GREETINGS FROM RUSSIA!

April found us in western Romania, teaching at Eastern European Bible College.We had a wonderful time working with students eager to prepare themselves to be used of God in amazing ways (Joshua 3:5). After the classes, the students loaded vans with food and materials and drove to a youth conference called "Peniel" (Gen. 32:30).

Over two thousand youth came from all over Romania. Each is responsible for their own transportation, lodging, and food. They MET GOD in this conference, which was dedicated to challenging them for involvement in missions. Over 100 gathered around a huge plastic ball-map of the world and offered themselves to follow God's call.

The Peniel youth conferences were begun over ten years ago by a former student of ours.We have followed this ministry with great joy, but this is the first time we have been able to attend and participate.

What a wonderful group of students we had in Vladivostok! Eager to learn, dedicated, creative. We thought, "Who can top these people?" Now we are in Sakhalin–on a long, narrow island on the east coast of Russia –and we have another great group. All in both places are pastors or actively involved in church ministries. Many are pastoring in difficult places. This area has improved much over the last 10 years, but it is still far behind western Russia economically. The fervor and enthusiasm for reaching people pulls the best out of us as teachers. God is working deeply in all our hearts personally as well as giving new hope and direction for ministries.

In Vladivostok, in addition to teaching extension courses for Moscow Theological Institute, we had opportunity to minister in several churches, to speak in a Presbyterian seminary, and to give a one-night seminar in a short-term Bible institute.

In Sakhalin, we are teaching for MTI and ministering in local churches as well. A number of pastors have a strong missions vision. Few have their own buildings, but they are more concerned to reach unreached people both in Russia and in other nations. It is truly amazing how their people give!

How blessed we are to be ministering in this nation, where we do not know how long the doors will be open. Even for the locals here, in some places the restrictions are becoming more stringent. They are following Jesus' instructions to "work while it is day." Praise God!

A big THANK YOU to all who are standing with us so faithfully during this time of economic crisis. We know your giving represents commitment and sacrifice. God will not be in your debt!We pray for your needs, too.

Financial MIRACLE in Russia! Expenses were far more than we expected and dollars were going fast. With no knowledge of our situation, 4 brothers felt led to "sow" into our ministry. The amount took care of our stay in Sakhalin! Amazing! We have lost $600 a month in support in the last 3 months. We have been trusting God to make up the difference. He used Russians this month. We know God is faithful to give "pro-vision" for the vision He has given us.