Okay, sorry for the cheesy Dickens allusion, but it is the truth. Tomorrow I leave for a two week evangelism rally in two small towns in the Tambov Province: Kirsanov and Mordova. After that rally we will hold a four day camp for our orphans at the Goreloe Orphanage. That camp will be followed by a two week evangelistic youth camp, which is always the capstone to our summer ministries.
All of these events are very exciting, but very draining. It is going to be thrilling, and a full, rich time, but there are going to physical and spiritual challenges all along the way...will you support these outreaches this month in prayer?
Here are a few things to be praying about:
Evangelism Rallies:
*The living conditions are going to be a challenge (i.e. showers alot less often than I care to admit in print, sleeping who knows where, toilets that are best left undescribed). Please pray that the team of 40 people will be able to serve each other, and remain focused on the those we have come to share with, even when things get unpleasant.
*Kirsanov is a town of about 18,000 people and there is a church there. Originally we were supposed to go to another town, where there is no church, but the local authorities were opposed. So, I can't help but thin, that the Lord has something special in mind for Kirsanov...this is His plan, not ours. Please pray for this town, and that this rally will really spark a fire.
*Mordova is a town of about 10,000 with no church. After this week long evangelism rally, a couple will be moving to Mordova to continue with the work, in the hopes of planting a church there. Please pray that hearts will be receptive, and that many will respond to the Word of God being preached.
Orphanage Camp:
*This is the first camp of its kind being held for these kids, and an American team of Russian immigrants (i.e. Russian speaking Americans) will be putting on this camp, with us "locals" helping. Please pray that this would strengthen our relationship with the orphanage administration and the kids, and that they would respond to the Word of Truth.
Lighthouse of Hope Youth Camp:
* Please pray that we will see many new kids come to this camp. A couple of my university girls took invitations. Please pray that they will attend the camp and that God would change their lives there.
*There is alot of work that goes into putting this kind of a camp together. Please pray for all the workers that are preparing for sports, kitchen work, counseling, drama, english lessons (that's me), and all the others details. Most of these workers will have spent the last three weeks on the road at the Evangelism rally and the Orphanage camp. Please pray for an extra-ordinary boost of strength and energy for this camp.
*Please pray for our Camp Director: Vadim Mihailin, who is also the Pastor of the Truth Baptist Church in Tambov (the central church, my church). Please pray that God would give him wisdom, and the words to say each even and morning as he shares his own story and the Truth about God from His word.
Because of all these events I will not be in internet contact for the vast majority of the next month. But please feel free to write back and leave messages on Facebook, etc. When I do get to the internet it will be great to hear from you!
Thank you for your prayers, for your partnership, for your love. We are in this together.
Love,
Jenni