WORD OF THE DAY - Wednesday 07 July 2010

On the way back home to clean up, we took a "short-cut" through the central market and bought a fresh supply of corn, green beans, onion, tomatoes, watermelon, peaches, apricots, cherries, kreshovnik (gooseberries), shilkovitsa (mulberry) and raspberries. We had enough for dinner and supper. Thank you for remembering this work of evangelism in your prayers.
We moved away from the beach area shortly after Valya's baptism, and gathered under the shade of some trees a few yards away. We prayed and sang "Oh Happy Day" - in Russian of course. The woman who was the most curious sidled up near where we were and pretended to be doing some exercises, but we couldn't help but notice her ear was close enough to hear everything as we rejoiced with Valya in her new life in Christ Jesus. Valya knows some of these women, and perhaps she will talk to them more.

At 10:00 yesterday morning, we met Valentina at the river. There were already several people that had arrived early to get the best spot for their day on the small beach area. It was appropriate to have an audience (mostly 70 something bikini clad babushka's) and baptized her into Christ. One woman was paying particular attention to everything. Some have pondered with us on why we could not have used the "swimming hole" at the Boys Home. Nice idea, and don't think we haven't thought about it, but each time we get a little bold in our requests, the director gets nervous and reminds me that we are on shaky ground since the Home and all property belongs to the State. He let me know recently that we must be careful since the Orthodox may demand to have the same privileges as we have. Nevertheless, he is very happy with what we are doing for the boys and encourages us in every way possible. His is a difficult job and we understand. The Boys Home is located in a remote area and the area we chose is closer to the place where the church meets and also near Valentina's residence.

She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for the burial. (Mark 14:8)

Она сделала, что могла: предварила помазать тело Мое к погребению. (От Марка 14:8 Russian)

Що могла, те зробила вона: заздалегідь намастила Моє тіло на похорон... (Марко 14:8 Ukrainian)

Dear Lord God, our Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for gifts beyond our highest expectation on this new day. Give us more of your perfect and infinite wisdom as we study the truth and learn more about our blessed Savior. Give us an increased sense of urgency to use whatever we have at our disposal to help spread the message about Christ’s death, burial and resurrection and how all people can be saved if they will only have faith in Him and obey the gospel. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.