Today has been very good.  We slept in a little due to the late night.  Hope Church held their service at 3 Pm on Sunday, followed by a ministry time with Children.  It was wonderful to be with them once again, and for those who shared this experience for the first time, it was a great experience.  We each participated in some way during the service.  Where are some pictures from our day!

Blake was able to sing during the service.  It has been wonderful having Blake here with me.  I have shared so many wonderful experiences wit him already.

Hannah also sang during the service.  It was great to hear both of them and to see them use their talent for the Lord.  Blake and Johnna did a sketch that symbolized the burdens we carry in our lives and how Jesus can carry them away.  Jesus said to us, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

It has been interesting over the years to watch the growth of Hope Church. They service today was pack out and there was very little space left of people to come sit down.  Praise the Lord!!!

We were able to had out the Christmas ornaments to each person present.  We even took time to write the church name on the back!

Turns out the New Year’s is the time that most Russian’s exchange gifts…so it was perfect for us to bring something for them.  I was able to preach today.  My sermon title was Living with Christ in the New Year and spoke of the responsibility we have as Christians to love like Jesus, forgive like Jesus, and share the good news with others.  I also was able to assist with Communion today.  It is so good to share the common spiritual bond that we have in Jesus Christ!

Mission Team from Pea Ridge Baptist Church in Ryazan!

We arrived safely in Ryazan yesterday.  Eighteen hours of travel makes for tired people…so the rest was very good.  Today, we have had a relaxing day with Pavel and Zoya and family.  We traveled to a small village where they have a small home and garden.  Pavel cooked Shish Kabob’s on an open fire in the snow.  We sang together, ate together and several from the team went out for a long walk in the village.

One of the things that has been on my mind today is the power of relationships.  When we travel overseas, there is an attitude of “we have some to DO something” for those we come to visit.  But I was reminded today that there is power in building relationships.  We gain so much from sitting at a table, learning from others and giving into their lives.  Today was a valuable day.  We have memories and ideas that will be with us forever.

Thanks for your continued prayers.  We will be participating with worship tomorrow afternoon with Hope Church has they celebrate the New Year.  We will also be working with their the children at Hope Church tomorrow afternoon.  We will keep you posted here on the website.

Check on the new page titled Ryazan Church Partners for updated information on the Pastors and church in Ryazan.  We are privileged to call them Brothers and Sisters in Christ and to join hands with them in ministry each year.

Rev. Holley Faulkner and Rev. Greg Creasy just returned from a trip to Ryazan. While in Ryazan, they traveled to visit with and encourage local pastor’s in their work for the Lord. They stopped in Korablina, Ryazhsk, Uklovo, Ryazan, Sasovo, Shatsk, and Kasimov…and in each location met with Pastor’s and their families to talk about God’s work among the people of Ryazan. We heard story after story of how God was moving in the lives of Christians in the Ryazan Oblast. One pastor shared of their church members meeting each morning for a time of prayer and Bible study…seeking God’s direction in all that they do. One pastor shared about their ministry through a Rehab center that is housed in the basement of the church. They are meeting the needs of people in with addictions and leading them to Jesus Christ!

While there, we will also able to lead a workshop for pastors and lay leaders on the importance of ministry partnerships. We taught about 15 Principles of Strong Mission Partnerships, encouraging partnerships with churches in the Ryazan Oblast as well as sister church relationship with partners in West Virginia and other parts of the world. One pastor stated, “this is exactly what I have been praying God will develop in my church.”

We completed our time in Ryazan, joining with Hope Church as they celebrated their 10th anniversary. We were part of a wonderful celebration that highlighted God’s work in the past and brought a challenge for the work of God to continue in the years to come!

God is truly at work in Ryazan. What a joy to be part of this ministry with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Continue to pray for God’s continued work through the many pastor and Christians in Ryazan.