Odessa Mission
October 2006 Newsletter
Stateside Perspective
Our time in the States has been rather productive thus far, but not always in
ways we'd expected. First, obviously we've been able to step away from the
work and see it from a distance, which always helps. Secondly, we've had the
chance to relax and recharge our batteries some. Third, we've visited with
some supporters and linked up with a few potential ones. Fourth, we've had
the chance to take care of some pertinent issues that were basically put on
hold while we were overseas. For example, my book would have been published
months ago had we been here in the United States . It's amazing what a
telephone can do as opposed to email correspondence. Unfortunately, calling
from Ukraine usually tends to be very difficult because of long pauses and
connection problems, especially when you are trying to discuss very serious
issues. So, although we emailed repeatedly, we chose to postpone that stern
phone call until we hit the American shores, and boy did that call make them
jump! Fifth, Ira and I were both able to successfully extend my religious
visa for another year as well as meet her U.S. resident-status demands.
Many of you know that Ira is forbidden to leave the US for more than 365
days, however, we're currently in the process of applying for a two-year
leave, which will hopefully give us more flexibility regarding our furlough
schedule. Adding to all of that, God has opened our eyes to at least one
thing that will surely enhance the ministry of The Odessa Mission on both
sides of the pond. During our stay here, Ira and I have decided that
forming a board of directors for The Odessa Mission would be extremely
helpful long-term. We feel that this new direction will help expand
our support base by more effectively promoting our mission, provide
additional guidance and prayer support, efficiently handle stateside
issues, and aid in the area of recruiting potential workers for the
mission among other things. We are now considering certain individuals
for this important ministry, so please be praying that God's candidates step up
to the plate on this one. Please also pray that Ira
and I will be able to do everything that needs to be accomplished while we're here.
I recently got to speak at Roanoke Bible College and challenge the students
to consider taking a cross-cultural missions trip, especially if they've
never done so. It was especially good to follow up on my time in chapel
by speaking to two missions classes under Linda Joyner's direction. I
think the exposure and interaction was beneficial all around and I'm
thankful to God for having had the opportunity. During the main chapel
session, four students volunteered to pray ten minutes a day for at least
a month about the possibility of doing their mission internship in Odessa.
One of them, Kelly, showed a special interest in coming over to work on
the mission field. Please do remember them all in your prayers.
I also had the chance to speak to the mission committee at Gethsemane
Church of Christ. Apparently, that meeting also generated some interest
in forming a team and coming over to visit KRCC. Many of the details
are still coming together, but we praise God for all of the great things
He's doing in opening hearts at this very moment. Please do keep our
Gethsemane family in your prayers. Along those same lines, in talking
to the missions committee at Olivet Christian Church, the first group to have
visited KRCC, they also expressed a desire to return to Odessa at some point.
They even mentioned the summer of 2008 as a possibility, so please pray
for them too.
In October, aside from having presented the work at my alma mater, Roanoke Bible
College, we are also scheduled to speak to three churches that have never heard us
before: Highland Springs Church of Christ (Highland Springs, VA), Unionville
Christian Church (Unionville, VA), and First Christian Church of Emporia (Emporia, VA).
We'll certainly let you know how everything goes as you continue to support us in
prayer. We'll also be providing updates at two supporting churches: Lebanon
Christian Church (Lee Hall, VA), and Williamsburg Christian Church ( Williamsburg , VA ).
With Love in Christ, John and Ira
Kind Road Christian Church
From Al: John and Ira will be leaving Washington, DC to fly back to Odessa on
Tuesday, October 24th. Please pray that they have a safe trip.