Wednesday 5th March

Hello from a very foggy Odessa, the fog hasn't lifted at all today, but that hasn't worried Rob and myself as we have been hard at work on the second floor.

We have been fabricating steel channel into the top of some of the doorways ready to plasterboard over to infill the gap above where the new doors will be fitted. Peter managed to order some doors today and they arrived mid morning and were swiftly moved up to the second floor to await fitting later. By the time we finished work at 6pm we had completed 5 doorways.

We have quickly settled into life at Transition House and into our apartment on the first floor. Yesterday when we were out we bought a kettle so that we could make our own tea & coffee whenever we like without worrying Peter and his wife. Our area is very nice and comfortable, which is a testament to the good work already carried out on the house.

Entrance into kitchen/dining area

Kitchen/dining area with cooker and washing machine,

there is a sink around the corner

My bedroom

Rob's room

We are looking forward to soon seeing similar rooms completed on the second floor. We will upload some more photos tomorrow to show how the work is progressing.

Time now for a cup of tea and a sit down!

Tuesday 4^th March

Rob and I arrived safely in Odessa yesterday evening at 2125 local time (1925 in UK) after a long journey. We left home at 0730 to travel to Birmingham airport and almost immediately encountered heavy traffic which became worse as we travelled closer to the airport.

We arrived at the airport later than planned due to an accident on the motorway causing the long tailback, however we were still in good time to check in okay.

Our flight to Istanbul was pleasant and soon we were boarding our connecting flight to Odessa, however we did not take off as planned due to thick fog at our destination. Finally after about an hour and a half waiting on the aircraft with concerns that the flight might be cancelled, leaving us stranded in Istanbul for the night, we taxied and took off for a very quick flight.

We passed through the border security in Odessa without any problems and were met by Peter and Alex. It was a real joy to see them again.

We are staying in an apartment at Transition House, we each have our own room and there is a toilet/shower room and kitchen dining area as well.

Things here in Odessa seem to be quiet and there is an air of “life is carrying on as normal” with little outward sign of the troubles in other parts of the country.

Today we have been out with Peter and Sasha looking for doors to buy for the 2^nd floor. It has been frustrating as we have visited a number of shops but they either had  no suitable doors or doors but not the edging or fittings, so the search continues.

Further updates to follow.

Update from Ukraine

The following has been received by email from Slavic Gospel Association.

I’m sure for many of us, the situation in Ukraine has been weighing very heavily on our hearts.  The whole situation certainly needs our prayers during these days of political struggle.
Pastor Igor Bandura from Odessa, Ukraine sent the following prayer requests to help guide us with our praying.

1. We have a new coalition at the parliament and the parliament now is the only centre of decision making. Our brother in Christ, a member of one of the baptist churches in Kiev was elected as the head of the parliament. During these days he also coordinates the Cabinet of ministers. He also serves as President until the next election on May 25. Please, pray for him and this transitional group of leaders to lead the country through difficult but very important decisions.
2. The country is still divided on the west and the east and the threat of separation is still real. Please, pray for the unity of our people.
3. All our churches are very active praying days and nights to God and we see how He is answering. Many help with medicine, food  etc. This is a great time to witness about God's love. We need to experience his reconciling power through Christ Jesus.
4. Pray for God's wisdom for all our pastors as people are looking for many answers about the situation.

For more information about SGA see http://www.sga.org.uk/

For your information

Cake sale

23rd March 2014

Three of Woodgreen's young ladies are kindly arranging a cake sale at the church on 23rd March.

Please support this if you are able, proceeds towards Transition House.

For your information

There is a Slavic Gospel Association 'as much as you can eat' men's breakfast on Saturday 8th March 8.00am - 10.00am at Elmbury Lodge Brewers Fayre, Tewkesbury GL20 8ND.

THE MIDLANDS AND MID WALES EVENTS

Onisim Mladim is the Pastor of a strong Baptist Church in Arad, Western Romania near the Hungarian border. He has been a friend of SGA for many years and now makes a significant contribution to church planting ministry in the Ukraine. As Director of the Mission School in Arad he has a strategic role in preparing others for ministry in the Arad area.

For more information contact - Donald Harvey 01684 593259

Thank you

Thanks to everyone involved in yesterday evening's Valentines Supper which raised over £200 for the project.

Valentine's Day Supper Friday 14th February at 7.30pm

Why not support the Odessa Project and enjoy a Valentine Supper at Woodgreen, prepared and served by 'Hub' and their leaders.

Proceeds will go to the project.

Menu

Starter

Leek & potato soup

or

Pate

Both served with crusty bread

Main

Beef Stroganoff

or

Mushroom Stroganoff

Served with Rice or Jacket potato

Followed by Dessert

Tickets £8 per person

(entry by ticket only)

To obtain tickets, see Becky, Tom or Fi this Sunday at Woodgreen. If you are unable to get there on Sunday but would like to come please email me at odessaproject12@gmail.com

2014 Trip Dates

Hi Guys,

For your information, the dates for the team trips to Odessa are below, as well as dates for our popular car wash and breakfast.

Car Wash & Breakfast - Sat 10th May 9.30am - 11.00am @ Woodgreen

Odessa Trip Sat 24th May - Sat 31st May

                    Sat 31st May - Sat 7th June

Car Wash & Breakfast - Sat 6th Sept 9.30am - 11.00am @ Woodgreen

Odessa Trip Sat 20th Sept - Sat 27th Sept

If you are planning to go on any of these dates or can help at the car wash & breakfast could you let me know or email odessaproject12@gmail.com

If you haven't been before and would like to find out more about the trips then please get in touch.

John