SLEEPLESS IN RUSSIA

From a physical standpoint, Paul and I are struggling to get sleep. This is a blessing and cursing. The blessing is that we spend that time either talking or studying. The downside is that we are walking zombies. All in all though, we can’t say enough about the Grace of God that has been shown us on this trip. God is sustaining us and caring for us beyond what we think at times. The food has been superb. I think after three visits here they have found what we Americans like to eat and what we don’t like to eat. They have been gracious hosts who are always looking out for our needs. Sunday was a blessed day. Though we missed our Church family at home we were treated with sweet fellowship here in Tambov. I was able to preach on the Justification and Sanctification of God that Sunday and we were blessed with a number of special music pieces from the body. Sure has been a while since I heard an accordion in the service. They sing beautifully and you can sense their love for the Lord. Today, (Monday) started our teaching segment on the Theology Proper or the Doctrine of God. Needless to say when Paul and I teach there seems too much passion and discussion. We started our time with devotion out of Ezekiel 1 and the prophet’s vision of heaven and the throne room of God. I really felt need to set the table with focusing our attention that we as preachers and teachers of the Word of God are first and foremost worshippers ourselves. Teaching and learning about God is much more than an academic exercise. Our lives and hearts need to be affected and scorched by the awesomeness of God. I then gave the students a writing assignment in which they were to define God. This exercise evoked a lot of discussion and laughter. It is important that we don’t take away or add something to God that is not declared in Scriptures about who He is or else we create idol worship which leads to wrong living. After all that, the bomb dropped. Someone brought up “free will” and that man had the ability to choose heaven or hell. Let’s just say it erupted in a passionate but civil discussion on such matters to which at the end of it, one Russian brother described our discussion as fiery. After lunch Paul did a great job on the different names of God and how that helps us understand Him. These students are very sharp and are pleasant. Continue to pray for their hearts and ours. Pray also for our sleep and how we communicate our Precious Lord. Pray for our translator, Anya, she is exhausted as well and does a good job not only translating what we are saying but with the same passion that Paul and I share when we teach. We send our Love and our Prayers to you back home. Make sure you greet one another with a Holy Kiss. Of all people I received one from my dear friend and fellow Elder Paul. What was he thinking? Still yet to figure that one out and no it wasn’t on my lips (thank the Lord). Until we see each other again, Slava Bogo,
Pastor Bear