Final Weekend: Moscow

Four policemen across the entry walkway to the church—what was that all about? Our last day was Sunday morning in Moscow, and it brought together many things that we had not realized before. Looking back after the trip, we now realize that the ministry accomplished was evev greater than we had anticipated.

This church was meeting in a tent (taking 30 men 3 hours each weekend to put up) because it had been forced out of a cultural center, and the old church building that they had been renovating had been mysteriously burned by arson. Now the harassment brought on by local authorities and who knows what behind them (the traditional church? the mafia?) was there for us all to see. The police were there to stop the meeting because it was a “concert” without an official permit. How could it be a church service—there were no candles!!!

This kind of problem is repeated in many places, but everywhere we went in the preceding week showed us the same perseverance of the believers. All the churches we visited (see the itinerary below) have been planted by the Moscow church, and what a joy it was to be an encouragement and strength to them. Numbers are not impressive yet, though growing. But the enthusiastic response of the people helped us to believe that Russia is ripe for a major breakthrough!

Thank you to all that were praying for us. This is a needy country, but good things are happening. The trips to the orphanage and drug rehabilitation center were very impacting. But the overwhelming sight of Red Square, Lenin’s tomb, and the Kremlin reminded us that this is a great people who have played major roles on the world’s stage. Let’s continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in this great land that they will have the wisdom and courage they will need to see them become more than conquerors—victory in Jesus!