Because all but three of the members of the Koinonia fellowship traveled back to their homelands or elsewhere in Russia for the summer, the fellowship did not start regularly meeting until September.  

Although Frank and Lora were in the US until October 1, the fellowship gathered for services each Sunday for worship and fellowship (Frank would preach via an internet video from the US).  When Frank and Lora returned to Volgograd they were delighted to see that the brothers and sisters had invited freshman students to church.  And in addition to having new representation from Kenya, Ghana, Malaysia, and China we added Swaziland to our mix.  And then a newly married couple (he from Ireland and she from Germany) started to attend.  And then a couple of mature Russian believers started attending.  

As the weeks have gone on it is so wonderful to see the desire in all of these folks' hearts to interact with one another with genuine interest and care.  Pray that we will continue to faithfully preach the word of God as this is what they all testify has particularly drawn them to the Koinonia fellowship.

Men's Conference

The Evangelical Christian Missionary Union of Russia conducted a southern regional conference for men in leadership on October 28 and 29 in Volgograd.  Frank was invited to speak and presented some material drawing from Five Aspects of Man A Biblical Theology of Masculinity By William E. Mouser, Jr. 

Interpreter Dmitri, Pastor Nicoli, Frank

During the 2 hours Frank was given to speak he touched upon only one of the five aspects. There was considerable interest among the audience. Some pastors expressed a desire to develop the course further in the Russian language.  So Frank may be putting a team together to do so.

Additionally, the women of the churches heard such good reviews from the men that the women inquired as to whether there was similar material for them.  Lora is now meeting with Russian women who are planning a women's conference for May 2012 to perhaps develop a Russian presentation based on 5 Aspects of Woman.  

There is a tremendous need for such foundational teaching on Biblical masculinity and femininity in our churches today (worldwide).  The Koinonia fellowship has courses at least once a year addressing these important issues.  So please pray that we will wisely help our Russian brothers and sisters in this area.  

Part 2 on Men's Conference

Teaching and Preaching

TB Hospital

 

Isaac is from the Maasai tribe of Kenya.  Although only one of the very few Christians in his village he was encouraged to go abroad and study medicine so that he could come back to care for his people.  Isaac has faithfully walked with the Lord and served over the past 5 years in the Koinonia fellowship.

Frank and Isaac

Last May at the end of his 4th year at the Volgograd Medical University he was diagnosed with TB of the lungs and forced to give up his studies and enter the hospital for treatment. Though a discouraging setback, Isaac has held fast to the Lord and God has graciously permitted him to complete his exams (though he was previously told by the University that they would not allow him to) and he has remained at the hospital for the last 6 months.  

 

Koinonia has helped him financially and cared for his nutritional and other needs with regular visits.  He is recovering well and is no longer contagious so he can travel on occasion outside the

Alexi and his wife

hospital.  

 

Interestingly, the church of one of the Russian pastors (Alexi) SAM sent to Moscow for 6 years of seminary training has started a ministry at the TB hospital and Isaac is helping him.  Isaac ministers to those that become believers and then personally brings them to Alexi's church for a time until they go on their own. 

 

Isaac also is ministering to a Hindu girl from India (new medical student) who is also in the TB hospital.  On one occasion when Frank was visiting with them both at the hospital a doctor came by and recognized Frank.  Seventeen years ago Frank and Katya would weekly go into the TB hospital and minister to the children and teens.  The doctor remembered how SAM had given

Dr. Sergye in 1994

tables and chairs so the children wouldn't have to eat meals on wooden benches.  SAM also gave blankets, and books, and shampoos, and soaps, and even paper and pens so that this doctor could file out his reports.  

 

That which is done in the name of Christ makes not only significant impact on people's lives but also lasting impressions that God can bring to remembrance for his glory.