If you read my post about going to Olga’s place in Zol’noye and praying for her son, Maxim, who has relapsed into drug use, you will certainly feel like rejoicing along with me when you hear about the “p.s.” of the story.
This past Sunday I went to the service at Tree of Life Church. I wanted to seetheir new building (still in progress) and congratulate Pastor Alex and his wife, Ann, on this great step of faith. All of that happened, and so much more.
Pastor Alex invited me to stay after the service and minister to the residents of their rehab center located right on the new church grounds. I was so glad I had slipped my Bible study notes into my purse before leaving home! During the service, 3 guys received Christ. I met some amazing young people–some students, some working in Samara–from Africa. They were truly a delight and I was glad to be able to encourage them.
After the service ended, I went out into the foyer. Guess who was waiting there?
MAXIM!!!!
I was so surprised – and excited! And he, too, was glad to see me in spite of his messing up. He stayed for the Bible study. He’s the one next to the blonde girl standing next to me in the group photo.
Pastor Alex told me Maxim and his girlfriend are attending their weekly home group for couples–so that’s another big PRAISE. Seems Maxim is choosing health and healing once again.
Olga will be smiling even bigger than when she held up the fish!
If you are curious – you can view a video of the Bible study HERE and see how it goes for me teaching with an interpreter. Give me some grace for what will no doubt look like lack of preparation. I truly had no idea this would happen, and I had to condense a 3-4 hour session into 50 minutes on the fly.
So fun to be part of what God is doing in people’s lives. Again, the key is to show up and be willing. How did God work through you today?
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