Why is the Soil in Russia so Rocky?
I have seen the future of much of America in Russia. If we continue to spiral downward into more broken families, drug abuse and violence we shall end up like the old USSR. The entire spiral upward or downward is dependent upon whether or not we develop solid families and a high view of life.
In the USSR family life was devalued by the state and life was cheap. Galina told me that "It was a joke among my colleagues in medicine that it was "easier to get an abortion than it was to sign in and out of the department in the hospital." The average woman in Russia has had 10 to 12 abortions! Life was cheap under the Communists and it takes a long time to change such attitudes.
Look at the following stats about American life.
What Women Want
By AMY L. WAX August 29, 2005; Page A8
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB112527883394625240,00.html?mod=opinion&ojcontent=otep
When it comes to single-parent families, Everybody's Doing It. That, it seems, is the received wisdom -- but it's not true. As Charles Murray noticed decades ago and demographers have known for some time, the structure of families has diverged drastically by social class.
The out-of-wedlock birth rate among women with no more than a high-school education has skyrocketed since the 1960s but remains very low among college graduates.
Divorce has declined among the well-off but is climbing among the unskilled. Although almost all college graduates still marry eventually, marriage rates are dropping steadily among those without a high-school degree.
As noted by Sara McLanahan in her recent presidential address to the Population Association of America, these trends tell an ominous story:
The offspring of the well-off receive a growing share of parental time, attention, and investment and grow up in stable and orderly homes. The less privileged frequently endure a fractured and chaotic family life.
These developments betoken diverging destinies for generations to come.
Can you see the future of America's poor, especially the poor blacks? I can, and I weep.
Christians and other religions ae the strongest intact family life and a high view of life. All religious life was viciously attacked by Stalin, Lenin and the rest. Christian attitudes of forgiveness, love and compassion were severely punished. We in the West cannot imagine how they hated God's word and Christian values, but it is happening in America as we write.
Contemporary agnostics hate morality, ethics and Christian values. But what will happen when we in the USA , like the Commies, turn away from compassion, love and mercy?
The soil in America is rich right now. Evangelism is not too hard. The greatest problem comes because so few churches want to reach the unchurched. But it will change unless we do something to win young, poor men to Christ and teach them Christian values.
(Be sure to read the entire Journal story)
Monday, August 29, 2005
Parable of the Sower
Part Two
Matthew 13:18 "Listen then to what the parable of the sower means:
19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.
20 The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.
22 The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.
23 But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."
Some places in the world are very rocky places. It is difficult to win people to Christ. We work hard, preach well, hand out Bibles but there is little response and the ones who do respond do not seem to last and grow.
Russia is currently rocky, shallow soil. Its violent, oppressive history with atheistic rulers makes faith and follow-through a real challenge.
Others places, however, seem to be so fertile that no matter what we do people respond and the churches are growing like wildfire. Huge crops are produced and the people grow and pass the word on to others.
Asia and Africa as well as South America are seemingly good soil. Millions are coming to faith in Christ every year. They are the center of Christianity in the world.
Jesus says that there are several reasons.
1. The devil steals the word from those who are so hardened that it cannot penetrate into their hearts. It lays on top and can easily be taken away by evil forces.
2. Some seeds penetrate the soil and a new plant/baby is produced. Unfortunately, there is little soil in which to grow and the plant soon withers and dies. (Infanticide)
3. Others hear, respond and begin to grow but become anxious, interested in worldly things and get distracted so they produce little fruit.
4. The seed that falls on deep, rich soil grows and a huge crop is produced.
Is there nothing we can do to fertilize the first three types of soil? Are they hopelessly lost in shallowness and rocks? Are the people hopelessly anxious and caught up in money?
I do not think so. I believe there is hope for change and producing better crops but we need to also wisely seek the better soil. When we see good crops growing continue to sow more good seeds and follow up with training.
Part Two
Matthew 13:18 "Listen then to what the parable of the sower means:
19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.
20 The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.
22 The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.
23 But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."
Some places in the world are very rocky places. It is difficult to win people to Christ. We work hard, preach well, hand out Bibles but there is little response and the ones who do respond do not seem to last and grow.
Russia is currently rocky, shallow soil. Its violent, oppressive history with atheistic rulers makes faith and follow-through a real challenge.
Others places, however, seem to be so fertile that no matter what we do people respond and the churches are growing like wildfire. Huge crops are produced and the people grow and pass the word on to others.
Asia and Africa as well as South America are seemingly good soil. Millions are coming to faith in Christ every year. They are the center of Christianity in the world.
Jesus says that there are several reasons.
1. The devil steals the word from those who are so hardened that it cannot penetrate into their hearts. It lays on top and can easily be taken away by evil forces.
2. Some seeds penetrate the soil and a new plant/baby is produced. Unfortunately, there is little soil in which to grow and the plant soon withers and dies. (Infanticide)
3. Others hear, respond and begin to grow but become anxious, interested in worldly things and get distracted so they produce little fruit.
4. The seed that falls on deep, rich soil grows and a huge crop is produced.
Is there nothing we can do to fertilize the first three types of soil? Are they hopelessly lost in shallowness and rocks? Are the people hopelessly anxious and caught up in money?
I do not think so. I believe there is hope for change and producing better crops but we need to also wisely seek the better soil. When we see good crops growing continue to sow more good seeds and follow up with training.
The Parable of the Sower Part One
Matthew 13
1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.
3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed.
4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.
5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.
6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.
7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.
8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.
9 He who has ears, let him hear."
This very famous story yells us that those of us who plant God's word cannot expect an equal amount of grain from every seed. Some seeds produced nothing at all, some grew up fast bur failed to thrive and some grew but a little and produced little fruit.
Other seeds, however, produced 100 times as much as would be expected from the amount of seeds sown. What was the difference? If I were a farmer and found that I worked hard to sow my precious seeds but some produced no crops at all while others grew 100 times as much as normal I would be curious. I would want to discover why there was a difference.
Jesus knew why and he told His followers the secret of abundance and riches. He told them all about church growth.
Matthew 13
1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.
3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed.
4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.
5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.
6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.
7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.
8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.
9 He who has ears, let him hear."
This very famous story yells us that those of us who plant God's word cannot expect an equal amount of grain from every seed. Some seeds produced nothing at all, some grew up fast bur failed to thrive and some grew but a little and produced little fruit.
Other seeds, however, produced 100 times as much as would be expected from the amount of seeds sown. What was the difference? If I were a farmer and found that I worked hard to sow my precious seeds but some produced no crops at all while others grew 100 times as much as normal I would be curious. I would want to discover why there was a difference.
Jesus knew why and he told His followers the secret of abundance and riches. He told them all about church growth.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Letter from Galina
One of the greatest challenges of ministry in Russia is leadership and management. No one in that system has ever experienced a democratic way of life. They have either been in groups that were run in an authoritarian manner or one that was laissez faire or chaos in action.
When the Russians say they want democracy in the church they mean no order or authority at all because they are used to abuse of power not power that is used to protect and support people.
Galina and I discussed a leadership style that has order with input from the participants it was a unique option. In her letter to me today she noted that the team met and discussed the future and the leadership approach we discussed actually worked well.
We are trying to help the people there develop a new nation not just develop small groups. Pray for them.
One of the greatest challenges of ministry in Russia is leadership and management. No one in that system has ever experienced a democratic way of life. They have either been in groups that were run in an authoritarian manner or one that was laissez faire or chaos in action.
When the Russians say they want democracy in the church they mean no order or authority at all because they are used to abuse of power not power that is used to protect and support people.
Galina and I discussed a leadership style that has order with input from the participants it was a unique option. In her letter to me today she noted that the team met and discussed the future and the leadership approach we discussed actually worked well.
We are trying to help the people there develop a new nation not just develop small groups. Pray for them.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Friday, August 26, 2005
Facts on Russians' Health
By The Associated Press
Cardiovascular disease death rate for Russian men 5 to 6 times higher than in West, Health Ministry says. Among men ages 45-74, mortality rate is 1,343 per 100,000, compared to 330 in France, 453 in Italy.
Russian population of about 147 million shrank by estimated 475,000 in 1996, State Statistics Committee says. For at least next several years, expected to continue shrinking by about 500,000 annually.
53 percent of deaths caused by heart disease, 20 percent by cancer.
The World Health Organization figures smoking causes 32 percent of all male deaths, 5 percent of female deaths.
1995, average life expectancy was 58 years for men, 72 for women, compared to 74 and 81 in European Union. Latest estimates from WHO say Russian life expectancy for both sexes now 64 years -- same as Pakistan and Guyana, worse than Vietnam, Mexico, Guatemala, Mongolia, Algeria.
A 20-year-old Russian man has just one chance in two of living to age 60, says Dr. David Leon of London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In Britain or France, 9 of 10 will live to 60.
For well over 100 years Christians have spread the good news through medical and or healing missions. Russia has some of the best trained doctors in the world. They know how to treat the sick but have so few resources to do that which is required.
They also have well trained psychologists, in theory. However, practical counseling and the application of skills was forbidden as was the practice of religion. Thus, Galina is training both professional therapists and mature lay people how to apply Life Skills for daily living.
By The Associated Press
Cardiovascular disease death rate for Russian men 5 to 6 times higher than in West, Health Ministry says. Among men ages 45-74, mortality rate is 1,343 per 100,000, compared to 330 in France, 453 in Italy.
Russian population of about 147 million shrank by estimated 475,000 in 1996, State Statistics Committee says. For at least next several years, expected to continue shrinking by about 500,000 annually.
53 percent of deaths caused by heart disease, 20 percent by cancer.
The World Health Organization figures smoking causes 32 percent of all male deaths, 5 percent of female deaths.
1995, average life expectancy was 58 years for men, 72 for women, compared to 74 and 81 in European Union. Latest estimates from WHO say Russian life expectancy for both sexes now 64 years -- same as Pakistan and Guyana, worse than Vietnam, Mexico, Guatemala, Mongolia, Algeria.
A 20-year-old Russian man has just one chance in two of living to age 60, says Dr. David Leon of London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In Britain or France, 9 of 10 will live to 60.
For well over 100 years Christians have spread the good news through medical and or healing missions. Russia has some of the best trained doctors in the world. They know how to treat the sick but have so few resources to do that which is required.
They also have well trained psychologists, in theory. However, practical counseling and the application of skills was forbidden as was the practice of religion. Thus, Galina is training both professional therapists and mature lay people how to apply Life Skills for daily living.
Lest We Forget What Happened in the USSR
The horror that was the USSR was long noted by national writers in the books and articles they were able to smuggle out of the gulags and prison camps that dotted the breadth of that huge country. Unfortunately, left wing observers from government, religious groups and political parties gave constant and loud praises to the Socialist system led by Lenin and perfected by Stalin.
While at the University of Cincinnati my boss, Dr. Nester, was included in an educational visit to Moscow and Leningrad. Included in the tour were several heads of mainline denominations who returned from the trip with glowing reports about the religious freedom experienced by the citizens of the USSR. Because I had read about the oppression and persecution of all religious persons during that time I asked Bill if he also saw freedom and peace. He replied, "Those religious leaders must have gone to a different country than I did."
These liberal leaders lied to protect evil men who mouthed left wing ideology but attempted to destroy religious fervor throughout the USSR. Hundreds of thousands of men and women, pastors, monks, nuns and priests were killed by the KGB. Numerous families of Christians were destroyed by the secret police who took the children away from believers on the pretext that they were "unfit to be parents." Over 90,000 Russian Orthodox priests were killed because they believed in Jesus Christ.
Cities with millions of people were left with one operating church to be a place they could show western visitors. Billy Graham was invited to speak at the Central Baptist Church as a sign that all lived with freedom to worship.
The duplicity and lies of Russian and western liberals will be judged by the Lord but every educated person should know and never forget what the left wing was saying and doing during the Stalinist purges. The happily participated in the murder and persecution of millions of Christians and the trauma will last for generations.
The horror that was the USSR was long noted by national writers in the books and articles they were able to smuggle out of the gulags and prison camps that dotted the breadth of that huge country. Unfortunately, left wing observers from government, religious groups and political parties gave constant and loud praises to the Socialist system led by Lenin and perfected by Stalin.
While at the University of Cincinnati my boss, Dr. Nester, was included in an educational visit to Moscow and Leningrad. Included in the tour were several heads of mainline denominations who returned from the trip with glowing reports about the religious freedom experienced by the citizens of the USSR. Because I had read about the oppression and persecution of all religious persons during that time I asked Bill if he also saw freedom and peace. He replied, "Those religious leaders must have gone to a different country than I did."
These liberal leaders lied to protect evil men who mouthed left wing ideology but attempted to destroy religious fervor throughout the USSR. Hundreds of thousands of men and women, pastors, monks, nuns and priests were killed by the KGB. Numerous families of Christians were destroyed by the secret police who took the children away from believers on the pretext that they were "unfit to be parents." Over 90,000 Russian Orthodox priests were killed because they believed in Jesus Christ.
Cities with millions of people were left with one operating church to be a place they could show western visitors. Billy Graham was invited to speak at the Central Baptist Church as a sign that all lived with freedom to worship.
The duplicity and lies of Russian and western liberals will be judged by the Lord but every educated person should know and never forget what the left wing was saying and doing during the Stalinist purges. The happily participated in the murder and persecution of millions of Christians and the trauma will last for generations.
Lifeways Russia
Since traveling to Russia in 1991 I have had the opportunity to see major changes in several areas. The Soviets left Russia and its satellites in such bad condition that it will take years if not decades to bring healing to individuals and families. Definitely decades to develop the freedoms that we take for granted. However, many good things are happening.
1. Hundreds of churches and ministries are supporting churches and Russian leaders. The growth in the number of leaders is significant.
2. Economically common people are better off, with the exception of those on pensions.
3. There has been a slow growth of groups that focus on recovery from alcohol and drug abuse. There can be no economic recovery without sobriety. There are a few regular A.A. groups but many more are needed. Galina has trained numerous pastors, priests and lay leaders to set up Christian 12 Steps Groups and there are several hundred operating around the former USSR.
4. There is an increase in the number of groups emphasizing family life and order. Along with a dramatic rise in alcohol and drug abuse has come the disintegration of families.
You can see that Galina and her team are working on three of these four areas. Go to her web page at www.Lifeways.ru for more information.
Since traveling to Russia in 1991 I have had the opportunity to see major changes in several areas. The Soviets left Russia and its satellites in such bad condition that it will take years if not decades to bring healing to individuals and families. Definitely decades to develop the freedoms that we take for granted. However, many good things are happening.
1. Hundreds of churches and ministries are supporting churches and Russian leaders. The growth in the number of leaders is significant.
2. Economically common people are better off, with the exception of those on pensions.
3. There has been a slow growth of groups that focus on recovery from alcohol and drug abuse. There can be no economic recovery without sobriety. There are a few regular A.A. groups but many more are needed. Galina has trained numerous pastors, priests and lay leaders to set up Christian 12 Steps Groups and there are several hundred operating around the former USSR.
4. There is an increase in the number of groups emphasizing family life and order. Along with a dramatic rise in alcohol and drug abuse has come the disintegration of families.
You can see that Galina and her team are working on three of these four areas. Go to her web page at www.Lifeways.ru for more information.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Gary and Galina teaching small group leaders and pastoral staff at the Rosa (Dew) Charismatic Church. Steve Sjogren taught one of his Servant Evangelism Seminars here earlier and I showed them how to set up groups and programs to disciple those won to the Lord through SE. This is the nicest church building I have ever seen in Russia.
Retreat participants are all leaders in Galina's Lifeways Russia Ministry. We did intenseive healing work on family of origin issues and saw many breakthroughs as people applied grace and truth to painful, bitter and traumatic past events. These pastors, professional counselors and lay leaders minister to hundreds of broken people every week and can now more effectively bring them hope and healing.
Gary with Fr. Alexander, head pastor of the St.
Kozma and Damian's Church that is in the heart of Moscow. We are great friends with Fr. Alexander who has a radical ministry to the poor and hosts a weekly Recovery Group. Galina has a close working relationship with this congregation and trained many of its leaders.
Gary spoke at the Baptist Church in the town of Dmitrov, North of Moscow. Rev Mihail is the Pastor and also heads the work of setting up Recovery Groups for Baptist men in the Moscow County of about 7 Million people. With Galina on one side and I on the other we told the congregation how much we approeciated his ministry.
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