Celebrating the Passover Lamb

One of our friends here in Moscow works with Jews and held a Passover Seder yesterday.
These boys were precious, and helped me set the tables up for the Seder.
The ending blessing. This man works with Jews for Jesus here in Moscow, a group our company partners with here.

He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me, and to him who orders his way aright, I shall show the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23

следующая году в иерусалиме! (Sleydooyoushaya godoo v eeyeroosaleemye or Next year in Jerusalem!)

Yesterday was a full day of ministry. Our team that works with the Jews of Moscow held a Passover Seder at Hinkson Christian Academy, and we helped. Marc, of course, did video and took pictures, and Hannah and I helped with serving food, setting tables, etc. (John and S.B. stayed home, since we knew it was going to be a long day...we left at 2p.m. and returned home around 10:30.) By the time it was over, not only had we really enjoyed ourselves, but at least two people made decisions to follow Christ, something we have not been a part of since coming to Russia. I don't mind telling you, it was worth every minute spent on our feet yesterday to see a group in which there is some movement toward Christ. Very, very uplifting and fun.

The night before, Marc went to a country bar with Alexey, a friend he has made through our English club. Alexey is a music student now, but he was a mig pilot for the Russian Air Force. He plays in a jazz/blues band, and when he found out Marc loved country music, he invited Marc to go with him on Friday to hear a friend's band sing. Marc said they were really, really good, and that it sort of made him homesick. Maybe you're wondering what a Southern Baptist missionary is doing at a bar. Well, it turns out that the lost in Moscow are no different than the lost in the U.S.--they're not exactly beating down the doors of churches asking to be saved. It is the vision of our team to go where they are, develop relationships, and then lead them to Christ. Our team leader's doctoral proposal deals with this idea--creating missional space. Now, Marc didn't drink anything heavier than a Pepsi (he said the bartender looked at him like he was nuts, and actually had to dust the Pepsi off before giving it to him!), and he is always careful not to even give the appearance of doing anything that might be misconstrued by others as sinful. But how much more do you think Russians notice him NOT drinking in a bar than at home? One of Alexey's friends commented that she really admired Marc for not drinking, saying that she knew that was so much better. This is how spiritual things happen on this field. I'm not saying it's how it happens everywhere, but it's how these things happen here.

In a week of discouragement--struggles with depression/homesickness, a discovery of expensive things being stolen from us, more and more people leaving the field, etc.--what a gift from God that we had such great ministry experiences, too. It is so much fun to do ministry, and we are so grateful for every opportunity. On another note--we are Russian'ed out! We have done nothing all weekend but speak Russian, and our tongues are numb!!! We are enjoying a quiet house this morning, and some time to unwind and refresh...and speak English! Wherever you are in the world, my prayer is that you see how God is renewing you in the midst of stormy weather, and that you have a whole day where you speak nothing but English! Blessings to you and yours!

His,
Kellye