May 2002 Archives
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What a wonderful reunion it was when everyone gathered at the church in the morning for the orientation. Pastor Glenn Kravig gave an inspiring devotion and Pastor Jeff Fadness led us in worship. After praying for the weeks events in small groups we all had lunch together. The time of evangelism in the afternoon also went well. About 60 of us were broken into eight groups and traveled to various locations throughout the city to pass out invitations to the evening outreaches. Many later reported of conversations about the Lord that opened up as a result.
In the evening we had the big opening anniversary celebration. The nearly 300 attendees were led in times of worship, as well as hearing the testimonies of the american pastors and their memories of ministry in Vladimir. Pastor Jeff's brother, Greg, taught the evening Bible study where we were encouraged to have faith in all circumstances that God works all things together for good. We must not doubt His goodness and that whatever trial comes our way has been allowed by our loving Father for our growth and faith. The worst of situations can be endured with joy when we know that somehow, someway God is going to use it for good in our life.
It's about 10:30 pm right now and I'm doing this update from the church computer as I am waiting for the youth to finish their music rehersal for the program at the local high school tomorrow. Please pray that God would open the hearts and minds of the students to receive Christ and that God would use the american youth group as His instruments. It's so great that God is in control and has a perfect plan! God bless, Ron
There will be missionary seminars, street evangelism, evening concert and play outreaches, and a big celebration service on Sunday the 19th. We're so excited about this time and how the Lord is going to move in us and through us. We've all experienced so much spiritual warfare these last couple of weeks, that it's become obvious the enemy is not happy about all the folks that will hear the gospel this week. Yahoo!
Stay tuned for reports on how things are going...God bless! Ron
p.s. Finally! New photos in "today's photos!"
The very next day after we got back from Riga we had a big music night down at the church. All five of our church bands took part in two separate "cafe hours". The guys transformed our hall into a cafe of sorts for the night and folks could choose to come at 4pm or 7pm and hear the different bands, drink tea, eat cookies, and fellowship. It was a wonderful evening of body ministry and we're excited to do it again sometime in the near future.
I got to take part in two of the bands. Our regular church worship band and also the new band we recently formed in preparation for our ten year anniversary coming up. That band doesn't have a name, so I call it "Jubilee", which is the russian name for anniversary.
The three other groups were the alternative music group "Beware of Dogs", jazz group (also without a name yet), and our church youth worship band. How blessed we are to have so much music at our fellowship!
I'll try to continue to get you caught up on what's been happening since Riga in future entries. In the meantime, I ask that you would please lift us all up in prayer in the next few days. Our big anniversary celebration begins one week from today when over 20 guests arrive from the states. There are many details and the last week before such an event is always the busiest. Please pray that the Lord would help us take care of all the details while at the same time trusting Him to put it all together and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide. We're SOOOO excited for what the Lord is going to do. I'll keep you posted...
I have sensed more spiritual warfare as the anniversary approaches and that the powers of darkness are trying to shake me off my strong foundation in Jesus. I hurt my neck yesterday while working out, and today after work I walked on a manhole cover and fell through!! Praise the Lord I wasn't seriously hurt, just a bruise on my leg. I guess the enemy is trying to LITERALLY knock me off my feet! Last week my modem went on the blink. This week my car won't start and it's registration is expired. "God is my refuge and my strength, a very present help in time of need." Life with Jesus is exciting!!! :)
Please pray too that our church would have strong unity as we enter into this time of evangelism and celebration. That truly the joy of the Lord would be our strength. That we would be filled with a spirit of love, power, and a sound mind.
Well, that's all for now. I'll try and keep you posted more regularly, but if I miss a day or so, I know you'll understand and be praying. God bless! Ron
We have been busily preparing for our Easter celebration this Sunday (tomorrow) and our anniversary celebration May 14-19th. Both events are shaping up well and it will be neat to see how God will work during these times. Please lift up our Easter service in prayer. We spent two afternoons walking the streets, handing out invitations to the service and are hoping many new people will decide to come. For those of you who are wondering why I'm talking about Easter when it already passed, in Russia they are celebrating it May 5th this year.
Oh, we had our first official all night prayer meeting down at the church last night. It went from 10pm to 6am and was attended by over 50 people from our fellowship. I decided to come in the morning and was so thrilled to see 30 still there laboring in prayer. I expect the Lord is going to do wonderful things as a result of this evening.
That's all for now. God bless!
P.S. Photos coming soon...