Odessa Mission
February 2005 Newsletter
Kok Nos, Ukraiyeena Streemeetsa Kzapode!
(Like Us, Ukraine Is Headed Westward!)
Ira and I are thrilled about coming home soon, and we're also happy about the latest developments in Ukraine's political climate - YUSHENKO! The new president served his first day in office recently and made it very clear that Ukraine's future is in Europe rather than in Russia. Believe us when we tell you, that is TERRIFIC NEWS! Victor Yushenko also plainly stated in a speech he made before Colin Powell and several foreign ambassadors, among other key figures, all standing together alongside hundreds of thousands of spectators on Kiev's Independence Square, that everyone in Ukraine will have the freedom to worship God as they see fit. Praise the Lord! That's a major triumph for our missionaries here, as well as Protestants in general, because Victor Yanukovich, the other presidential candidate, intended to make the Russian Orthodox Church the official state church and thereby restrict all missionary efforts. As you may know, many western missionaries have been forced out of Russia because of Vladimir Putin's policies, which are very similar to Yanukovich's. Hence, it's no wonder why Putin backed Yanukovich. In any case, this is definitely a day of rejoicing! Paul wrote: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord" (Col. 4:17), and thanks to Him, it looks like that's a strong possibility. We've even decided to nickname Ukraine's new president VICTORY Yushenko.
I'm also glad to tell you that my book has finally been printed and that we have acquired our first 150 copies of the Russian version. I met with several of the area ministers recently and gave each one a copy for their personal use as a way to build bridges with them and hopefully drum up some extra prayer support for our congregation. Of course, if they themselves like the book, then perhaps they might even recommend it to their members, which will bring in some additional funds for our mission, and that's always good too. One of my personal goals for 2005 is giving away at least fifty free copies of the book to newcomers who attend our Sunday worship service at least three consecutive times, which is actually the main reason why I chose to write the book in the first place. Please pray that we will not only meet that goal but far exceed it so that God will not only touch more lives through our mission but also receive more praise, glory, and honor, in the city of Odessa.
In early January I gave all potential members at KRCC a homework assignment, which was to write down at least five personal evangelistic goals for 2005 and be ready to share them with the congregation by the end of the month. Since I already mentioned one of my goals to you, I might as well inform you of the other four I've set for myself. I'd like to get at least five students from the pedagogical institute to join KRCC this year as a result of my outreach there. Along those same lines, I intend to develop a special evangelistic oriented English course for advanced students, which will include sermons and other Christian programs on audio and videocassettes. In addition, I've also decided to spend at least three hours a week doing some form of service evangelism. Finally, Ira's parents will be more of a priority in this regard also. In fact, I've already asked one missionary in Crimea, Genia Shved, to periodically visit Ira's father at work in order to minister to him personally. At a recent congregational meeting we had, about ten others shared their personal objectives for this year and the atmosphere was electrifying because it is clear that God is mobilizing KRCC for the purpose of taking it to another level in 2005. So we certainly look forward to witnessing all that the Lord will accomplish in Odessa this year and we especially thank you for making it feasible with your prayer support and freewill offerings to Him. All glory to God and full steam ahead!
Ira and I will be in the US from February 1 through February 22. We hope to see many of you and thank you personally for your involvement in this ministry. We also plan to share many of our thoughts, praises, and concerns with some of you during our brief stay in America. Moreover, we may have at least two groups visit KRCC this year (one from Northampton and another from Olivet Christian), we would also like to do a little pre-field orientation during our furlough with anyone who may have questions regarding these trips or who are considering joining one of them. We may even be able to teach you a little Russian in the process. Please contact Al Kunkel to learn more about how to join one of those mission teams and get into a pre-field orientation meeting. Let me just add this little tidbit: If you've never been on a cross cultural mission trip before, then this could be the chance that God has been waiting for in order to bring you to another level in your Christian walk. I guarantee that, in just a few days' time, God will change your life forever if you decide to meet Him halfway on this one. I promise that if you come to Odessa in 2005 then you'll go home a changed person. Think about it, pray about it seriously, and then just give it to the Lord. That's what I did in 1993 and look at me now! By the way, I couldn't be happier! The writer of Hebrews really hit the nail on the head when he said that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Heb. 11:6). Hope to see you soon!
Love, John and Ira Murphy, Kind Road Christian Church