Odessa Mission
October 2005 Newsletter
Awsen Budet Zagruzhenie! (Fall Will Be Busy!)
Well, the summer has come and gone like a whirlwind. Actually, it was more like
several hurricanes. Our prayers certainly go out to all who have suffered through
the storms this summer. It just reminds us about how thankful we should be for
God's blessings and protection in our lives. Life is so fragile and that's why
Psalm 121:3, 7-8 is so comforting: "He will not let your foot slip-- he who
watches over you will not slumber . . . The Lord will keep you from all harm-- he
will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both
now and forevermore." (NIV)
Throughout the past month we've really seen a wide variety of new faces at KRCC
and although the exact number of visitors we saw in September is uncertain it
could quite possibly be considered unprecedented since the founding of our
church in May of 2004. Despite our seeming lack of success in effectively
retaining all of the newcomers, currently speaking that is, we still see a
significant number of visitors returning to worship at KRCC and interpret
this to be a very good sign indeed. Our video programs are beginning to
attract new people like never before, especially the kids' video program.
We have two video programs with one for adults on Friday nights at 6:30
p.m. and a kids' video program each Saturday at noon. You are probably
wondering where we get the films we show. Sometimes we get the films off
the internet, sometimes from a rental store here in Odessa , and at other
times from the local Christian bookstore. Sometimes we show Christian
videos and at other times quality Hollywood movies. We recently showed
a documentary about Jesus that the Discovery Channel did called: "Son of God".
On Good Friday, we showed: "The Passion of the Christ". We also showed the
movie "Luther" not too long ago and "Waterproof" and "Joshua" are other
Christian films we've shown. As you can see, finding and previewing films
to ensure they are acceptable for showing at KRCC is very time consuming.
[From Al: If any of you supporters have suggestions of good films John
might consider showing or actually have movies on DVD that you would be
willing to send to KRCC, please contact John via email at
murphmission@hotmail.com and make him an offer he can't resist.]
We are also seeing some of the children from the summer VBS
program dropping in periodically, which just confirms the great
impact it had on our surrounding neighborhood. Clearly, the
seeds the visiting Olivet team planted in July are still
germinating and surely will for some time. Moreover, because
of our congregation's overall spiritual growth, especially
evident due to the unmistakable increase in attendance at our
Wednesday evening Bible studies, more of our regulars are
actively inviting their friends and neighbors to worship
with them. So are we excited? YES! We are seeing some
real maturity setting in with the majority of our members
here at KRCC plus the many new folks we are seeing on a
regular basis is very encouraging too. These two blessings
are critical attributes of a healthy church.
However, as 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us, "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a
roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (NIV) Proof of this scripture
was seen recently when two women who began attending KRCC together in September
and happen to be the closest of friends had initially described to me their
extensive search for the right congregation. They even mentioned how they
were thrown out of at least one previous congregation. However, since I've
always been a bit skeptical of the overall approach that particular church
takes to ministry in general, I shrugged it off as rather inconsequential.
BIG MISTAKE! At first, these women were very encouraging and generous with
their positive remarks, but within three weeks' time it became rather clear
that they had a specific agenda up their sleeves. Suffice it to say that their
unpleasant remarks, offensive behavior, and very negative attitudes were not
to be tolerated at KRCC and they were asked to leave.
It is truly wonderful to know that while Satan is attacking with the best
in his arsenal, the same God we see in Psalm 121 is close by. As KRCC
continues to serve Him, just as you are doing, staying connected to the
Vine and remaining dedicated to purity, He continues to finish what He
started in and through us.
Love from Kind Road Christian Church,
John and Ira