As we entered 2014, I began to pray specifically for God to open opportunities to travel to Russia. Within a few weeks we were offered an opportunity to teach at a YWAM base (School of Biblical Studies) in Rostov, Russia.
We didn’t realize at the time that Ukraine would overthrow it’s president, become fairly unstable, and enter significant political tensions with its Russian neighbor! Additionally, the school’s location, as you can see from the map below, is in an interesting spot.
We leave this Sunday, and return on Friday the 18th. We had already purchased our plane tickets, and it wasn’t ever clear if our visas would be approved or in time. Our Visa’s however by God’s grace arrived yesterday, without a day to spare!
For Deb and I, this isn’t just a random high risk trip, but an answer to prayer and the beginnings of a new chapter that He’s written on our hearts. We aren’t planning to move to Russia, but we do look forward to more regular opportunities and networking –
As believers, we’re to think Kingdom first. This starts by desiring all nations, every tribe and tongue to come and bow before their Maker.
Just in the nick of time, our Russian visas.
Broderic and Deborah are coming with me. Cheryl (with Shane and Jem) are overseeing our kids while we are away. Please pray with us for this coming week, that it would be an enriching time for the students, at least as much as it has been for myself in preparation. God is raising up leaders that will shine for Christ in this part of the world, and it’s a privilege to invest a small part in lives dedicated to His service!
I hope to post some updates during our time there.
Love them boys. They do eat a lot though.
Abigail loves the new children’s area at our favorite grocery store in Kiev.
Sergei & Tanya Susidko last photo before leaving Ukraine and off to Australia to serve at the home office of their sending organization OMS.
We have some good news with the Cafe as well but will share when we get back – please pray for Dema and Natasha as they drive the final stretch of stamps and approvals.. very, very close!
Thank you for checking in, and thank you especially to those that will pray for our week in Rostov, Russia!
Sincerely,
Bruce & Deb