SLAVIC GOSPEL ASSOCIATION

Reaching Rostov . . . One Life at a Time

June 1st, 2009

Ivan Akhanov, SGA-Sponsored Church Planter

The Lord Most High is merciful as always! Our ministry here in Russia’s Rostov region is difficult, but God is blessing us. In the last quarter of 2008, we added five new members to the church — the second baptismal service during that year — for a total of 11 new believers. And each one of these new brothers and sisters has a unique life story.

Yuri Molchanov was one of those baptized. He is a programmer, scientist and engineer. Throughout his 44 years, Yuri searched for the truth and tasted many things that this world has to offer. But he could find no solutions to his problems, and peace was nowhere to be found. But one day, he decided to visit our church and the Lord touched his heart. Yuri repented of his sins, acknowledging the futility of his past ways and throwing himself on the mercy of the Lord. Praise be to God for His power to break through to the hardest hearts, even to the point of showing scientists and engineers the true way.

We continually work with alcoholics and people with other kinds of addictions. In many cases, the parents have high positions in society but their children end up as alcoholics. During these past months, we have sent several individuals to our rehabilitation center to be freed from alcohol or drug addiction. Those who are sincere before the Lord find the freedom they seek through His power alone.

We were glad to host a youth event for young people throughout the Rostov region as they gathered for a “brain ring,” or quiz game on the book of James. We had a full house of young people, and after the game, they continued in fellowship together. We use these types of quizzes to encourage the study of God’s Word.

We are thankful to the Lord for what He has accomplished. Please pray with us that God will bless our work in the village of Petrushino, and that people there will be open to the Gospel. Pray that our youth will continue to grow and strengthen in their faith. Also please pray for two of our brothers who have left to fulfill their mandatory military service. Their names are Andrei and Alexander. Pray that God will guard them and keep them safe. Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support of our ministry!