Odessa Mission
Trinity Celebration 2008
Sunday, June 15th, 2008, was an official Orthodox holiday that most Protestant
churches in Ukraine also celebrate. It's what they call the "Trinity Celebration,"
which commemorates the Day of Pentecost. In Odessa, a number of the Protestant
chuches join forces and put on a Christian parade each year, which just
happened to fall on this particular day. Honestly, though, I was rather
disappointed with the poor turn-out. I'd probably estimate last year's
numbers to have been at least twice the number we had this time around.
Nevertheless, it was fun.
Here we see Andre and Tanya, who have recently begun visiting our office
for various activities. But it's been a real challenge trying to get them in
the door on Sundays. We're still working on that one. Like most men in Ukraine,
Andre has battled an alcohol addiction for years. However, he recently told
me that he's come to realize that the only way to quit is by surrendering
to the Lordship of Christ. Please be praying for them as we continue
ministering to their family.
Here we are passing one of Odessa's many Russian Orthodox churches. I
obviously couldn't get the priest to look my way for a decent shot, which
probably means that he wasn't in the best of moods. As you probably know, the
Russian Orthodox Church holds most Protestant believers in utter contempt. But
there surely wasn't a whole lot he could have said about what was transpiring
before his very eyes at that particular moment.
On the left you'll see Andre, whose parents are Andre and Tanya. Directly
behind him is his sister Zhana, who's holding Oxonna's hand. Both of them have
been attending regularly for several months now and we're pretty optimistic
about the ways things are going with them. Please keep them in your prayers also.
Other pictures from the event:
