Missionary Pastor Uses Every Opportunity to Share the Gospel!

Oleg M.
SGA-Supported Missionary Pastor

I recently took a trip from Central Asia to Moscow for a theological conference centered on the 150th anniversary of the Synodal Bible translation into Russian. After the conference was over, my journey continued to the Russian city of Tyumen, where I met a fellow countryman who has been living in Russia for a long time. After talking with him, I understood that he had become an alcoholic. I shared my testimony—that I was once also addicted, but God set me free, and now I feel useful for God, the church, my family, and society. He has children, and I told him it would not be good for them to hear that their father is an alcoholic. He became thoughtful, and when we parted at the train station, I told him that only the Lord can deliver him and give him freedom. I pray that he heard me!

On the train, I also spoke with a young man who considered himself an atheist. When I talked to him about faith, he said, “How can you believe in something you cannot see or touch?” I replied by asking, “Do you believe the train driver has authorization to operate this train? Or do you rely on facts?” He said he trusted that he would not be allowed to drive otherwise, and that there are checks and qualifications. I told him that in the same way, the Word of God has also been tested and has changed the whole world. The evidence around us—the sky, the stars, nature, and the crown of God’s creation, man himself—testifies to it. He is currently still thinking about this.

Back at home, I now have a new ministry assistant, Brother Arkady, who also went through a difficult path. He came to faith in prison and after his release decided not to return to his past life but to fully dedicate himself to the Lord and His service. Due to his background, he is very effective in witnessing to those who find themselves in difficult life situations. Our discipleship ministry is bearing fruit, and many local people are attending church. During this period, there were no major difficulties or persecutions from the authorities. The children come to church, and they attend Sunday school, which, is turned into a playroom when needed. We distribute literature, but only inside the church or when people request it during visits. I would like to thank you for your prayers and timely support. Please keep praying for my family and our ministry through the church.