Missionary John Doroshuk Is In The Country of Georgia Right Now

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Missionary John Doroshuk is in the country of Georgia ministering to refugees now. He reported today that yesterday evening he went to one of the refugee centers in Tbilisi to distribute some rice, sugar and toiletries. He was able to help 28 families plus some single men. All of these people do not have a home to return to; the war completely destroyed their homes.

So many of the people had a nice garden and orchard before the invasion by Russia. They are unable to go back to these to take in whatever is left. Some places have a land mine every three or four feet apart. One of the reasons the Russian forces stayed back in Georgia so long was to spread a complete blanket of land mines so that even if the people could return, they would not for fear of be killed by one of the land mines.

Today he will be going to the tent city refugee camps on the outskirts of Tbilisi. These people have been dealt such a horrible blow.There still seems to be a shortage of bedding, mattresses, blankets, sheets and pillows. So, winter clothing and bedding are desperately needed.

Many of the people in the tent cities will be able to return and restore their home, some even before winter. Others who have no home to return to have been placed into buildings that will house them for a longer period of time. The authorities have commandeered all daycare centers for a minimum of twelve months to be used as refugee centers.

If you can help in any way, please contact John Doroshuk. Thanks for caring and sharing the needs of our brothers in Georgia.

mincoordinator@attglobal.net

Georgia Needs Our Prayers And Support

The country of Georgia severed diplomatic ties with Moscow on Friday to protest the presence of Russian troops on its territory. Russia said the move would only make things worse.

With European Union leaders set to discuss on Monday in Brussels how to deal with an increasingly assertive Russia, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin angrily warned Europe not to do America's bidding and said Moscow does not fear Western sanctions.

Russia has faced isolation over its offensive in Georgia and stands alone in its recognition of breakaway regions South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The U.S. and Europe have closed ranks in condemning Russia's actions but are struggling to find an effective response.

John Doroshuk, Goderdzi Todadze, and Rusudan Todadze report that the EU leaders are not expected to impose sanctions on Russia at their summit but may name a special envoy to Georgia to ensure that a cease-fire is observed.

The diplomatic break will require Georgia and Russia to negotiate through third countries if they negotiate at all — a sticky situation because Russia sees Western nations as biased in Georgia's favor. Georgia, which had pushed for a greater role for international organizations, could see it as an advantage.

Meanwhile, ministries to refugees like the Church of God of Prophecy continually work in different ways. John Doroshuk, Georgia Ministry Coordinator (Church of God of Prophecy) said, "We have been serving about 35 families camped in a kindergarten. They are refugees from different villages and most of them are children. We investigated their needs and supported them with hygienic staff, medicines, clothes and etc. But, most important for them, we provide spiritual support because almost all of them are experiencing a great deal of stress."

Because of the large number of refugees, ministries like the Church of God of Prophecy have had to increase their support. Dr. Gerald S. Flint, Director of Volunteer Medics Worldwide said, "We visited refugees in the 'City of tents.' Doctors examined as many patients as possible and gave away medicines. We saw a large number of eye infections. Some of the children had critical levels of sickness."

August 23, John Doroshuk, Rusudan Todadze, and Dr. Gerald visited Gory city that was attacked by the Russian air force. Russian troops left this city on August 22, so this ministry was able to enter. They report terrible conditions. They saw burned houses, damaged hospitals, closed schools and people experiencing clinical depression. People have lost relatives and close friends. Some people are living under the ruins left by war.

In visiting bombed places, they saw ruins where large bombs were dropped. The ministry team helped people who took peaces of bombs far away from children. Some of the adults clearing rubble burned their hands (apparently from chemicals).

Please pray for the people of Georgia. They need all kinds of help.

If you feel led to assist in any way, contact John Doroshuk at mincoordinator@attglobal.net.

Synergy Church Consultants

Sometimes, the Senior Pastor or church staff just need an outside look to maybe just confirm what they already know. An outside set of eyes and ears can see and hear what the resident staff no longer sees because of familiarity.

So, an experienced church consultant can be very beneficial in assisting the team to formulate their vision and strategic plan.

When Synergy consultants come in, we generally look at the following issues:

- Is the senior pastor confident in the vision and direction for the church?

- Is this vision communicated clearly, understood and embraced by the congregation?

- Are the paid pastoral/ministry staff members unified and productive?

- Are the official non-paid key leaders of the church unified and productive?

- Are new leaders are being cultivated and developed?

- Are the current leaders are being trained on a regular basis?

- Are the primary leaders of the church open and receptive to change?

- Are committees and or teams well organized without any "bottle-necking" blockages from primary leadership?

- Does the organizational structure allow the important issues to be resolved and implemented quickly?

- Do the key leaders, paid and non-paid, place a heavy emphasis on prayer?

- Does the primary leadership hold Biblical leadership as a top priority?

- Does the primary leadership model servanthood with a joyful spirit?

- Are the primary leaders trustworthy?

- Are the primary leaders courageous and willing to take risks?

- Does the pastoral/ministry staff communicate genuine care and concern to the people?

- Are the primary leaders positive and full of faith?

- Is there an intentional effort to identify and include new leaders?

- Do the primary leaders freely empower others to lead and do the work of ministry?

What would we find in your church or state?