SLAVIC GOSPEL ASSOCIATION

A Prayer for Yaroslav

February 22nd, 2010

Pavel Podbutsky
SGA-Sponsored Missionary in Rostov, Russia

Let your gentle spirit be known to all men (Philippians 4:5).

I am sure most youth workers who have served at camps or other activities would agree. There’s usually one child or youth in almost every group who can be a real challenge. But God’s love can do amazing things with even the most difficult children.

Yaroslav was a young boy who ended up in my group this past summer at a camp we held in Volgograd on the bank of the historic Volga River. From the very first day, he came across as self-willed, self-confident and very selfish. He never thought about helping friends in need or in their hardships. For example, in one of our games, the whole group would be lifting a water bucket with their feet, but he would pull loose when the bucket began to lean in order not to get wet, getting the rest of the kids wet in the process. That was his pattern all the time. But the Lord intervened and began to work in Yaroslav.

On the third day of camp, Yaroslav was trying to show off his agility. He wouldn’t listen to the warnings or rules of the group leaders, and he eventually hurt his leg after attempting a somersault. It was a big disappointment for him — as well as for the rest of us — as the camp session had just begun. He wanted to go home, but praise God, he agreed to stay until the camp session was over.

God used this incident in amazing ways. He was teaching all of us to be forgiving, respectful and concerned for one another. Yaroslav could hardly move around immediately after his injury, and the other kids who had suffered the consequences of some of his escapades didn’t want to give him any attention or help at first. But we talked to them about the Lord and His forgiveness, and that they needed to forgive others. Gradually, more of them began to help Yaroslav, bringing him meals and helping him to get from one place to another. They even began to enjoy caring for someone in need.

But even more striking was the impact on Yaroslav. His attitude toward others began to change. We saw less self-will and self-assertion, and more respect, gratitude and concern for others. He began to ask serious questions on serious topics, and by the end of the camp, Yaroslav had made many friends. And we saw many beautiful character traits beginning to surface in him.

Yaroslav does not yet attend our church, but his parents are friends with one of our church families. Please remember this young man in your prayers, especially for his salvation and that of his family. It is our desire that more young people like Yaroslav will hear the Gospel through our church. May the Lord Most High bless you!