Odessa Mission
June 2006 Newsletter
Uzhe Trayti Gawd Vmeste!
(Already Starting Our Third Year Together!)
From June 16-18, KRCC's two key apprentices, Oxonna and Tatyana, will be taking step two of Word of Life Church's program that's designed to help Christians find their giftedness and calling. The second step specifically focuses on reasons why people never actively pursue their calling, and also explains why they often tend to lose sight of their calling once they discover it. You probably remember that in March, they returned to us totally on fire for the Lord after having completed step one of this three-part workshop so we anxiously look forward to seeing them progress in these areas. Tatyana, who intends to develop a drama ministry at Kind Road has put on a skit for us at a previous Sunday service in addition to prepping our youngsters for some upcoming drama-based events. "Okay, what about Oxonna?" you might ask. Well, her summer English program catering to kids and teachers from a local school for the handicapped is just about ready to get underway. So stay tuned for all of the exciting details!
The English program I am teaching is going surprisingly well, given the fact that I've failed to stick to the overall plan. I've been doing LOTS of preaching during the lessons, so it remains to be seen how long people will put up with that. At the moment, we have a fairly steady group of eight or more, three of whom have worshiped with us on a Sunday morning. I'm regularly giving them faith-based homework assignments, which seem to be sparking some interesting discussions during our lessons. We're presently meeting twice a week but I'm seriously considering adding another weekly lesson to the schedule. I also hope to arrange a community-service project with them in the near future.
What about my latest book which was published in Russian in January 2005? Well, the English version should be hot off the press by the time Ira and I are stateside in early September 2006. If it becomes available sooner then I'll be sure to give you a heads up on that one. The full name, after recently adding a subtitle, is now: A Dumb American in a Strange Country: Finding God Where You Least Expect Him! The book will definitely tell you a great deal about where I've come from, who I used to be, and what God miraculously did in my life to get me to where I am today. I earnestly hope and pray that the Lord will use that testimony to advance His purposes in many lives, including yours. Please Note: If you are a regular supporter of the Odessa Mission, there is no need for you to buy a copy because you will be receiving one free upon publication.
In the book, you'll read about my former Russian host, Nicolai Gluhi. I lived with Nick and his wife, Luda, for about three years while working with Muslims on the Crimean peninsula. At the end of my stay with them, you could just imagine how ecstatic I was to finally baptize them both into Christ. Well, I got a call from Nick the other day and it appears as though Chuck Philips, a church planter in Crimea, would like for Nick to step up and become his associate minister. As usual, we praise the Lord of the Harvest for faithfully bringing forth the increase! We also rejoice in the fact that Nicolai has successfully assembled a small group of about eight of his neighbors who are currently meeting in his apartment once a week.
Some of you may remember Molvina and Faraday from last month's newsletter. They are still at the cancer ward so please continue to lift them up in your prayers. Farady's condition is about the same, which is fairly encouraging, all things considered. Molvina is still praying for the families at the unit and some good things seem to be happening. The other day I asked her to try to assemble a group so that I could meet with them on a weekly basis. She agreed to do her best. We've tentatively scheduled our first meeting for Thursday, June 8, and we certainly covet your prayers. I just can't help but remember how God previously blessed KRCC as a result of our activity at the ward, so I've decided to dedicate more of my time to that particular ministry.
Last but certainly not least, Odessa will be welcoming a very special guest this month. Al Kunkel our Forwarding Agent, newsletter editor/printer/sender, financial record keeper, and friend is coming to town and will be with us from Wednesday, June 14 through Tuesday, June 20! This will be his first visit to the field and we're praying that it will be a major blessing all around as we move forward together in Jesus' Name. Please make his travel and visit with us a special prayer request for this month and keep your eyes peeled for his updates, impressions, and some new pictures after he returns to the States.
Love, John and Ira
Kind Road Christian Church