Back from Russia

I guess it's obvious by now that while I was away in Russia I was unable to get an internet connection. As a result I haven't been able to update my blog for awhile. Unfortunately, a certain individual has used my absence as an opportunity to sabotage my work with long, meaningless comments. I have tried to clean up the mess and hope it won't happen again. If it does, the comments will be deleted immediately.

As I explained in my last post, I and five others traveled to Antipovka, Russia to do some evangelistic work. Antipovka is located in the Volgograd region, to the south. Four years ago the Ashville Road church of Christ where I preach began the work there, planting a local preacher and later purchasing a building where the church could meet for worship and Bible study. Our objective this year was twofold: to conduct the first nightly gospel meeting ever held in that area and to repair the building we had purchased. Looking back we can say the trip was a success. We had fairly good attendance over the course of the meeting, setting a record attendance of 26 on the first day. Also we achieved most of the goals we set for the building.

One thing I learned while I was over there was the importance of deeds. The preaching we did was important, but it was our deeds that got the attention of the community. When they saw us working in the rain and the cold, handing out blankets, and passing out toys to little children, they received an impression that lended credibility to the message we were preaching. Hopefully we were able to plant some seeds that will later germinate in open hearts and bear the fruit of conversion. Andre Sozansky, the preacher we support to work with the Antipovka congregation, made the remark that he could already see a difference in the way some of the villagers were talking with him. They were more open and receptive to him, believing the presence of the church of Christ was a good thing for their town. It's no wonder our Lord "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). Not only did He preach the truth; He also healed the sick and responded to every need He could.

Thanks to everyone who prayed for us while we were gone. It's good to be home.