Happy New Year

On the eve of another New Year, as you look back over the events of last year and look forward to a new year with all it's opportunities, I wonder, are you the sort of person who makes New Year resolutions? Perhaps more so, are you the sort of person who keeps them past the first week?

What do you resolve to do each year? Lose weight, get fit, eat less, drink less, look up that old friend you haven't seen for a long time, make up with the person you haven't spoken to for ages, do more, get out more, the list is endless.

Have you considered being more involved in your local Church or even going to your local Church.

As we think of the wonderful message of Christmas, when our saviour Jesus Christ came down to earth to dwell with men, don't you think it would be good to get more involved in 2013, to put your beliefs into practice.

Odessa Project is all about short term mission for men. Opportunities for one or two weeks to go somewhere different, get away from the daily routine, step out from your comfort zone, meet and fellowship with other believers and support God's work practically by helping to complete a home for needy children and young people.

We are taking names for the next trip in May 2013 and also for September as well, so if you are interested to find out more or come along and join a trip email us at <odessaproject12@gmail.com> or click here for more information.

Wishing you every blessing for the coming year.

John

Happy Christmas

Wishing all our followers a very Happy Christmas.

Keep checking the blog for updates after Christmas.

Cake Sale

Thanks to Annika and her friends, who recently held a baking day and cake sale and raised £126 towards materials for Transition House.
Also thanks to everyone who came along on the day and purchased cakes.

John

Next visit

Dates for the next visit to work on Transition House will be Sat 18th May - Sat 26th May 2013. 

Names now being taken, to sign up email odessaproject12@gmail.com or speak to Paul, John or Ben.

Why not do it now!

John

Thank you!

Many thanks to everyone one who helped at the bag pack on Saturday, thanks to Tesco Warndon Villages for allowing us to attend and thanks to the shoppers who were generous in their donations, which amounted to £240.

This money will be passed on to Grace Baptist Church in Ukraine to purchase more materials to help complete Transition House.

John

Odessa Project - What's it all about?

Odessa is situated on terraced hills overlooking a small harbor on the Black Sea in the Gulf of Odessa, some 443 km (275 mi) south of the Ukrainian capital Kiev.

It has a population of more than 1 million people. The city's location on the coast of the Black Sea has also helped to create a booming tourist industry in Odessa

Like most eastern European countries , Ukraine has a huge problem in the form of homeless children. It is estimated that there are up to 5000 homeless children living in the city of Odessa alone (source 'Odessa Guide.com'). Many take shelter in underground sewers, which usually results in them turning to street crime, drugs, prostitution and other forms of abuse.

What can be done?Homes can be provided for these children, as well as helping them get an education and gain employment so they can stay off the streets.

What is being done?

Grace Baptist Church in Odessa has an orphanage which currently houses around 40 children. These children are given shelter, food, clothing and, most importantly, love. Now the Church are building a Transition House for the children to move into when they become teenagers, thus allowing more children to be adopted into the orphanage. Once complete, this Transition House will house around 70 young people as they seek employment and their own accommodation.

How have we been involved?
In 2008, some men from Gwersyllt Congregational Church, Wales sought to put their faith into action and organised a practical work project to help with the construction of the Transition House. Since then, teams of men have gone out to help with the building work and have taken finances for the building materials.  In September 2011 a team of men from Woodgreen went to Odessa with men from Gwersyllt Congregational Church to carry out building works at Transition House. 

This year teams have gone out in May and September and plans are being made to go back in May next year. All team members self fund their trip, all money raised by donations is passed on to the church in Odessa towards project costs. We do not deduct any administration costs from donations.

Who goes?

A very diverse group of men have gone out to Odessa so far, including a plumber, two preachers, a software engineer, a retired police officer, mechanics, civil servants, a student and a BT engineer to name just a few. The age ranges from early 20's to (early?) 60's. No building experience or knowledge is required as everything is learned on site.

How can I get involved?

·         Support this project in the future, email us at odessaproject12@gmail.com for more information.

· 

 Thank You

We would like to thank you for your interest in the Odessa Project. All donations are used towards the project with no deductions for administration.

Updates

A group of young people from Woodgreen Evangelical Church will be doing a bag pack at Tesco, on Warndon Villages, Worcester this Saturday between 11am and 3pm to raise funds for the Odessa Project.

If you are local why not come along and support them by having your shopping packed for you.

Look forward to seeing you Saturday.

John