The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)Не медлит Господь исполнением обетования, как некоторые почитают то медлением; но долготерпит нас, не желая, чтобы кто погиб, но чтобы все пришли к покаянию. (2-e Петра 3:9 Russian)
Almighty God, our Most Holy and Compassionate Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for this new day that pulses with increasing signs of your providential care in our daily lives. Fill our minds with your infinite wisdom as we study and obey the teachings and examples of Christ revealed to us in your holy word. Help those who are searching for true meaning and purpose in life not to overlook the wonderful salvation that is available to all people who realize that they must repent of their old way of life and obey Jesus Christ as Lord. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Yesterday, we were very happy that after a month long break from the university due to the H1N1 virus quarantine, the Chair and Vice-Chair of the English Language Department invited me and Galina back to conduct two sessions with 4th year students. Four post-graduate students (doctoral candidates) asked if they could be present when they heard that we are back again. We used the occasion of two great American traditions and spoke about Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. In the first session, I introduced the historical view of early American Christians about setting aside one day as a nation to give thanks for God's leading and provision. Galina shared her positive view of these holidays as an immigrant to America. (Privately she reminded me without complaining, that this is the 4th year we have been out of the USA at this time of year.) In the early afternoon session, we spoke about the Christmas holiday and I emphasized that we are not certain from the scriptures regarding the date of Christ's birth. In countries where Orthodoxy is the predominate religion, the date for this celebration in January 7. I strongly emphasized that we do know that Jesus was born in a miraculous manner and then shared details about his life, his teachings and His vicarious suffering for our sins and the cross and his resurrection from the dead. We had the best participation that we have had with these students as they made comments and asked probing questions. This presented a great opportunity to speak about our faith in the existence of God and His special plan of salvation for those who obey Him. When we were preparing to leave, the students were begging their faculty to have us back. We already agreed to come next week, but a different group also wants us to spend time with them. The department heads will work all that out and we are delighted to share the Gospel in such an environment here in Ukraine. At our Tuesday night Bible study, we enjoyed a lively discussion of how to work together in spreading the Gospel. We are still trying to figure out how we can spend at least two weeks in Magadan and then come back here for a brief visit before we must leave Ukraine on the 18th of January. Thank you for the prayers!
No comments:
Post a Comment