From Michigan...With Love!

We are writing with much praise and thanksgiving in our hearts to the Lord for those of you who have been praying for us in our time of transition from Russia to a land that has almost become a foreign culture to us. Things in this country sure have changed, especially during the past year or so. We, as a nation, seem to be in an unstoppable tailspin, full of confusion and uncertainty. This thing I am sure of though, the One that is unchangeable, the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, is still on the Throne. There is no confusion in Him, our King of kings and Lord of lords. If we, his people, who are called by His name, will humble ourselves, pray, and turn from our wicked ways, He will hear us from heaven, will forgive our sin, and heal our land. (2 Chronicles 7:13-15)

We have made our journey 'north' to Niles, Michigan, and have begun ministering alongside a wonderful and very committed group of servants of the Lord with Life Action Ministries. As we have shared, the focus of our calling here is to minister to, honor, and encourage pastors and their wives...something the Lord, unbeknownst to us at the time, was preparing us for over the past couple of years when He gave us the same burden for our Russian pastors and their wives. ( 1 Timothy 5:17 "The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.")

Last week, we took part in our first retreat at "The Lodge". We are a part of the staff that welcomes the couples, helps them feel comfortable, loved, and well fed, both spiritually and physically. The facilitators for the hosted couples are Ed (Staff Pastor) and his wife, Gail. It was truly an amazing week with a group of 7 precious couples who love and serve the Lord in a pastoral position. They travelled in from several different states. Though they were all strangers prior to their arrival, they had two main things in common. First, all 14 people were servants of the Lord under an intense amount of pressure due to problems in their churches and family. When the enemy is unsuccessful in bringing down the shepherd (the Pastor), he will often change his strategy and go after their children. Needless to say, most of these couples came tired and wounded. Over the course of the week, we stood in awe of how God knit these couples together as like-minded servants with common trials and struggles and became iron sharpening iron. Through their new found friendships, they were encouraged and their spirits renewed to continue shepherding their flocks and loving the Lord with all their hearts, souls, minds, and strength. Secondly, a significant revelation for all of us attending was that we are not alone in this battle. There are others experiencing the same sting of church splits, gossip, and slander against not only the pastors, but also their families. Wednesday night, we could sense the Spirit of God among us in a powerful way. As pastors and their wives broke down and shared their stories and burdens, God ushered in a time of mercy, grace, and comfort. We experienced an intense time of prayer, bearing one another's burdens, and casting all of the cares upon the One Who cares for us. The Lord met each one at their point of need and we were blessed to witness God's faithfulness and the powerful move of His hand upon the heart of each one. On Friday morning, Pastor Ed recommissioned each couple to return to their respective churches afresh and to continue shepherding the flocks God has entrusted to their care. Each of the men were encouraged to keep their focus on Jesus Christ, as well as the power and truth of His Word. It was a glorious week and we were encouraged to be a part of it.

We have since heard from a few that attended that week's retreat. One Pastor and his wife sent us a note of testimony that blessed our heart. "Our Lord's Day was amazing, with 9 people making a profession of faith, and 6 committing to be baptized. The Lord continues to move and affirm that He is at work among us---He is so good and faithful!"

We serve a mighty God and we are humbled to see where He has placed us to reach out to His shepherds, those who hear His voice and are faithful to teach His precious Word. Please join us in praying for His work to be accomplished as Pastors all around the world seek to lead others to genuine salvation through Jesus Christ. Also, please pray for the Lord's hand to be upon their families and that these men of God will be effective ministers of the faith to their wives and children as well. Thank you for praying for us to be sensitive to the needs of those who come to The Lodge and that we would discern how to best minister to them. We desire that God's good and perfect will be accomplished in and through us as we seek to serve Him in this new arena.

As far as family goes, we enjoyed time with Roz's dad in SC and visiting with other family members before heading north. We have not yet seen my Dad nor siblings, but look forward to being reunited with them to celebrate Dad's 90th birthday in January.We had several good visits with John-David and other loved ones in the Charlotte area. Please pray for John-David as he continues his search for full-time work. He has been volunteering with the Production Crew at his church while still working a part-time job. Sarah and Andrei have both been a big help in getting us settled in our new living situation. We are blessed beyond measure with the housing and transportation God has provided for us through loved ones we have known for years. God is so good...all the time. He knows our every need even before we know we have one. Sarah has also been helping us at The Lodge while at the same time thoroughly enjoying being in one place and finally getting unpacked! We are praying about part time job opportunities and online college courses for her. Andrei is still preparing to take his GED to complete his high school studies. Please pray for him as he takes the tests October 18th & 19th. He is excited about his recent opportunity to serve by helping the ministry's lawn maintenance crew.

Please continue to pray for our Russian loved ones. We have had the joy of speaking with several of them via Skype and are grateful to be able to stay in touch. Our hearts are still burdened for them and we are trusting the Lord to care for them according to His promises. We found out only about 3 weeks ago that the ministry there finally received their re-accreditation. This was a tremendous disappointment to us but at the same time, a huge reminder that God makes no mistakes, even in His timing of events. He could have just as easily granted the re-accreditation a year and a half ago when they first started the process as when He allowed it to be granted 3 weeks ago. Our prayer has always been for Him to make it perfectly clear when the door was shut for us. We believe that He kept that door shut until He got us where He wanted us for our next place of ministry. After 11 years in Russia, we are encouraged to know that the work we were involved in there continues and that some of 'our kids' are walking with and serving God faithfully. Please pray they will remain strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Also, please continue to pray for our loved ones there that are pastors and for their wives and families who faithfully serve alongside them as they reach out to the precious Russian people.

May the Lord bless and keep each of you! We are grateful for your continued support, both financially and especially prayerfully, as we minister Stateside. Though the location has drastically changed, our hearts are the same...to be sensitive to His leading and to be found faithful in what He has called us to. May the Lord find us faithful in our endeavors for His glory.

"I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God Who does no wrong, upright and just is He."
Deuteronomy 32:3-4