The News from Here – October 2005
Greetings, from cold snowy Ivanovo, Russia. We woke up this morning with around 3 inches of snow on the ground and a very cold north wind.
I hope this newsletter finds you enjoying the warmth of His blessings and care in your life the same as I.
THE YOUTH
My youth are continuing to grow and have recovered from last month’s “fallout” from the shocking news. They are standing strong and helping to restore the couple back into the body. They are still going out into the streets to evangelize and we have had 4 salvations this past month.
This past Sunday evening, we had 27 youth at our prayer meeting. It was an intense time of prayer and worship. Also, on the Friday night meeting, there was a time where approximately 15 youth crowded the front of the room to pray, repent and seek healing from past hurts.
This was followed by a short word on protecting one another from temptation and a time of celebration.
The youth room is coming along. Work has stopped until we can buy the floor tile. We began a campaign in the church where members could purchase a specific floor tile (or many) and have “their place’ in the new room. We have 915 tiles in the room and, as of this date, we have only 245 more for people to buy.
We are believing they will all be bought within 2 weeks. After that, we will build the stage and concessions area, make the curtains and the room will be completed.
Our goal is to be in the room before year’s end.
Our church body held a week of prayer and fasting from the 9th to the16th of October. Each night we met at the church to pray as well as each morning at 7:30. Each meeting was a wonderful time. My home group led praise and worship on the 13th and the youth praise and worship team led on the final Sunday evening.
On the 28th – 29th of this month, we will be having another all night prayer and the youth praise and worship team will be leading the praise and worship for the entire evening.
A TIME OF REJOICING
Proverbs 18:22 says “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
Well, I have found a good thing!
As of today, October 27, 2005, I am engaged. I have been “dating” a lady for some while and came to realize I couldn’t imagine living the rest of my life without her beside me. I asked, and she has accepted my proposal.
Her name is Luda Novikova and she has been assisting me in the ministry in mime and dance as well as helping design and make costumes. She is a local business lady and works in interior design.
We have not set the date for the wedding, but will make the official announcement this coming Sunday to the church. I will keep you updated as the plans unfold.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please continue to pray for the financial situation with the ministry.
I am currently looking for an apartment and am not finding anything. Please pray for a good apartment (both in location as well as condition) to come open soon.
Please be in prayer for the youth as they continue to grow and step out for the Lord
Be in prayer for Luda and myself as we enter into this new area of our lives.
IN CLOSING
Thanks to all of you, as always, for your continued support in prayer and finances. I am glad I have you to share this joyful time in my life with. May the Lord continue to bless your lives in every area.
Until next month,
Keep the Faith,
Randy