Thank you so much!
Denise
12.13.2009
Dear Praying Friends
I want to wish you the most Merry Christmas and God’s blessings in the New Year 2010! Because of your faithful prayers and support, I am able to continue to serve the Ukrainian people here in Odessa.
Thank you so much!
Denise
Thank you so much!
Denise
Harvest Celebration
On Sunday, October 16, I had the opportunity to visit the church in Loubataievka for their Harvest celebration. My friend, Jim Winslow, who was serving in Yuzhney with the Immanuel team, was also able to share in the ministry there. The children recited poems and sang songs and we celebrated together God’s blessings to us.
Please pray for Misha and Angelika, two of the young people in the church, who will be coming to Odessa next year to further their studies. Pray for them to come to know Christ. I pray that God will give me the opportunity to be a part of their lives when they move to the city.
Please pray for Misha and Angelika, two of the young people in the church, who will be coming to Odessa next year to further their studies. Pray for them to come to know Christ. I pray that God will give me the opportunity to be a part of their lives when they move to the city.
Children in Loubataievka
Loubataievka Harvest Celebration
Misha and Angelika
Our church in the Field of Miracles celebrated the Harvest on October 25. The short term team from Immanuel Church in Holland, Michigan spent this special occasion with us. I want to say a special thank you to one of the team members, Jim Winslow, who helped us with preparations for this holiday.
Immanuel Team
Denise with Jim Winslow
BIBLE STUDIES
My Monday Bible study group successfully completed the study, “Believing God” on Monday, November 16. Our schools had quarantine for three weeks and during that time we decided to have two Bible classes a week so that we could finish our book. We went out to celebrate their perseverance and faithfulness.
On November 23 we started a new study by Priscilla Shirer entitled, “Discerning the Voice of God”. Pray for Natasha, Sveta and Youla to come to know Christ.
My Wednesday Bible study group continues to study, “Life Principles for Following Christ.” This group of ladies help with our summer short term groups that come to minister at our church plant. We were disappointed when we heard that we would not be having any teams for the summer of 2010. I said that maybe it was time that we did a short term mission trip to provide a camp. Margarita, Lena, Ilina and Ira were excited about the idea and we are now planning to hold a summer camp in the village of Loubataievka at the end of July next year. Pray for us as we make preparations to minister together as a team.
A few years ago I had another group of ladies that studied the Bible with me for two years. I stay in contact with several of these ladies and about a month ago I began to pray about calling two of the ladies to meet with them. I met with Maria the first week in November just to talk. She came to meet with me two more times and then invited me to share with her students who study in her English courses in school 73. She wants me to teach Christian principles to her group every other Saturday.
I held my first class on Saturday, December 5. Maria contacted one of her colleagues, Angelika, who also used to study the Bible with me. Angelika called me and invited me to meet with her group at school 15 every Thursday at 5:00.
Please pray for me to have wisdom and for God to use me in the lives of these students. This is an incredible opportunity to share Christ.
On November 23 we started a new study by Priscilla Shirer entitled, “Discerning the Voice of God”. Pray for Natasha, Sveta and Youla to come to know Christ.
Sveta, Natasha, Denise & Youla
A few years ago I had another group of ladies that studied the Bible with me for two years. I stay in contact with several of these ladies and about a month ago I began to pray about calling two of the ladies to meet with them. I met with Maria the first week in November just to talk. She came to meet with me two more times and then invited me to share with her students who study in her English courses in school 73. She wants me to teach Christian principles to her group every other Saturday.
I held my first class on Saturday, December 5. Maria contacted one of her colleagues, Angelika, who also used to study the Bible with me. Angelika called me and invited me to meet with her group at school 15 every Thursday at 5:00.
Please pray for me to have wisdom and for God to use me in the lives of these students. This is an incredible opportunity to share Christ.
Maria
Students at School 73
REMODELING PROGRESS
Our kitchen cabinets are in and we are waiting for some electrical wiring in order to hook up our stove. I want to once again thank Bethel Church in Sarasota, Florida for providing the funds for our kitchen.
Our entrance to our church is currently under construction. Please pray that it will be completed before the New Year.
I want to thank each one of you who provided funds for our remodeling. We still need a sectional sofa, rug, changing table and playpen for our children’s nursery. We also would like to purchase some new tables and chairs for our new dining/multi-purpose room. If you would like to make a contribution, please send it to TEAM and mark it for the “Field of Miracles” project.
Kitchen Pictures
Entrance Pictures
Remembering December 5th, 2005
Four years ago on this date our church plant team began to meet in my apartment for services. We prayed and asked God to provide us a place to meet in our target area, Field of Miracles. God did exceedingly more than we could ask or imagine. Praise God that He provided us a church building and that we were able to become a registered church.
We thank the Lord that people are coming to know Christ and growing in their relationship with Him. Our pastor left in October and our church members chose Yurie Aksyutin to lead us until we find a pastor. Pray for Yurie and his wife, Olga, that God will give them strength and wisdom during this interim period. Also, pray with us that God will provide a new pastor.
Pray for Valik, Kolya and Tanya, who have been attending regularly, to come to know Christ.
We thank the Lord that people are coming to know Christ and growing in their relationship with Him. Our pastor left in October and our church members chose Yurie Aksyutin to lead us until we find a pastor. Pray for Yurie and his wife, Olga, that God will give them strength and wisdom during this interim period. Also, pray with us that God will provide a new pastor.
Pray for Valik, Kolya and Tanya, who have been attending regularly, to come to know Christ.
Yurie Aksyutin
Upcoming New Year and Christmas Celebrations
Sunday, December 27, I will be celebrating the upcoming New Year holiday with the village church, Loubataievka. Thanks to your gifts, I will be able to provide food baskets for the needy families there.
Thursday, December 31, I plan to celebrate the New Year with the children in the Yuzhney orphanage. In Ukraine, Grandfather Frost (aka Santa Claus) comes on New Year’s to bring gifts to the children. We will have games, gifts and lots of good food to bring in the New Year.
Our church will celebrate Ukrainian Christmas on January 6 and 7. We plan to visit our neighbors in the buildings close to our church on Christmas Eve and sing Christmas carols and invite them to our Christmas celebration. Pray that God will work in the lives of those living in the Field of Miracles.
Thursday, December 31, I plan to celebrate the New Year with the children in the Yuzhney orphanage. In Ukraine, Grandfather Frost (aka Santa Claus) comes on New Year’s to bring gifts to the children. We will have games, gifts and lots of good food to bring in the New Year.
Our church will celebrate Ukrainian Christmas on January 6 and 7. We plan to visit our neighbors in the buildings close to our church on Christmas Eve and sing Christmas carols and invite them to our Christmas celebration. Pray that God will work in the lives of those living in the Field of Miracles.
Ministry In The US
Please pray for my short ministry assignment in the States from January 15-March 20, 2010. I will be visiting churches and personal supporters. I would love to see all of you who faithfully pray for me. If you would like to see me when I am in your area, please contact me by e-mail at deniseinodessa@yahoo.com.
Here are my travel plans:
January 15 – Arrive in Atlanta, Georgia
January 16-20 – Marietta, Georgia
January 21-27 – Grand Rapids, Michigan
January 28-31 – Holland, Michigan
February 1-6 – Moody Founder’s Week, Chicago, Illinois
February 7-9 – Wheaton, Illinois
February 10-12 – Richmond, Virginia
February 13-14 – Annandale, Virginia
February 15-21 – Missoula, Montana
February 22-24 – San Diego, California
February 25-28 – Marietta, Georgia
March 1-14 – St. Petersburg & Sarasota, Florida
March 15-20 – Marietta, Georgia
Here are my travel plans:
January 15 – Arrive in Atlanta, Georgia
January 16-20 – Marietta, Georgia
January 21-27 – Grand Rapids, Michigan
January 28-31 – Holland, Michigan
February 1-6 – Moody Founder’s Week, Chicago, Illinois
February 7-9 – Wheaton, Illinois
February 10-12 – Richmond, Virginia
February 13-14 – Annandale, Virginia
February 15-21 – Missoula, Montana
February 22-24 – San Diego, California
February 25-28 – Marietta, Georgia
March 1-14 – St. Petersburg & Sarasota, Florida
March 15-20 – Marietta, Georgia
Everyone One Hundred Campaign
Do you get excited when you hear amazing stories about what God is doing at the four corners of the earth?
Here is an opportunity to lock arms with others, join in His work and really make a difference: For the first 100 days of 2010, TEAM is challenging everyone to join in a campaign called Everyone One Hundred. From January through early April, you’ll get weekly emails with great information and important prayer requests from around the world. Your prayers are vital!
Plus, you can join in the effort even further by giving financially, if God puts that on your heart. There is no obligation, and it’s easy to sign up at www.TEAMeveryone.org
A 100 day challenge…I am going to do it – come join me!
By the way, if you don’t use the Internet, you can also sign up by calling TEAM at 800-343-3144.
Here is an opportunity to lock arms with others, join in His work and really make a difference: For the first 100 days of 2010, TEAM is challenging everyone to join in a campaign called Everyone One Hundred. From January through early April, you’ll get weekly emails with great information and important prayer requests from around the world. Your prayers are vital!
Plus, you can join in the effort even further by giving financially, if God puts that on your heart. There is no obligation, and it’s easy to sign up at www.TEAMeveryone.org
A 100 day challenge…I am going to do it – come join me!
By the way, if you don’t use the Internet, you can also sign up by calling TEAM at 800-343-3144.
9.10.2009
TRANSITION PERIOD
This past Sunday, September 6, my dear friend and teammate, Kamil Abdullaev, resigned as the pastor of our church plant. He and his wife, Zarina, and their three children, Alina, Parviz and Kamil, have been asked to return to their homeland, Tajikistan, and to be a part of a Bible school and to help in organizing new churches.
Our church is praying and fasting this week and we will be in the process of looking for someone to lead our church during this transition period as we seek a pastor. Please pray with us and for all of us as we are deeply saddened to lose such wonderful servants of Christ.
Also, pray for Kamil and Zarina as they begin a new ministry in their homeland.
Our church is praying and fasting this week and we will be in the process of looking for someone to lead our church during this transition period as we seek a pastor. Please pray with us and for all of us as we are deeply saddened to lose such wonderful servants of Christ.
Also, pray for Kamil and Zarina as they begin a new ministry in their homeland.
BAPTISMAL SERVICE
On Sunday, August 30, our sister, Tanya, was baptized in the Black Sea. Our church met at 9:00 by the sea and had the opportunity to share the Gospel and the purpose of baptism.
Many of the people who were at the beach came over and expressed an interest and some commented that even our eyes were shining with something they had never seen before. Praise God that we were able to be witnesses for Jesus Christ and that Tanya made a public statement regarding her faith in Christ.
Please pray for Tanya as she continues to be a witness in her home to parents and relatives who were opposed to her being baptized. Also, pray for her to have wisdom in raising her daughter, Alina.
Many of the people who were at the beach came over and expressed an interest and some commented that even our eyes were shining with something they had never seen before. Praise God that we were able to be witnesses for Jesus Christ and that Tanya made a public statement regarding her faith in Christ.
Please pray for Tanya as she continues to be a witness in her home to parents and relatives who were opposed to her being baptized. Also, pray for her to have wisdom in raising her daughter, Alina.
8.23.2009
Dear Praying Friends
On September 2 of this year, I will begin my 14th year of ministry in Odessa. Some of you have been a part of this adventure from the beginning. God has done AMAZING things and to Him be all the glory, honor and praise for only He is worthy!!!
I appreciate all of your faithful prayers and care for me. Thank you for your financial support that has made it possible for me to be here.
I thank God for you!
Denise : )
I appreciate all of your faithful prayers and care for me. Thank you for your financial support that has made it possible for me to be here.
I thank God for you!
Denise : )
EASTER CELEBRATIONS
On Saturday, April 11 we held our 2nd annual Easter Egg Hunt in our church. The local government office gave us permission to hide the eggs near the outside of our building in an open field. We had a good turnout and praise the Lord for the opportunity we had to share Christ using the Resurrection eggs and sharing the Easter story through Power Point.
We also showed a film about Christ’s death and resurrection. The children had a wonderful time hunting eggs. We believe God will use this event in the lives of the children and their families in the days to come. Thank you for your prayers for this event. Pray that the seeds that were planted will bear fruit.
Easter Sunday in Ukraine this year was on April 19. We had a great celebration in our church. Many children participated in the program and sang a song at the end together with our praise team.
Christ is risen!! He is risen indeed!!
We also showed a film about Christ’s death and resurrection. The children had a wonderful time hunting eggs. We believe God will use this event in the lives of the children and their families in the days to come. Thank you for your prayers for this event. Pray that the seeds that were planted will bear fruit.
Christ is risen!! He is risen indeed!!
NEW SUPPORT OPTION
Have you considered the convenience of electronic transfers?
Call TEAM for more information: 800 343 3144
Ask for the Stewardship Department
Call TEAM for more information: 800 343 3144
Ask for the Stewardship Department
STREET EVANGELISM
After numerous attempts to hold an evangelistic meeting in our neighborhood, Field of Miracles, we finally were given permission by government authorities to have one. On June 6, from 4pm until 6pm, we sang songs and shared the Gospel on the street. The mayor sent a policeman for protection in case there were any problems.
We were able to invite children and ladies to our VBS and ladies’ meeting planned for the following week. We sang praises to God and shared the Gospel and congratulated our neighborhood with the holiday of the Holy Trinity.
June 7 was Trinity Sunday when we celebrate the day God sent the Holy Spirit to the church. It is a great holiday in Ukraine and workers even get the day off on Monday to celebrate.
We were able to invite children and ladies to our VBS and ladies’ meeting planned for the following week. We sang praises to God and shared the Gospel and congratulated our neighborhood with the holiday of the Holy Trinity.
CALVARY LADIES TEAM
June 12-19 we had the privilege to work with six ladies from Calvary Church in our Safari VBS. More than half of the children who attended were from unbelieving families. We thank God for the opportunity we had to share the love of Christ with these children.
Sarah Davis led our ladies’ meeting on Tuesday night. She did a walk through the Bible and used an incredible visual that connected all the Bible events that pointed to the blood of Christ.
Pray that God will use His Word to touch the hearts of those who heard the Gospel.
Sarah Davis led our ladies’ meeting on Tuesday night. She did a walk through the Bible and used an incredible visual that connected all the Bible events that pointed to the blood of Christ.
Pray that God will use His Word to touch the hearts of those who heard the Gospel.
CALVARY FAMILY TEAM
August 6-16 our church had the privilege of hosting our first ever family team from Calvary Church which consisted of 8 adults and 12 children. The four families led our children in a daily VBS with a crocodile theme. Every day they shared about the importance of prayer in our lives. We had a great turnout of parents and children. You might want to check out this link to the Calvary Family team blog that was posted by Dan Wynalda.
Kent teaching
Jim leading games at VBS
Odessa children and Calvary children
The four men on the team held a first ever men’s fellowship at our church on Wednesday evening. Pastor Steve, Kent, Jim and Dan shared their lives with the 35 brothers who attended. I was told that everyone had a good time.
Kent teaching
Jim leading games at VBS
Odessa children and Calvary children
Odessa team with Calvary team
Gibson family skit
Our Odessa team
The four men on the team held a first ever men’s fellowship at our church on Wednesday evening. Pastor Steve, Kent, Jim and Dan shared their lives with the 35 brothers who attended. I was told that everyone had a good time.
REMODELING - ALMOST FINISHED
Our new dining room/multi-purpose room was completed right before our first summer team arrived. We didn’t have the funds to complete the kitchen in June; however, thanks to the gift from Bethel Church in Sarasota, Florida, we plan to finish the kitchen soon. Thank you Bethel Church family!!!
We are still in need of funds to repair our entranceway, put in a fire exit and purchase furniture for our children’s nursery and for our new dining room.
Thank you to all who have given to our building project. Pray that we can finish everything soon.
We are still in need of funds to repair our entranceway, put in a fire exit and purchase furniture for our children’s nursery and for our new dining room.
If you would like to make a donation, please send it to:
TEAM, P. O. Box 969, Wheaton, IL 60187-0969
and mark it “Field of Miracles.”
TEAM, P. O. Box 969, Wheaton, IL 60187-0969
and mark it “Field of Miracles.”
Thank you to all who have given to our building project. Pray that we can finish everything soon.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please pray for my two Bible studies that will begin the week of September 14. I may be starting a new group with some ladies that are interested in studying the Bible.
The last week in September, Michelle Moffett, the granddaughter of one of my supporters, will be visiting with me and seeing the ministry here in Odessa.
There is also a possibility of a group visiting from Bethel Church the first week in October. I will be helping with the group from Immanuel Church who will be serving in Yuzhney and Kiliya from October 16-26. I am not directly involved with their ministry, but I help to coordinate their plans and love to spend time helping them.
Please pray for God to guide me and give wisdom in the work He has planned for me as I continue to serve Him in Odessa.
The last week in September, Michelle Moffett, the granddaughter of one of my supporters, will be visiting with me and seeing the ministry here in Odessa.
There is also a possibility of a group visiting from Bethel Church the first week in October. I will be helping with the group from Immanuel Church who will be serving in Yuzhney and Kiliya from October 16-26. I am not directly involved with their ministry, but I help to coordinate their plans and love to spend time helping them.
Please pray for God to guide me and give wisdom in the work He has planned for me as I continue to serve Him in Odessa.
4.01.2009
HAPPY EASTER
The tomb is empty! Jesus is alive! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! “He is not here; He has risen – just as He said.” Matthew 28:6 I pray that you have a joyful and blessed Easter with your church family and friends. We will be celebrating Easter in Ukraine on April 19 this year. Pray for our preparations for this wonderful celebration. Pray that God will work in the lives and hearts of those who attend our services.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your faithful support of my ministry in Odessa. My heart is filled with gratitude and thankfulness for your sacrifice during these difficult economic times. May God repay you a hundredfold for your kindness to me.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your faithful support of my ministry in Odessa. My heart is filled with gratitude and thankfulness for your sacrifice during these difficult economic times. May God repay you a hundredfold for your kindness to me.
EASTER EGG HUNT
Please pray for our annual Easter Egg hunt evangelistic outreach to the children in our neighborhood. On Saturday, April 11 from 11:00 – 1:00 we will be sharing the Resurrection Eggs – the story of Easter, showing a children’s film about the resurrection, playing games, singing songs and having an Easter egg hunt. We are inviting children and their parents.
Please pray for this special event and for God to work in the lives of those who will be attending. A special thank you to my parents, Jimmie and Janie Jeffares, for sending all the plastic eggs, baskets, stuffed animals and prizes for this outreach.
Please pray for this special event and for God to work in the lives of those who will be attending. A special thank you to my parents, Jimmie and Janie Jeffares, for sending all the plastic eggs, baskets, stuffed animals and prizes for this outreach.
BAPTISMAL CANDIDATES
Please continue to pray for Oleg and Tanya as they prepare to be baptized. Pray for this time that we disciple them to become followers of Jesus. Pray for them to stand firm and to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus.
Lord willing, their baptisms will take place in the summer.
Lord willing, their baptisms will take place in the summer.
PRAYER OF COMMITMENT
On March 26, I celebrated my birthday and listened to a message by Bill Hybels entitled, “Relentless.” It was about the life of Mother Teresa. At the end of his message he asked those who were willing to pray a prayer of commitment. I believe that God called me to be a missionary in Ukraine over 13 years ago and I wanted to recommit my life anew to His service.
The prayer of commitment is: “God, I fully yield myself to You. I embrace Your calling on my life. I will fulfill Your calling without delay or procrastination. I will not deny or reject anything You ask of me. I will endure all trials. Even if I don’t feel Your presence, I will still believe You. I will try to love You like no one has ever loved You before. Amen.”
The prayer of commitment is: “God, I fully yield myself to You. I embrace Your calling on my life. I will fulfill Your calling without delay or procrastination. I will not deny or reject anything You ask of me. I will endure all trials. Even if I don’t feel Your presence, I will still believe You. I will try to love You like no one has ever loved You before. Amen.”
SUMMER TEAMS
We have begun preparations for receiving two evangelistic teams this summer from Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We are thankful for their partnership with us to reach our community, Field of Miracles. Our first group is a wonderful team of ladies who will serve in Vacation Bible School and women’s ministry from June 12-19.
Pray for Ilina who is currently translating the skits into Russian. Also pray for recording of these skits in time for the team to be able to practice before their arrival.
Pray for Oksana as she translates the songs.
Pray for the Calvary team as they prepare for ministry with us and for Sarah as she prepares her talk for the ladies’ evangelistic outreach.
Our second team is a great group of four families who will minister with us August 7-17. There are eight adults and 12 children who are planning to continue the VBS with our children and who will minister to men, women and families. Pray for this team as they make preparations and pray for us as this will be our first ever family team. We have been praying for a long time about reaching the young families in our community and we believe God plans to use this team to aid us in reaching families.
Pray for Ilina who is currently translating the skits into Russian. Also pray for recording of these skits in time for the team to be able to practice before their arrival.
Pray for Oksana as she translates the songs.
Pray for the Calvary team as they prepare for ministry with us and for Sarah as she prepares her talk for the ladies’ evangelistic outreach.
Our second team is a great group of four families who will minister with us August 7-17. There are eight adults and 12 children who are planning to continue the VBS with our children and who will minister to men, women and families. Pray for this team as they make preparations and pray for us as this will be our first ever family team. We have been praying for a long time about reaching the young families in our community and we believe God plans to use this team to aid us in reaching families.
REMODELING PROGRESS
The remodeling of our kitchen/dining room/multi-purpose room is progressing well. At the moment, there is a lot of small detail work that needs attention. But, soon we will order our cabinets and purchase the appliances for our kitchen.
Pray that we will be able to complete the remodeling before June 1 so that we can use the room for our summer outreaches. Pray that the funds we have will be sufficient to complete the work. Thank you to all of you who gave sacrificially to help bring this project to completion. May God bless you!!
Pray that we will be able to complete the remodeling before June 1 so that we can use the room for our summer outreaches. Pray that the funds we have will be sufficient to complete the work. Thank you to all of you who gave sacrificially to help bring this project to completion. May God bless you!!
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