HELLO FROM SIBERIA

Здравствуйте. 

That’s Russian for “hello.” It comes from the team we lead in Novokuznetsk, Siberia in 2017.

Ministry In Siberia

Pete de Jong and Zakk Baltgailis (with Bob and Jocelyn as willing aids) worked on the leaky roof, repaired a chainsaw, felled trees, cleared weeds, shared their stories and did everything that has been asked of them.

Its the perfect team to suit the needs of this ministry. The Lord knew exactly what he was doing when he called each one to be on the crew. In his perfect planning he included a crazy Canuck with a penchant for chainsaws.

A forest needs clearing? History.On our first night in Siberia, Bob preached and three men gave their lives to Christ.

Pete de Jong shared his story at a Teen Challenge meeting.

Zakk Baltgailis shared his story, translated by Oksana.

Pastor Joey  Pilgrim(with Jessica Bantseev) taught three days of Social Media workshops and became an instant celebrity with the attendees. He visited an orphanage, preached at a youth service, attended a prayer meeting, and consulted with leaders about initial steps to start a young adult ministry.

Our team has enjoyed attempting to speak Russian (especially Joey).

Teen Challenge

The Teen Challenge Centre is located at an abandoned Soviet Union Youth Camp. The land and buildings were purchased by Edwin Rideout’s Fort MacMurray congregation.

Some of the men have shared miraculous stories of deliverance from HIV/AIDS, opium, heroin, and alcohol. Pictured below is Sasha with the team.

We participated in four weekend services, Jocelyn spoke at the Women’s Teen Challenge Centre and gave roses to each woman. We visited a church plant in Tocholino – which operates a gym as an outreach.

God is working miracles in Siberia.