Today was our final day of teaching. We (Alexi, Steve, and I) also had lunch with Sasha from Nhohodka at the Republic Restaurant near the FEFU campus. Afterwards, we went on a brief tour of Vladivostok with Sasha and her mom Zoya. Honestly, the aftermath from Hurricane Sandy in the US is on our minds. We have great sympathy for the difficulty many are experiencing from Monday night's hurricane on the eastern seaboard.
When we were leaving the restaurant, Farkhod (Uzbekistani who works at the restaurant) ran after us down the street imploring us to call him. He was rejected by the consulate for Russian citizenship, though I do not have the details. I have his phone number; Alexi has promised to call him for me and translate. May God give us compassion for immigrants who desire to immigrate legally.
Tonight we had our final teaching session at the Bible school. Serg (short for Sergei), Alexander, Ann, Dennis, and Natasha were our students. Olga could not make it, so we may not see her before we leave.
I finished with the atonement of Christ (sacrifice, propitiation, reconciliation, and redemption). What a limitless subject! It is amazing to think God saved us in such an amazing way. Steve was excellent and succinct as usual as he covered the grammatical/historical approach to Scripture.
Ira was our faithful translator. We had dinner with her, her daughter, and two other women at Ira's apartment in Vlad. I chronicle this in my "First Tears" blog from yesterday. I gave Ira a 1,000 rubles ($ 30.00 US) for 2 1/2 hours of translation. She is a godly, capable woman. I will mention her in a blog tomorrow about the state of men in Russia from my brief time here.
Hey Mark,
ReplyDeleteWhat a feeling you must have having completed the teaching, having given, maybe not as much as you wanted to give, but basically the planned topics. And, no doubt, so much more by way of conversations, fellowship, and establishing relationships than you ever dreamed. I am so pleased for you and with you, brother. We continue to pray for you...and give praise to our God for His good work through you.
The US has cancelled over 18,000 flights since Monday. It is exciting to see how the Lord will provide for you to get home. Bro, I'm confident you'll make it home someday, brother. Hey, if you have to walk and swim, just think what great physical shape you will be in. Who needs a gym?! Really and truly, we are praying for that too, brother. We want you back...sooner than later.
Enjoy your remaining time.
Bob Selph
Hi, Brother! Just feel like we are 1/2 there with you through reading your blogs. Truly look forward to seeing more photos when you get home; just know Pastor Bob will give you 3 or 4 hours to talk and share pictures:) You can keep the extra caviar for yourself and Cheryl:) Seriously, am praying for endurance and grace for the "home stretch" the next few days and for a wonderful time Thurs. pm (last English class?).
ReplyDeleteLove, Kathryn