Some Encouraging Anecdotes

On this quiet, sunny Saturday afternoon in Moscow, I've decided to take a few minutes before writing lesson plans for next week to write down three quick, encouraging anecdotes from my life this past week.

Just a half hour ago, I returned from visiting a local orphanage with two boys from my middle school Care and Community Group. For a variety of reasons, we hadn't been there for about eight months, and it was so good to be back! We brought along five women as well (three leaders and two guests from our Alpha Course), and the entire morning/afternoon was a blast. The ladies played cards with the girls, while the guys played basketball in the newly refurbished gym (it's definitely too cold outside to play out there). Afterwards, we gathered together for tea and snacks. While seated together around tables, we all said our names and shared something we're excited about for the year 2010 (this was all in Russian, of course). When it came time to go, many of the orphans didn't want us to leave, and that was hard for me. However, we did say that we'd return soon. I think the highlight of the morning was being greeted by some of the kids as we entered the orphanage; they saw us walk through the gate and shouted from the the third floor of the main building, "Luke Skywalker!"

Just yesterday I was talking with the boy in my class who accepted Christ in November. I asked him if he senses that he's changing and transforming from the inside. He said yes! I proceeded to explain to him how I've seen his heart and disposition change so much from the beginning of the year. When I was home in the States at Christmas, I had purchased a camouflage Bible for him so he could really start to cherish God's word. His mom said in an e-mail that he takes it to bed with him! When I asked him about when he reads his Bible, he shared that he reads it whenever he gets the chance! I rejoice with the angels in heaven over the victory that is being won in this boy's heart!

One final encouraging moment came last Saturday night at our first English Cafe at the school. On that night we had about 30 Russians come, which is a little less than normal, but not bad considering that many students aren't in the city right now because it's the end of one university semester and the beginning of another. At one point in the night, I was talking with a young university student who has been coming regularly all year. He shared with me how exhausted he was from his exams and how Moscow is such a difficult city in which to live. "It's so fast-paced, it can almost kill you! There's just so much pressure." What he said about the Cafe, though, really warmed my heart: "When I come here, though, I feel like I'm at home. I was born outside the city in a small village that was so peaceful and quiet. When I come to the cafe, the people are always so kind, and I feel like I can just relax, like I'm at home." Wow! That is exactly what we pray for, that those who come to the Cafe would leave encouraged after having been in the presence of those who love God and want to share His love with others. I pray that the Cafe would continue to be a place of rest and solace for many who come! It reminds me of Jesus's words in Matthew 11:28 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

In just over an hour, I'll head out to the church to help lead our first ever English Cafe there. We have no idea who will come, but we are anticipating God to work in and through it. We are aware that faith like a mustard seed can grow into a great plant - we are trusting Christ with this event!