Pastor's Blog

 New Year’s is the biggest holiday in Russia and official holidays were the 1st through the 8th.  Those being completed, our meetings have resumed.  We have new faces at the student/career Bible study and at the English class comprised mainly of adults.  Most coming to the English class are non-believers affording some of my best opportunities for evangelism and establishing relationships.

We were able to have a Christmas celebration in our home for the students January 7th, the Russian date for Christmas.  Of the 18 in attendance several were 1st timers from the church which we attend,  including one who is in a position of leadership.  This is important as we have had to gain the trust of the leadership.  Church leaders in Ulan Ude are wary of  foreigners and anything an attendee does that is not their idea and directly under their authority.

We are also making a concerted effort to disciple some young believers and train them for outreach to non-believers and to disciple new believers. Thank you for your consistent and generous gifts these many years exemplified by the one sent in December.  Due to Holiday spending, the months immediately following Christmas can be a light in Mission giving.  Your faithfulness to be involved in prayer and finances is a great encouragement and help.

In the service of Christ,

Michael Robertson