Real Change . . . Through the Power of the Gospel

Pastor Sergei Naboichenko
SGA-Sponsored Church Planter
Kaluga, Russia

How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, “Your God reigns” (Isaiah 52:7)!

Recently, our church participated in a special regional ministry outreach called “Embrace the Power of Change.” Not only was it a time of special spiritual revival for the people of the church, but it was also an opportunity to reach many people with the Gospel. Church members prayed for us and helped answer phones when people called for advice, and we received more than 300 calls! Special evangelistic books containing testimonies from Kaluga-area believers were printed and distributed. There were four testimonies of our church members in it. One of them was from Olga Perova, whose son was healed from drugs through the power of God. Another was from Igor Ignatov, a former alcoholic. Also contributing was  Pavel Volnotepov, who used to practice occultism before his repentance, and Yuri Khoreshkov, an engineer in the factory, who used to strive after achievements but instead found himself in a deep depression. Many people expressed sincere interest in the fates of our heroes. And there are two more people with whom I had fruitful fellowship—Andrew and Michael. Here are their stories.

Andrew is a 50-year-old artist and a designer who restored old Orthodox church buildings, but had begun drinking alcohol and smoking. After several meetings and talks with me, he repented and became very much interested in the reading and study of the Bible. Glory be to God!

Michael is a 25-year-old electrician. After his mother suddenly died, his relationship with his father became difficult. Also, his girlfriend recently left him, which caused him extreme pain. He was on the edge of despair. After our conversation, he prayed a prayer of repentance and asked God to help him. The next day, he told me about the complete change of his spiritual state. He continues to fellowship with Christians. Hallelujah!

As part of my ministry during this time, I reach out to drug addicts and their families, with whom I share the Gospel. I offer to take them to the Christian rehab center, and one of them named Vadim agreed to go there. He is 28 years old and has since been in the rehab center in Kursk for several months. Please, pray for his spiritual condition. Please pray for us as we continue to work in this region. We have received many calls and letters from people in the villages. Please, pray that the Lord will continue to lead our ministry here in Kaluga. My wife and I thank God for you! May God bless you abundantly!

Editor’s note: As Christ builds His church, Sergei and the other SGA-sponsored church planters pour themselves out day after day, taking the Gospel to the lost and building up the new believers in the faith. Their labors of love are the key to reaching the tens of millions of lost people who are waiting to hear . . . and even wanting to hear.