Steve's home!

Steve and Nuper (Ron Nunnikhoven) got back to Pella Thursday night around 7:00. They flew into NY Wednesday night, and were very thankful to get a flight out of there on Thursday morning, since the weather on the east coast was awful.

It's been great hearing about their trip to Russia. They spent the majority of their time in orphanages, and in facilities for the elderly and handicapped. Christian pastors in the city of Volgagrad have not been welcomed into these places, and have been praying for years that doors would open for them. So they were thrilled that GAIN (Global Aid Network) chose to come and work in their city for a couple of weeks. GAIN was allowed into these facilities because they provide humanitarian aid. Now many of these pastors are hopeful that they can continue with the work that's begun. Please pray that these doors will remain open for the Christian church in Russia.

Steve said that it was amazing to watch the "before and after" transformation in these places. He said the directors, staff, and even the children (and elderly) were all a little suspect when they first arrived. Christians are not held in high esteem in Russia and are generally not welcomed there. Anyway, they would start out with a silly magic show and a funny skit, and soon everyone would loosen up and have a great time! Then they would divide into small groups and share the love of Christ with the children (and the listening staff!). They gave everyone a gospel bead bracelet and explained what it meant. Of course, each group had an interpreter, so language was not a barrier. They also handed out care packages to each of the children -- always a big hit! GAIN provided financial help and other aid to many of these places, as well.

Steve said that by the time they left, the children would be waving and laughing...happy and joyful!! In fact, it was the transformation from sober to joyful that really stood out. Most of these children experience very little joy or love in their life. But now they've heard about Jesus and experienced His love - through the gentle hands and kind words of those who ministered to them. Please pray that these children will never forget the message that was shared with them, and that their lives will forever be transformed!

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control..." (Gal. 5:22-23)
Sounds like the Holy Spirit is actively working in Russia!