February 9, 2007

I found out not long ago that the father of one of our local Russian pastors is dying from cancer.  He is not a believer.  His name is Alexander Vasiliev.  He is in his mid 50’s and no kind of medicine at this point can stop the spread of the cancer.  He is on some pain medication to keep him somewhat comfortable.  His son Zhenya, pastor of Grace Church here in Ufa, shared with me today that his dad is going downhill fast.  Alexander will not repent.  Zhenya even this day wrote a prayer of repentance and asked his dad to look at it and think about it during the day.  Even though Zhenya’s mom and dad are divorced, she is now taking care of Alexander at Zhenya’s house (as the doctors and hospitals have done all they can do).  She has even been reading the Bible to him in the hope that he will recognize his spiritual condition and repent and receive Jesus as His Lord.  Time is running out, please pray with us for Alexander’s ability to consciously call upon the name of the Lord and be saved.  Pray also for Margarita as she cares for her ex-husband, undoubtedly whom she still loves.  And, pray for Zhenya, whose heart is very heavy in concern for his daddy’s physical and spiritual condition.  

Zhenya is scheduled to go to Moscow on Feb 17 for a short-term seminary course, and he is understandably troubled with the possibility of his dad’s impending death occurring while he is in seminary, which would cause him to have to return to Ufa and therefore fail the course, as he already once has had to postpone his involvement in it.  

 Thanks for interceding in this hour of need for Alexander, Margarita, and Zhenya Vasileev.  Pray for the scales of spiritual blindness to fall from the heart and mind of Alexander.

 Blessings,

Chris

February 6, 2007

On Jan.9, the Ufa Bible Church helped sponsor an evangelistic concert in the city of Sterlitamak (stehr-lee-tah-MOCK) located about an hour and a half south of Ufa.  Approximately forty people attended the concert.  At the conclusion of the concert, many people filled out information cards, indicating they wanted more information about studying the Bible.  Several of those folks have attended subsequent house church meetings in Sterlitamak, and last week, a young woman named Lena publicly repented and confessed Jesus as her Savior.

 Please pray for Lena, that she would have boldness and confidence in her new faith, and the the Lord through the Holy Spirit will guide her to share her faith with others and be discipled herself. 

 Pray for the believers in Sterlitamak who will be assisting her with her spiritual growth.

Blessings!

Chris Carr

Ufa, Russia