I recently was thinking about those I’d like to serve, and was reminded of the parable of the Lost Sheep that concludes with, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7)
It gives me comfort that it pleases God when I can help even one of His sheep to keep from being lost. That includes the many orphans and other suffering souls that I have met in Russia.
This fall, Andrei participated in two conferences at SPCU. One was a tribute to C.S. Lewis, and another was entitled “Christianity and Psychology: Conflict or Integration?” It covered some interesting topics related to how to teach spiritual disciplines to kids in different stages of development, and I recognized some faces there of people in orphan ministry. When the materials are put online. Dima Rozet [MIR board member] was also a contributor.
I recently connected with an Orthodox believer who visits the adult facility in Peterhoff. I’d like to go with her sometime to see Nastia’s birth mother and the other ladies on her ward. I will certainly bring a care package of some sort.
I think sometimes of opening our home for ministry. But David is still quite young.
Unfortunately I don’t have a photo of just the three of us, but here [above] is a photo of our home group celebrating Christmas. On the far left is Nina, who runs the Bible correspondence course and has used some Stoneworks funds for her mailings. Next to her is Emily, who is a student here. We have really enjoyed having her in our group this year, and I may connect her to one of the orphanages.
I also recently remembered that Michael Card song again:
There is a joy in the journey
There’s a light we can love on the way
There is a wonder and wildness to life
And freedom for those who obey
And all those who seek it shall find it
A pardon for all who believe
Hope for the hopeless and sight for the blind
To all who’ve been born in the Spirit
And who share incarnation with Him
Who belong to eternity stranded in time
And weary of struggling with sin
Forget not the hope that’s before you
And never stop counting the cost
Remember the hopelessness when you were lost
There is a joy in the journey
There’s a light we can love on the way
There is a wonder and wildness to life
And freedom for those who obey
And freedom for those who obey…
