The most unusual things happened at the conference sponsored by God's Embassy church in Sacramento, California.

First of all, its a strange event that I would be accompanying Pastor Sunday on one of his ministry trips to America. Several months ago, I was in a meeting with him and the publishers of his books in Kiev. We were discussing the possibilities of having his materials translated in English and distributing them in North America. At that meeting, he casually mentioned that I should accompany him when he's ministering in America. Of course, this is an honor for me to be invited.

So in September, I decided to attend the Sacramento, California conference with him. I was looking forward to it with much anticipation of receiving a blessing from the Lord as the past four months have been a difficult time for me.

In July, my mother passed away after a lengthy illness. After returning from a ministry trip to Ukraine in August, a key employee who had worked for me for several years suddenly quit my company without notice. It seemed that hell was assaulting me with extreme measures. I was desperate for a touch from God.

DAY ONE: The ministry team arrived the day before, consisting of Pastor Sunday, Pastor Christer Segerliv from Sweden, Pastor Ade Ajala from Colorado, Dr. 'Tayo Brown from Maryland and myself. On Saturday morning, as we approached the entrance to the auditorium, I could hear a familiar Russian chorus I'm accustomed to in Ukraine. The nearer we got, the voices rose in zeal and fervor, it was just like church in Kiev. For some strange reason, I thought it might be more like the American church I'm used to, which is more subdued.

Pastor Sunday preached a powerful message from the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 10, about the axe head becomes blunt after use and must be sharpened to remain effective. Otherwise, we waste strength and resources. During the course of his message, the Holy Spirit revealed several people were being healed of various diseases, including tumors and female disorders.

DAY TWO: The conference continued and the people are challanged by Pastor Sunday to not waste their lives in America enjoying the luxery and prosperity. He confronts them with the fact of God's purpose for us is to subdue nations and bring the Kingdom of God to manifestation. After the morning service, we break for lunch and Pastor Sunday begins meeting with small groups who are desiring to start new Embassy of God churches in America. For the entire afternoon, he listens intently to each new pastor then prays and blesses their new work. I counted 12 different groups he met with. He finally finished with the last young man one hour after the evening service had begun.

Quickly, we made the 5 minute ride from Pastor Vasiliy's church to the high school auditorium where the conference was held. As we entered, I noticed practically every seat was filled and some people were standing in the back. I estimated around 1,000 people were in attendence of the final service.

Shortly after we entered, Pastor Sunday assumed control of the service. From center stage, he led us in worship and the Lord's presence filled the building. This is a trait I have noticed of Pastor Sunday, he is a worshipper of God and not ashamed to express his devotion to God in public.

Preaching with unusual power, Pastor Sunday pleads with the people to return to the Lord, seek His face and devote their lives to Him and His Kingdom. Frankly speaking, I was totally shocked when he gave the alter call, the people literally ran from their seats to the front and threw themselves to the floor, crying and weeping before the Lord in repentance. I have never seen anything like this before!

In Kiev, I have heard him speak many times, but always through an interpreter. At this conference though, he preaches in English, so I am hearing it first hand and it is very good!

After the final service, we are taken to Alex Ilnitskiy's home for a wonderful meal, including my favorite, pelmeni. Pastor Sunday continued ministering to more than 20 of Pastor Vasiliy's leaders around the dinner table, explaining to them how to be more effective in their city. We returned to the hotel just before 2am. I counted that Pastor Sunday had been ministering almost continuously for 15 hours, no man can do that unless the strength of God is upon him.

DAY THREE: The conference is over, but TBN has asked Pastor Sunday to return to Los Angeles on Tuesday to appear with Dr. Paul Crouch on his program, "Behind the Scenes." Just after 10am, I approach Pastor Sunday's room, hoping he has slept more than his usual 2 to 4 hours. I knocked on his door and I hear his soft voice answer to come in.

He is sitting at the small table, his Bible open and I see a notebook with some notes on the open page. He invites me to sit down and he turns his chair to face me. I tell him the conference has been a tremendous blessing and the Lord has not disapointed me. He begins to speak to me softly, I'm straining to hear every word from this man who walks with God. Suddenly, he rises from his chair and walks to me, I bow my head as he places his hands upon my head and he begins to pray. It is a holy moment, I sense the presence of the Lord and tears begin to slip from my eyes, sliding down my cheeks, dropping to the carpet.

He ends the prayer and quietly sits down, informing me he wants to continue reading his Bible. I sat for several moments, enjoying the Lord's presence. Pastor Sunday is sitting with his back to me, reading, as I rise from my chair and return to my room.

Shortly after 1pm, Pastor Vasilily and Lidiya arrive at the hotel to meet with Pastor Sunday. Alex Ilnitskiy, our driver, is also with them as they enter Pastor's room. I am lying on my bed, reading and making some notes when I hear what I think is wailing and strong praying. I rise from the bed and open the door to my room. Directly across from me is Pastor Sunday's room and there are loud noises and shouting come from it. Unfortunately, the voices are in Russian and I cannot understand but I can tell something serious is happening. I step back into my room and shut the door, asking myself what I should do. After a few moments, I opened my door again and Pastor Christer is standing in front of Pastor Sunday's room, looking quite bewildered as the noises are still coming from Pastor Sunday's room.

I walked across the hallway and asked him what he is thinking. Pastor Christer says, "I was in my room, which is directly under Pastor Sunday's room and I heard the most awful commotion, like chairs being thrown against the wall. My first thought is, 'Pastor Sunday is being attacked', so I ran down here to see what I could do to help him."

I do not know what to do, the shouting, increasing in intensity, continues to come from the room we are standing outside of. Suddenly, the hotel security officer appears, and informs us he has heard the noise and wants to know if everything is alright. Pastor Christer informs him yes, he believes they are praying.

For some time, we stand outside of Pastor Sunday's room, praying in the Spirit, hoping against hope that something terrible has not happened.

Suddenly, the door opens and Alex steps out. Pastor Christer and I grab him and demand to know what is going on, what is happening? In a very quiet and solemn voice, he informs us, "Heaven has came down."

Oh no, I'm thinking someone very close to Pastor has gone home to be with Jesus! How could this be? My mind is racing, my heart is pounding...

Pastor Christer regains his composure and asks Alex to explain. Alex, a smile breaking across his face, says, "Pastor Vasiliy has just recieved a revelation from the Lord. Not only will he subdue this nation, but several nations, including South America!"

EPILOG: I have returned to Oklahoma and I know that I have been changed. I heard Pastor Sunday tell a young minister, "I walk with God, I am His friend." I have never heard anyone speak with such boldness and confidence in God. A seed has been planted in my life from Sacramento, a desire to know God much more intimately and to walk with Him as His friend.

I believe the Sacramento conference was strategic in nature. Many new churches will be planted in North America as a result. I only knew Pastor Vasiliy casually before he left Kiev to come to America but now I have had the opportunity to get to know him better and see his heart. He has the heart of a father and will raise up a multitude of ministers. I believe he is a key man in what the Lord is doing in America.

Next Month's Newsletter

We'll have a report and lots of pictures from the team that went to Ukraine with us in early November to Smela and Simferopol. Barry Reed and I also were in Sofia, Bulgaria preceeding the Ukraine team doing a Christian Business Conference.

You and Your Pastor...

Just before I left Kiev last week, I met with the Director of Brightstar publications and was made a distributor of Pastor Sunday's books that are being published in the English language. I brought a limited number of books back to the USA with me of the title, "You and Your Pastor".

Every member of a church in America needs to read this book. 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."

You can order this book online here: www.SundayAdelaja.com Or, mail me a check for $15.00 (US funds) and I will mail you a copy of this extraordinary book. Be sure to include the address you would like for me to send to.

You're Invited...

Family aid International and Embassy of God Church in Kiev invite you to attend their historic 10th Anniversary Celebration in Kiev, Ukraine, March 30th thru April 6th, 2004. Embassy of God 10th Anniversary Celebration

Embassy of God is the largest church in Europe with more than 20,000 members and is impacting the world through missions and city church planting that are having powerful effects in more than 15 nations.

Be my special guest and experience this dynamic ministry, you'll meet key individuals who are changing nations. If you are involved in any type of ministry, I strongly encourage you to come to Kiev with me for this event, it will change your life, I guarantee! The reservation form is located here.

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: