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Contact:
Smith Bibens
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Russia
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As our trip comes to an end I wanted to update you on the work here in Tula and my observations about the work in this part of Russia.
As most of you know I arrived here in Tula on Friday, June 9 with my son Brooks, and Nate Bibens. We began having services on Sunday the 11th and with the exception of a couple of nights we conducted services every night. I did most of the teaching but Nate Bibens taught three times and did an excellent job. The first week I taught on the “family.” Lessons included the role of the husband, wife, children, submission and other related topics. Interest was good and I noted that several were taking notes each night. This past week I have been concentrating on a variety of issues including “The Hair” (1 Cor 11), The Works of the Flesh (Gal 5), and the Fruits of the Spirit, and other related moral issues. Again interest has been high with several taking notes. Generally attendance was good throughout both weeks.
The work here in Tula continues to be difficult. Unlike other places in the world and even in Russia the church here is technically illegal. Thus we cannot advertise, we cannot rent a hall for lectures, we cannot pass out literature, etc. Thus all evangelism must be accomplished via word of mouth. In spite of this, however, several visitors came to services primarily at the invitation of Sister Valentina.
Basically the church here consists of a handful of members. The core group consists of Boris, translator and main congregational teacher; Yuroslov, a young man of about 23 who leads singing and teaches once a month or so; Nora, a strong and wonderful older sister in the faith; and Valentina, an older lady whose heart is set on evangelism like none other I have met. Besides these several others of various abilities and interest attend on a regular basis.
As noted last year, the main detriment to the work here is the run down building in which the church meets. Valarie, one time member and technical owner of the building, has not kicked the church out but he has all but run us out. He now has “junk metal” and other rubbish encompassing about 60 percent of all usable space on the premises. Valentina astutely said that it is hard to invite friends who wonder what kind of church meets in a junkyard. Something must be done about this before the church can hope to grow and help from America is the only solution I can think of. The church in Tula solicits American help!
Boris continues to do what he can to lead the church. Naturally Boris’ training is that of a “translator” and he is still learning the role of an evangelist. This combined with the inability to advertise makes it difficult for him to know what to do to help the church grow. He studies weekly with Yuroslov, translates tracts, and I’ve encouraged him to begin a monthly bulletin which would include a sermonette, exercises, etc. so members can have something to take home and share with friends.
All in all I believe this trip was very productive. The church was encouraged and we were able to meet with some who had fallen away in order to encourage them to come back to the Lord.
I appreciate deeply all those who assisted in this trip. I especially appreciate 85th and Euclid in Kansas City who continues to allow me to be a part of this work. I also appreciate the new computer they donated to the work here. This will greatly assist us for years to come. I also appreciate Greg Gay and those congregations in California who have never given up on the work here in Russia. May the Lord bless you richly for your continued support of this work.
Finally, I must say a word about a brother I have never personally met. Everyone I talk to here in Tula who has ever had contact with the church always asks about one man: Max Butler. I do not know Max Butler personally but his influence is still being felt after all these years. As I understand it Max was one of the first who blazed the trail here in Tula. Max, may the Lord bless you and may you know that you made a profound impact on the Russia people. They love you.
I must close. Please keep us in prayer as we journey back “state side.” I look forward to my return next year. Hopefully by then we can come up with a plan to help the church here find more suitable meeting arrangements.
Because of Calvary,
Mike Criswell – with Brooks Criswell and Nate Bibens. June 23, 2006 |
