I jerked around to see her looking up at me with a hopeful look in her face. What did she see with me? She didn't even know my name. The Russian was about the same size as I am. She sensed a place of refuge and security as a child would with her father. Why? It is His presence. I'm convinced of it. In a way, her Everlasting Father was there for her. The drunk came and towered over me, almost toppling over on top of us. My hands went up to stop him, only he thought I wanted to shake hands. He wobbled off and a conversation began. This lady was Hungarian, a little younger than me. She opened her heart to spiritual things. She identified herself as Eastern Orthodox. By the end of our talk, she completely agreed that having the Savior through personal faith determined whether she would be a child of God, not church membership. So, did the drunk make the witness take place? Well, kind of. What I know is, God makes all things work together to accomplish His good purposes! Amen?
At this point, His purposes for me this summer may not include being in Israel, or at least Jerusalem. I've had Israel on my mind, but it may not be in the works. Whatever is in the works is good! I wish I could tell you with certainty. I'm just along for the ride. God's not the co-pilot here; He insists on driving!
Slavic Missionary Service is involved in many good works back in the old countries – Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. Several Churches have been planted, are growing and sending good reports on a regular basis. To remind you, if some reader out there could put together $2,400 with God's help and would enjoy two weeks meeting college students in Belarus who are acquainted with English, please contact me. You would live with a native family and likely be invited into the homes of students interested in English conversation (you know, like divine appointments). You just need holy boldness and divine provision.
Finally, here is some very good news to close with. Two of the fellows in our discipleship Bible study started teaching a small group of youths similar materials that we study together. When that news reached me, I said, "Wooow! That's the way it's supposed to work!" 2 Tim. 2:2 reads, "and the things which you have heard from me…entrust these to faithful men who will teach others also." Discipleship multiplication works. Another Russian Jewish man from Israel came to me and inquired about joining me in a Bible study so that he can use the Scriptures to witness to others and also be able to share things in church. Folks, that is a jaw-dropper for someone like me who has his eye out for faithful men. His name is Michael (Mesha). Please pray for him and his wife, Semona. Pray for Alex and Boris' youth Bible study. Pray for direction for summer ministry for me and for health for Marilyn (painful foot and hip).
Who is adequate for these things? Your prayers are being answered. Your support gifts are a blessing. Both honor Christ and bring glory to God. We receive them in Jesus' name with thanksgiving. We love you and pray for you. (this was a Rom. 8:28 "good" letter!)
Lovingly, in His steps,
Steve & Marilyn Walden
400 Kennedy Dr, Linden, NJ 07036
(908) 862-6365
PS: tax deductible gifts may be sent to Slavic Missionary Service Inc. , PO Box 308, South River, NJ O2228 Designate them "for the Waldens".
