To Russia With Love and Prayers

The following letter from Galina is very exciting but challenging. I hope you have already read and absorbed the information from the Moscow Times. The Orthodox Church leadership, to a large extent is clamping down on all "Protestant sects" and they are very successful in shutting churches, putting pressure on the government, etc. We must pray.

As you read her letter I will make some comments to fill you in on what is happening behind the scenes.


I've made reservations for you today from August 11 till August 23 rd at "Eridan" apartment hotel. Unfortunately, it's more expensive this year, as many other things in Moscow -- almost $100 a day for a two-room apartment. (It is getting more and more expensive to minister in Moscow but we have no choices but to pay the price to keep things going. Life Way Ministries currently sends $2500.00 to Moscow so please pray about supporting that effort.)

I also made an appointment with Father Grigoriy from the Catholic Center to make a pre-payment for our 4 days in August with the team. This summer it costs $15 a day per person, which means at least 900 dollars for 15 people total.

Gary, I would like to give you some updating information.

1. On June 16-17th we shall have an "Apple 2" seminar for St. Kozma and Demian's Church (please pray). This will complete the first level course for the two big groups and their leaders, which includes "12 Steps", "Apples 1" and "Apples 2".

2. On June the 18th, we are finishing a series of weekly Saturday support groups for the church leaders of Kozma and Damian's community. (This is amazing. Galina has gotten us into one of the largest Orthodox Churches in Moscow!! Father Alexander is very supportive of our work but is being pressured by others to stop being so friendly with Protestants. PRAY for his protection.)

3. Next Wednesday Evgeny and Pavel will finish their "Brothers'" group they have been leading for 3 months. It is their second experience in leading male groups, the first one was over in March. (WOW! Two men's groups have completed training. This is incredible in Russia where the men are so damaged and emotionally scarred. PRAY for the men.)

4. In July, we shall lead an intensive course for the future leaders of support groups from different churches. Partly, there will be people from the male group and the Saturday support groups, who decided to participate in small groups development in their churches, there. (Praise the Lord! Leadership is critically needed. These leaders will multiply themselves all over the USSR and touch thousands of families.)

5. We continue supervision groups for leaders on Monday. (More leadership training.)

My greetings and gratitude to our brothers and sisters.

Galina