don’t understand Russian, the way this church prays and pursues God ignites great faith in me.

At the connect group, we sang worship songs, prayed and took communion. The church then began asking Mama D and I questions about Life Church, and asked us to give an honest evaluation of their church and wisdom that would help them better serve Christ. As Mama D was, “dropping pearls of wisdom”, I was amazed at their hunger to learn and their passion to reach the lost in their community.
                           
Sunday morning we visited their main worship service. The service begins at 10 am, but I found it interesting that the worship team does not wait until 10 am to begin worship. At 10am the ushers open the door to the sanctuary where the congregation enters into an atmosphere that is already full of worship. This is the first time I’ve seen such an approach to worship, but I like it!

After worship, Pastor Yuri invited me up to preach. There is not many things I enjoy more than preaching the word of God to His people! If you know me, you know I usually preach with a deep theological approach, (I think I learned this from Dr. D haha). As I was preparing the message, God impressed upon my heart very simple truths to share. Nothing deep, no great new revelation, just very simple truths about who God is, and what he has done for us. I have got to mention that it was the first time my interpreter, Karina, interpreted  a full sermon, but she did great!

After preaching, I invited people to receive prayer for healing and many people came to the altar and were prayed for. God did many great things in that service, and I am believing many great things are yet to come!

God bless and thanks for your prayers,

Dr D, Marilyn, Jason and Karina

UKRAINE MINISTRY BLOG 10 - Location: Armyansk - New Life Church

Primary Mission Accomplished!  Delivery of Hermeneutics Course to the Graduate School here in  Armyansk, Ukraine – 8 Hours, Friday and 8 hours today Saturday.  I am tired – well my feet are and my body notices it, but I have a “satisfied” feeling down on the inside.  I did my best and the Holy Spirit took it to another level. 

Face it!  Teaching a course on Hermeneutics with all the principles of interpretation – all the theories – and the history of the study of Hermeneutics through the ages and how it was done from the time of Ezra through  today – well – to say the least – it can be BORING!  But I believe I hit my goal. 

Come on now, ask: “What was your goal?”

Thanks for asking, now I can tell you!  To present all the technical information in a way that would make it practical and easy to apply as a leader and a teacher of the people of God and still avoid the ‘scholarly bondage that can easily go with such a course.  These needed to know how to interpret the Word from a Biblical position and then be able to apply it to the lives of those whom they served.  That was my goal and I believe I did that!

But!!!!  Not without the able and great assistance of my interpreter and Ukrainian secretary, Oksana
Zelenivska.  Thank you “Kiddo!”

Now to unwind, and get the direction of the Holy Spirit for the Word for Sunday morning.  Then to eat dinner and make the journey from Armyansk south and west to the village of Olenivka and the resort, “Equator” to meet Marilyn, Jason and Karina and prepare for the arrival of about 90 who will be attending this years Pastors Retreat from here in Ukraine.

All because of the generosity and dedication to the Work of God in Ukraine by the owners of the resort who desire to give back to the Pastors of Ukraine for their dedication to God.

THANK YOU OWNERS OF EQUATOR!!!  MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MULTIPLY YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD - UKRAINE!!!

So until you read more (I would like to report on what Marilyn is doing, but since she is not with me I cannot.)

With our love and thanks,

Dr D, Marilyn, Jason and Karina

UKRAINE MINISTRY BLOG. 9 - Location: Armyansk - New Life Church

I am back!  Like it or not!  Anyway there is some to report but not a lot. 

First of all we all made it to our destination: Marilyn and Carina to Simferopol and were joined by Jason Edouard about 2 plus hours later and were met by Yuri Kyzmin of School of Christ Church and his wife Gala and their six year old daughter, Vicki.

Marilyn’s train arrived first and Jason’s was late so while they waited they walked over to the famous “Golden Arch” for some morning refreshment.  They considered that a “treat!”  Believe it or not.  They will be there through Sunday morning and then go on to Olenivka and the Equator Resort to await my arrival and the pastors and families who are coming (a total of around 70 people).

I got off the train at 5:35 AM and was met by Pastor Sergey Smoler and Vasiliy Gapono, Dean of the Armyansk Graduate School.  They rushed me to my abode here and I have a very nice apartment all to myself and a cook who comes in and prepares for me.  Today for lunch I had: Salanka (a typical meat and vegetable soup); three whole fried potatoes with egg sized meat balls; Greek salad; and Caviar with homemade butter on fresh bread.  The problem is that the day has continued – constant food offers and I have had to put a stop to all the food. 

Simply said: The Host Church and their people are taking excellent care of me.

Oksana Zelenivska, my Ukrainian secretary and interpreter arrived just in time for a two and one-half hour meeting with the Pastor and Dean in preparation for two 8 - 1 hour sessions of lecture beginning tomorrow.  I am teaching a graduate course on Hermeneutics.  But I have 60 pages of notes – making 45 for the students – and it is all very important.  So I am putting everything in “high gear” in the morning.

If you could hear and see the fireworks now – the consummation of the “Ukraine Victory Day” celebration.  And it is almost the end of an extended holiday made that way by the late date for their Eastern Orthodox Easter.

Well, I got my old iPhone 4 jailbroke and set up for use overseas while in Khmelnitskiy.  They have a family who owns the Apple Store there and with joy they did the necessary work for me and blessed me with a new case.  And even took my sim card two doors down and had Kiev Star make me a new one that would fit the iPhone.  Now if I can just get my church email set up to work, all would be super.  But I am having problems, not sure why.

Enough! Enough! ENOUGH!

God bless and thanks for your prayers,

Dr D and Marilyn

UKRAINE MINISTRY BLOG 8 - Location: Khmelnitskiy - Dawn of Life

Sometimes life is confusing!  Ever have that feeling!

I am happy that I have finished the first stage of my ministry at Dawn of Life in Khmelnitskiy, Ukraine, but I am sad that it is over for, even if I will be returning June 4-10.  Returning?  Yes to complete the final phase of the “next phase” of helping them to move forward into the destiny God has for this Church family.

Tonight we has a pleasant time of sharing with leadership as we sat on a couch on stage and the leaders sat at tables eating fruit, drinking juice, water, tea or coffee while munching on sweets (cookies and chocolate).  This relaxed atmosphere helped as we focused on the subject: “Balancing Ministry and Family Life. 

We did not “preach” but shared from our experience the need for believers to fulfill the ministry Jesus left to us but to do it in such a way that our family was the focal point to begin and then to move out from there.

When you read Paul’s instructions to Timothy and Titus about Church Leadership you must recognize that family life and relationships is the first basis for consideration of anyone to fulfill the position of an Elder.  That being true, then the first ministry we have is to our family.  As we start here the door is open for others to see and behold the working of God in our life and in the lives of those who are the closest to us.  That makes our testimony the most effective.

OOPPPSSS!  I better stop preaching!

Anyway, we concluded a successful time here and tomorrow we move by train to our next assignment.  We depart at 2:02 PM and I get off at 5:30 AM in Armyansk to spend four days of ministry there teaching a Graduate Class on Hermeneutics and then concluding on Sunday morning.  Marilyn and Corina Kudin (I mentioned about her in Blog #7) go on to Simferopol where they are met by Jason who will arrive about 2 hours after they do.  Pastor Yuri Kyzmin and Gala will meet them and be their host through Sunday and then deliver them to the retreat site, Equator, in the village of Olenivka on the west of Crimea directly on the Black Sea.  I will join them there Sunday evening and will be able to rest until Tuesday evening.

I am not sure about our ability to get on the Web when we arrive at the Equator Resort.  But I will tell you more as I get the correct information.

Until we meet again by Blog,

God bless and continue to pray.  Much good has been taking place.

Love,

Dr D and Marilyn

UKRAINE MINISTRY BLOG 7 - Location: Khmelnitskiy - Dawn of Life

Our day is over!  What about yours?  And it has been a good busy day.

It all got started earlier than usual because I “think – but I could be wrong” that my body is finally adjusting to the time change.  Anyway I got up and got started before 7:30 – it has been 9:30-11:00.  Get off of it!  I am not lazy.  Because that is before you got up anyway!  Ha!

We spent the morning doing “household chores - completing the washing, and ironing” – honestly I put the clothes in the machine and Marilyn did the hanging, and ironing.  These European machines and I get along good.

Then this afternoon we spent with Pastor Valentyna Melnyk eating dinner and discussing the current process of reviewing church structure, vision and how to move forward from here.  We finally had to stop so we could return to our home]-away-from-home here to get ready to return for the evening activities, within 30 minutes.

The activities were simple this evening!  Marilyn speaking to the Ladies and yours truly, speaking to the Men.  I am sure I did better and she is sure she did the best.  Ask the ladies and they say Marilyn was great.  Ask the men and they loved me.  But since no woman heard me and no man heard her, the final decision will have to wait until eternity. 

But to be serious, it is always an opportunity to be practical and assist these great people in their maturity as husbands or husbands to be and wives or wives to be.  Their culture for years was designed to destroy families.  Women were “taught to hate and distrust men” – at least that was the words from one of the men in my session.  And there is a good reason for that.  Men were almost encouraged to have another woman although he stayed married to his legal wife.  It is therefore important to assist this generation if we expect to see the future generations enter marriage with the proper perspective.

Now as we unwind this eve we have only two more scheduled meetings.  Tomorrow begins at 12:40 PM and will end about 9:00 PM.  We have a meeting with the elders and then a session with the “Ministerial Couples” although I am not sure who all that includes.  But the focus will be on “Balancing Ministry And Family Life.”

So I will stop and get my mind moving in that direction!

O! YES!  Carina Kudin, the oldest daughter of Rostic Kudin is going with us to Crimea to help at the Pastors’ Retreat.  She will work with the children of the pastors and also be with Marilyn to help her in communication with the ladies.  She is very good with her English and has a heart for God.  And – she is another one of my Ukrainian Grandchildren.

God bless and good night and THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS.

Dr D & Marilyn