Update of the ministry . October 2009

"Cease and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

(Ps.46:10)

The Knowledge of the true God changes lives.

In the Bible we find story after story about people whose lives are changed forever once they encounter God. One of them was Moses. He was miraculously attracted by God, who called his name from the burning bush in order to reveal Himself and proclaim His will. Everything that Moses learned, lead him to worship and obedience of the True Living God. We are privileged to be “burning bushes” which God uses to attract the attention of youth and adults and proclaim His glorious and magnificent name in this time of history.  

Angelica and I continue teach the kids in the orphanages about attributes of the true, biblical God. In October we talked about God’s holiness and His independence from everything in this universe. As we teach about all those things it makes us think more deeply how great and awesome our God is.  We pray with sureness that the word of God will make changes in the lives of the youth and adults.

 One of highlights that we had in October was a conference in Samara (a city in the neighboring region). By God’s grace, 43 pastors from Penza (I was one of those privileged people) were able to attend it. The theme was “CHRIST – our thoughts, emotions, and sermons” held by John Piper. What a wonderful time it was!! I love John Piper’s books and preaching; technology allows us to get many good and helpful things through the internet. The main idea of his preaching is to help Christians glorify the Lord. According to John Piper, “CHRIST is the most glorified in us, when we are the most satisfied in HIM!” This is so true!  The total number of people who came for the conference was over 700!!! Every one received big set of books and DVD’s which will be helpful in different ministries in our churches.  We know that some of you donated money particularly for this conference. Thank you very much. All of us were tremendously blessed and encouraged through the word of God. 

 All the youth that we minister to (“Fireworks”) send their greetings and thank you for your prayers and financial support. They participate in every church activity. Angelica and I lead two Bible studies (for girls and guys). We can testify that the Lord has done great work in their hearts since we have known them. Praise be to God!

• Leo had successful surgery on his foot and is now recovering.
  
  

• Irakly, Sasha T., Rita and Julia have begun studying English. Hopefully they will surprise you with some phrases when you come visit us or we go see you.
  
  
• At Christmas we will host a “Spoken For” team.  We have many plans for how to make this time special for the kids and the team members. We ask you to pray that the Lord would give us wisdom in arranging everything (transportation, hotel, food, etc.) for this trip.
  
  

Please pray for Sasha G., a boy from orphanage #3. Recently, he attempted suicide. That wasn’t the first time he tried to do that, but this time he went pretty far. Praise the Lord, he is alive. Nevertheless, his brain was damaged as a result of suffocation. The reason he attempted suicide was unrequited love. Please pray that this boy would find the perfect love of the Savior. This love will never discourage, instead it will give wings of faith to fly joyfully though life to eternity. Please pray as well for the caregivers of the orphanages, that changes will take place at their work and in their families when they find the love of the Lord! Pray for us that we would be reflection of Jesus.

May the Lord abundantly bless you.

Your partners in the ministry- Sergey, Angelica, Elijah and David Zelenov

gospelttc@gmail.com