NEWS from Ukraine, October 2003
by David Tinney
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Six months has passed since the last newsletter, I cannot believe time passes so quickly! Although its been a while since I wrote, it doesn't mean we haven't been busy. In fact, this summer was our most productive season to date. With a team in June and two teams in August, our outreach was multiplied considerably. In order to bring you up to speed, I have capsulized what happened each month.

May '03

I attended the 9th Annual Celebration of Embassy of God church in Kiev. It was a wonderful week of worship and fellowship. I had the unexpected blessing of being ordained by Pastor Sunday Adelaja on the final day of the Celebration. It was an awesome experience, this present day apostle has planted 300+ churches in 15 nations from the Kiev church, Embassy of God. In 9 years, they have a membership of more than 20,000, the largest church on the European continent. More than 1 million people have come to a saving knowledge of the Lord through their ministry, as well as raising up and sending out hundreds of 5 fold ministry gifts. More than 12,000 people attended the celebration from more than 20 nations. I was one of two participants from America.

I released my first book, "Don't Be Afraid To Start Your Business" in the Russian language. Its an 80 page booked packed with information how to start a business on a shoestring budget. Also included are marketing and sales techniques I have learned over the years. 3,000 copies were printed, by August 1/3 of them had been sold.

June '03

We hosted a team of workers from Grove, OK, to Ukraine. Team members ministered to children in the cities of Konotop and Slavutich. Accompanying Judy and I were, Randy & Mary Williams, Stan, Audrey & Ellise Crawford and Taryn Foster, all of Grove. Hundreds of children were touched with God's love and message.

Stan Crawford conducted a dental seminar for the local dentists in Konotop, demonstrating how to use the new filling material he brought for the clinic. Randy & Mary Williams and myself taught business principles to an enthusiastic group the last evening in Konotop.

August '03

Our biggest outreach at any one time. A team of 5 ladies, Carol Granderson, MaryBeth Kelley, Shirley Mestas, Margarette Wiggins and Trenda Loveall conducted a powerful ladies conference in Kiev. Hundreds of ladies lives were ministered to as well as over a hundred salvations and many healings.

Simultaneously, Rita & Sarah Sherman, Barry Reed and myself, along with Pastor Anatoliy, Tanya and Sveta traveled to southern Ukraine. We conducted conferences in Nikolayiv and Kherson where we witnessed more than 50 people repent as well as many healings and deliverance.

Pictured left is the team in Nikolayiv along with the church staff.

October '03

I attended a conference with Pastor Sunday in Sacramento, CA, where they have a Russian speaking church. About 1,000 people attended this event, mostly Russians, Ukrainians and BeloRussians who have migrated to America. It was a powerful conference, challenging the people to reach America with the Gospel of the Kingdom. I met many new friends and looking forward to returning to Sacramento, possibly teaching the same Christian Business Seminar I conduct in Ukraine.

During the Saturday evening service in Sacramento, Pastor Sunday asked me to share what FAI was accomplishing in Ukraine and my perspective of the Ukrainian churches in America.

Upcoming trips

November '03

On November 6th, Barry Reed and I leave for Sofia, Bulgaria. I will be conducting a Business Seminar for the United Alliance of Churches of God-Bulgaria, November 7-9. On November 10th, we fly to Kiev, to meet the rest of team that will accompany us to Smela and Simferopol. We'll conduct conferences in both these cities. Team members are Rex and Kathy Brace, Jeffersonville, IN and Joe Lehman, McAlester, OK. This is Joe's second trip with me in 8 months. He'll stay an extra week and minister in Slavutich in behalf of our ministry.

Dr. John Myers is also traveling with us to Kiev. He has made some breakthroughs in a possible cure of cancer and other diseases. I am helping him with contacts I have in Kiev to meet with top medical, political and banking officials who would be interested in this potential medical breakthrough.

December '03

Family Aid International will be hosting a Christmas party for 55 handicapped children and their families in Konotop, Ukraine. We need 55 people to contribute $10 toward this event. Gifts, refreshments and a good time are guaranteed for these children who have been neglected and ignored by the government, they aren't allowed to attend public school. The church we partner with has reached out and is making a difference in their lives as well as their families. Pastor Olga has informed me many of the parents of these children are now attending the church services as a result of this ministry. Please help us if you will.

If you can contribute to the Christmas party in December for the Konotop children, it would be a tremendous blessing. Send your love gift to the address below. Write Konotop in the memo area of the check and I'll know what its for. Thank you in behalf of the children for your generosity.

January '04

On the 21st of January, I will be speaking at a missions conference in Elk City, Oklahoma. Then returning to Ukraine January 29/February 10th, ministry will include business seminars and ministry conferences.

March '04

At the end of March, we'll be returning to attend the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Embassy of God church in Kiev, April 1-4. 20,000 believers from all over the world are expected to attend this event. I will be organizing a package for anyone who would like to accompany me on this stellar trip. I'll be sending out a special notice in a few days with all the details.

May 04

We'll be returning to Ukraine for more ministry and tentative plans to go to Afghanistan from Kiev.

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: