Odessa Mission
September 2004 Newsletter
Novi sertsi e leets uzhe chasta vidim!
(We're starting to see new hearts and faces!)
It's true! More and more newcomers are checking us out since we're meeting three
times a week and offering much more than before! This is especially the case
with our video program on Friday evenings, which seems to be a unique approach
here in Odessa. In fact, several individuals from area churches are attending
that program regularly and even offering to help us minister in various ways.
Larissa, a member at the local Jewish church, expressed a desire to strengthen
our efforts at the school for the handicapped and possibly even help with our
kids' program. Alexei, an interior designer from the Charismatic church here
in Odessa, has also volunteered to use his talents to liven up the appearance
of our facility. Furthermore, his relatives in high places could surely help
with a variety of issues we're currently facing, including our pending registration
process.
As of September 1, we also began meeting for in-depth Bible studies on Wednesday
evenings and, in spite of our small crowd, there's much enthusiasm because
those attending seem more like they're starving for the Word than just a bit
hungry. In fact, even though we've only met once, Tatyana asked me if we could
extend our in-depth studies to include other evenings during the week also.
We are presently focusing on prophetic passages in the Old Testament and how
they relate to us, and we'll certainly let you know how things progress in that
area. By the way, several folks have mentioned that in-depth Bible study is
next to impossible to find in Odessa's congregations. Apparently the Baptists
have maintained a monopoly in that area for years. I am not sure why that's
the case, but I have an idea. I distinctly recall walking out on a seminar
at the Charismatic church several months ago because they were completely butchering
the book of Jeremiah. In fact, it was so bad that they even began referring
to "the peoples of the north" as the Soviet Union, claiming that the "captivity"
took place in Russia during the twentieth century. They actually argued that
our first priority should be finding Jews and helping them get back home to
Israel, even over and above evangelizing them. Is there really a need for
in-depth Bible study in Odessa? You tell me!
I have some potentially outstanding news and some potentially bad news. The
potentially bad news is that I probably won't be teaching American history at
the Christian University. The potentially outstanding news is that I may have
the opportunity to conduct Christian-based seminars in the foreign languages
department at Odessa's law academy. Why is that outstanding news? Because
Odessa's law academy not only has 7,000 students, but is highly esteemed and
renowned throughout the former USSR. The great prophet Isaiah wrote: "The
people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the
land of the shadow of death a light has dawned" (9:2). Friends, please be
in prayer about this incredible opportunity so that the Lord will afford Kind
Road Christian Church a chance to shine the light of Jesus Christ into every
part of this city.
Things at the hospital are going rather well these days. One of our worship
team members, Sveta, has taken charge of our ministry there and she's doing a
great job. I (John) am helping as much as time allows and God seems to
really be blessing our efforts. In fact, at least two people at the cancer
ward have decided to get baptized this coming month. Alyona is a 15-year old
patient who has expressed that desire, and so has Oxonna, a mother at
the unit. Oxonna's daughter, by the way, is Sneezhana, who will probably
make it to the website before long. We certainly praise God for their
decisions and hope that others at the ward will also be influenced to do
likewise. Interestingly enough, Sneezhana recently had a dream about
Jesus and when she awoke she immediately told her mother about it.
Right after moving over to sleep with her mom on her cot, the large
window in their room fell directly onto the bed where Sneezhana had
been sleeping. To my knowledge, no windows have ever fallen in that
hospital before, so that is truly an incredible sign of God's presence
and sovereign activity. We are definitely elated to be a part of what
He's doing at the cancer ward and through us and the Kind Road Christian Church.
In closing, I'd like to include a few lines from a letter we received recently.
You may remember that Artyome graduated from the school for the handicapped in
June and he writes: "I often remember all the times you opened your home to me.
You didn't have to, but you did anyway, and I'll never forget that. I really
miss those times; boy do I wish that I could have them back. I'd probably
give my left arm just to spend another day with you. In fact, though this
may sound a little weird, I want you both to know that I consider you my best
friends. Thanks again for always being there for me." It is truly a
privilege to share the love of Christ with those who need it most, and we
thank each of you (our supporters) for giving us that chance.
John and Ira Murphy (KRCC)