House Call

 

"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up His cross, and follow Me." Mark 8:34


We are a part of a small group Bible study which is held in the home of the beautiful elderly lady, Baba Nina, and her husband, Dyed Genady. Her husband is a shut in and because of his health (and sometimes hers), they are unable to get out very often, which is the main reason we meet in their home. Neither of them can hear very so we all have to speak loudly each week. Last week, after our lesson, we were talking about the importance of sharing our faith with our friends/neighbors. The sweet Baba Nina said that she isnt able to go and share much as they have been sick. We all prayed for opportunities and talked about ways to share our faith.

Well here in our country doctors still do house visits, so guess who the Lord brought to Baba Nina's apartment this week? You guessed it a doctor. This is sort of a funny. joyful, convicting story, so I hope you find the joy, humor and even convention intended. She shared tonight that a rather young well educated physician appeared at her door and she invited him in. She said he looked terrible. He made his way to their living/bedroom, the same room, just like ours. He proceeded toward the couch and plopped down, exhausted, and obviously in need of being ministered to instead of ministering. (that was the humorous part)

She began talking to him and her faith in Christ became the center of conversation. She said that he pulled his cross out of the inside of his shirt to show her that he was a "believer". He then asked to see her cross, to which she gave the absolute best answer to this question that I have personally heard or shared in our 10 years in a predominately Orthodox country: "I don't have or need a cross, I am a living sacrifice, dying to myself and taking up my cross in my life every day." She then took a long time to share the love of Jesus Christ and the fear of the Lord, things he had never heard in his life, and sure didnt learn in his years (probably 12) of medical school. She then tried to give him a Bible, where all she had shared was written, but that he was literally shaking from fear by the time she was through, as he realized for the first time in his life that that cross hanging on his neck didn't do or mean anything when he dies and stands before a righteous judge. She saw him shaking and told him there was no need to be afraid, that he just needed Jesus to believe in Him and repent and He would forgive him and take the fear away. He calmed down, took a copy of His Word, and left promising to read it. (that was the convicting part)

Michael was overjoyed and told her that she did a wonderful thing and reminded her that last week she was concerned about who to share with, and that the Lord heard our prayers and that He brought someone to her. (that was the joyfull part)

Dear Dear Friends

Isnt it wonderful to have dear Godly friends who understand and pray !! below is part of an encouraging note from one such friend today when I asked her to pray for our oldest in the states with Swine flu/ bronchitis :

"I will be praying for Reagan,s complete healing and for protection for all others.

I understand a Mother's heart for her son. You can count on me to faithfully lift him up.

My heart goes out to you ALL. . . .

It's so incredibly difficult when you feel helpless, like there is absolutely nothing you can do.

But then all that energy and love and desperation goes into intercession before the Throne. And that is truly the best and most powerful place to be. More powerful than being by his side touching his forehead because you are asking The Great Physician to lay His Awesome Hand on your son.

Please know that I care very much and am praying."

I Love Saturdays

I love Saturdays, at least the last few. After homeschooling for the past 15 or so years, I am rarely ever home alone. When the children were small, my dream was always to just be in our home, by myself. Just to clean and listen to music and dance around my house or just be silent. For the second Saturday in a row, Michael, Caleb and Grace have gone to the church to help with the construction/work. Everyone knows I am an extrovert, but I still like to be alone sometimes, so I have really enjoyed it. Maybe I am just getting old. This is also the second Saturday in a row that we have had dinner guests. I love that too. We have lived overseas for 10 years now, and we have people over as guests and go to others as guests a lot, which prompts the question: Do Americans do this anymore, Have people over or go over to other's homes? Because if you don't you should, It is wonderful !!

Baptism Photos July 09

 

 

 

 

Baptism Photos July 09

 

 

 

 

Antioch Baptism July 09

We praise the Lord for the 16 people who were baptized in the river on a rainy day in July. We had been praying for one of the couples for almost 2 years with the believing parents. They have two sweet little girls, who will now be raised in a loving Christian home, instead of drinking, partying and fighting. Two of the older ladies are also coming to the small group in GRES, that we have been praying to become a new church. One of their sons repented a few weeks ago. They are already seeing themselves as a church, starting to take up offering, had a "church" picnic, doing evangelism in their area, and now wanting to go to a village 3 hours away to share Christ there. One of the men in the picgtures is a policeman in town. Several of the men were saved in the small rehabilitation center for alcohol and drug addicts. One of the men worked all month out at the camps for children and youth, serving Jesus with a smile every day. When you meet Jesus, your life will never be the same. He loves us and takes us where we are, but He never lets us stay there.

First Day of School

 

First Day of school, tiring but great !!!

Grace has always loved school: Sunday School, Homeschool, International School, Russian School. She has always greeted every day of her life as far as I can remember with joy and excitement and finding ways to serve others. She gives it all she's got at whatever she does, and wherever she is, she is all there.

I snuck a picture of her dozing off after class today. She even asked tonight if she could get up earlier tomorrow, so she could get more done, to which the Lord gave me the wisdom to answer "No, you need more rest!"

Lord, thank you for the example of joy, service and giving it all that you show me through my sweet girl. Help me to live my life, with the same enthusiasm, for You and for Your glory. Thank you, Lord that you know what we need when we need it, and that sometimes when we ask permission to do something that seems like a great idea, Your answer sometimes is "No,you need more rest!" Help me to truly learn day by day to rest in You, Lord.