Monday

From Russia with Love


I never thought I'd meet a family from The Persecuted Church.

I never thought my life would become so intertwined with theirs that it would be impossible to untangle our heartstrings.

And I never thought a piece of me would go to Russia.

Our dear friends are in The Ukraine for the next three months.

When they asked us in January to pray and believe with them to raise $33,000 for their missions trip, I doubted. How could they possibly raise so much money in such a short time in this economy? 

God provided every dime through unbelievable means, just because they asked and believed.

They will be traveling to ten cities during this pilgrimage, training thousands of leaders in Sport's ministry. They will face uncertainty and possible danger as they stay from house-to-house in this impoverished, hungry land.

They packed their belongings in two small carry-ons for their family of four. The other eight large suitcases are stuffed with items you sent, along with others. These bags will stay behind.

The lease on their rental home ended right before they left and so they moved all of their possessions into the garage of a friend. They didn't want to waste money. When they return in July, they will be homeless. 

"Where will you live? What will you do?" I worried.

"God will provide. He is never late. He is always on time," they said with confidence.

In their home country of Uzbekistan, African Violets grow wild. My sweet friend loves caring for these delicate plants and when she was forced to leave her home, she left behind her beloved flowers.

Before she left for Russia, she brought over four African Violet plants for me to watch over. I put the precious plants in my kitchen window sill and bookmarked "Caring for African Violets" for reference.

She left a piece of Uzbekistan with me, and she took a piece of my heart with her.

Would you please pray for them? 

  • Travel mercies
  • Safety from persecution
  • Provision
  • The children will adjust to their homeland and then again to America
  • Favor in seeing their mothers who will attempt to travel more than 20 hours out of Uzbekistan.
  • A home when they return
  • Beautiful African Violets
I don't know what the future holds. I don't know who I will meet or what will happen and it how it will impact my life.  But I cannot thank God enough for stepping into my life that day.

I hope He does it again.

Because He is always on time.

If you haven't read the whole story, you can catch up here:

17 comments:

Joy said...

My neighbors down the street (and good friend) go to Russia each year on a mission trip. The husband has been going there for 15 years. He started out planting churches and several ones are up and going. He comes back with amazing stories of how the Holy Spirit is moving in Russia. He also speaks of the persecution there. I should do a post on it someday.

Kasey said...

Sure thing. I'll say a prayer for them!!

Stephanie said...

Thanks for the update...the kids and I pray nightly for "Our Friends in Russia" (that is what my son calls the boys we sent the little package to) I will have to show him Uzbekistan on the globe. But he asked me just last night if our friends got their cars yet. :) We will continue to pray and very specifically for the request you mentioned.

This post makes me want to go out and buy an African Violet. I just might!

Heart2Heart said...

Thanks for providing us an incredible outlet to sharing this families plight.

It makes me think just how much we seriously take for granted here because we don't see anything else except the occasional homeless person on the street.

I will definitely be lifting the specific needs of this family up in prayer along with you and your readers of your post.

God bless and once again thanks for sharing this.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Anonymous said...

What an amazing family. I love it when we can *see* God's miracles!

Lorie said...

I have a friend who will also be traveling to Russia some time this month to help with a Baseball "camp." I wonder if it's part of the same ministry your friends are a part of. That would definitely be God working in mysterious ways. I will ask to find out exactly where he's going. Also, he has a daughter that they adopted from Russia.

Rachel said...

What an amazing story! My husband and I are praying about entering ministry with no certainty about finances. I am so encouraged by their faith!

~*Michelle*~ said...

"God will provide. He is never late. He is always on time,"

I LOVE this......and totally needed to hear it too.

I will pray!

Nikki said...

It is a joy to read each time you write about these special friends of yours!

Lisa said...

Thank you for an update, I was just wondering about them the other day. I know we are not suppose to worry, but I hate that things are so uncertain for them. I will pray that they will be safe, and I will pray for a home in their return and yes, I will even pray for her African Violets!!! Please keep us posted.

grannyann said...

My mother had African Violets for years and she really loved them. They were so pretty and fragile. What a nice story about your friends.

Anonymous said...

I love reading about your friends and their ministry, it always rejuvenates me. I will be praying for them and that God knows their needs and that He is on time!!
What an awesome thought.
Am also adding them to my bible study prayer list.
Steff

Unknown said...

Always great to catch up on your friends. Will be continuing to pray for them.

ginger said...

I'm such a sap. When I read why you had the picture of the pretty African violets, I started crying. I, too, will pray for you & your friends.

{"God will provide. He is never late. He is always on time," they said with confidence.} Thank you for sharing this.

Nicole said...

What awesome faith your friends have. I will pray for them. Thanks for the update.

Amy@ MomsToolbox said...

I will definitely pray for their journeys and the hearts they will reach.

Jennsmere said...

Saw your button on a friends blog and stopped by to see you.
I am so moved by the story of your friends from Russia. We have lived many places overseas, several where Christians fear for their lives daily.

So glad to find you...
Be blessed,
Susan