Update of the Ministry. Summer 2010

Grace and peace from our Lord and Savior to our dear brothers and sister in Christ.

Thank you for helping and supporting the ministry in Penza, Russia. We had a really busy and exciting summer with peculiar weather. It was an unusual summer – as many of you heard – central Russia had record temperatures. For more than a month we had no rain and temperatures close to and often over 100˚F. This situation created some challenges because most places in Russia, especially orphanages and such facilities, are not air-conditioned.  This summer we had no camp because of the weather and high danger of forest fires. The local government asked us not to enter the forest because our people would be in jeopardy. We submitted to the authority of the government because we understand God put them in that position for our protection. There were many forest fires in Russia in the past months and many people died and had houses destroyed.

 Instead of camping, we had many opportunities to visit orphanages and orphanage camps. As always, we took several Fireworks youth with us and they showed Christ in all their actions and activities. Some of the guys commented that they could not believe how bad orphanage life has gotten and it made them grateful for their current situation. It shows their growth that they now see the reality of that life. They call often to ask about going to visit orphanages. They all look forward to routine visits starting up again in September. We went at least three times to each of the orphanage camps . We shared the Bible, played games, watched videos, did crafts, and gave out presents and candy that the Spoken For teams had left here. We wish more people had been here to go with us as before and we pray that next year there will be a Spoken For summer team. There are many new kids and at the same time many have graduated from the orphanage. The children and youth were excited about everything we did. Kids are kids everywhere! They like to get attention and to be shown love – which our primary goal. Of course, we shared that we came to them and did the things we did only because Christ showed us love. It was a testimony to the kids and the adults. We also talked about having a new life in Christ and how it is important not to just call ourselves Christians but to live a new life. We explained that can only come through the Holy Spirit and knowing Christ through the Bible. We took about 40 pairs of shoes for the younger kids at one camp because some of them were running around barefoot. They had some shoes, but not for playing outside. So we brought some sandals and tennis shoes that they could wear for playing. Almost all of the kids participated in every event, and so did the workers.

This summer was also special for us because we had several dear friends visiting us – Scott Werntz, Darren Macdonald, Misha Werntz, Cory Boyd, Zhenya Nichols, Phil Luckett, and Lori Bond. We had a great time with them visiting orphanages. While in Penza, Misha Werntz found his biological parents after 13 years of not seeing them. 

You may remember that in the past few years we have been helping some of the Fireworks youth get the apartments they are entitled to under Russian law. Around election time, a couple of years ago, we had a lot of success in getting the apartments. However, since the election season has ended we have faced seemingly endless red tape in trying to get the apartments. Through generous donations to Fireworks, we have hired lawyers to help and we are constantly trying to fulfill the requirements from the government but the requirements are always changing. Please pray that God will provide the apartments for the wonderful young people who need them as either a place to live or a source of income through rent.

Now we are getting ready for the new school year. We have several Bible studies planned as usual. We are also looking forward to several more guests who are planning to visit this fall and winter.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. (Tit.2:11-14)  Angelica and I are grateful that we can serve such an Awesome GOD together with you! Thank you very much for your prayers and financial support. We love you all by the Love of our Lord Jesus!!

We will be more than happy  to hear from you, please write how we can pray for you.

Your Russian brother and sister in Jesus – Sergey and Angelica Zelenov.

“Gospel to the children, Penza Russia/ Fireworks ministry”

gospelttc@gmail.com

http://gospelttc.blogspot.com

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