Sunday Night Split

Well, Sunday was a full day of activity and ministry.  We split into two groups:  Rod’s – who had Gini, Svetlana and Kenny; and Chris’s – who had Steven, Melissa and Renee.

Chris’ Group

Chris’ group visited two churches.  In the morning they went to Grace Church, a new church that is beginning in a home and where one of the street kids ministries takes place during the week under the leadership of Marina.  They enjoyed the small fellowship.  Chris preached and Renee shared a testimony.  In the evening they attended the Light of the Gospel church, a favorite of everyone who comes to Ufa, whose pastor is Surgei (I know, there are a lot of Surgie’s) and the youth pastor is Arturo.  Christ preached again and Steven shared a testimony.  The group was extremely encouraged by the ministry and the relationship renewed and established.

Rod’s Group

Rod’s group first visited the Good News Church, where Piotr Zhuk is the pastor.  It is probably the most conservative and traditional churches in the whole region.  When I say traditional I am talking about the fact that they still use the old Russian hymns that are slow and in the minor key.  There were a lot of Babushka’s there, and the team truly enjoyed their time of fellowship.  Ken led some songs in English and then one in Russian.   Rod preached and Gini shared a testimony specifically to greet the women and to invite them to attend.  Of course, Gini did an exceptional job (go figure!) and the ladies were immediately attracted to her.  After lunch at a local Turkish restaurant and a short break Rod’s team went to the Central Church also known as the International House of Prayer (IHOP), the largest church and participated in the services.  Kenny led worship, Gini shared again in usual Gini form, Svetlana translated for Gini and Ken and Rod preached while doing battle with a music stand that was refusing to hold his notes.

After the day of services we all rendezvoud at our translator, Emilia’s, home where her mother – “Mamma Usmanova” as Rod calls her – put out an incredible 5 course meal.  We fellowshipped and we laughed…and we laughed until it hurt…then after a “LUL” we took some serious time to share what God was teaching us.  We are amazed at the graciousness, the friendliness and the seriousnees of these believers.  We are making immediate friends who are now our brothers and sisters in the faith.  We recognized that they are hard workers and not concerned with materialism like we are.  It was a great time for growth.

Then we went back to the Office and hit the hay…

We are all doing well.  The only one who is struggling is Rod, who seems to be getting a fever in the evening and through the night, but after a good night’s sleep seems to wake up alright.

Please continue to pray for our team – we want to  be an encouragement and to be effective as we come along side and serve.

Thanks for all your support and prayers…

The team…