Hello everybody,
I am still working on getting this blog updated on a regular basis. Things are slowly settling into some sort of normalcy, but I actually don't necessary want that. Meaning, I don't just want to sleep walk through life, doing the same thing over and over each day. My heart is to follow God wherever that may be. That includes the street evangelism ministry that I believe God is leading me to. This last month and a half I have not been able to do much about this ministry because I have been busy settling the practical every day issues of life, e.g. what meals should I eat, how should I go about studying Russian etc. I say this to say that I haven't really had the chance to walk the streets of Khabarovsk and pray ... that is until this week.
When I finally found myself with no place to be other than where God wants, I felt at peace. Basically I realized that I'd been so busy, that my relationship with God had slipped a bit. And in particular I noticed that I missed our times when God and I walked and talked on the streets. So it was a great blessing to finally get back to that this last week.
In this particular session, I found myself in the in-between place. That is to say that I was off the main streets and effectively was in people's back yards. Back yards here in Khabarovsk aren't what we think of, however. I am referring to the courtyard between apartment buildings where people can access the foyers that lead to their apartments. This area also doubles as a playground and general hangout. In other words, this is the place where most tourists won't go, and according to most American tastes isn't that pretty. In fact, it is characterized by rusty iron playground equipment and concrete everywhere; concrete stoops, concrete building facades, concrete walkways, concrete, concrete, concrete concrete ... the Soviets loved the stuff. And most concrete structures have been around for awhile. I once saw a stair case connecting the street to the courtyard that actually didn't have any concrete. All that was left was the rybar (metal bars that they put in the concrete to strengthen it, obviously this time it didn't work).
However, in my opinion this particular building material has taken a part in killing architecture here. On the other hand the architecture is being revived a bit by infusing the new buildings with accents of old tsarist Russian architecture. For example, some apartment buildings have roofs that are similar to the onion domes found on the Orthodox cathedrals. The difference being that they use modern building material.
Anyways, besides making a few observations here and there on the streets I didn't hear much from God, other than He is reassured me that He is working things out in the background. Either way I was simply extactic to find myself where I know I belong, and the details of how I minister to people on the street will work themselves out in time.
Besides what's happening on the streets, I have decided to switch to the easier Russian class which focuses on grammar and speaking. So far this has been a good decision despite the fact that most in the class are at very different levels of comprehension and conversation. Either way, I find it easier to ask questions and have been learning more than in the other class.
On another note, I forgot how many people here want to learn english. Last time I was in Russia it was mainly Russian students which asked me to help me with their English, but this time around, a couple of pastors children and a Korean student asked me to help them. I am not certain what to do. I want to help, but it's easy to lose focus and find oneself doing all kinds of little things that may not necessarilly be what God had in mind. With that said, I am simply putting off a lot until next semester. For now I am focusing on the language and my own personal relationship with God which I am certain will lead to what God does have in mind for me to do in particular.
Speaking of which, I was able to counsel a young Korean christian to find a church and not be turned away by the things other Christians do. In other words, part of our relationship with God occurs when we are arround other Christians, not to mention that God doesn't want us to forsake the assembly of the saints. Furthermore, God can also use our unique point of view to help other Christians get closer to God; amongst many other things.
So I have probably bored whoever came upon this blog already, so I will sign off for now. God bless all who travel the road with Christ. And for those who have not yet met God, I hope you will soon get to know Him personally.
Blessings,
Jason
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2 comments:
Well it wasn't boring. My prayers are with you in your endevours for Christ. In some ways, I envy you. At least you have the courage to stand up and speak up. I have been praying for courage and I hope that when it matters most; I wont shame or disappoint him. I heard about your blog from the last newsletter from Cecil and Tonya. I met them when they came to my church (1st AG in Andrews, NC). Never give up and keep on spreading the news!!
Hey C,
If you happen to come back I wanted to encourage you that God knows that sharing our faith isn't easy and if we come to Him and honestly ask for help He will come through at the right time. Furthermore, there is no need to worry about shaming or disappointing God. For one, He can take our mistakes and work them out for our good, and secondly His forgiveness will never runout. Always remember that His grace is enough. Lastly, as you seek to draw closer to God through His Word, prayer, interaction with Christians, and the unsaved your heart will become more like Christ's. Meaning that your character and mind will be transformed by God's Word and presence in your life. In other words, focus as much as you can on getting to know God personally, and things like witnessing will come natural eventually. I, not to long ago, was a very shy person, and still deal with fear when I attempt to be a witness. But I am empowered by God's grace and forgiveness to keep trying. Furthermore, when you come to a deeper relationship with God it becomes nye impossible not to talk about God. His character and personality becomes so real and powerful that it begins to overwhelm our fears. Praise God that we have overcome this world and our fears through our faith in Jesus Christ. Just be patient and persistent in seeking after God and His kingdom, and God will reward your diligent pursuit.
Blessings,
Jason
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