Photos from 2003

I wanted to send this newsletter right after the first of the year, however, at the last minute, I decided to go to Kiev and spend a few days with Pastor Anatoliy and his family. I completely ran out of time and had to put it off until I returned from Ukraine in February.

I want to take the opportunity to review the year and thank all the people who have been a part of what we are doing in Ukraine. A few of you have traveled to Ukraine with me, others have given finances while others have been faithful to pray and encourage me to continue. I want to say, "Thank you, may the Lord bless you and cause His face to shine upon you."

February, 2003

Winter was in full swing as we traveled by van from Kiev to Odessa the first week of February. Team members Rita & Sarah Sherman and Jesse Adams from Northwest Arkansas were in the front of the van while Pastor Anatoliy, his wife Nadya, Barry Reed from Tennessee and myself were piled in the back with the suitcases and handbags. Tanya Kikalenko and Svyeta Kofanova took turns riding in the front, witnessing to our van driver.

We arrived in Odessa after a long and grueling drive on snowpacked highways, southern Ukraine had received the worst snowstorm in almost 50 years.

Rita, Sarah and Jesse danced, Barry preached and I taught business seminars during the day. It was a awesome 3 days, with hundreds being blessed, encouraged and healed from the Presence of the Lord.

We left Odessa and drove 3 hours east to Kherson for a Divine appointment. The first evening service, an oppression permeated the atmosphere. The church was less than 2 years old, made up primarily of members of other churches that had been started yet failed after a period of time. The Pastor told us no one had been saved in his church in 18 months. He said Kherson was a "graveyard for churches", as many churches had started there but failed after a short period of time.

Barry Reed had just begun to preach when he stopped the service and informed the church and the visiting team that the Lord had just revealed to him we needed to fast and pray for a breakthrough.

To make a long story short, we all fasted for 24 hours when the Lord revealed the ruling spirit over the city. We prayed and broke its power just before we left for the service. As we entered the hall where the service was about to begin, there was a noticeable difference in the spiritual atmosphere. And there were about 25% more people in attendence than the previous night.

Barry preached a short message then gave an invitation for all those present who wanted to repent and receive Christ. More than 20 adults responded in the affirmative. Breakthrough had come to Kherson! The church has continued to grow since that time.

March, 2003

Joe Lehman and I spent a week together, ministering in Konotop and Slavutich City, along with Pastor Anatoliy and Svyeta Kofanova, our interpreter.

It was a precious time, Joe and I had known each for some time in the USA, but had never ministered together as a team. Both of us were astonished at how the Holy Spirit flowed between us, it was almost like tag team teaching.

In one of the afternoon sessions, the Lord led me to teach the worship team, along with the church to sing spiritual songs in the Spirit. Those of you who know me personally are aware that I cannot carry a tune in a large bucket. However, that afternoon, I was anointed to sing. The Presence of the Lord was so strong, almost thick enough to touch. I will never forget it.

We traveled Slavutich City and spent a few days with Pastor Petr and his church. The ministry continued where we left off in Konotop. A lady was healed of a brain tumor as Joe prayed and ministered to her. You can read this report in detail HERE.

April, 2003

When we returned to Kiev, Joe Lehman departed for Austria for a week of ministry and Pastor Anatoliy, Tanya Kikalenko, our interpreter and myself flew to Odessa for a 3 night business seminar with Pastor Vitaliy and the Embassy of God church there.

We arrived in time to celebrate April fools day in Odessa. It is a huge celebration, very similar to Mardi Gras, but not lewd and base as it is in New Orleans. The parade lasted for several hours, complete with floats and bands and lots of funny jokes. However, because I have such a limited knowledge of Russian, I didn't understand the jokes.

The business seminars were very well attended and many business people were encouraged and strengthened in their resolve to serve the Lord with their bsuinesses.

Tanya Kikalenko celebrated her 24th birthday on April 3rd in Odessa. As a surprise, we sang happy birthday to her, with Pastor Anatoliy accompanying on the keyboard. Pastor Vitaliy topped the evening off with a birthday party complete with cake and presents. I know she was super blessed. By the way, April 3rd is my "spiritual birhtday", 24 years ago the same day, I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ in Columbus, Kansas.

May, 2003

Returning to Kiev 6 weeks later, I attended the 9th Anniversary Celebration of the Embassy of God church. It was an awesome time celebrating what the Lord has done and is doing with Pastor Sunday Adelaja and his apostolic team. More than 12,000 people were in attendence for the evening services.

This week was also a very special time for me. Pastor Sunday ordained me along with another 200 ministers and pastors to the work of the Kingdom. I received a very special anointing, the Lord confirming it 3 days later in Prague. I also released my first book in the Russian language, "Don't be Afraid To Start Your Business".

June, 2003

I cannot belive it, two weeks later I am back in Ukraine! This time, my wife Judy is with me, along with Randy and Mary Williams, Stan, Audrey and Elise Crawford and Taryn Foster, all of Grove, Oklahoma.

What a time we had, ministering in Konotop and Slavutich City to literally hundreds of children. Once again, I managed to stay out of a clown outfit, but Stan and Randy were captured on video demonstrating how to use the Hula Hoop. I have the tape stored, someday it will be of great value!

Assisting us this trip were interpreters Bogdana, Tanya and Vladimir, who is from Russia. All three participated in ministry as clowns as well as serving as interpreters. How I appreciate these people. I do my very best to show my gratitude and make them feel a part of the teams. I know that without them, I cannot communicate and would be entirely ineffective.

July 21, 2003

My mother, Mary Helen (Mercer) Tinney, went home to be with the Lord Jesus. She fought a valiant battle against ALS (Lou Gherigs disease) but on this afternoon at approximately 5:30pm, she quietly and peacefully passed over into eternity. She was surrounded by her family and a few close friends. She was my most devoted supporter, always praying for me and encouraging me with her smile and a generous offering for the kids we minister to. I love and miss you, Mom!

August, 2003

This was a trip of "double anointing." A team of 5 ladies, Carol Granderson, Mary Beth Kelley, Shirley Mestas, Margarette Wiggins and Trenda Loveall conducted a powerful ladies conference in Kiev while another team journeyed to southern Ukraine for conferences in Nickolayiv and Kherson.

Rita & Sarah Sherman, Barry Reed and myself, along with Pastor Anatoliy, Tanya Kikalenko and Svyeta Kofanova conducted meetings in these two cites. More than 50 people repented as well as many healings and deliverances recorded.

October, 2003

This month, I attended a conference with Pastor Sunday in Sacramento, CA, where they have a Russian speaking church, Embassy of God. About 1,000 people attended this event and I met many new friends, Pastor Visiliy and his wife Lidiya, who reminds me so much of Pastor Nadya in Kiev. Alex and Lubow Ilnitskiy, members of the church there capture my heart with their servant attitude. I know I will be returning to Sacramento in the future.

Also attending this conference was Pastor Krister Segerliv from Sweden, Pastor Ade Ajala from Denver and Rev. 'Tayo Brown of Suitland, Maryland.

November, 2003

Barry Reed and I flew to Sofia, Bulgaria, where I conducted a weekend business seminar for Pastors Vasil and Tony Elenkov. This father/son team have a dynamic ministry in Bulgaria, raising up pastors and leaders for the hundreds of churches they have planted in this former Soviet republic.

Continuing on to Kiev, we met Joe Lehman, Rex and Kathy Brace, who traveled with us to Smila and Simferopol to conduct weekend conferences and business seminars. Accompanying us to interpret were Tanya Kikalenko and Svyeta Kofanova, who has recently announced her engagement to an English missionary working in Kiev.

Pastor Anton is doing an excellent work in Simferopol, raising up a strong church that will be the anchor of the work that's being raised up throughout the Crimean peninsula.

Conclusion

2003 was a fruitful year, with a total of 6 ministry teams hosted by FAI. I'm looking forward to this year and greater blessings. While I was seeking the Lord in December, I sensed Him say that 2004 would be "the year of obedience" for me. Hallelujah!

Books by Pastor Sunday Adelaja

Pastor Sunday Adelaja is not only one of the most dynamic ministers of our time, but also a prolific writer. He has authored nearly 40 books in less than 10 years. A few of his books are now available in the English language and I have copies of his new books, "You and Your Pastor" and "Pastoring Without Tears" to distribute in the USA and Canada.

Pastoring Without Tears

I brought several copies home with me of Pastor Sunday's book, "Pastoring With Tears". Every Christian who has a desire to be involved in any type of ministry should read this book, its not just for pastors, but for anyone in leadership.

I could not put it down, here are some of his comments from this extaordinary book....

"God doesn't want your ministry to wear you out, He wants you to enjoy doing His work."

"God doesn't call you to be a minister who worries, suffers, and weeps. He calls you to accomplish whatever He's called you to by His grace, with thanksgiving."

"If you have really given your burden over to God, then soon your ministry will bring great joy."

"Nobody can truly become a leader unless he has performed feats for God. It is only possible to ascend to spiritual heights in the Kingdom of God, if you fully pour yourself out for God."

You and Your Pastor...

Pastor Sunday Adelaja says, "Christians often misunderstand the area of relationships in the body of Christ and lose many blessings. By teaching the church to acknowledge, appreciate and rightly receive the governmental gifts that Christ gave the church, every Christian and local church can enjoy a greater dimension of anointing and blessing."

Every Christian should read this book, unless you learn how to receive and relate to the Gift God has given to you in your pastor, you will miss the blessing that God has intended to give you through that Gift.

You can order these books online here: www.SundayAdelaja.com Or, mail me a check for $13.95 (US funds) for You and Your Pastor, $18.95 for Pastoring Without Tears and I will mail you a copy of the book of your choice. Be sure to include the address you would like for me to send to.

Do yourself a favor and order a copy for yourself and your pastor, too.

Web Site improvements

Several pages have been updated. My favorite addition is a "weblog". For the internet savvy, you know it as a "blog". What is a "blog"? Well, it's a running log that can be updated on a continual basis. When we are overseas, I will update the "blog" from Ukraine and you'll be able to read the messages on the web site. It'll be easier than trying to send email, I will "log" one message, everyone can read it at their leisure on the site: http://www.familyaidinternational.com/blog/blogger.shtml

Opportunities to go to Ukraine in 2004: