Safe at home. . . .

That has a nice ring to it doesn't it. It's great to travel and experience the adventures of life, but there really is something about going home. It's the place you feel most comfortable, and can rest. Yes, I realize that 'laziness' can set in and ruin such pleasure, but that's another story.

We arrived back in Arkansas Thursday evening after a very long day of flying.

Lots of blessings fill this trip with wonderful memories and things to praise God for and lead us into more concentrated prayer for God's Kingdom work in Udmurtia. The most needed memory that I'm bringing back with me this time is a reminder of just how to pray more effectively for what God is doing there in this beautiful little republic.

The realization of not just numbers of people who do not know the Lord, but actual people with names and faces that I know. Will they ever get to realize that peace of God that comes with a repentant heart and be able to say one day with the rest of God's children. . . . praise God, we're safe at Home with Jesus. This man will. Pray for the others.

Loaves of bread. . .

Hundreds of loaves of fresh, delicious bread go out each day from Sergei's bakery in the village of Chur, Udmurtia. Many people receive these loaves and are sustained for another day of physical life.
Your prayers are much needed as we seek to have the 'bread of Life" go out from the 7 spiritual bakeries that are located around Udmurtia ministering to over 1.5 million people. 700,000 are native Udmurts the others are Russian. All have need of that living Bread.
A new prayer emphasis is being emphasized called 'adopt a region'. There are 25 regions in the whole republic. We are looking for people to make a constant plea for Heaven to open and pour out it's blessing of the 'bread of life' to the people of this land. You know what the Lord did with just five loaves. Join us as we pray for the power of God to once again 'feed the multitudes'.

blessings
Jack

Thank you from Chur Baptist to Myron Baptist. . .

A "bolshoy spaasebah" ( big thank you) goes out from Chur Baptist church to the folks at Myron Baptist church in Arkansas. Myron has been sending gifts for about 2 years to help Chur with their renovation project which is creating a youth center and kitchen in the bottom floor of their building.

It is not finished but much further along thanks to gifts such as these.

Also, in reverse, thank you Chur Baptist for being such gracious hosts to us while we are here. You are a blessing and have become such very close friends.

May this same fellowship of love radiate out from here into the whole world.

blessings to all,

Jack

Wonderful time of rest and being with friends. . .

It has been a great week. Beginning with a worship time with the team in this same village, then going out into other villages and watching 'the master' at work; both in us and them and now being alone with some dear friends to rest and enjoy this 'end of summer/beginning of fall' weather. I really like my work as a disciple maker with the 'master'.

Of course you may not think a hike out in the woods, up a mountain and back is much of a rest. It does allow you to see things from different perspectives. Sergei and Tanya invited us to live in their home these past few days. Being able to sit, talk, drink lots of tea and get to know each other more and grow 'with the master' is a very good thing. Tomorrow we will share in this same 'communion' with others of this same place. It is very restful. It is very close to a view of Heaven.

I've found this in Arkansas, other places in the world and especially here. Resting and working together with friends and 'the master' is a picture of Heaven on earth.

"I believe in God, but. . . "

This is a common response to a survey we took in a particular village. It is not unusual to find people who do believe in God, maybe even know about His Son, and believe that He died for the sins of the world but, to believe that He would forgive them and accept that with their heart is the obstacle. " I believe in God, but I don't know if He could forgive me"... was the response of Riaya.
That is the case with several people here. They believe about it, but do not have a belief in their heart to make this life changing decision. This is the need for much prayer.
I believe this is the case over the whole world, even in America. Many know about Him, but do not have the relationship with Him.
When asked, do you read the Bible, the response is "no; I'm too busy" or I don't understand it.
Have I mentioned there is the call to prayer and the subject of prayer. . . . "no one can come to the Father except the Spirit draws him. . .".

keep praying
Jack

Getting to know you. . .

In the process of getting to know Ms Sara, this Udmurt lady also came to know Someone far more important.

It has been a very encouraging three days of visioning here this week. Each day the Lord has shown us what He is doing, and let us share in helping Him do it. We have seen many answers from Him resulting from your prayers.

The reps from Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas will leave for home today. Pray for them as they travel. They have been able to see amazing things this week as they prayed in villages and home.

Our desire is to see groups of ladies and men like this one in the photo with Sara meeting together and getting to know that most important Someone. It is a great possibility here in this place.

blessings

Jack