We especially enjoyed ministering together with Robert O’Conner at the rehabilitation centers. We witnessed God’s special love for folks who entered into the program. It is true that he, who was forgiven much, loves much. The Lord truly freed them from their dependency on drugs, alcohol and other sins. Now they gladly praise their Savior and Redeemer, the King of Kings. God revealed to us that many of them will go to new places and even to different countries to share their testimony and set people’s hearts on fire for God.
One of rehab center’s leaders in Ust-Kut, Alexander, was beaten twice while witnessing to drug addicts. His beatings required him to be hospitalized. Doctors and police warn him that he can be killed if he continues his witnessing activities. Two years ago God miraculously freed Alexander from drug addiction, and now he is ready to suffer to bring the word of life to those that are dying.
Church service in Zheleznogorsk is worth mentioning. We were driving though this city, and decided to meet with Pastor Fedor since we did not have other plans for the evening. Interestingly, the Holy Spirit had a plan for us. We learned that since the beginning of this year at least someone from the church was fasting, and every evening 5 to 30 people were gathering for prayer. We did not want to miss the opportunity to pray with them.
After worship Robert O’Connor spoke for a few minutes and opened the altar for prayer. The Holy Spirit took the lead and directed the prayer. I was planning to speak as well, but the anointing was so obvious that no one wanted to stop the prayer.
The prayer started with praising the Lord, and grew to declaring victory and a new day for God’s people who thirst for His glory. Our living God visited this church in the heart of
The last person that came for prayer was a man that decided to leave everything behind and to follow Jesus. The church had been praying for him for a long time. God’s love is amazing. He has great mercy for sinners! Praise God!
The man threw away his cigarettes and bowed before the altar!
Anatoliy and his wife and three kids made the decision to move to the Evenk’s tribe to start a new church. Their nationality is Buryat. The Buryat’s language and culture are similar to the Evenk’s. It will be easier for them to adapt to the new environment. They are waiting for very cold weather, so that the roads would freeze enough to travel there and to bring their belongings. They do not know yet where they will be living there. There are no houses or apartments for rent, they can only be purchased. They trust that God will provide a place for them to live.
Early this spring Anatoliy and two other ministers travelled there on a very dangerous road, but God kept them safe. The villagers’ hearts were softened to see that someone would go this far out of love for them. They were opened to hear from them.
Three of the prisoners were baptized with the Holy Spirit that day!
In the beginning of August we are going back to
