One more sunset in Udmurtia. . .

As the train heads west once more and as I look out across this vast land called Russia, many questions still remain to be answered.  Will there actually be six Udmurt churches across this republic which will faithfully continue to proclaim the gospel til the Lord returns?  Will the Udmurt people who have responded so far to the gospel remain faithful and wait on the Lord to raise up such churches? And will I be able to see it?  That's what I'm asking of the Lord as I watch this sunset of July 23, 2013. I'm also looking for many more people to join me in that prayer that depends entirely on the grace of God and our Lord Jesus Christ....."now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask and think, to Him be honor, and glory forever".  Ephesians 3:20

So what is all this about UDMURTS......

"the people of the woods", is how their cultural heritage is referred to.  Many still hold to the beliefs of nature being their provider.  They still have songs of praise at their festivals about the ancient stories of the sun, the trees,and how their lives owe a debt of gratitude to these gods. But some Udmurts have turned to Jesus Christ and are preaching His message of salvation.  The prayer is for 6 self sustaining evangelical, Udmurt churches located throughout the whole republic.  

Here are some of my favorite Udmurts that have become dear friends over the past few years.  

Valodya and Valentina Kuznetsov and some of his children, and Olga Pislogova of the UdmurtArt Shop.

How do you say goodby...

...the way all our friends in Udmurtia do it is with lots of flowers, gifts, hugs, and themselves showing up at the train station to see us off.  Thanks you all for being so loving and gracious.
"beloved, let us love one another for love is of God and everyone who loveth is born of God and knows God...." I John 4:7-8

Youth camp, Russian style....

No one will ever accuse our team of girls of being 'spoiled Americans'....well at least they will be absolutely wrong if they do.  These girls are doing a great ministry in this Russian youth camp out by the lake at a little place called Babino.  At first it was was tough, sleeping in tents on the ground, eating Russian style and listening to everything in Russian language ( did I mention the bathroom is basically girl trees or boy trees, and of course the lake).  Now however, they have made many friends and are fitting in just fine.  Very proud of them.  Here are some photos of them in action today (Thursday).  

Please pray for Taylor Black, the 5th member who is down with an ear infection.  We're very thankful for some other members of our team living here to provide a safe place for her and trips to the doctor. The Lord is so faithful to provide for all our needs.  God bless!

Brad in Sergey's bread factory....

Pictures in Chur....

The ' sufferings and faith of Job' with some people who know a little about the subject themselves....

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I would someday be sitting in a public library, in the former Soviet Union, in a place where AK 47s are still being made helping in a Bible study on the book of Job and planting more gospel seeds that somehow, again greater than I can imagine, the Lord will use to multiply into more fruit to His glory!  Who knows how long such opportunities will be open, but for now, in spite of a world filling up with apathy towards God and His salvation, here He abides in a little Russian town called Chur.