Russia snapshots

Dennis Hilman and Gregory Greve have been in Russia for several weeks now. Here are some updates from Dennis' Facebook page:

MARAT FROM GAGARKA - 12 years after he first invited me to this home as a 13 year old Muslim boy. Whereupon he received the grace to believe in the living Lord Jesus, be baptized and lead his family and relatives in other villages to find a life of faith. Still claiming God's grace! Here with me on his traditional old Russian sidecar motorcycle. Also with mother Nadya (in yellow) and from left to right Denis Zhevlakov (the first boy who came to faith in the awakening in the boys' pretrial prison in 1999), our faithful translator Misha and Lena who joined our congregation years ago.

BAPTISM OF EVELINA - Today I had the privilege of baptizing a sweet little girl from a family I have known for years from Kamishlov, about two hours from this church in Ekaterinburg, who were active in our congregation there. Their daughter Olga and her husband Mikhail are Evelina's parents. Olga's mother and brother Vova were the godparents. The pastor of this congregation is Waldemar Benzil. He also asked me to bring the Word. "The water and the Word!"

 

DISPLACED CHILDREN - Today we spent all afternoon in a children's home with a precious group of six children from disastrous home situations, ages 12 to 14. I was able to share many experiences from living abroad and working with children around the world as a pastor and servant of God. They seemed quite fascinated and asked many questions. Pictured here is also Greg Greve with whom I am traveling in Russia this month (center). To his right the group "mother" Marina. Also Nona Rib (left, who brought us there), as well as Elena (front left). Young Roma is holding a globe that I explained God has given me as my working place. He was full of questions. Imagine that any parents could have abandoned such a clever and beautiful child!! "All are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world!"

Dennis and Greg will be in Russia until the middle of September. Please continue to pray for their time there!