a week in review

Thought I’d give both of my readers an update on my past week starting with last Saturday.

Igor Minenko is both the President of Ruka Dopomogy (Helping Hands), which is the ministry through which we coach churches in Jesus Focused Youth Ministry…and he’s a Rabbi at a local Messianic Church.  Last Saturday (Sabbath) I spoke at his church and stuck around for their youth group meeting afterwards.

I shared my testimony and gave an overview of missions from Genesis to Revelation.   Umm, apparently several ladies in the church are convinced that I’m Jewish.  I had a great time with them and especially enjoyed the youth group meeting, although the walk home was FRIGID!

There was a lady visiting from another church in town who spoke wonderful English and asked me if I’d be willing to meet some youth leaders from her church.  Of course, I said yes!  Sure enough, she called me a few days later and set-up an appointment for me to meet two young guys from her church.  Turns out, they go to the same church as a guy named Norby.  (Norby knows my friend Darrel and Norby and I have been communicating via Facebook since my first week here but haven’t been able to meet).  Anyway, the two Sasha’s invited me to one of their small groups this past Thursday night where I finally met Norby and got to hang out with a handful of high school and college-aged kids.  I’m going to visit their church this coming Sunday night.

Thus was my week.  Doug was out of town all week but his wife hosted a welcome party for me and two American Couples also working in the city.  It was fun to meet them and learn a little about their ministries and passions.  I met with our Pastor a couple times during the week to talk about the Young Adult Ministry (college age) and the worship band.

And I had some time this week to write and study.  I’ll help coach my first church the week after next I think.

My VISA application has been started.  Pastor Vadim thinks it may only take a week or so.  Be in prayer for a positive outcome, that is, me being granted a 3-5 year Religious VISA.  So much hinges on getting the VISA.  The next steps would be to get “Registered” as a resident alien and then get a bank account and start looking for a car.

How can I pray for you?