One of the things I always look forward to when I (Dan) visit Russia is the chance to sit down and talk about life, issues of faith, God, and everything in between. On Sunday after I church I got the chance to talk with Anton, a young student who is studying to be a pastor. The conversation began with his question “How do I know what my calling from God is?” He was struggling with the Idea of what made him so special? Why should he think that God would want to use him, a person who had totally messed up his life so far, to build his kingdom? Why not pick someone else who was more responsible, more talented, and more qualified? Although the answers are ones many of us have heard before – it’s because of God’s deep love for us and the potential of what we can be with his help- they are words that we all need to hear from time to time. Many of us struggle with finding significance and value in our lives. It is so easy to get wrapped up in our own agendas and forget the part about how much God loves us and wants to bring value into our lives. Significance not from what we accomplish, but by what he does despite the weakness that we bring to the partnership. It was great to say these words to Anton and to find encouragement and confidence for myself as we discussed the implications of these simple truths.
On Sunday I (Dan) was able to preach in the Living Word Church in Yekaterinburg. Thank you for all your prayers. This is a church that I first visited way back in 1993. I always love the opportunity to worship with them and am humbled by their faithfulness and openness. I spoke on how we create barriers that prevent us from encountering God.
Today (Tuesday) we travelled to the city of Chelyabinsk. It was amazing to see the dense smoke and fog that covered the landscape. The next several days will be spent making appointments and visiting with friends. Please pray for God’s continues blessing upon our conversations. Tomorrow we will meet up with Alexi Shillin, the General Secretary of the Russian Student movement that I (Dan) used to work with. Many of you might remember Alexi from his visit to America last fall. We are excited to hear about what God has been doing among students here in Russia.
Take Care
Dan
1 comment:
thanks for this great word of encouragement, Dan! i, too, needed to hear that and remind myself that God is not hindered by my weaknesses but that he loves me because of them.
Post a Comment