Today has been full, very full. It is 11:30 PM our time and we are leaving for rural Pogrinichny (3 hours away) at 6 AM. I will have to postpone a long blog entry until sometime tomorrow night. Needless to say, today has been a high water mark for the trip. We did teach for 3 1/2 hours in the Bible school on Christology and Scripture (Bibliology). Pastor Graham is a real joy to serve with - full of pastoral wisdom, crazy funny, and an excellent cross-cultural communicator. He loves the people of Russia, but is all too aware of the idiosyncrasies and the struggles of the country. It is too cool to see someone love, really love the souls of others from a different country and culture. By virtue of making five trips here in eight years he has earned credibility and the right to speak with the believers. He'll test the strength of that credibility in the next couple of weeks as he addresses specific concerns with the leadership of the church here in Ulganay. I'll communicate the specifics of that in a later blog.
Tomorrow I'll communicate about today's activities: Bible school, youth meeting, dinner in a one-room flat apartment with a young family from the church.
Thanks to all of you (young and old) for praying for us (doors to open and clarity) for the sake of the Gospel. And thanks for your notes!
Much love in Christ, Mark for Steve
Hey Dad! I've loved keeping up with your blog. We've missed you this weekend with the whole family except you. :( But we're glad you're there serving. Also, Abby and Cierra have enjoyed reading your blog too. Thought you'd like to know. I love you!
ReplyDeleteHey Mark, if my math is correct, it's early Sunday morning for you over there. Have a blessed Lord's Day.
ReplyDeleteMark, So good to hear updates from you. Steve Graham is a great guy. Praying for you guys! Matt Foreman
ReplyDeleteHey Mark,
ReplyDeleteSo thankful for the good work you guys are doing. Know our prayers, especially tomorrow in worship. Seasoned Citizens had a super enjoyable time today in NC at an apple orchard (Justus). Beautiful day and beautiful fellowship. Last night we had an excellent, very encouraging community group leader's training. All were excited and freshly committed. Do pray for us, brother. Tomorrow's message is Eccl 11:7-10 "Choose Joy!" I know you would like it. Love you, brother.
Bob Selph
Dear Mark,
ReplyDeleteHow we love and pray for you in these days, brother! I'll bet getting to teach is giving you fresh vigor for your mission each day, plus the joys of time with families in their homes. Stay well, Mark! Sleep sound in our Lord Jesus ~ stay warm! We love you and your family, and it's because you are so completely lovable! ;)
May God bless you today as you worship with the church,
Cathi
Hi Big Bro!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you are staying busy, ha, ha! It sure sounds like you are covering alot of ground and experiencing so much! Isn't it great to be travelling with someone who has "been there"? We "think" of you often and are constantly figuring out what the hour is over there and wonder what you might be doing.
Your fam is faring well...had a fun time retrieving the boys from CU on friday. Such a gang that I had to drive Cher's van! James is getting his truck fixed this weekend so he is chillin' in Greer for a nice break.
Well, sorry this is wordy, just thought you like a bit of news from the homefront. Oh, Dad is faring well with his treatment also!
Love you; Gracea and peace!
BabySis