We have lived in Russia for over 17 years. During our first years, while living in Southern Russia, we were constantly aware of the war Russia was conducting in Chechnya. Bombs went off in the markets where we shopped. Tanks rolled down the highways that we traveled on. We didn't live in fear, just the constant reminder of living in a part of the world that was unstable. During this past year we have been reminded once again of our need for God’s protection and safety as we minister here. Last March, two terrorist bombs went off at two subway stations in Moscow. Since we often travel by subway to get around the city, it was a visible reminder of God’s daily protection of even our weekly routines. Then just weeks ago, on January 24, a terrorist bomb went off at the international arrivals gate at Domededovo airport, killing 36 people. This is the main airport we use for traveling around Russia and Europe. In fact, just one month prior to this incident, we were standing at the exact spot where the bomb was detonated while waiting for Benjamin as he arrived to spend the Christmas holidays with us. Once again through this tragedy we were reminded of why we are here—to share the message of the Gospel so that Russians can have the opportunity to choose to follow Him. The vast majority of people whose paths we cross daily have never heard what it means to know God personally and live in relationship with Him.
Thank you for your continued prayers for our health, safety, and protection, especially during these days of ethnic tension in Moscow.
Family
Lisa has been dealing with pain in her back for several weeks. From what we can tell, she has a bulging disc that has made it difficult to walk or stand for long periods of time. We have medications to help ease the swelling and deal with the pain. Each day she is feeling better but it is a long, frustrating process. Will you join us in praying for healing and strength in her back?
Michael will be graduating from Black forest Academy in Germany this June. He has been accepted at John Brown University in Arkansas and has also applied to George Fox University in Oregon. This is a major decision for him and he is praying for God to show him which school to attend. Please continue to pray for these last months of high school, for him to finish well, for continued health to attend classes, and for Michael to clearly see God’s leading in his choice of colleges.
Butovo
Lisa is not the only one dealing with back pain. Delara, pastor Shenya’s wife, has been in bed for over a month with a serious back problem. Her doctors tell her she needs surgery, but this particular surgery in Russia is expensive and risky. This has also added stress to Shenya and the ministry in the church. We are praying for God’s touch on her body. Join us in praying for Delara, for their family during this time of uncertainty and frustration, and for Shenya has he ministers to Delara and the church.
Our English club is starting up again after all the holidays. Along with our co-workers, Jeff and RJ Ceria, we are planning to expand the contacts for the club. We have a list of 15 people and see 7-8 regularly coming to each club. We are planning to start posting flyers advertising our club at subway stops and entrances to apartment buildings. We are also seeking a bigger room to hold our club. At present we can accommodate only 20 people. We would love to have a room where 40 people could come and participate in the club.
After praying about ways to bridge people from our English club into the church, we have decided to start an English Alpha course. This would be a way to use the attraction of English to those already coming to the club, but focus it on a more spiritual theme. Our desire is to keep the Alpha group small, 5-6 people, to help create an atmosphere where everyone feels free to ask questions and share ideas. We are hoping to start Alpha the end of February.
Pastor Shenya will be starting up his weekly theater group this month. Seven people have expressed a desire to be a part of this initial group. Pray for Shenya as he builds relationships with those coming to this group, none of which are believers.
Tobolsk
The Rehab center has just accepted 10 new people into the program. There are now 30 people living and being ministered to in the center. Pray for this ministry, especially during these long winter months when the average temperatures outside drop below 0 F.
The social center (half-way house) is now being used to help those coming out of the rehab program. Pray for Vadim as he has moved from the Rehab center to live at the half way house to lead this vital ministry to help people transition back into everyday life. This is a time that people will often experience relapses. Pray for God’s protection over each person living in the halfway house.
The Tobolsk church held a baptism this past week. Six of the 20 people baptized were ones that accepted the Lord at the Rehab center and committed their lives to follow Him. Praise the Lord!
