We have been blessed by Larry Heller’s, Roberta and Heather Ficke’s visit.
It is so great to have missionaries come. When we are together, we are complete as the Body of Christ. The unity in Spirit enables us to serve others on a much deeper level and at the same time we are being ministered to and encouraged by each other.
God blessed us with a wonderful time at Papernya secondary school. Since it is a government run school no religious activity is allowed there, so missionaries come as “cultural exchange” guests. The students prepared a program where they recited poems in English, Russian and Belarusian. Heather also recited a poem by a famous Russian poet and everyone was impressed by her Russian. Larry and Roberta also shared about themselves in Russian.
And Larry sang – everyone experienced the Divine effect his music and singing has on the hearts of the people. I thank God for the open door at the school and for the opportunity to share Jesus with many students and teachers so that we all get to experience His atmosphere and His touch. In the midst of all the activities going on God was doing His work – finding the open hearts and making friendships to glorify Him.
I cannot but share the words of one of my colleagues from the school: “It was a wonderful experience for us all… cannot even find the right words to describe it… something different from what we have known… there is something special about these people…. they seem to come not just from a different country but from some different world.”
And it is so true. This verse comes to mind, which has been great revelation and encouragement for me recently:
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” — II Corinthians 2:14
Right after the school we visited with foster Mom Sveta and her two sons – Zhenya and Vadim. That was a really joyful time to hear and to see what God has been doing in their lives.
And then – a meeting with the kids in Syomkovo village. I was curious to see how my one room apartment could welcome 20+ people at one time, but we managed just fine, there was room and something to do for everyone. I bet all the neighbors in the building could hear us too, and hope they did not so much mind our making a lot of joyful noise and singing praises to the Lord.
Our God is good. He brings His children together and makes us a family in Christ.
With Love in Christ,
Vita
