Blessing Lydia

To be able to go with Lydia Petrovna to Moscow was such a blessing…let me start from the beginning. 

I was still in Africa when I heard that Lydia had lost her sister and her cousin, that she was not feeling well and that she was just waiting for the time when Wes and Vicky would be in Russia to spend Christmas together with her…  Wes and Vicky had wonderful plans in store for her in Moscow, but she didn’t feel able to travel.  So, when I arrived in Vladimir, Russia for my furlough, I had to convince her that a trip to Moscow would be an incredible experience…She told me later that she still struggled with the idea, but in prayer brought it before the Lord…She never regretted the decision to go…

We started our adventure on a train that took us to Moscow in less than 2 hours--usually by car the trip takes 4 or 5. For Lydia, who worked all her life for the USSR Rail Way Company, the trip was beyond imagining…it was shocking to her that they fed us on the train and even gave us slippers …

Please consider that Lydia Petrovna had never been to Moscow, had never seen the Moscow Subway… This was a very overwhelming experience for her…but the Lord by His hand led us every step of our way…  It was such a blessing to meet Wes & Vicky in Moscow. We went to the Bolshoi Theater to see “The Nutcracker”.  How precious it was to see how Lydia moved her hand in unison with the conductor of the orchestra, how later, after the Ballet, she would wipe away her tears with the same hand…It was very humbling to listen to the stories of her life and to see how the Lord protected her through so many trials and difficulties…to realize that she had to live with the pain of rejection, mockeries, and loneliness…and how great it was to see how Jesus wiped away her tears and wrapped His arms of love around her...

Please continue to pray for Lydia and her family, (sisters, nephews) that she would be that light of Jesus’ love for them…

Natasha Chilikina

“You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you…” Song of Solomon 4:7

  

 

 

Update: Cup of Cold Water

Yesterday, we did the final packing of the container to ship overseas to Africa!  Below are a few pictures of the work going into the process of packing the container.  Thanks to all of those who donated towards this project and to our wonderful volunteers who helped us load and unload truckloads of supplies and load and pack the container.  The chaplains and their families will be so blessed by you all!

 

Just some of the pallets we got to load!

Lumber for repairs

Victor helping us load the container with help from Clyde, a volunteer

Clyde and Justin; palletizing

Justin and Emily; team-work!

Edward, Emily, and volunteer Justin; container's almost full!

CONNECTIONS

In Southern Sudan, there are women that have experienced deep suffering.  Far Reaching Ministries seeks, first, to share the message of salvation with these women, via a program called Rabuna Fi.  The name is Arabic for “God is here”, and through the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit, these women are discovering just that.  They are finding peace and hope in Jesus Christ.

Women with little, or no, education come to Rabuna Fi and are offered an opportunity to truly study the Word of God.  As a discipleship program, Rabuna Fi gives them the chance to grow spiritually.  However, there is also a need to provide for their families.  That’s why the ladies create and sell handcrafted gifts that allow them to tend to their family’s physical and financial needs.

Last summer, I had the opportunity to travel to South Sudan and spend time with the ladies of Rabuna Fi.  In the commons area, I watched as they diligently worked - making necklaces.  Other women checked the completed necklaces for quality and then paid for them.  I noticed their children playing, nearby, and realized that I was getting a unique chance to peek into the world they live in.

Watching this process, it dawned on me that (even though we had never met) I knew all these women!  Their names were familiar to me.  You see, I handle the files of craft receipts from Rabuna Fi when they are sent to the FRM office.  Suddenly, all the names on those receipts had faces… and smiles… and children!  They were no longer only names on receipts, but active and mature believers – involved in community outreach, themselves.  They want, so much, for others to know the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

We invite you to visit our office and see the handmade crafts from the ladies of Rabuna Fi. When you visit, think of them.  If you are too far away to visit our office, you can still support our sisters by hosting a Rabuna Fi party.  A party kit includes everything you need to share, from your own corner of the world, what God is doing in Africa.  For more information, you can reach us at 951-677-4474.  

Please come visit us at:

38615 Calistoga Drive, Suite 100

Murrieta, California

Our office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 5:00pm. 

 Hope to see you soon!

HIMSELF By AB Simpson

Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.

Once 'twas painful trying, Now 'tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost.
Once 'twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once 'twas constant drifting, Now my anchor's cast.

Once 'twas busy planning, Now 'tis trustful prayer;
Once 'twas anxious caring, Now He has the care.
Once 'twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;
Once 'twas constant asking, Now 'tis ceaseless praise.

Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.

Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He's mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the vail.

     by A. B. Simpson

One of our co-workers read this and was blessed, so we thought we'd share.  

Enjoy! 

 

Wes Bentley will be speaking at Calvary Chapel Cost Mesa

Wes Bentley will be teaching at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa on Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 7:00 PM (PST). 

If you’re in Southern California, we would love to see you there!  If you’re out of state, you can watch the live steam at www.calvarychapelcostamesa.com/media/watch-live.

Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa

3800 South Fairview Street

Santa Ana, CA 92704

www.calvarychapelcostamesa.com