An update from the team in Saint Petersburg:
It is unbelievable to think we only have a few days of ministry left in St. Petersburg! This has been such a full week, but I think we are all feeling the weight of leaving the kids in the transit center. There have been many spiritual battles, breakthroughs, and relationships formed. There is so much to share, it is difficult to know where to begin.
When you begin to hear the personal tragedies in each of the teen’s lives, our hearts just break for them! From toddlers through teens who have been sexually and physically abused, to young men, abandoned and left with no one to care for them. Each one has a story, but the tragedy remains the same.They are without parents and homes where they will be loved and cared for.
When we first arrived, we were met with outright animosity, ridicule, and physical abuse on some occasions. Children who did not smile or respond in delight, but with sorrow and dead eyes, devoid of emotion. On many occasions, our students were overwhelmed and even intimidated. Thus, they have become a team dedicated to the power of prayer. When all we could do was call out to God to help, he chased away the darkness and oppression, and slowly began to melt hearts of stone. Children began to welcome us each day in delight, hugs and kisses. For some, this is the only time they can be outside, and experience freedom and God’s creation. Each team member has said this is a time of joy for them, knowing they have shown love in the fullest to the younger children.
The teens, however, were not as easy. It has been a slow process, filled with spiritual battles. Our urgency to reach these young people with the Gospel intesified, as we realized daily that the children and teens could be “here today, gone tomorrow”. We have devised daily strategies to share our testimonies and build relationships. It has not been easy. We have been plagued by minor allergies, scratchy throats and stomach upsets, but nothing major. Just enough to distract, but we have strived to look beyond these ailments.
This week, we have been able to share our stories with many of the teens, and they are listening intently. Some of our students have shared their testimony for the first time ever! We have met with the girls off campus, and they asked us to share with them, an open door! Three teenage boys shared today with the male students, and opened up to them! We are blown away by how God is moving and we are praying for salvation decisions. Our entire team shared with the teens again today, and the teens listened to them intently.
Tomorrow, we will share about forgiveness. Please pray for continued boldness and opportunity to share further. We all are in high spirits tonight, and counting on what God will accomplish in each of the teens and children tomorrow. We appreciate every prayer!
Blessings from Russia-
Kerri
God bless you guys
It is always amazing to hear the stories of how God is faithful with His work. Blessings!