January - February 2012
Pray for Sergei
Sergei has been coming regularly to our services for a few months. He studied for some years in the Orthodox church, and with the Jehovah’s (false) Witnesses, but he realized that their teachings do not agree with God’s Word. He says he is learning more about the Bible now than he ever thought he could know. He thought he was saved, because God had helped him to give up drinking and smoking, and he is trying to live a virtuous life. I have had long talks with him, trying to explain how those good works can not save him, and that he must come to Christ as a helpless sinner, and accept salvation as a free gift. One evening, I showed him a diagram that shows the road of good works leading to Hell, while the road of Jesus leads to Heaven. He understood for the first time that works do not save. He said, “I always thought that the road of good works would lead me to Jesus, but now I see the difference.” He has not yet trusted Christ, but I believe he is getting close. Russians usually take a long time to make an important decision. Pray that the Spirit of God will trouble his heart about his need to take that step of faith.
We have purchased our air tickets, and we plan to be in the states for our furlough from April 27 to October 1, 2012. Please contact us if you would like us to visit your church. We would be happy to come and see you!
In the service of the King,
Don Ossewaarde