Jan 31, 2007
All four young Russian girls sat in the hospital waiting area to see what the Americans were going to do. I could here the deep cough of pneumonia from one. They had been in the hospital from one week to 10 days. I wanted to learn about them. Who were they? What did they like? Through general questions, I learned they like most of the same things American kids do (basketball, swimming, and music). Soon the conversation turned to spiritual matters. The girls said they prayed after the Gospel was presented, however, when I asked them if they knew what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus, they said, “No.” God had so graciously arranged for another detailed explanation of the Gospel and to ensure the decision they had made. The interpreter was able to get out her Bible and have them read 1John 5:11-12 and they were encouraged to memorize this as a reminder of the surety of faith they had in Jesus Christ.
Sheree F, Mike S. and Don E. visited the gynecology ward at the hospital. Below are their reflections on their time there:
- Rena, the head nurse, had just lost her husband 40 days ago. We had a sweet opportunity to pray with her for God’s comfort and peace.
- The Lord’s presence was sweet and powerful while the Gospel was being shared. We could tell that several women were intently listening and we believe the “seed” fell on fertile soil.
- One young woman left part-way through the picture presentations and looked visably upset. Afterwards, we were able to briefly visit her in her room. With tears in her eyes, she shared that she was desperately missing her four year old child at home. We had precious moments to pray with her for God’s comfort and peace.
- The hospital ward was clean and comfortable, but the rooms were very sparse without the “conveniences” we take for granted in our hospitals. The nursing staff was kind, but mentioned they were limited in the supplies they had to work with.
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It was a chilling day, snow coming down in tiny beads with my scarf providing little protection from the biting cold. The Novomichourinsk Church had requested we visit a few families in the neighborhood. Let me share the heart warming story of 2 families that Mike S., Don E., Sheree F., Crystal L and our interpreter Tanya met with.
She graciously opened her home to us and invited us in. She and her five children were living in a flat provided through the means of her brother. When asked .if she had always lived in Russia, we learned she was a refugee from Chechnya. She had fled to Russia during the bombings in Chechnya. She tearfully explained that she had left behind family and did not have anything. We wept with her over her loss and sadness. This opened the way to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. After praying we told her about the Novomichourinsk Church that had sent us to visit her and to let her know we had come with gifts from people in the United States. These gifts included food items, Carepacks for the kids, a Bible, Christian literature and other household items. The lady was overjoyed to receive such abundance and grateful that day we had stopped in.
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Masha’s story
After climbing 5 flights of stairs, we came to this lovely woman’s flat out of breath and unaware of the joyful surprise God had awaiting us. The woman opened the door of the tiny flat to us exposing the depth and breath of her need. With her body shaking with tremors beyond her control, we learned she had Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. Immediately she asked for us to write down our names so she could share with her neighbors about the Americans who had come to visit her. After discarding our coats, she invited us into her cozy kitchen and began to openly share her story. Hers was a story which paralleled Job’s physical suffering. She had 8 grown children and several grand children. Her 2 sons were taking care of her as they were able. Unable to work at a job and at times suffering great seizures, she was destitute and dealing with many and varied aliments. When we talked about the God of the Bible, she mentioned that she had read the book of Job and was praying for patience. As we wept alongside her painful story, a volunteer, Sharee F. was moved to pray for her. Getting on her knees before this crippled woman, Sharee spoke from the heart and prayed for this dear woman. Afterwards, we handed her gifts given from folks in the United States: a Bible, food for her house, Carepacks for her grandkids, and other household items. As each item was laid on the table, you could see her overwhelming joy. Then, she said, “Out of all the gifts you have given me today…this is the most important one…” as she held the Bible in her hands. We learned she had borrowed the neighbors Bible to read the book of Job. Now she had a Bible of her own!!
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Jan 20, 2007
Today we left Moscow at 9:15am headed to Ryazan. On the way out of the hotel Kay Y. was looking at the various items in the hotel shops. In one store, a clerk recognized the Gospel bead bracelet Kay Y. had on her wrist. Excitedly the Russian clerk dug through her bag and was eager to show Kay she had one of these bracelets as well. It was thrilling to see how these beads on a bracelet can remind us of the story of the Gospel. And although Kay speaks no Russian the universal language they share as sisters in Christ spoke loud and clear through the visual reminder of the Gospel bead bracelet!
Arriving at the church at 3pm, we all began the process of making CarePacks. We had a industrious crew who put together 612 CarePacks for children and 210 CarePacks for adults by 6:30pm! After supper, we had the treat of listening to Pastor Oleg, Pastor Sergei and Pastor Romanoff; Grandfather, Son and grandson, a family of three generations of pastors. Pastor Oleg had been imprisoned for his faith during Soviet times. He said that from his side of things it was very sad that none of us had been imprisoned for our faith. He explained, “…because this strengthens you in your faith. Don’t be afraid of this if you go through it.” He added that he has a different relationship with God as a result of going through this. As this man spoke, you sensed his strong faith and sense of mission for proclaiming Jesus Christ to others. He said some of his happiest days as a believer were while he was in prison.
Choked up with tears, he shared that there was intense persecution from 1960-1987. He emphasized it was a result of churches in America and elsewhere praying and writing letters for them that pressure was put on the government and that the persecution was lifted. He said, “When we have guests and believers from other countries, I share my gratitude for your prayers during that time. I am sure you know people from your country who are still alive who prayed for us during that time. Please go home send word to your churches, let them know how thankful [I am] for [their] words and prayers during this time. There is no Soviet Union, no communist, and the church has freedom. Thank you for your support during this difficult time.”
I could not help but think how this man reminded me of Job in the Bible. At the end of Job he says in Job 42:5, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees You….” To see the God of Job, you must be well acquainted with suffering. This pastor had known the God of Job through his persecution and he can do nothing less than proclaim Him!
