We give thanks to you, O God!

"But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." (Hebrews 10:39)

"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations." (Psalm 67:1-2)

"We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds." (Psalm 75:1)

The three scriptures above are verses that I happened across in my quiet times on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Oh how appropriate they are considering what God did this weekend!

Praise God for how He worked in our midst this weekend! Thank you so much for your prayers for our Alpha Course weekend away. Eight of us -- three leaders, two pastors, and three Russian friends -- all traveled outside the city to a dacha for a quiet weekend away from the rushed life of Moscow. Over the course of three days, we had four talks, three focusing specifically on the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Without a doubt, I can say that the Spirit of God was in our midst and was working in all of our lives!

All three of our Russian friends, Aigoul', Katya, and Gregory, were greatly interested in the topics we studied. They asked great questions, loved the times of singing, and enjoyed the time of fellowship. Last night Gregory (an IT expert who is 33 and who saw a bright light of God in a vision about 3-4 years ago) told me that this weekend is a big point of change for him in his life. He said that he senses God leading him in the right way to go. Gregory and Aigoul' both expressed interest in coming to church in the near future. All three Russian friends expressed this morning how grateful they are for the weekend and how they've learned so much!

Let's continue praying for the soil of their souls, that it would be fertile and receptive to the word that has been sown this weekend. I look forward with great anticipation to see what God will continue doing in the lives of these Russian friends and many others here in this metropolis!