update--my mission to Russia
Submitted by Oliver on August 9 2001 23:13:20
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Dear CBLF family, It's been a while since I've made a post to the credit of God's good work in my life and in those I've read of yours. I see many new faces here, and I'm pleased to know that we are still tracking along in Grace and bound to Glory's Shore. Recently, I returned from a summer spent overseas in an area of Russia known as Penza. The area is roughly the size of a moderate state inhabiting about 1 million people. While there, a team of 70 missionaries from several churches in my area witnessed to nearly 700 orphans, workers, and translators. I recieved an e-mail today describing the fruits of our ministry there: * A 6 week camp organized by Gaurdian Angel, a ministry to orpahns, and adoption in Russia. Ministering to 700 orphans this July. * 700 children and many adults, heard Gods word during this camp. Hundreds of children made decisions to follow Christ. We could see the Holy Spirit working in a powerful way in the children's hearts. It was a blessing to the workers and us to see the power of God so clearly. * Over 70 workers from America joined together to minister to these children. Many have become good friends and wish to support out ministry here. * In the bible camp 6 computers were brought for the children to learn on. These were later donated to the orphanages and they were delivered delivered when the camp was over. It was made clear that these were for the children and games were donated to go with them. * All 1000 orphans have bibles. As well as christian books, videos, and some adult bibles. This is from the generous giving of our American supporters. Children run to us to tell us scripture they have memorized since we saw them the last time. This is heavenly music to our ears. * We have had many orphans share that they have a great desire to attend Sunday school. * Many adults have also ask to attend our church. * We are praising God that many of our local youth took part in the summer camp. Their hearts were so touched by the orphans that many have requested to join the ministry and work with the orphanages. * 21 orphans were brought back to the US, ages 7-17 on Aug 2. These children will be hosted by families who paid their way for a month stay. It is everyone's prayer that they will find homes. * A real miracle for us is that of Alexie. He is in the Education Department and head of all orphanages. . Alexie has gone to the US with the children. He has shown a great interest in the bible and has been questioning about the Christian walk. This is the same man who claimed to be an Atheist. His eyes are slowly being opened to Gods truth. * Camp supplies, a storage room full, were left to use as needed in the orphanages. * We are praising God for his goodness, as we were giving a laptop computer from workers of the camp. * 8 wheelchairs were brought by the camp team to give to the orphanages and hospitals. This has been such a blessing to the ministry . There is a great need for wheelchairs, and everyone is very grateful. It is one more opportunity to witness for God * Through a donation from the camp we were able to take diapers, blankets and toys to the children in a handicap orphanage. * Two of the camp leaders both feel God's leading to return to Penza to work with the mission effort. * God has opened many doors to share about the orphanage ministry . We have new requests to visit schools and hand out bibles. I was very exstic at this good news, and the greatest thing is that it is just beginning. I very much believe that the orphans are the ones who will raise up a revival in Russia, dormant to religious practices for most of the 20th century. Please keep this effort in your prayers. I am currently descipling 2 of these orphans via letter and visitation, if possible. What a wonder it is that God calls us to service in the things that bring the greatest joy to our heart. Who knows what gives us joy better than He who created that heart and refreshes me each day in the little things of life's daily grind. This is a rather lengthy note, so I'll close for now. Please continue the thread and I'll be happy to answer questions about the particulars of this trip. I'm also happy to post a few stories, but I'll do that in another message. Blessings to you all, Oliver |
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