Odessa Mission
December 2004 Newsletter
Vsem C Rozhdestvum Kristovam!
(Merry Christmas Everyone!)
The holiday season is indeed approaching and we sincerely hope and pray that, for you and your loved ones, it'll be the best one yet. May the Lord richly bless you in ways that only He can and may you sense His imminent presence like never before. Many of you, like the kids at KRCC, are probably already rehearsing your lines for your Christmas pageants and cantatas. Right? Yep, it's truly an exciting time of year! We can't wait to post pictures of our first Christmas program on the website for all to see. In fact, our kids will not only be performing at our church but will also be doing so at the cancer ward and at the school for the handicapped. At the moment, it appears as though we'll have at least ten kids participating and Ira seems to be having loads of success whipping them into top form. She's got a real knack for that because she really knows how to crack that whip. (Don't forget that her father served in the Soviet military for 42 years. Need I say more?) Just believe me-I'm her husband! Yet, the kids just adore her to bits. Moreover, we are also seeing bona fide spiritual growth taking place in their lives. Galya, a 12-year old in our children's program, even made the following suggestion during junior church the other day, "Hey guys, you know, those kids at the hospital really have it rough! So, in addition to our Christmas concert, why don't we all chip-in and buy some small gifts for them too? Yeah, that'll really make it special for those kids!" Just remembering that moment almost brings tears to my eyes because Galya is one of the poorest girls I know. In fact, her family doesn't even have a place to bathe in their shabby little apartment. For her, owning a black/white television would be a luxury. So if the concert for those cancer patients turns out to be half as special to them as it already is to us, then I'm pretty confident that everyone will get more than their money's worth.
Many of you, like us, have been praying earnestly that the Lord would provide a new building for us to rent since we were unfairly evicted from the last one. Considering all of the growth we've experienced in the last six months, including thirteen baptisms, another facility is certainly necessary. Unfortunately, property and real estate prices in Odessa are presently going through the roof. That fact notwithstanding, we almost landed in a gorgeous $1000-per month facility until the owner jacked-up the price on us, and to be honest, we were actually somewhat relieved. Granted, at first we were thrilled about the possibility, but the more we thought about spending that kind of money the more uncomfortable we felt, especially when we considered the potential reaction of most of our poverty-stricken church members. (About 90% of them fit into that category.) A beautiful building is great but not at the risk of damaging our delicate foundation. At this stage in the game, training a select group of dedicated believers for ministry is our primary goal. So we are currently looking for a nice apartment to rent during the week and a separate auditorium on Sundays, which will be both cost-efficient and capable of meeting our current demands. Although last Sunday we worshiped back at the old cafe where we first meet in July of this year, we still sensed a pretty big bundle of enthusiasm overall. Hallelujah!
As you know, we're still hoping, praying, and saving away, to purchase a decent facility before the prices GET WAY INTO THE STRATOSPHERE. As it stands now, if we had another $30,000 we could probably purchase a facility that would give us a very valuable base of operations today. In six months, though, we might actually need twice that amount for the same structure-that is no exaggeration. By the way, for your convenience, we are now accepting special donations for our building fund regardless of your political views, social status, or religious background. There are no applications to fill-out, and your contributions are, of course, are tax-deductible. (I try not to make too many of these appeals, but when I do it is really serious. As you may have noticed, I am a little rusty in that area!) Please do lift this matter up to the Lord, asking Him to direct your heart and your giving so that this possibility may become a reality in the near future. In fact, instead of continuing your monthly commitment throughout 2005, perhaps you might consider making a combined one-time gift early in the year. Whatever you decide to do, though, please do it only after saturating the matter in prayer and fasting. Exercising His wisdom after much prayer and fasting usually accomplishes His goals His way, and that is what we're all aiming for together. Amen?
Another brief prayer request relates to the political situation here in Ukraine. Since both presidential candidates have major political connections, the process of electing a new President could be a lengthy one. Right now, there is a lot of instability in Ukraine's economy, as well as in other spheres, making it especially difficult for most. Furthermore, this election could decide whether missionary efforts in Ukraine will either continue or cease completely. So please keep praying for continued freedom in Jesus' Name. Amen!
As we rapidly approach the time for our stocking stuffers and New Year's resolutions, I'd like to share one idea that's definitely worth considering. In October, Rick Deighton gave me a book by the best-selling Christian author Randy Alcorn that powerfully impacted my life and perspective regarding possessions. It's called The Treasure Principle (Lifechange Books) and, fortunately, it's small enough to fit into most Christmas stockings. PLEASE - get a copy, read it, apply it, and then pass it on! Randy's book is in a compact format with only 94 pages, so it shouldn't take more than a couple of hours to read even if you look up all of the Scripture references. I absolutely feel that it is required reading for anyone who is genuinely serious about making New Year's resolutions that will honor Him above all else. I highly recommend it! The Odessa Mission thanks you for all that you've done to spread the good news of Jesus Christ in Ukraine this year and, again, wishes you and yours a very happy holiday season!
Love and Blessings, John and Ira
Kind Road Christian Church