This story comes from one of our teams in Russia. If you would like to receive real-time information of needs and answers to prayer from one of our teams on the field, with many more details than we are able to share here publicly on our blog, we invite you to looking into starting a Pray Band.
I was in a taxi traveling from one Cousin republic to another during Ramadan. The driver was a local Cousin and the ride was going to last about an hour. I figured I should strike up a conversation, but I was feeling really exhausted as I’d been on the road for a couple weeks.
We started talking and very quickly the conversation shifted to argumentative questioning regarding the deity of Christ. I’ve had many a conversation like this and didn’t feel like continuing it as the questioner is rarely sincerely looking for answers. At one point, I stopped and prayed out loud, “God, help me to know how to answer this man.” Then I began explaining the need for a blood sacrifice. As I began working through some of the Old Testament prophets, I noticed the atmosphere had completely changed. I sensed God’s presence, a peace filled the vehicle and now the driver was listening quietly and attentively.
After explaining that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies, the driver began asking questions again. But this time, his tone was different. He was sincerely wanting an answer. “What happened to Jesus after he rose from the dead?” “What did his disciples do?” As we reached the destination, my new friend asked me for my number and said, “When I’m in your city, I will call so we can talk again.” Could it be that soon he will meet Jesus?
Specific Prayers for our Teams:
Young lady from Central Asia who is a Muslim background believer – in the past she didn’t seem to be fully obeying scripture and it seemed she had a lot of struggles and fear of sharing her faith. But recently we’ve been trying to disciple her, and she now wants to be baptized. Please pray she starts taking these steps of obedience and the girls on the team can help her learn to grow in her faith.
Short term team that was here in May – We got a lot of contacts from all the sowing time that happened with the team here, so we’re trying to follow up on those who we shared with who were open. Please pray for wisdom and help as we follow up with them.
Laborers – Please continue to pray for more laborers, both foreign and Russian.
Eid al Fitr – One of our team members is currently in a very conservative area to celebrate Eid al Fitr (the end of the 30 day Ramadan fast) with some young men and their families he’s been sharing with. Please pray for opportunities to share about Christ!
Roma — We’ll have two water baptism services in two different cities in the next few weeks. The Roma believers who will be baptized are inviting many unsaved relatives and friends, and the Gospel will be preached. Pray for many salvations!
Village team — The Russian believers who’ve been going with us to prayer walk and share in a nearby village continue to be passionate about this work. They’re planning to continue while most of our team is away, please pray they see fruit!
Transition — our team has a lot of transition right now, please pray for God’s grace and wisdom during this time, and that the Kingdom work will continue to move forward.