Odessa Mission
November 2006 Newsletter
Fall Forward
There are certainly lots of things on the burner right now. As many of you know,
Ira and I were supposed to have already been back in Odessa . However, we only
got half way. In other words, we're stuck somewhere in Greenland at the moment.
Does anyone have an extra pair of long-johns they can send us? Nope. Well, don't
be alarmed! That's just another one of my failed attempts at humor. The fact is that
only Ira is back in Ukraine.
I've extended my stay another month (until November 27th) in order to get some
of these projects completed, or at least headed off in that direction anyway.
"What projects?" you might ask.
One of them includes applying to the U.S. government so that Ira may be able
to leave the United States for upwards of two years, which is something we
mentioned last month. She's currently a permanent resident and therefore prohibited
from staying outside the U.S. longer than 364 days. So, thankfully, that process
in now in the works. Unfortunately, even if permission is granted to her this
time, it'll still hurt her permanent-resident status unless at least one other
application is made to protect that status. So that's definitely a priority.
Another pressing demand is getting the process of incorporation underway before
I return to the field. Some of my sources say that the entire ordeal may take
up to two years before a decision is made. However, the key is getting it all
started. One thing that must be accomplished is the drawing up of a set of bylaws.
Two of my favorite uncles, Ray and Wayne, respectfully linked with Central
India Christian Mission and the Polish Christian Mission, have given me some
golden advice along these lines and I am indebted
to them. (And if you two are actually reading this then just know that the checks
should be in the mail shortly. If you don't get them soon
then email me AFTER Nov. 27th.) But, seriously, I do want to take this opportunity
to thank them both for their help because I don't know what I would have done without
them! Guys, thanks again! Getting incorporated also includes a lengthy and detailed
application process, which will ensue shortly. In addition to that, there's yet another
requirement, which is the forming of a board of directors for the corporation. I
have spoken to several individuals about that particular ministry opportunity and
they are currently praying about the possibility. Please do join them in prayer,
so that only God's choices wind up stepping into that pivotal role.
"Okay, John," you may ask, "why have you decided to become a corporation all of
the sudden?"
Well, there are actually several reasons, some of which were noted in last month's
newsletter. But the most important one is this: IT'S GOD'S WILL! Since the birth
of KRCC in May of 2004, our small congregation in Odessa has literally taken center
stage in the newsletters, group discussions, and furlough presentations, as well as
on the web site. Is that a good thing? Well, not really. Why not? Because it can
be misleading. (Nobody is more guilty here than yours truly and for that I
sincerely apologize.) YOU SEE, KRCC ISN'T THE CENTRAL FOCUS OF THE ODESSA MISSION.
If it is then it shouldn't be. The Odessa Mission is really much bigger and more
significant than that! The Odessa Mission really exists for the purpose of
saturating the entire Odessa region with NT churches. SO THE ODESSA MISSION
ISN'T JUST A CHURCH; IT'S A MOVEMENT! It's actually a church-planting
organization in an entire region where there's presently just one restoration
church, that being KRCC. And, to put this in perspective, you could easily
drive three hours outside of Odessa and still be in the Odessa region.
But the only restoration church you'll find is KRCC, in
Odessa proper. So while KRCC is definitely important, the Odessa Mission is ultimately
much more important! Thus, as a separate entity, with a board of directors helping us
both broaden our horizons and expand our budget, we'll be able to do much greater things
for the cause of Christ in that spiritual desert.
Let me leave you this time with one thought to dream about, pray about, and consider.
There are approximately ten Restoration Churches in Ukraine. In fact, I helped
to start two of them and worked extensively in a third congregation. So I know
many of these folks personally.
"What's the point?" you ask.
Well, one of the Odessa Mission's goals is tapping into these resources for
the purpose of finding prospective church-planters who'd be willing to work
in several strategic areas within the Odessa region. The real challenge,
though, is finding enough monthly support for them so this can become a
reality. Hence, we ask for your continued prayers and support as we Fall
forward in this direction for God's ultimate glory!
Many Blessings, John and Ira, The Odessa Mission , UA