Yesterday, we celebrated a joyous occasion as our beloved helper and sister in the Lord, Vera Ivanova, returned home to Khabarovsk after graduating from Rhema Bible Training Center Singapore. Prior to studying at Rhema Singapore, Vera faithfully attended and served in our church for 4 + years. She led the youth ministry, led a small group, taught in our “School of Spiritual Growth”, translated several of my literary works into Russian, served as an usher, etc. She went to Singapore to gain even more knowledge and experience in the ministry, and now she is extremely well-equipped to continue on here and wherever the Lord may lead her.
Another key blessing that Vera received while in Singapore was that she attended the marvelous “New Creation Church” pastored by Joseph Prince. Pastor Prince is an amazing man of God who preaches a strong message about grace which has revolutionized our lives and our church. Inga and I had the privilege of meeting him a year ago when we visited Singapore. We also have access to his teaching on CD’s which have provided us with rich spiritual sustenance. Last summer, one of Pastor Prince’s assistants, Pastor Joshua Lee, visited Khabarovsk and ministered in our church. At that time, God ministered to me through him in a way that I had previously experienced only twice: 1) when I was born again, and 2) when I was filled with the Spirit. In other words, God through Pastor Joshua changed my life forever. You can see why we are so happy that Vera attended Pastor Prince’s church. And not only did she attend New Creation Church, she ministered in it as an usher and a small group leader. Wow!
Inga and I are so thrilled that we have a well-equipped assistant who is Rhema-taught and has been smothered in the teaching of New Creation Church. We really believe that God has brought Vera back to us here in Khabarovsk to help us spread the gospel of the grace of Jesus Christ.
