Each time I go on a missions trip, I am aware of changes needed in my lifestyle.
The first is an attitude check because travel can challenge even the most dedicated believer. With things like delays getting to the airport, backlog of flights, weather, awkward seating arrangements on board, sitting beside a 'difficult' passenger, the food you are served and if that is not enough the famous lost luggage routine.
Arrival in a foreign land means ALL new routines.
Odessa's weather is warm enough for short sleeve shirts, it is sunny and the sky is blue. That is the forecast for the entire week PTL!
When drinking water, I make sure the waiter brings the bottle to the table and opens it in my presence. In some countries, merchants try to sell you re-filled water bottles, water from their taps, which carry bacteria not friendly to North Americans.
Food is another challenge. Say no to anything washed in local water - salads, fruits, vegetables etc. If you can peel it, like bananas, they are safe. Meat, fish, eggs are usually OK because they are well cooked. The locals know the restaurants that foreigners can visit without problems.
Here in Odessa most restaurants serve delicious and healthy food that is safe to eat.
Some hotels tell you they only used filtered water so it is safe to drink the water and have ice cubes in your drinks. Once outside the hotel, do not touch is the rule and do not eat at sidewalk stands unless it is cooked well.
Hygiene is another problem so always bring your own wipes for your hands, face and private parts. It is often very hard to find facilities that are clean and supplied with paper. You can be surprised with toilets are flat to the floor and require squatting - something we are not used to and find it hard to use. Look at the photo to the right.
I love the sights and sounds of new places. God is infinitely creative and His world is wonderful to explore and enjoy. Travel is one of the best ways to increase your world-view.
Today was spent quietly at my apartment/hotel preparing for tomorrow's journey to the Crimea and the reason I am here - Ukraine Pastor's Conference.
In the afternoon, we had a meeting with an overseer from America and his key leader in Odessa. The time spent at the restaurant was good as they are trying to sort out difficulties between pastors and ministries in the Ukraine.
In the photo, Dan Juster and David Schneier talk outside the restaurant after the meeting and time of fellowship.
At the end of the day we had a leader's meeting with David and Sasha's team. I spoke on 2 Peter 1. It is where Peter talks about God's precious promises and the need we have to continue to grow in our Christian walk. If we keeping adding the fruit of the Spirit to our lives and putting God's Word into practice, we will never fail in our calling.
I ended with Billy Graham's Manifesto. The four things he put in place with his team members that have held them faithful and without scandal now for over 60 years of ministry. I will talk about them later as I report from Crimea.
We leave in the morning at 10:30 for the long and I am sure discussion-filled drive to the Crimea.
(In the photo, David and some of the key leaders from the Odessa congregation)
I know we will be a captive audience for those who travel with us in the van. They want to ask questions and receive counsel.
I am looking forward to imparting into their lives and ministries.
THANK YOU LIFECENTRE for the amazing privilege you give me to serve leaders in this way. Your passion for missions and your willingness to invest in the global church leadership is bearing much fruit to your account. I also want to thank Messianic Vision Canada for investing in this important and vital ministry to messianic congregations throughout Ukraine.
