WORD OF THE DAY - Wednesday 28 October

For whosoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted. (Luke 14:11)

ибо всякий возвышающий сам себя унижен будет, а унижающий себя возвысится. (От Луки 14:11 Russian)

Our Dear Father in Heaven, we honor Your name as Holy ~ Forgive our sins as we forgive those who are indebted to us for some wrong we have endured. Give us wisdom so that we will practice sincere humility even as we show proper respect for other people. Through Christ Jesus we pray, Amen.

Our session at the university yesterday lasted about two hours and involved excellent discussion and gave me another opportunity to describe God's wonderful plan for all humanity to be one in Christ. We were with the best and brightest 5th year students in a round table discussion atmosphere. The English of most of these students is impeccable. One young woman, who helps as a student assistant, came up after the class had left the room and told how she always knew that God exists, but she confessed she doesn't know anything about the Bible. We have an appointment on Monday since she is going out of town for a few days. Yesterday afternoon before our Tuesday night Bible study, we had an excellent study with our newest regular visitor - Evgenia. When I questioned her about her faith, repentance and baptism, since we have been discussing it rather thoroughly, she said with a quizzical look at me, "that's why I'm taking these lessons to know how to become a Christian!" Today at 4.00, before our Wednesday night Bible study, we have a Bible study scheduled with Luda and Stepan. Our little kitchen planning board stays full and we hardly have time to keep it updated. Thank you for your fervent prayers for this soul saving and church planting effort.

WORD OF THE DAY - Monday 13 October 2009

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for beautiful pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45-46)

Еще подобно Царство Небесное купцу, ищущему хороших жемчужин, который, найдя одну драгоценную жемчужину, пошел и продал всё, что имел, и купил ее. (От Матфея 13:45-46 Russian)

Almighty God, our Dear Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for the precious gift of life on this new day that arrives with fresh evidence of your loving care and boundless love for all men. Grant us wisdom to recognize that there should be nothing in this world worth more to us, than gaining entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven where every treasure is that can fulfill all our desires for peace and contentment. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Our worship yesterday was another wonderful experience. We had a smaller group of people, but we had our brother Ivan Tupchanenko from Magadan as our guest. He made excellent comments before the Lord's Supper. Following my sermon, Ivan gave a preview of what he will be teaching each night this week as he leads the group in a Bible study about life in the church. We are blessed that he is with us for this week. Galina and I will take this opportunity and go out of town for a few days. We will return on Friday. We need to pick up some Bibles and literature that we desperately need in Donetsk. We recently heard from Eastern European Missions that they have had an unusual amount of orders this year, and that is why our order is being delayed. It is an overnight train ride there and back. We plan to be back here on Friday. We are very thankful that Ivan will continue to conduct the daily Bible studies. Thank you for your prayers.