“Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God…believe also in Me.”–John 14:1 (NKJV)
After several months of waiting for God’s timing, trip number ten to Russia is a go! This year I am traveling much later than I usually do, leaving September 23 and returning October 20. I will get a taste of the “sunny juice” that covers the pathways in the parks and squares as the trees turn gold and drop their leaves. The air will have quite the nip to it, and I will be grateful for the yak’s wool scarf I received last year as a parting gift.
My Bible study topic this year will be “Jesus, Our Shelter” and I will have several opportunities to share this practical and personal lesson from the Word about God’s purposes for our life’s storms. I’ve been invited to return to the Salvation Rehab Center in Pestravka and to the follow-up program with the participants in the year’s first CrossRoads training in Novokuibyshevsk. I also plan to visit the kids who were dispersed to orphanages last year when the boarding school closed down. I will share at the youth group Katya and Sasha started at their church in Zhigulievsk and at another teen club. Yes! I will be busy! And in order to do all of this well, I once again need a team of supporters to hold up my arms so the battle for the souls of Russia’s youth can be won.
You matter in all of this! You can go with me by encouraging me and our Russian brothers and sisters in Christ with a donation to their ongoing efforts. Every dime that is given goes directly to support CrossRoads in Samara. They plan and go forward on faith that God will provide what they need to serve Him. He provides through people such as you, who can’t go overseas yourself, but who desire to participate in the Great Commission and spread the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth. (And Russia is as far away from California as you can get!)
I am so aware of the effects of our ongoing recession and that many of you are struggling financially. But, if you are willing and able to participate in any way, regardless of the amount, please send your tax-deductible donation payable to “Help is on the Way” to: Help is on the Way, 1529 Taylor Lane, Madera, CA 93637. Note: “Samara” on the memo line. Since I leave on Sept 23,—it’s important to send gifts prior to Sept 17 so that the funds can be receipted and prepared for transport.
Whether you can or can’t help financially, will you pray for me as I prepare, travel, and model Christ’s words of comfort in tangible ways to Russian teachers, teens, children, and many others who will cross my path—always curious about life in America and what brings me to their city.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for even considering partnering with me. This year in particular, I am often tempted to give in to weariness as I grieve the recent death of my father. But, as long as God gives me strength and provision, I am compelled to continue on the path He set me on the day Tanya said, “We need someone to teach us the Bible…”
I am excited for you! I know Russia holds a deep place of your heart. I will be praying for a move of the Spirit, safe travel, and appointments God will set up for you.
Dottie
Thanks, Dottie! Your prayers are right-minded and exactly what I need. Welcome to my team!
Yay, you’re going!!! I’m so thrilled for you and for your Russian friends. I think of you as always prepared with a ready Word on your heart, and feet set to go…spreading the gospel of peace and salvation, hope and encouragement wherever you step–at home or abroad. I’ll be praying for you and looking forward to the awesome stories you’ll bring home to share :-).
Thanks dear Mary! As long as my feet don’t swell too much, I will hope to take plenty of steps toward those goals. Assuming I get a good internet connection every now and then, I hope to have stories for you here on the blog…long before I return. For a taste of what’s to come, take a look at last year’s entries (May 2009).
You are SUCH a gifted writer. Amazing how our pictures of old..while, of course, portraying us as younger, do not always make us look better…or MAYBE we did not even look as wonderful as we thought when those pictures were taken. Oh wretched ego! Possibly (probably) our current impressions of old photos have to do with out-of-date hairstyles, clothing, etc., but, more importantly, I really think we do become more beautiful as we age. That is a new theory of mine and is becoming a mantra as I continue on my journey. I often think (know) my friends look better now than they did 30 years ago. Your look, particularly, Jeanette; your hair, demeanor, energy.. everything.. all seen so much softer when I see you now than when I view your original passport picture. You truly are more attractive and really are someone today. I think we all soften over time and grow into ourselves. I intend to stay on the blog to watch as you continue to bring joy and bright light to those in Samara. With love, Betty
What lovely words on my behalf! Thanks Betty! And welcome to my blog.