Home - Mission Projects - Missionaries - Missionary Newsletters - Facts about Russia - Resources
About Us - What We Believe - Prayer Requests - Contact Us - Subscribe to Our News Updates

2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010

 

ELCIR Siberian District Retreat and Seminar Near Abakan, Russia, August 16-20, 2010 (Update Sept 3 '10)

From August 16-20, 2010, pastors, deacons, laypeople, and their family members gathered for an ELCIR retreat at the Champion Sports and Health Center 20 km from Abakan, Republic of Khakassia, Russian Federation. The gathering was coordinated by the deacons Vyacheslav Shadrin and Vitaliy Luchagov from Minusinsk, in conjunction with LCMS World Mission in Eurasia. 45 people representing ELCIR congregations and religious groups in Omsk, Novosibirsk, Minusinsk, Krasnoyarsk, and the Republic of Buryatia (Russian Federation) attended the seminar.

As part of the program, Dr. Robert Rosin from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, led a seminar on the topic titled "Christianity after Sunday—Being Christian the Rest of the Week." He presented to the group on the priesthood of all believers, what moves/changes culture and how Christians fit into this, with a special focus on Christians' faithful presence in living Christian lives and looking for the openings to witness to Jesus in their vocations. The presentations of other participants included such topics as confession of sins, ministry to children and youth, and outreach to prisoners and orphans.

Several participants from Minusinsk helped mind the others’ young children during the sessions. Each day started and ended by reading from 1 and 2 Peter where the apostle exhorts all believers to be the people of God. The group traveled on an excursion to Minusinsk (Krasnoyarsk Kray) and Abakan (Khakassia) and also made an outing to the Tagarskoye Lake 15 km south of Minusinsk.

On the last day of the seminar, at a small river breaking off from the flow of the Yenisey, Rev. Juha Saari, Probst of the Siberian District of The Church of Ingria, baptized two participants from Buryatia, namely, Marina and Elizaveta Banzaraktsayev, wife and daughter of Mikhail Banzaraktsayev, a catechet from Ulan-Ude, Buryatia. Photo Gallery. (top)

Reconstruction Work on the Holy Communion Lutheran Church Building, Borisoglebsk, Russia, June 20-28, 2010 (Update Sept 3 '10)

Nebraska Team Traveling to Borisoglebsk

For one week in June, four Americans from Christ Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, did brickwork on the foundation façade of the Holy Communion Lutheran Church in Borisoglebsk, Russia. They paid for all the construction materials involved and bought a new cement mixer. They also taught English as a second language to children, visited shut-ins in the community, and bought a blood pressure cuff and a blood glucose monitor for the congregation. The four who traveled to work in Borisoglebsk were Greg Miller, Darrell Buss, Heidi Hohlen, and Ryan Voelker. We are grateful to all of the team for their selfless dedication and assistance, especially in the exceptionally difficult weather conditions in European Russia this summer. Full story by Darrell Buss. Photo Gallery. (top)

July 2010 Update from Rev. Alexander Furs, St. John the Evangelist Lutheran in Saratov, Russia (Update Aug 8 '10)

From June 28 through July 3, Pastor Furs participated in several university activities. During additional exams at the philosophy department of the Saratov State University, he talked with applicants for religion studies at the department. As he talked with them about their plans to use the knowledge they would receive during the course, he invited 20-25 of them to visit St. John’s Lutheran Church and its worship.

In July, Rev. Furs participated in a meeting organized by the meeting center of the Ethnic Cultures House in the Saratov region. The meeting gathered representatives of the ethnic groups populating the region. Pastor Alexander presented a report about the upcoming 400th anniversary of The Church of Ingria. He told 140-150 people about the history of the historical Ingrian Lutheran diocese, its tradition and life in the Russian Empire, and about the anniversary celebration plans of the current church body. He used the occasion to tell the audience also about the Lutheran congregation in Saratov and invited everybody in participate in the congregational meetings.

From July 19 through 23, Pastor visited a summer camp for children and youth in the Khvalynsk District of the Saratov Oblast. An organization partnering with St. John’s Congregation invited him to the camp for a couple of days to tell high school students about his Lutheran congregation. He also gave away Luther’s Small Catechisms to the young people and told them about camps that are organized annually by the Children and Youth Committee of The Church of Ingria. He told about the Lutheran Church and its confession to 50-55 participants.

His other Gospel touches included 23 unchurched guests who attended worship at St. John’s Congregation’s on different Sundays where Rev. Furs preached. Those people had been invited by him to visit the church during his various meetings in previous weeks. As is his usual practice, he talked with those people and answered their questions in more detail during tea and snacks after church.

Praise God for the Sacrament of Holy Baptism which Rev. Furs administered to the 5-month-old Georgiy on Augsburg Confession Sunday, June 27th, in the presence of many guests, the young boy’s relatives. In addition to the word of instruction about Baptism before the sacrament, Pastor Alexander fellowshipped with the guests after the service telling them about the history, significance, and contents of the Augsburg Confession.

His other activities included answering 17 new emails from respondents to the website of The Church of Ingria and that of the Volga Church District. Pastor Furs regularly updates the contents of those web resources. In his replies to internet visitors, he tells them about the teachings of Lutheranism, answers their practical questions about church traditions, festivals, and worship services, and provides information about the location of any Ingrian congregation to those who want to find a Lutheran church in their area.

Earlier updates on outreach in the Saratov region: Aug 01, Sept 01, Oct 01, Nov 01, Feb 03, Aug 03, Nov 04, Jan 05, Feb 05, Mar 05, May 05, Mar 06, Aug 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Jan 07, Feb 07, Mar 07, Mar-Apr 07, Apr-May 07, May-June 07, July 07, Aug 07, Sept 07, Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan 08, Feb 08, Mar 08, Apr 08, May 08, May-Jun 08, Jul 08, Aug 08, Sept 08, Oct 08, Nov 08, Dec 08, Jan 09, Feb 09, Mar 09, Apr 09, May 09, Jun 09, Jul 09, Aug 09, Sept 09, Oct 09, Nov 09, Dec 09, Jan 10, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 10, May 10, Jun 10. (top)

July 2010 Update from Rev. Mikhail Starilov, Borisoglebsk, Russia (Update Aug 2 '10)

Earlier updates on the outreach in Borisoglebsk: Nov 02, Feb-Mar 06, Jun-Aug 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Jan 07, Feb 07, Mar 07, Apr 07, May 07, Jun 07, Jul 07, Aug 07, Sept 07, Oct 07, Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan 08, Feb 08, Mar 08, Apr 08, May 08, Jun 08, Jul 08, Aug 08, AIDS Awareness Seminars '08, Sept 08, Oct 08, Nov 08, Nov 08 AIDS seminar, Jan 09, Feb 09, Mar 09, Apr 09, May 09, Jun 09, Jul 09, Sept 09, Oct 09, Nov 09, Dec 09, Jan 10, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 10, May 10, Jun 10. (top)

June-July 2010 Update from Vyacheslav Ostanin on Prison Ministry in Novosibirsk, Russia (Update Aug 2 '10)

Slava with prison ministry contacts Slava reaches out to children

Vyacheslav (Slava) Ostanin, president of ICHTHYS prison ministry and catechet at Christ the Savior Lutheran Church in Novosibirsk, continued his outreach to correctional facilities and children's medical institutions in Novosibirsk. For the past month Slava reports around 410 Gospel touches during meetings with convicts and on other occasions. Photo Gallery.

Download a full translation of Slava Ostanin's June-July 2010 report.

Earlier updates on Slava Ostanin's ministry in March 04, April 05, June 05 , December 05, January 06, February 06, March-April 06, May 06, June 06, July-August 2006, Sept 06, Oct-Nov 06, Dec 06-Feb 07, Mar-Apr 07, Apr-May 07, May-June 07, July 07, July-Aug 07, Aug-Sept 07, Sept-Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Nov-Dec 07, Dec-Jan 07, Jan-Feb 08, Feb-Mar 08, Mar-Apr 08, Apr-May 08, May-June 08, Jun-Jul 08, Jul-Aug 08, Aug-Sept 08, Sept-Oct 08, Oct-Nov 08, Nov-Dec 08, Dec 08 - Jan 09, Jan-Feb 09, Feb-Mar 09, Mar-Apr 09, Apr-May 09, May-Jun 09, Jun-Jul 09, Jul-Aug 09, Aug-Sep 09, Sept-Oct 09, Oct-Nov 09, Nov-Dec 09, Dec 09-Jan 10, Jan-Feb 10, Feb-March 10, Mar-Apr 10, Apr-May 10, May-Jun 10. (top)

Spring-Summer 2010 Update from Minusinsk, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Russia (Update Aug 1 '10)

From deacons Vyacheslav Shadrin and Vitaliy Luchagov

Deacons Shadrin and Luchagov with youth. Spring 2010.On Easter Day, Deacon Shadrin joined in with the Gideons preaching and singing Christian hymns for 300 servicemen in a military unit in Minusinsk.

As part of their ministry to young people, Vyacheslav and other leaders from the Lutheran church in Minusinsk reached out with direct Gospel proclamation and showing Christian films to 30 people.

From April through June, Vitaliy Luchagov and Vyacheslav Shadrin reached out with the Gospel to more than 100 people in Krasnoyarsk, Minusinsk, Karatuz, Sagayskoye, Verkhniy Suetuk, and Verkhnyaya Bulanka baptizing 13 people and confirming 5. Their activities included worship services, Bible studies, youth ministry, Sunday schools, outreach to disabled people’s home, counseling, taking private confessions, culture activities, showing Christian films, dedication of a house, funeral service, worship service at a cemetery, and other activities. Praise God that new Christian religious groups were planted in Karatuz and Sagayskoye. Please pray for the development of new groups in Taskino and Motornoye.

Photo Gallery. Earlier updates on Deacon Shadrin's ministry: Apr 05, May 05, Jul 05, Aug 05, Oct 05, Jan 06, Feb 06, Apr 06, May 06, May 06, July 06 (1), July 06 (2), early Aug 06, Sept 06, Nov 06, Jan-Feb 07, Apr 07, June 08, Jan 09, Mar-Apr 09, May 09. (top)

April-June 2010 Update from Pastor Sergey Tatarenko, St. Petersburg, Russia (Update Jul 7 '10)

From April 4 through June 30, 2010, Archangel Michael's Lutheran Church in St. Petersburg, Russia, hosted 41 music concerts for reaching out to unchurched public by presenting the Gospel expressed in Western and Russian classical sacred music, including organ performance, other instrumental music, and singing. St. Michael's clergymen served as compères. The outreach concerts at St. Michael's Lutheran during this period totaled around 15,000 Gospel touches. Earlier updates on Gospel outreach activities at St. Michael Lutheran Church: Sept 05, Nov 06, Apr 07, Jun 07, Dec 08, Sept-Dec 08 (HIV/AIDS), Oct 08-Feb 09, Feb-Jun 09, Jul-Sept 09, Oct-Dec 09, Jan-Mar 10. (top)

Missionary Newsletter (Update Jul 5 '10)

July 2010 Newsletter from Matthew Heise (Moscow, Russia). (top)

Update from Rev. Boychenko, Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia. April-June 2010 (Update Jul 5 '10)

On April 18, the Mission Education Center of the Lutheran Church in Nizhniy Novgorod hosted another seminar from a seminar series for young people. The topic of the day was “The Biblical Perspective of the Difference between Man and Woman.” The meeting was attended by 3 unchurched people. It was led by church member Vyacheslav Lebedev.

4 unchurched guests attended a discussion on May 1-2 about ways to preserve a Christian marriage. The discussion was led by Rev. Leif Camp.

On May 6, the MEC hosted another discussion with invited guests which was led by Rev. Hannu Vuorinen, missionary in The Church of Ingria. He was assisted by Edward Juronen, a graduate of the Theological Institute. The topic of the discussion was how the Christian can achieve simplicity and imitate Jesus’s way of life. 2 unchurched people joined church members in this discussion.

5 unchurched guests joined church members in another discussion for young people on May 9. The explored topic was “The Relationship of Man and Woman: Choosing One’s Life Partner. The Biblical Perspective.” The meeting was led by church member Vyacheslav Lebedev.

On May 15, the Lutheran church in Nizhniy Novgorod hosted a Christian recital of singer and guitarist Iikka Viitanen, brother of youth worker Miina Viitanen from Finland. Iikka also shared some of his experience as a Christian. The audience included 12 or more unchurched guests.

4 unchurched people attended a seminar on the upbringing of children led by church member Olga Lebedeva on May 29.

3 unchurched couples attended another seminar on the marital relationship on June 20. Olga and Vyacheslav Lebedev led the discussion of “Jesus Christ and His Love: Keeping and Preserving Love Between the Spouses.” At the end of the seminar, the group watched “Fireproof,” a 2008 Christian film produced in the US.

Two unchurched young people joined the church members in an outdoor Bible study in Strigino.

On Thursdays and Sundays, organist and cantor Anton Medvedev leads choir rehearsals which are often joined by unchurched friends of the congregation.

The weekly Bible study on Wednesdays gathers church members and guests to listen to and discuss Scripture as expressed in Bach music. The audience includes under- and postgraduates and professors from the Nizhniy Novgorod Conservatory.

Church member Roman Turenko continues to translate traditional Lutheran hymns into Russia. He has recently completed the translation of two more hymns for the new hymnal of The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria, a project facilitated by Darya Shkurlyatyeva.

Rev. Boychenko has given away 7 more copies of his book, “On Lutherans in Russia, Nizhniy Novgorod, and Elsewhere” telling the recipients about the Lutheran faith and its history in Russia.

Photo Gallery. Earlier updates on Pastor Yaroslav's outreach ministry in Feb 04, May 04, May 05, Feb-Apr 06, Apr-May 06, June 06, July-Sept 06, Oct-Nov 06, Dec 06-Jan 07, Feb-Mar 07, April-May 07, June 07, Aug-Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan-Mar 08, Apr-Jun 08, Jul-Oct 08, Oct-Nov 08, Nov-Dec 08, Dec 08-Feb 09, Mar-May 09, Jun-Sept 09, Oct-Nov 09, Jan 31, 2010 Anniversary, Dec 09 - Feb 10, Mar 10, Mar-Apr 10. (top)

June 2010 Update from Rev. Alexander Furs, St. John the Evangelist Lutheran in Saratov, Russia (Update Jul 5 '10)

On May 23rd, 14 guests whom Pastor Furs had invited earlier, attended the Pentecost divine service at St. John’s Congregation. Pastor Alexander preached at that service, and during tea after church he told the church members and guests in more detail about the origins, meaning and purpose of the festival and answered the guests’ questions.

During the last week of May before the vacation season, Pastor Furs had several meetings with partners discussing future community and missionary activities in August and September and inviting them to the worship service. His contacts that week totaled 50-55 people. 27 unchurched people joined in with the church members at the worship service on Trinity Day, May 30. Fellowship on the liturgical day’s topic continued after the worship.

During travel to St. Petersburg to lecture at the Theological Institute, Rev. Furs witnessed to his faith for 6 fellow-travelers on the train. In St. Petersburg, he witnessed for 22-23 unchurched people during personal conversations, meetings, and discussions.

8 new guests were present among the worshipers at the divine service on June 20. After church, Pastor Furs answered questions about the Lutheran church and teaching, gave away Luther’s Small Catechisms, and invited the guests to come to the confirmation class which would resume in September.

On June 22, as a pastor and representative of the Lutheran church, Rev. Furs participated in public activities in connection with Day of Remembrance and Sorrow, laying wreaths and flowers at the WWII memorial on the Sokolinaya Hill in Saratov. He had a chance to talk with many WWII veterans, telling them about the various activities in the region’s Lutheran church and inviting them to the church’s worship. During the same week, he prepared materials about the history of the Augsburg Confession for the regular newsletter of public and religious organizations in the Saratov Oblast and updated the websites of St. John’s church and of The Church of Ingria. He replied to 21 emails with questions and suggestions from respondents to the church’s online resources.

Earlier updates on outreach in the Saratov region: Aug 01, Sept 01, Oct 01, Nov 01, Feb 03, Aug 03, Nov 04, Jan 05, Feb 05, Mar 05, May 05, Mar 06, Aug 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Jan 07, Feb 07, Mar 07, Mar-Apr 07, Apr-May 07, May-June 07, July 07, Aug 07, Sept 07, Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan 08, Feb 08, Mar 08, Apr 08, May 08, May-Jun 08, Jul 08, Aug 08, Sept 08, Oct 08, Nov 08, Dec 08, Jan 09, Feb 09, Mar 09, Apr 09, May 09, Jun 09, Jul 09, Aug 09, Sept 09, Oct 09, Nov 09, Dec 09, Jan 10, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 10, May 10. (top)

Missionary Newsletter (Update Jul 2 '10)

The Muhly Monthly June 30, 2010 (in PDF format) from Jon and Julie Muhly (Moscow, Russia) (top)

Update from Darya Shkurlyatyeva, May-June 2010, Moscow, Russia (Update Jun 25 '10)

On May 18, Darya Shkurlyatyeva participated in a meeting to discuss establishing a long-term (3-year) cantors’ course. Rev. Fyodor Tulynin, rector of the Theological Institute of The Church of Ingria, gave Darya the task to prepare methodology materials on “The History of Church Music,” “The History of Lutheran Music,” and “Hymnology.” During the last two weeks in May, Darya wrote curricula and developed training programs for the course. For each of the training sessions, the Institute plans to put out brochures on the above subjects because such information in the Russian language is scarce. Darya is preparing those brochures by consolidating the lecture material she has presented for the last 5 years at the Institute and elsewhere. At the meeting, Darya shared her experience in teaching a distance course in CMS Moodle. It was decided that between the sessions the training would continue online through a newly-opened subdomain at the website of the Theological Institute.

On May 28, the working group that Darya is head of for preparing a new hymnbook gathered for a meeting at the central office of the Bishop of The Church of Ingria in St. Petersburg. For the meeting, Darya had laid out and printed brochures with new hymns and typed up the same hymns as choir scores using the MuseScore scorewriter software. The materials were approved by the working group and can be used in the congregations of The Church of Ingria. Darya asked that the group would accept new members-- graduates of the recently finished cantor course that Darya had taught. This will enhance the work on the hymnbook’s musical component and help put the new hymns to use in the congregations.

On May 29, Darya Shkurlyatyeva participated in the Church of Ingria’s Day of Music held at St. Mary’s Lutheran Cathedral in St. Petersburg. She presented a lecture, “Psalm Singing in the Lutheran Church,” which she illustrated with psalms from different American, German, and Finnish liturgical books and with extracts from Luther's German Mass. All her musical illustrations were performed by graduates of the cantor course Darya had taught shortly before. For her lecture, she had layouted and printed brochures that she handed out to all the listeners as her presentation included having the audience sing many poetic texts from the Bible by using simple psalm chants. The brochures also contained ads about the future activities of the Society for Studying Lutheran Music that Darya is in charge of.

For the occasion, St. Mary’s Cathedral published a Congregational Leaflet to which Darya contributed an article about the educational role of the Lutheran chorale.

On June 12, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Rzhev, Russia, hosted an educational concert titled “The Liturgical Year of the Lutheran Church.” Darya prepared this concert together with Elena Baranova, the congregation’s cantor. The concert was participated in by congregational musicians and secular guest musicians. The audience included both church members and secular guests many of whom came to the church for the first time. For the concert, Darya made a verse-form translation of “Where Shepherds Lately Knelt,” a Christmas hymn by Carl Schalk.

On June 17, Darya took part in the meeting of the Moscow District of The Church of Ingria which was held at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Moscow. She spoke about the future cantor course and the work on the new hymnbook. The congregational pastors from the Moscow District received brochures with the new hymns approved by the working group on May 28.

On June 21, Darya received the news that she was admitted as an extramural student at the music journalism department of the Conservatory in Nizhniy Novgorod. Darya asks for your prayers that she may have as many opportunities as possible to tell people about Lutheranism and Lutheran music both through church and secular mass media. The next year is an wonderful doorway for this: it is a jubilee year both for The Church of Ingria which will celebrate its 400th anniversary and for the Society for Studying Lutheran Music which will celebrate its 5th birthday in March 2011 since it was officially registered by the Ministry of Justice.

Photo Gallery. Earlier updates: Mar 03, Nov 03, Dec 03, Mar 04, Apr 04, May 04, Nov 04, Jan 05, Jan 05, Mar 05, Apr 06, May 06, July 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Dec 06*, Jan-Feb 07, Mar 07, Oct-Nov 07, Feb 08, Oct 08, Nov 08-Jan 09, Mar-May 09, May-Jun 09, Aug 09, Aug-Oct 09, Nov 09-Feb 10, Mar-Apr 10. (top)

June 2010 Update from Rev. Mikhail Starilov, Borisoglebsk, Russia (Update Jun 25 '10)

Earlier updates on the outreach in Borisoglebsk: Nov 02, Feb-Mar 06, Jun-Aug 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Jan 07, Feb 07, Mar 07, Apr 07, May 07, Jun 07, Jul 07, Aug 07, Sept 07, Oct 07, Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan 08, Feb 08, Mar 08, Apr 08, May 08, Jun 08, Jul 08, Aug 08, AIDS Awareness Seminars '08, Sept 08, Oct 08, Nov 08, Nov 08 AIDS seminar, Jan 09, Feb 09, Mar 09, Apr 09, May 09, Jun 09, Jul 09, Sept 09, Oct 09, Nov 09, Dec 09, Jan 10, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 10, May 10. (top)

May-June 2010 Update from Vyacheslav Ostanin on Prison Ministry in Novosibirsk, Russia (Update Jun 25 '10)

Slava Brings Aid to Children's Sanatorium

Vyacheslav (Slava) Ostanin, president of ICHTHYS prison ministry and catechet at Christ the Savior Lutheran Church in Novosibirsk, continued his outreach to correctional facilities and children's medical institutions in Novosibirsk. For the past month Slava reports around 630 Gospel touches during meetings with convicts and on other occasions. Photo Gallery.

Download a full literal translation of Slava Ostanin's May-June 2010 report.

Earlier updates on Slava Ostanin's ministry in March 04, April 05, June 05 , December 05, January 06, February 06, March-April 06, May 06, June 06, July-August 2006, Sept 06, Oct-Nov 06, Dec 06-Feb 07, Mar-Apr 07, Apr-May 07, May-June 07, July 07, July-Aug 07, Aug-Sept 07, Sept-Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Nov-Dec 07, Dec-Jan 07, Jan-Feb 08, Feb-Mar 08, Mar-Apr 08, Apr-May 08, May-June 08, Jun-Jul 08, Jul-Aug 08, Aug-Sept 08, Sept-Oct 08, Oct-Nov 08, Nov-Dec 08, Dec 08 - Jan 09, Jan-Feb 09, Feb-Mar 09, Mar-Apr 09, Apr-May 09, May-Jun 09, Jun-Jul 09, Jul-Aug 09, Aug-Sep 09, Sept-Oct 09, Oct-Nov 09, Nov-Dec 09, Dec 09-Jan 10, Jan-Feb 10, Feb-March 10, Mar-Apr 10, Apr-May 10. (top)

"The Power of a Praying Wife." Update from Lutheran Church Concordia, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (Update Jun 15 '10)

On June 5, 2010 around 100 women from 15 Lutheran congregations and home groups participated in the seminar entitled “The Power of a Praying Wife”. The seminar was organized under the auspices of Women Leadership, a project funded by LWML. The topic of the seminar is important for Christian life, especially in a society where alcoholism, abuse and adultery are not rare in families. Recent riots and political instability in Kyrgyzstan make the topic of the seminar really burning. The women participated in the seminar with great interest: some shared their experiences about how God answered their prayers, others performed sketches and read verses from the Bible. The seminar gave all of them an excellent opportunity to share, mix and pray for each other. Photos. Earlier updates: Oct 02, May 03, Sep 03, Oct 03, May 04, Dec 11 '06, Dec 15 '06, Feb 07 (a), Feb 07 (b), Oct 08, Nov 08, Apr 09, Oct 15 '09, Oct 19, 09, Oct 28 '09, Nov 11 '09, Nov 14 '09, Dec 09. More about past work in Kyrgyzstan in the newsletters of Tim and Rita Nickel and Bob and Sue Pfeil. (top)

Missionary Newsletter (Update Jun 2 '10)

The Muhly Monthly May 31, 2010 (in PDF format) from Jon and Julie Muhly (Moscow, Russia) (top)

Missionary Newsletter (Update Jun 2 '10)

May 2010 Newsletter from Bob and Laine Rosin. (top)

May 2010 Update from Rev. Alexander Furs, St. John the Evangelist Lutheran in Saratov, Russia (Update Jun 1 '10)

On April 25, after church Pastor Alexander met with 9 guests of the congregation, telling them about the basic Gospel teaching of the Lutheran Church, the history and traditions of St. John’s Lutheran congregation, the Easter time, and the life of St. Mark who was remembered on that day. He also gave them copies of Luther’s Small Catechism and answered their questions about daily prayer. The guests said they would like to continue coming to the congregation and attend its activities.

From April 26 through May 1, Pastor Alexander prepared to participate in an interregional forum, “The Russian Spiritual Culture: from the Origins to Modern Day.” As he prepared for the conference, he had several meetings with partners of St. John’s Lutheran Church and presenters where he answered their questions, told them about Lutheranism, and invited a total of 26 people to the church services. During the same week he invited several young colleagues of his from higher education institutions to the regular confirmation class at the church. The 14 new participants who joined the regulars heard Rev. Furs’ presentation about the distinction between the Law and the Gospel. After class, Pastor Furs took two hours answering the participants’ questions. He invited the guests to attend the church’s regular Bibles studies and weekly worship services and confirmed the possibility of further educational meetings of this type in the future.

4 guests joined in with the church members worshipping the Lord on Sunday, May 2.

During the week of May 3rd through May 8th, Pastor Furs participated in various public meetings in the city on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the Victory over Nazism. As he extended greetings to war veterans in behalf of St. John’s Lutheran Congregation and The Church of Ingria as a whole, he told them about the contribution of Russia’s Lutherans to the cause of the victory. In particular, he spoke about Karelians who fought in the war, many of whom took part in the defense of Leningrad. He also spoke about other ethnic groups in Russia who are Lutherans and who defended the Russian homeland. He invited 60-70 people to a prayer of remembrance of all the fallen in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-45. Around 14 guests joined the worshipers for the remembrance prayer on May 9 (Victory Day in Russia) as part of the divine service in the church.

From May 10 to 15 Pastor Alexander submitted info materials to the Newsletter of the Saratov Oblast where he spoke about the Lutheran traditions of celebrating the Lord’s Ascension and indicated the date and place of the Lutheran worship service on the holiday. He also updated the website of The Church of Ingria and that of St. John’s Lutheran Church and replied to 8 emails from respondents to the Ingrian presence in mass media.

6 new guests were together with church members worshiping the Lord on May 16. After church, Pastor Furs visited with the church members and the guests discussing the meaning of the Lord’s Ascension in more detail.

From May 17 to 21 Pastor Furs participated in the above-mentioned conference on the Russian culture and also led a broadened meeting of the congregation’s youth club. The church youth were joined by 5 students of the young people’ philosophical society who came to the Lutheran congregation for the first time. The meeting’s topic was the Lord’s Ascension. The pastor invited the guests to come to the Sunday worship service on the Pentecost Sunday, May 23.

Photos of the Easter worship service at St. John's Church in Saratov.

Earlier updates on outreach in the Saratov region: Aug 01, Sept 01, Oct 01, Nov 01, Feb 03, Aug 03, Nov 04, Jan 05, Feb 05, Mar 05, May 05, Mar 06, Aug 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Jan 07, Feb 07, Mar 07, Mar-Apr 07, Apr-May 07, May-June 07, July 07, Aug 07, Sept 07, Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan 08, Feb 08, Mar 08, Apr 08, May 08, May-Jun 08, Jul 08, Aug 08, Sept 08, Oct 08, Nov 08, Dec 08, Jan 09, Feb 09, Mar 09, Apr 09, May 09, Jun 09, Jul 09, Aug 09, Sept 09, Oct 09, Nov 09, Dec 09, Jan 10, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 10. (top)

May 2010 Update from Rev. Mikhail Starilov, Borisoglebsk, Russia (Update May 28 '10)

Earlier updates on the outreach in Borisoglebsk: Nov 02, Feb-Mar 06, Jun-Aug 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Jan 07, Feb 07, Mar 07, Apr 07, May 07, Jun 07, Jul 07, Aug 07, Sept 07, Oct 07, Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan 08, Feb 08, Mar 08, Apr 08, May 08, Jun 08, Jul 08, Aug 08, AIDS Awareness Seminars '08, Sept 08, Oct 08, Nov 08, Nov 08 AIDS seminar, Jan 09, Feb 09, Mar 09, Apr 09, May 09, Jun 09, Jul 09, Sept 09, Oct 09, Nov 09, Dec 09, Jan 10, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 10. (top)

Missionary Newsletter (Update May 28 '10)

June 2010 Newsletter from Matthew Heise (Moscow, Russia). (top)

Update from Deacon Ostanin on Prison Ministry in Novosibirsk, Russia. April-May 2010 (Update May 18 '10)

Slava with Juvenile Delinquents

For the past month, Deacon Vyacheslav (Slava) Ostanin reports around 500 Gospel touches in penal colonies, children's institutions, and other places as he shared the Gospel and provided physical aid in Novosibirsk and its region in April-May.

Download a full translation of Deacon Ostanin's April-May 2010 report.

Photo Gallery. Earlier updates on Slava Ostanin's ministry in March 04, April 05, June 05 , December 05, January 06, February 06, March-April 06, May 06, June 06, July-August 2006, Sept 06, Oct-Nov 06, Dec 06-Feb 07, Mar-Apr 07, Apr-May 07, May-June 07, July 07, July-Aug 07, Aug-Sept 07, Sept-Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Nov-Dec 07, Dec-Jan 07, Jan-Feb 08, Feb-Mar 08, Mar-Apr 08, Apr-May 08, May-June 08, Jun-Jul 08, Jul-Aug 08, Aug-Sept 08, Sept-Oct 08, Oct-Nov 08, Nov-Dec 08, Dec 08 - Jan 09, Jan-Feb 09, Feb-Mar 09, Mar-Apr 09, Apr-May 09, May-Jun 09, Jun-Jul 09, Jul-Aug 09, Aug-Sep 09, Sept-Oct 09, Oct-Nov 09, Nov-Dec 09, Dec 09-Jan 10, Jan-Feb 10, Feb-March 10, Mar-Apr 10. (top)

April 2010 Update from Rev. Alexander Burtsev, Sts. Peter and Paul Lutheran Church, Almaty, Kazakhstan (Update May 11 '10)

Sts. Peter and Paul Lutheran Church in Almaty continues organizing sports contests with children and teenagers and regular outreach puppet theater shows. In April, Rev. Burtsev and several church members traveled to the orphanage in Karakastek bringing humanitarian aid and making friendships. Pastor Alexander reports the following Gospel touches in April:

Currently there are 9 people in the confirmation class. The church continues to rehearse new puppet performances, produce stage props, and mend the puppets and is currently preparing a big program for a summer camp which will be held from June 5 to 23-25. Photo Gallery. Earlier updates: Jan 10, Feb 10, Mar 10. (top)

Update from Darya Shkurlyatyeva, March-April 2010, Moscow, Russia (Update May 7 '10)

Darya at seminarFrom March 24 to 27, Darya Shkurlyatyeva led a seminar for cantors (directors of congregational music ministries) at the Theological Institute of The Church of Ingria in Koltushi, Russia. Darya was also the one who organized and coordinated the seminar. The topic of the seminar was learning to play the recorder. The 20 participants from Moscow, Koltushi, St. Petersburg, Gatchina, Pushkin, Nizhniy Novgorod, Rzhev, Petrozavodsk, Pitkaranta, Kondopoga, and Olonets obtained the skills of playing the soprano recorder and learned how they could use them in their music ministries: in a congregational ensemble, in youth or children’s work, in learning how to read music, etc. The recorder playing skills were taught by Elena Baranova, cantor of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Rzhev. The seminar’s audience included not only cantors, but also youth and children’s workers and even several secular young people who had learned about the Lutheran Church a very short time before.

Each day began and ended with prayer and reading a scriptural text with Luther’s commentary. Darya translated such commentaries on a regular basis and uploads them at her website www.lutheran-music.org . In addition to the music session, each day there were theological sessions on the book of James, the Augsburg Confession, and the basics of Christian apologetics. The seminar closed with a concert in the church in Koltushi where the Ingrian cantors “debuted” as an ensemble of recorder players performing works for choir and organ. As usual, the participants in the seminar received materials in print and on CD which they could use in their congregational work.

After the seminar, some of the cantors became seriously interested in recorder playing and even decided to create a consort of recorder players. Now there is a quartet: Irina Vavilova (cantor of the Lutheran church in Pushkin, soprano recorder), Darya Shkurlyatyeva (alto recorder), Dmitriy Antipov (musician from the congregation in St. Petersburg, tenor recorder), and Elena Baranova (cantor from the Lutheran church in Rzhev, bass recorder). The cantors are learning catechesis chorales in Bach’s harmonization and plan to hold several outreach concerts at congregations in St. Petersburg, the St. Petersburg region, Rzhev and Nizhniy Novgorod in the summer and autumn of 2010.

From April 6-9, Darya Shkurlyatyeva participated in a seminar for media workers of The Church of Ingria organized by the Theological Institute. Darya presented two lectures: “The Basic Aspects of Copyright” and “Capabilities of CMS Joomla” using the website of The Society for Studying the History of Lutheran Music as an example. Darya is a graduate of the law department of the Russian State Institute of Intellectual Property. She talked about the experience of church musicians working together with secular mass media, in particular with the Organ Magazine.

Being a regular contributor to church and secular mass media, Darya enjoyed the seminar not only as a teacher, but also as a listener. She benefited greatly from lectures on basic journalism skills presented by a representative of the press service of the Leningrad Oblast Legislative Assembly. The journalist who presented the lectures also works with Koltushi, a municipal newspaper. Darya wrote a large material for the newspaper. She interviewed the seminar’s participants and organizers and wrote about the Church of Ingria’s Theological Institute located in the village of Koltushi. This was the first time the local paper and the Institute had worked together. Darya’s materials were published in the newspaper and on its website.

Photo Gallery. Earlier updates: Mar 03, Nov 03, Dec 03, Mar 04, Apr 04, May 04, Nov 04, Jan 05, Jan 05, Mar 05, Apr 06, May 06, July 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Dec 06*, Jan-Feb 07, Mar 07, Oct-Nov 07, Feb 08, Oct 08, Nov 08-Jan 09, Mar-May 09, May-Jun 09, Aug 09, Aug-Oct 09, Nov 09-Feb 10. (top)

April 2010 Update from Rev. Alexander Furs, St. John the Evangelist Lutheran in Saratov, Russia (Update May 7 '10)

From April 5-10, Rev. Furs participated in three outreach activities in connection with Easter. At a meeting of the Cultural Club of Volga Germans, he extended Easter greetings to an audience of 40-45 in behalf of the Lutheran church and invited everybody to come to the worship service on the first Sunday after Easter. Later that week, he was invited to speak at a meeting of the society of young scholars hosted by the Saratov State University, a partner of St. John’s Lutheran Church. As a Lutheran pastor and applicant for the religions and philosophical anthropology chair at the university, he delivered a speech in behalf of the Lutheran community to an audience of 27-30. In addition, he participated in festival activities organized by municipal authorities in Saratov where he spoke to 19 people inviting them to the next worship service. As a result of his public address, 27 guests joined the Lutheran worshipers at the divine service on Sunday, April 11.

Continuing his internet outreach from April 12-17, Pastor Alexander replied to 14 new emails with questions or comments from respondents to the websites of St. John’s Lutheran and of The Church of Ingria which Pastor Furs regularly updates.

In addition to that, 36 new people came to worship services at St. John’s during April as a result his personal outreach conversations. May of them are workers of organizations St. John’s Lutheran Church partners with in Saratov and its region, such as college and university students. 3 people attended the beginners’ Bible study at the church in preparation for the confirmation class.

Earlier updates on outreach in the Saratov region: Aug 01, Sept 01, Oct 01, Nov 01, Feb 03, Aug 03, Nov 04, Jan 05, Feb 05, Mar 05, May 05, Mar 06, Aug 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Jan 07, Feb 07, Mar 07, Mar-Apr 07, Apr-May 07, May-June 07, July 07, Aug 07, Sept 07, Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan 08, Feb 08, Mar 08, Apr 08, May 08, May-Jun 08, Jul 08, Aug 08, Sept 08, Oct 08, Nov 08, Dec 08, Jan 09, Feb 09, Mar 09, Apr 09, May 09, Jun 09, Jul 09, Aug 09, Sept 09, Oct 09, Nov 09, Dec 09, Jan 10, Feb 10, Mar 10. (top)

Missionary Newsletter (Update May 4 '10)

May 2010 Newsletter from Matthew Heise (Moscow, Russia). (top)

March-April 2010 - HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention Lectures. Deacon Ostanin and Deacon Moskalev, Novosibirsk, Russia (Update Apr 27 '10)

The deacons Vyacheslav (Slava) Ostanin and Gennadiy Moskalev of Christ the Savior Lutheran Church in Novosibirsk, Russia, continued their HIV/AIDS prevention & awareness lectures in educational insti-tutions in the Novosibirsk region. Their 2-hour presentations consisted of two parts. Part 1 covers the basic vital information about HIV and AIDS, preventive measures, ways of contraction, tests, and treatment. The spiritual dimension of the activity is covered in Part 2 by Deacon Moskalev who explained the position of the Lutheran Church with regard to the HIV pandemic, the Christian attitude to HIV+ people, the Christian nurturing of the person’s character and faith-motivated moral behavior as the basis of safer living.

The outreach locations and audiences were as follows:

March 17, 2010 - Cadet Corps, a military school in Novosibirsk. Attendance: around 20 people: 15-17 year-olds + teacher and officer-on-duty. Deacon Ostanin: “We decided to do this outreach trip without a pay as there are difficulties in funding the HIV/AIDS outreach project. The youths were fairly well informed about the disease, but they knew very little about God’s Word and were very attentive as they listened to Deacon Gennadiy and asked many questions.”

April 16, 2010 – Middle School in Mayak, Novosibirsk Oblast. Attendance: 58 people (6th to 11th grade students, school principal, teachers, and other staff.). Deacon Ostanin: “Our two hour lecturing went very well. We were warmly welcomed, and the children were interested during the lecture. We were invited to come back.”

April 23, 2010 – Middle School #44 in Verkh-Tula, Novosibirsk Oblast. Attendance: around 150 children + teachers and deputy principal. “The children were so interested! We took extra time answering their questions. The school administration asked us to come back with more lectures if we could as they recognized that young people needed to be brought up in the Christian faith.”

Praise the Lord for the children’s and adults’ hunger for God’s Word!

The three activities from March 17 through April 23 resulted in more than 200 Gospel touches.

Photo Gallery. Earlier updates on HIV/AIDS lectures in Novosibirsk: Apr-May 09, May-Jun 09, Jun-Jul 09, Aug 8-18 '09, Aug-Oct 09, Nov-Dec 09, Jan-Feb 10. (top)

April 2010 Update from Rev. Mikhail Starilov, Borisoglebsk, Russia (Update Apr 27 '10)

Earlier updates on the outreach in Borisoglebsk: Nov 02, Feb-Mar 06, Jun-Aug 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Jan 07, Feb 07, Mar 07, Apr 07, May 07, Jun 07, Jul 07, Aug 07, Sept 07, Oct 07, Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan 08, Feb 08, Mar 08, Apr 08, May 08, Jun 08, Jul 08, Aug 08, AIDS Awareness Seminars '08, Sept 08, Oct 08, Nov 08, Nov 08 AIDS seminar, Jan 09, Feb 09, Mar 09, Apr 09, May 09, Jun 09, Jul 09, Sept 09, Oct 09, Nov 09, Dec 09, Jan 10, Feb 10, Mar 10. (top)

Update from Deacon Ostanin on Prison Ministry in Novosibirsk, Russia. March-April 2010 (Update Apr 23 '10)

Slava Ostanin Meets a Released Prisoner

For the past month, Deacon Vyacheslav (Slava) Ostanin reports 570 Gospel touches in imprisonment facilities, children's institutions, and other places as he shared the Gospel in Novosibirsk, Russia. Deacon Slava Ostanin (above right) from Christ the Savior Lutheran Church in Novosibirsk, serves the Lutheran church in Novosibirsk by reaching out with the love of Christ to prisoners, many sick with the tuberculosis that often runs rampant in the penal colonies as well as HIV. Through the support of the LCMS, he distributes Bibles, food, used clothes, and other humanitarian aid to them, and conducts discussions about the Christian faith with the inmates. He also assists those released from prison by helping them find work and a place to live. Vyacheslav leads Bible classes and Sunday services for the former prisoners so that their new lives will find meaning in Jesus Christ. He also reaches out to children and teenagers at medical institutions such as the tuberculosis sanatorium and the tuberculosis hospital in Mochishche, a suburb of Novosibirsk. Most of those children come from troubled families, and the parents of many of them are serving an imprisonment term.

Download a full translation of Deacon Ostanin's March-April 2010 report.

Photo Gallery. Earlier updates on Slava Ostanin's ministry in March 04, April 05, June 05 , December 05, January 06, February 06, March-April 06, May 06, June 06, July-August 2006, Sept 06, Oct-Nov 06, Dec 06-Feb 07, Mar-Apr 07, Apr-May 07, May-June 07, July 07, July-Aug 07, Aug-Sept 07, Sept-Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Nov-Dec 07, Dec-Jan 07, Jan-Feb 08, Feb-Mar 08, Mar-Apr 08, Apr-May 08, May-June 08, Jun-Jul 08, Jul-Aug 08, Aug-Sept 08, Sept-Oct 08, Oct-Nov 08, Nov-Dec 08, Dec 08 - Jan 09, Jan-Feb 09, Feb-Mar 09, Mar-Apr 09, Apr-May 09, May-Jun 09, Jun-Jul 09, Jul-Aug 09, Aug-Sep 09, Sept-Oct 09, Oct-Nov 09, Nov-Dec 09, Dec 09-Jan 10, Jan-Feb 10, Feb-March 10. (top)

Update from Rev. Boychenko, Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia, March-April 2010 (Update Apr 20 '10)

Visit to MordoviaOn March 05-07, youth from the Nizhniy Novgorod Lutheran church traveled to visit the Lutheran congregations in Saransk and Vertilim in Mordovia. In Saransk, the young people showed a short Bible-based play, and in Vertilim they showed a puppet theater performance about Christmas and Easter. The puppets are a gift of the Guardian Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Dearborn, Michigan.

On March 29, five unchurched people came to the congregational house to watch and discuss “Mother of Mine,” a 2005 film directed by the Finnish film director Klaus Härö. Rev. Boychenko led the discussion to explore the spiritual content of the film.

The church continues with Wednesday Bible studies where church members and guests listen to and discuss sacred music by Johann Sebastian Bach. During Lent, Rev. Boychenko led the listening session and discussion of St. Matthew Passion BWV 244, and during the Easter Week the group listened to and discussed Oster-Oratorium BWV 249 “Kommt, eilet und laufet, ihr flüchtigen Füße.” Part of the study participants are undergraduates, postgraduates, and professors from the Nizhniy Novgorod Conservatory.

3 unchurched people joined the congregation at the evening worship service on Good Friday.

On April 3, the church began a series of Christian seminars on “The Relationship of Man and Woman. Friendship and Love. The Biblical Perspective.” It is led by church member Vyacheslav Lebedev. The church members have been joined by unchurched guests.

Praise God that one adult was baptized and two people were confirmed at the Easter divine liturgy. 4 unchurched people joined the church at the feast. After the worship service, the church and its guests listened to the church choir performance organized by church member Anton Medvedev and children’s reading poems.

On April 10, Rev. Yaroslav Boychenko and youth worker Miina Viitanen met with children from a boarding school for blind and eyesight-challenged children. Miina showed them video slides about the Lutheran church’s ministry to children in Finland and told them about the traditions of celebrating Easter in Finland. The church youth showed the guests a puppet theater performance about Christmas and Easter.

Pastor Yaroslav told the guests about the Hoffrichter organ installed in the church and provided accompaniment for church members’ singing of several famous Ester hymns. Yaroslav also gave copies of his book “About Lutherans in Russia, in Nizhniy Novgorod, and Elsewhere” to the visiting teaching staff of the school and told them about Lutheran Bishop Heinrich Wilhelm Dieckhoff (1833-1911) who served as pastor at Sts. Peter and Paul Lutheran Church in Moscow and founded Russia’s first free boarding school for blind and eyesight-impaired children in 1882. The meeting with the schoolchildren and their teachers resulted in 17 Gospel touches.

On April 10 in the congregational house, Rev. Boychenko led the watching and discussion of “Winter Light,” 1962 Swedish drama film written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. 4 unchurched people joined the group discussing the film’s various spiritual themes such as faith and doubt, seeking for God and God’s “silence,” and listening to God’s Word.

An additional 5 Gospel touches resulted in this period from Rev. Boychenko giving away his book on Lutheranism and discussing the Lutheran church and its faith with people.

Photo Gallery. Earlier updates on Pastor Yaroslav's outreach ministry in Feb 04, May 04, May 05, Feb-Apr 06, Apr-May 06, June 06, July-Sept 06, Oct-Nov 06, Dec 06-Jan 07, Feb-Mar 07, April-May 07, June 07, Aug-Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan-Mar 08, Apr-Jun 08, Jul-Oct 08, Oct-Nov 08, Nov-Dec 08, Dec 08-Feb 09, Mar-May 09, Jun-Sept 09, Oct-Nov 09, Jan 31, 2010 Anniversary, Dec 09 - Feb 10, Mar 10. (top)

Missionary Newsletter (Update Apr 20 '10)

News Update on Kyrgyzstan from Matthew Heise (Moscow, Russia). (top)

Missionary Newsletter (Update Apr 8 '10)

April 2010 Newsletter from Matthew Heise (Moscow, Russia). (top)

January-March 2010 Update from Pastor Sergey Tatarenko, St. Petersburg, Russia (Update Apr 8 '10)

From January 1 through March 31, 2010, St. Michael's Lutheran Church in St. Petersburg, Russia, hosted 35 music concerts for reaching out to unchurched public by presenting the Gospel expressed in Western and Russian classical sacred music, including organ performance, other instrumental music, and singing. St. Michael's clergymen served as compères. The outreach concerts at St. Michael's Lutheran during this period totaled around 9100 Gospel touches. Earlier updates on Gospel outreach activities at St. Michael Lutheran Church: Sept 05, Nov 06, Apr 07, Jun 07, Dec 08, Sept-Dec 08 (HIV/AIDS), Oct 08-Feb 09, Feb-Jun 09, Jul-Sept 09, Oct-Dec 09. (top)

March 2010 Update from Rev. Alexander Burtsev, Sts. Peter and Paul Lutheran Church, Almaty, Kazakhstan (Update Apr 6 '10)

Ushtobe Orphanage Ushtobe Orphanage

In March, Pastor Alexander Burtsev and his outreach team visited the orphanage in Ushtobe. They showed there their puppet theater program on the creation of the world, and spent time with the children playing games, telling stories, and having contests. Sts. Peter and Paul Congregation continues to show Bible-based puppet theater performances in its church building, too. The church also continued to provide its playing and sports ground for teenagers. The adult public and authorities in Almaty have expressed their gratitude for the church’s efforts in organizing the free time of young people, especially that of troubled youth. Gospel touches in March: around 160 children and 25 adults at the orphanage; around 120 children and adults attending the puppet theater ministry on Sundays; around 600 children, teenagers, and adults who came to the sports ground where the church people played both sports and Bible educational games with them. Responded to 45 children’s letters and sent gifts. 10 teenagers attended the confirmation class. Two cleanup days on the premises involving children’s moms and dads which included Gospel proclamation were attended by a total of 30 people approx. Photo Gallery. Earlier updates: Jan 10, Feb 10. (top)

March 2010 Update from Rev. Alexander Furs, St. John the Evangelist Lutheran in Saratov, Russia (Update Apr 2 '10)

On February 27, Pastor Furs led a broadened Bible study on Lent. In addition to church members, 9 guests whom Pastor Furs had personally invited attended the meeting around God’s Word. He answered many questions about different aspects of the Lent season and invited the guests to attend worship at St. John’s church.

From March 1 through 6, Pastor Furs participated in a philosophical colloquium for students of religions at the Saratov State University. He read two lectures about the position of today’s Lutheranism to the discourse of ecumenism and about issues related to the pseudo-religious globalization in the desacralizing world. Alexander presented the confessional position of The Church of Ingria and invited all his colleagues to attend worship services at St. John’s church including the Easter service. He also joined the faculty in evaluating the students’ knowledge of Protestantism by asking questions and talking to the students and professors. During the day, he was able to witness to his faith for 35 colleagues in teaching.

On March 10, Pastor Alexander explained the Gospel teaching of Lutheranism based on Luther’s catechism for 2 new attendants of the confirmation class at St. John’s who joined in later than the rest of the class. On Saturday, March 13, he organized and led another broadened Bible study to which he and his assistants had invited 17 new people in addition to the church members. 13 guests came to the meeting around God’s Word on the topic of God’s love. After explaining the topic from the Bible, Pastor Alexander answered the many questions of the audience.

On March 14, St. John’s church hosted an outreach concert of organ music. Sacred music compositions of great church composers were performed by partner musicians from the Saratov State Conservatory. The concert gathered an audience of 60 people, of whom 40 were unchurched guests.

During the week from March 15 through 20, Pastor Alexander continued his outreach through media. As he answered the questions of 21 respondents to the website of St. John’s congregation, he described in detail his church’s worship activities. As usual, Pastor Furs contributed his regular update on the season’s events in the church for the newsletter of the Saratov Oblast where he shared about the traditions of celebrating Annunciation and Palm Sunday in the Lutheran Church.

At the worship services on February 28, March 7, and March 21, the church members were joined by 22 unchurched guests of St. John’s church.

Earlier updates on outreach in the Saratov region: Aug 01, Sept 01, Oct 01, Nov 01, Feb 03, Aug 03, Nov 04, Jan 05, Feb 05, Mar 05, May 05, Mar 06, Aug 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Jan 07, Feb 07, Mar 07, Mar-Apr 07, Apr-May 07, May-June 07, July 07, Aug 07, Sept 07, Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan 08, Feb 08, Mar 08, Apr 08, May 08, May-Jun 08, Jul 08, Aug 08, Sept 08, Oct 08, Nov 08, Dec 08, Jan 09, Feb 09, Mar 09, Apr 09, May 09, Jun 09, Jul 09, Aug 09, Sept 09, Oct 09, Nov 09, Dec 09, Jan 10, Feb 10. (top)

March 2010 Update from Rev. Mikhail Starilov, Borisoglebsk, Russia (Update Apr 2 '10)

Earlier updates on the outreach in Borisoglebsk: Nov 02, Feb-Mar 06, Jun-Aug 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Jan 07, Feb 07, Mar 07, Apr 07, May 07, Jun 07, Jul 07, Aug 07, Sept 07, Oct 07, Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan 08, Feb 08, Mar 08, Apr 08, May 08, Jun 08, Jul 08, Aug 08, AIDS Awareness Seminars '08, Sept 08, Oct 08, Nov 08, Nov 08 AIDS seminar, Jan 09, Feb 09, Mar 09, Apr 09, May 09, Jun 09, Jul 09, Sept 09, Oct 09, Nov 09, Dec 09, Jan 10, Feb 10. (top)

Prayer Requests About the Moscow Subway Bombings (Update Mar 30 '10)

Even though we are thankful to the Lord that all of our missionary families and partner church pastors and leaders were not involved in the horrific subway bombings which occurred in close proximity to our office and on routes traveled by our workers and leaders, we are saddened by the loss of life and injury suffered by others who fell victim to yesterday's acts of terrorism. We ask that you join us in praying for those who have been injured, the families mourning the loss of a loved one, for a return to normalcy in Moscow, for lasting peace in this difficult time. Please pray that through this tragedy, people might reflect upon the problems in this world and on the larger solution that God offers us all in Christ Jesus--a solution that our mission and our partners here in Russia seek to make known. For we know that in all times and circumstances, we are more than conquerors in him who loved us and gave himself for us. (top)

Update from Deacon Ostanin on Prison Ministry in Novosibirsk, Russia. February-March 2010 (Update Mar 29 '10)

Slava Ostanin and his prison ministry contacts.

For the past month, Deacon Vyacheslav (Slava) Ostanin reports 620 Gospel touches in imprisonment facilities, children's institutions, and other places as he shared the Gospel in Novosibirsk, Russia. Slava Ostanin (above, 2nd left), president of ICHTHYS prison ministry and deacon at Christ the Savior Lutheran Church in Novosibirsk, serves the Lutheran church in Novosibirsk by reaching out with the love of Christ to prisoners, many sick with the tuberculosis that often runs rampant in the penal colonies as well as HIV. Through the support of the LCMS, he distributes Bibles, food, used clothes, and other humanitarian aid to them, and conducts discussions about the Christian faith with the inmates. He also assists those released from prison by helping them find work and a place to live. Vyacheslav leads Bible classes and Sunday services for the former prisoners so that their new lives will find meaning in Jesus Christ. He also reaches out to children and teenagers at medical institutions such as the tuberculosis sanatorium and the tuberculosis hospital in Mochishche, a suburb of Novosibirsk. Most of those children come from troubled families, and the parents of many of them are serving an imprisonment term.

Download a full translation of Deacon Ostanin's February-March 2010 report.

Photo Gallery. Earlier updates on Slava Ostanin's ministry in March 04, April 05, June 05 , December 05, January 06, February 06, March-April 06, May 06, June 06, July-August 2006, Sept 06, Oct-Nov 06, Dec 06-Feb 07, Mar-Apr 07, Apr-May 07, May-June 07, July 07, July-Aug 07, Aug-Sept 07, Sept-Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Nov-Dec 07, Dec-Jan 07, Jan-Feb 08, Feb-Mar 08, Mar-Apr 08, Apr-May 08, May-June 08, Jun-Jul 08, Jul-Aug 08, Aug-Sept 08, Sept-Oct 08, Oct-Nov 08, Nov-Dec 08, Dec 08 - Jan 09, Jan-Feb 09, Feb-Mar 09, Mar-Apr 09, Apr-May 09, May-Jun 09, Jun-Jul 09, Jul-Aug 09, Aug-Sep 09, Sept-Oct 09, Oct-Nov 09, Nov-Dec 09, Dec 09-Jan 10, Jan-Feb 10. (top)

Missionary Newsletter (Update Mar 29 '10)

2010 Spring Prayer Letter from the Smith Family in Germany (in pdf. format). (top)

Gospel Outreach in the Transbaykal Kray, Russia (Update Mar 17 '10)

Pavel Malinov, Chita, Russia

Pavel Malinov, leader of the Church of Ingria congregation group in Chita, supported through Russia Seminary Support Koltushi, proclaims the Gospel in the Transbaykal Kray of Russia. Since 2004, the group has been meeting in the Malinovs’ apartment. On February 3, 2009, the group officially registered as St. Apostle Paul’s Congregation of the ELCIR in Chita.

The church members share the Gospel both in and outside their city. Their outreach trips at different times have included the Olovyannaya District (350 km from Chita), the eastern part of the Chita oblast (400 km from Chita), the northeastern part (450 km), in particular Zhiriken and Zilovo. They have also traveled 200 km in the western direction, reaching out with the Gospel in Mozgon where they baptized several people. They keep coming back to those places when they can, gathering people, holding Bible studies, telling them about Christ, singing Christian songs, and distributing Bibles and other Christian literature. Their southbound travel has reached as far as Tokhtor, 400 km from Chita, not far from the Mongolian border. Photos. (top)

Meeting Lutherans in Vladikavkaz, Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, Russian Federation (Update Mar 15 '10)

Rev. Litvinov with Lutherans in Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia--Alania, Russian Federation

In December 2009, Rev. Alexander Litvinov, Administrative Director of the Ingrian Lutheran Theological institute, traveled to Vladikavkaz to meet with a group interested in Lutheran worship. Rev. Litvinov met with Lutherans and other people interested in forming a congregation under the auspices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia. Rev. Litvinov led a Christmas Day worship service in a Catholic chapel with the permission of the Polish priest, Father Jan, who serves a Catholic congregation there. Vladikavkaz has a tradition of Lutheran worship as there is a historic church building which to this day serves as a hall for the State Philharmonic Society. It is hoped that a congregation may sink roots and begin to grow in this region of the Caucasus. Photo Gallery. (top)

Missionary Newsletter (Update Mar 10 '10)

March 2010 Newsletter from Matthew Heise (Moscow, Russia). (top)

Update from Rev. Boychenko, Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia, February 2010 (Update Mar 10 '10)

At a seminar for Sunday school teachers February 21-22, young members of the Nizhniy Novgorod Lutheran Church who were led by youth worker Miina Viitanen shared some of their methods of reaching out to children, namely, through puppet theater performances. They presented puppet plays about Christmas and Easter.

In February, the church held two outreach concerts of sacred music. The concert on February 21 included Bach music: Benedictus from the H-Moll Mass, tenor aria “Das Blut, so meine Schuld durchstreicht” from Cantata BWV 78 “Jesu, der du meine Seele.” Other works included the A-Moll Sonata for the flute by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, the tenor aria from Stabat Mater, and one of the most famous songs of Franz Schubert, “An die Musik” D. 547. The works were performed by guest musicians Vasiliy Arkhipov (tenor), Anna Lopyrina (flute), and Irina Denisova (organ and piano). Pastor Yaroslav Boychenko provided an oral introduction before each of the program items explaining their spiritual meaning.

On February 28, using the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Robert Schumann, the church presented his best-known song cycle “Dichterliebe,” based on poems by Heinrich Heine. The songs were performed by Vasiliy Arkhipov (tenor) and Irina Denisova (piano). Pastor Yaroslav spoke a word of introduction about the songs and romantic music on the whole.

Photo Gallery. Earlier updates on Pastor Yaroslav's outreach ministry in Feb 04, May 04, May 05, Feb-Apr 06, Apr-May 06, June 06, July-Sept 06, Oct-Nov 06, Dec 06-Jan 07, Feb-Mar 07, April-May 07, June 07, Aug-Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan-Mar 08, Apr-Jun 08, Jul-Oct 08, Oct-Nov 08, Nov-Dec 08, Dec 08-Feb 09, Mar-May 09, Jun-Sept 09, Oct-Nov 09, Jan 31, 2010 Anniversary, Dec 09 - Feb 10. (top)

February 2010 Update from Rev. Alexander Burtsev, Sts. Peter and Paul Lutheran Church, Almaty, Kazakhstan (Update Mar 10 '10)

Rev. Burtsev with Puppet Show at Orphanage

In February, Pastor Burtsev and his outreach puppet theater team showed 11 performances based on stories from the Old and New Testament covering such topics as creation, Cain and Abel, Jesus, and even a more complex play about Noah and the Flood. For the past month, the shows were attended by 130-160 children and adults in Almaty. They also traveled to the town called Kapchagay to share the Gospel through a puppet performance at an orphanage where 100 to 120 children and adults attended the show. Besides, Sts. Peter and Paul’s church in Almaty has a correspondence team who answered 40 children who had sent their letters and drawings to the church in February. The church plans to hold a display of the drawings in March. 50 to 80 children, youth, and adults came to the church’s sports ground last month. In February, Pastor Alexander and his evangelistic team reached out with Gospel proclamation in different forms to 270-290 adults and children and answered 40 letters. He continues to lead a confirmation class for 10 teenagers, Bible studies which have been attended by 100 children, as well as outdoor sports and game activities. The Photos show a summer camp held by the church last year. Pastor Burtsev plans to gather part of the youth again and conduct a contest and a short-term camp at Peter and Paul's church. Other photos represent the church’s puppet theater troupe which travels to country-side locations such as the orphanage in Kapchagay. Earlier updates: Jan 10. (top)

Music Ministry in November 2009--February 2010, Moscow/Rzhev/Vyborg, Russia (Update Mar 9 '10)

Dasha Shkurlyatyeva at the concert in Vyborg. 01/16/10.From November 4-7, 2009, Darya Shkurlyatyeva taught the basic principles of psalmody in the Lutheran Church at a cantor course of the Theological Institute of The Church of Ingria. The course gathered leaders of congregational choirs from 12 Ingrian congregations in Gatchina, Jukki, Koltushi, Birsk, St. Petersburg, Cheboksary, Moscow, Petrozavodsk, Kazan, and Vyborg. Darya taught. She prepared 150-page handouts for each of the course participants who found the topic very interesting although new and complex. Darya spoke about different ways to sings the psalms ranging from ancient Gregorian chants to American chants with accompaniment. She also told the participants how to get different age groups interested in singing the psalms. Since the topics is relevant but there are practically no Russian materials on it, she plans to write a short handbook for church cantors and prays that the Lord will help find money to fund its printing. The handbook would be interesting for Christians of other faiths as well as for non-believers.

On January 9, 2010, led a Christmas concert at the Lutheran church in Rzhev, which included antique music, Celtic Christmas melodies, and Taizé songs. The congregation's cantor Elena Baranova was active in organizing the concert. She invited her friends, her former fellow-students at the Rzhev music college, to play the part of guitar, cello, organ, and sing in the choir. This was their first visit to a Lutheran church. Elena also invited her own pupils from the school where she teaches music. Rev. Valeriy Antipov served as compere for the concert by reading selected Bible passages as a foreword to each of the music works and explained the meaning of Christmas. After the concert, the Lutherans organized tea and snacks for the guests who came to the Lutheran church for the first time. In an informal conversation, they had a chance to ask any questions, sometimes tricky ones, about Lutheranism, and Pastor Valeriy took more than an hour answering the questions.

Darya and Elena conducted a similar concert in Vyborg on January 16. They were joined by Marina Lebedeva, a teacher at a music school in Vyborg. The concert was attended by many teachers and students from the music school. Tea and snacks were offered after this concert as well. The concert participants, church members, and guests discussed Lutheran doctrine. It was offered to study the Book of Concord in greater depth as the church members usually only know the Apostles’ Creed and the Small Catechism. A short distance course will be offered for the members of Lutheran congregations in Vyborg, Rzhev, and Moscow. Deacon Dmitry Rozet, M.Div., from Vyborg agreed to lead the course. The group chose Getting into the Story of Concord: a History of the Book of Concord by David P. Scaer as the study guide for the course. Its Russian translation was made by LCMS World Mission.

In January, Darya translated into Russian the book Worship, Liturgy and Children by Carl Schalk. She thinks this book would be useful for many in Russia. She offered to a professional artist for children to draw illustrations for the book. Darya prays she is able to find funding to buy the copyright from Morning Star Music Publishers in order to publish the book in Russia.

Darya continues to update her website www.lutheran-music.org with daily portions from a Luther sermon and materials on the history of Lutheran music. She also contributes regular music ministry news to the website of The Church of Ingria and The Church of Ingria Magazine and continues to coordinate the work on the new hymnbook.

Darya plans to teach cantors again at the Theological Institute during March 24-27 and participate in a Bach anniversary concert at the Glinka Musical Culture Museum on March 31 organized by the Moscow Conservatory.

Photo Gallery. Earlier updates: Mar 03, Nov 03, Dec 03, Mar 04, Apr 04, May 04, Nov 04, Jan 05, Jan 05, Mar 05, Apr 06, May 06, July 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Dec 06*, Jan-Feb 07, Mar 07, Oct-Nov 07, Feb 08, Oct 08, Nov 08-Jan 09, Mar-May 09, May-Jun 09, Aug 09, Aug-Oct 09. (top)

February 2010 Update from Rev. Alexander Furs, St. John the Evangelist Lutheran in Saratov, Russia (Update Mar 4 '10)

From January 24 through 30, Rev. Furs conducted a meeting of the congregational youth club under the title Epiphany Readings which was attended by 11 young people of the 14 personally invited by Pastor Alexander. The group learned about different aspects of the Christian teaching.  

He also participated in a colloquium on religions where he presented a report on the paradigm of Protestant confessionalism, telling the 28 attendees about the genesis of the post-Protestant period of the Lutheran Church. As he took questions, he spoke more about aspects of Lutheran doctrine and invited everybody to his Lutheran congregation.

5 unchurched guests earlier invited by Pastor Furs joined the worshipers at St. John’s church on January 31.

From February 1 to 5, Pastor Alexander organized and conducted an outreach event at the German section of an Ethnic Cultures Club in a town in the Saratov Oblast. The meeting on February 5 was for the descendants of ethnic Germans who live in that area. The original idea was proposed by the founding fathers of the club. Pastor Alexander made a presentation about the traditions of the Lutheran church in Russia before the October 1917 Revolution and explained the Lutheran doctrinal attitude to the Passion time. He also answered question about the meaning of Lent for the Lutheran Christian and invited everybody to the church in Saratov. In Alexander’s estimate, the meeting was attended by 35-40 people.

From February 6 to 19 as Pastor Alexander traveled to St. Petersburg and back, he witnessed to his faith for 6 fellow-travelers. In St. Petersburg, he attended the defense of diplomas by the ELCIR Theological Institute graduates (in the picture on the left).

On February 20, Pastor Furs made a report at a trade school where he was invited the college administration. In his speech about the history and teachings of Protestantism, he told the audience of 115 about the basic teachings of Lutheranism and spend 30 minutes answering students’ and teachers’ questions.

4 unchurched guests joined the worshipers at the divine service on Sunday, February 21. The pastors of the congregation answered their questions during tea after church.

From February 22 to 26, Pastor Alexander answered 17 emails that came from people who responded to the website of The Church of Ingria and St. John’s church in Saratov as Rev. Furs serves as webmaster for both sites. As usual, he contributed his regular update about the season’s traditions and activities of the Lutheran Church for the newsletter of the regional government.

Earlier updates on outreach in the Saratov region: Aug 01, Sept 01, Oct 01, Nov 01, Feb 03, Aug 03, Nov 04, Jan 05, Feb 05, Mar 05, May 05, Mar 06, Aug 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Jan 07, Feb 07, Mar 07, Mar-Apr 07, Apr-May 07, May-June 07, July 07, Aug 07, Sept 07, Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan 08, Feb 08, Mar 08, Apr 08, May 08, May-Jun 08, Jul 08, Aug 08, Sept 08, Oct 08, Nov 08, Dec 08, Jan 09, Feb 09, Mar 09, Apr 09, May 09, Jun 09, Jul 09, Aug 09, Sept 09, Oct 09, Nov 09, Dec 09, Jan 10. (top)

February 2010 Update from Rev. Mikhail Starilov, Borisoglebsk, Russia (Update Mar 4 '10)

Earlier updates on the outreach in Borisoglebsk: Nov 02, Feb-Mar 06, Jun-Aug 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Jan 07, Feb 07, Mar 07, Apr 07, May 07, Jun 07, Jul 07, Aug 07, Sept 07, Oct 07, Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan 08, Feb 08, Mar 08, Apr 08, May 08, Jun 08, Jul 08, Aug 08, AIDS Awareness Seminars '08, Sept 08, Oct 08, Nov 08, Nov 08 AIDS seminar, Jan 09, Feb 09, Mar 09, Apr 09, May 09, Jun 09, Jul 09, Sept 09, Oct 09, Nov 09, Dec 09, Jan 10. (top)

February 2010 Update from Rev. Igor Alisov, Moscow, Russia, on HIV/AIDS Prevention Project (Update Mar 3 '10)

From February 12 to 13, 2010, Rev. Sergey Shanin, president of the Moscow District of ELCIR, and Rev. Igor Alisov of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Moscow, traveled to Rzhev, Russia. There, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church they presented a HIV/AIDS awareness lecture with the help of a special PowerPoint presentation developed by Rev. Alisov. The meeting was attended by around 20 people of different ages. The meeting was opened by the congregation's pastor, Rev. Valeriy Antipov, who introduced the guests and said a prayer. After the lecture, the pastors Alisov and Shanin answered the audience’s questions. Photo Gallery. Earlier updates on outreach through HIV/AIDS prevention supported or coordinated by LCMS World Mission and/or LCMS World Relief: May 05, May 05 (2), June 05, Feb 06, Feb-Apr 06, May 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Feb 07, Mar 07, July 07, Dec 07, Apr 08, Jun 08. (top)

Update from Rev. Boychenko, Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia, December 2009 - February 2010 (Update Mar 3 '10)

On December 17, youth worker Miina Viitanen led a congregational festival, “A Little Finnish Christmas” where she told church members and 4 unchurched guests about the traditions of celebrating Christmas in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.

From December 19-20, pastor and missionary Leif Camp from St. Petersburg led a seminar on the topic “What is Love? A Biblical Perspective.” The participants of the discussion brought up many questions and offered interesting answers. More than 25 people, including 17 or more unchurched young people, attended the seminar.

8 unchurched people attended the Christmas liturgy on December 25. After church, children presented a Christmas play, sang carols, and read poems for the church members and guests. the pastor’s son Leonid sang a famous Polish carol, Lulajże Jezuniu, in the Russian translation made by church member Olga Krutikova. The Christmas celebration by the children was prepared by youth worker Miina Viitanen.

On January 8, Pastor Yaroslav met with visiting schoolchildren and their parents from Saransk, Rep. of Mordovia, Russian Federation. He told them about the Gospel, the church year of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and Christmas traditions. He also performed several Christmas hymns on the organ. He shared the Gospel in verbal and musical form with 35 children and adults.

On January 16, Rev. Boychenko led the viewing and discussion of the documentary “The Secrets of Death” (2009) at the Mission Education Center. The film addresses such topics as God, death, life, and love. The pastor and the group of 13, including 6 unchurched people, discussed the spiritual aspects and biblical motifs of the film.

Pastor Yaroslav has continued discussions of Bach cantatas at the Bible studies on Wednesdays. It is a blessing that most of the topics of the cantatas written 300 years ago are the same as Sunday sermon topics in today’s church. The spiritual content of the cantatas which are now available in Russian translation by the Orthodox priest Fr. Pyotr Meshcherinov, are a great opportunity to reach out with biblical truths to lovers of music. Rev. Boychenko’s meetings around God’s Word expressed in sacred music have been attended by students from the Nizhniy Novgorod Conservatory. Photo Gallery. Earlier updates on Pastor Yaroslav's outreach ministry in Feb 04, May 04, May 05, Feb-Apr 06, Apr-May 06, June 06, July-Sept 06, Oct-Nov 06, Dec 06-Jan 07, Feb-Mar 07, April-May 07, June 07, Aug-Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan-Mar 08, Apr-Jun 08, Jul-Oct 08, Oct-Nov 08, Nov-Dec 08, Dec 08-Feb 09, Mar-May 09, Jun-Sept 09, Oct-Nov 09, Jan 31, 2010 Anniversary. (top)

January-February 2010 - HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention Lectures. Deacon Ostanin and Deacon Moskalev, Novosibirsk, Russia (Update Mar 2 '10)

The deacons Vyacheslav (Slava) Ostanin and Gennadiy Moskalev of Christ the Savior Lutheran Church in Novosibirsk, Russia, continued their HIV/AIDS prevention & awareness lectures in children’s institutions in Novosibirsk region. Their 2-hour presentations consist of two parts. Part 1 covers the basic vital information about HIV and AIDS, preventive measures, ways of contraction, tests, and treatment. The spiritual dimension of the activity is covered in Part 2 by Deacon Moskalev who explained the position of the Lutheran Church with regard to the HIV pandemic, the Christian attitude to HIV+ people, the Christian nurturing of the person’s character and faith-motivated moral behavior as the basis of safer living.

The outreach locations and audiences were as follows:

January 28 -- Regional Tuberculosis Hospital for Children in Mochishche, Novosibirsk Oblast. Attendance: around 43 people: 15-18 year-olds + doctors and counselors. Deacon Ostanin: “These teenagers were surprisingly well-behaved and attentive as we talked about the HIV infection. They are sick with tuberculosis as they have sick parents or come from troubled families with relatives who have been served a term in jail. They listened especially attentively as we proclaimed the Gospel of Christ and explained the commandments and spoke about the Christian life. They were amazed at some of the aspects of the Christian life and godly behavior as in these modern time all values are turned upside down and young people consider things normal which are condemned by God as sin. We pray that the word we sowed is not in vain and we pray that it grows and bears fruit.”

February 1 -- Middle School #121 in Zheleznodorozhnyy, Novosibirsk Oblast. Attendance: 78 people: students from grades 6 to 11 as well as children from School #10 in a nearby village, Bykovo, plus the principal, teachers and other staff. Ostanin: “The children were gathered from two villages. Everybody was very thankful that we came so far because the place is around 100 km from the city. Not many people visit them and conduct such activities for them.”

February 4 -- Middle School #12 in Berezovskoye, Novosibirsk Oblast. Attendance: around 60 including teaching staff. The children did know fairly much about HIV/AIDS as they had been educated about that locally, but they were very interested in various aspects of Christian life and asked Pastor Gennadiy many questions. The meeting went more as a dialogue.

February 5 -- Middle School in Sokur, Novosibirsk Oblast. Attendance: 60 students of the 8th to 11th grade and teaching staff. Deacon Ostanin: “It’s amazing how responsive people are in the country. They are so attentive to everything that is important for their lives and they are hungry for knowledge. They took as important the need to proclaim the Gospel to people ”

February 8 -- Middle School in Oktyabrskiy, Novosibirsk Oblast. Attendance: 70 students (8th to 12th grade) and teaching staff. Ostanin: “The youth had surprisingly no knowledge of HIV/AIDS and didn’t even know what that first-letter abbreviation meant. Sadly, the teachers weren’t much better. Everybody asked tons of questions. Especially many questions came when Deacon Moskalev proclaimed Christ and the commandments of God. The youth and teachers listened especially attentively to the explanation of the 4th commandment about honoring one’s parents. They were surprised this concerned the teachers also because they were responsible to God for teaching the children, just as it concerns the children who must respect their parents and God-given teachers. After the meeting, Pastor Gennadiy talked to the students individually for a long time as they had many questions about troubles in their families. We promise we would keep them in our prayers and especially would pray that God in His grace would give them all faith and forgiveness in Christ.”

More than 310 middle school students and teachers attended the five activities conducted from January 28 through February 8, 2010.

Photo Gallery. Earlier updates on HIV/AIDS lectures in Novosibirsk: Apr-May 09, May-Jun 09, Jun-Jul 09, Aug 8-18 '09, Aug-Oct 09, Nov-Dec 09. (top)

Outreach Ministry of Rev. Alexander Burtsev of Sts. Peter and Paul Lutheran Church, Almaty, Kazakhstan (Update Mar 2 '10)

Rev. Burtsev and his team do puppet theater Teenagers at church

Pastor Alexander Burtsev is the pastor of Sts. Apostles Peter and Paul Lutheran Church in Almaty, Kazakhstan. His church is a young church, but is active in evangelistic outreach. It keeps a sports ground where the church reaches out to many children from the neighborhood who spend much time there every day. There is an arts and crafts class at the church where boys and girls make things out of wood, cardboard, and plywood. The church also has a Christian puppet theater. The puppet theater team which includes the pastor tell people about God through puppet shows at hospitals, orphanages, kindergartens, schools, and churches in rural Kazakhstan. Their repertory includes 250 performances for which the pastor and his team construct all of the set. In January 2010, they showed 10 different performances about God, good and evil, Christmas, baptism, etc. Rev. Burtsev and his team regularly invite new children, teenagers, and adults to their outreach shows. Their activities in January 2010 were attended by 240-280 adults and children. Also, the outreach team correspond with the children my mail. The children send them many drawings and letters which the church displays for the public on and outside the congregational premises. The pastor and his team answer the children’s letters, send them Bible lessons and prizes. They answered 60 letters in January although there were twice as many drawings and crafts sent by the children. Photo Gallery. (top)

Update from Deacon Ostanin on Prison Ministry in Novosibirsk, Russia. January-February 2010 (Update Mar 2 '10)

Vyacheslav Ostanin serves the Lutheran church in Novosibirsk by reaching out with the love of Christ to prisoners, many sick with the tuberculosis that often runs rampant in the penal colonies as well as HIV. Through the support of the LCMS, he distributes Bibles, food, used clothes, and other humanitarian aid to them, and conducts discussions about the Christian faith with the inmates. He also assists those released from prison by helping them find work and a place to live. Vyacheslav leads Bible classes and Sunday services for the former prisoners so that their new lives will find meaning in Jesus Christ.

Download a full translation of Deacon Ostanin's January-February 2010 report.

Photo Gallery. Earlier updates on Slava Ostanin's ministry in March 04, April 05, June 05 , December 05, January 06, February 06, March-April 06, May 06, June 06, July-August 2006, Sept 06, Oct-Nov 06, Dec 06-Feb 07, Mar-Apr 07, Apr-May 07, May-June 07, July 07, July-Aug 07, Aug-Sept 07, Sept-Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Nov-Dec 07, Dec-Jan 07, Jan-Feb 08, Feb-Mar 08, Mar-Apr 08, Apr-May 08, May-June 08, Jun-Jul 08, Jul-Aug 08, Aug-Sept 08, Sept-Oct 08, Oct-Nov 08, Nov-Dec 08, Dec 08 - Jan 09, Jan-Feb 09, Feb-Mar 09, Mar-Apr 09, Apr-May 09, May-Jun 09, Jun-Jul 09, Jul-Aug 09, Aug-Sep 09, Sept-Oct 09, Oct-Nov 09, Nov-Dec 09, Dec 09-Jan 10. (top)

Missionary Newsletter (Update Feb 24 '10)

February 2010 Newsletter (PDF) from Mark and Rose Krause in Riga, Latvia. A short note from the Krauses: "Greetings from cold and snowy Riga. We have been experiencing the coldest and snowiest winter in 15-20 years. The snow keeps coming down and piling up as the temperatures have stayed below freezing since the first part of December. The Daugava River is even frozen which has made it possible for people to walk across it. Last weekend we had 100s of fisherman trying to catch some fish. Attached is our February 2010 news letter that has been in process for the past six months. It will give you a glimpse of what God is doing in the Baltics. We want to thank everyone through your prayers and financial support that makes it possible for us to serve here. The economic situation in the Baltics is very severe. It has presented great challenges for the church. Please keep the Lutheran Churches in the Baltics in your prayers." (top).

Missionary Newsletter (Update Feb 15 '10)

The Muhly Monthly February 12, 2010 (in PDF format) from Jon and Julie Muhly (Moscow, Russia) (top)

The 15th Anniversary of the Renascence of the Lutheran Congregation in Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia (Update Feb 09 '10)

Rev. Prilutskiy Greets Church Members at Anniversary Worship ServiceOn January 31, the Lutheran Congregation in Nizhniy Novgorod (The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia, ELCIR) celebrated the 15th anniversary of its re-establishment. The first Lutheran congregation in NN was founded in 1580 and was the second earliest Lutheran congregation in Russia (the first one was in Moscow). Its members were foreign merchants who traveled with their goods up and down the Volga as well as the military. Ethnically they were Germans, Swedes, Dutchmen, and Lithuanians. In the 1820’s the czarist authorities allowed the congregation to build a church building out of stone in the city’s central street. Up until 1917 the congregation’s membership was around 1000 Lutherans. In 1931, the Soviet authorities stopped the congregation’s work and confiscated its church building. In 1961-63, it was demolished. By God’s grace, however, on January 30, 1995 the Lutheran congregation in Nizhniy was re-established and duly registered with the justice directorate of the Nizhniy Novgorod Oblast. Instrumental in the revival of the church in the 90’s were members of the Ingrian-Finnish and German cultural societies. The congregation would like to thank all the people who have been helping their church in its renascence and growth, in particular the episcopate of the Church of Ingria and the volunteers and missionary pastors of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod for their invaluable assistance. During these 15 years, the public pastoral ministry to the congregation has been carried out by Pastors Alexander Prilutskiy from 1995 to 1997, Rev. Douglas Reinders (LCMS) from 1998-2000, and Rev. Yaroslav Boychenko from 2000 to present time.

The congregation has 70 communicant members. It is ethnically mixed as it has ethnic Finns, Germans, Estonians, students from Tanzania, and of course Russkiye (Russians). The missionary from Finland Miina Viitanen is active in youth work. The congregation’s baroque & romantic organ built by Hoffrichter Orgel GmbH is a gift from fellow-Lutherans in Essen, a sister city of Nizhniy.

On January 31, the anniversary worship service gathered almost all of the congregation members as well as guests including Rev. Prilutskiy (the congregation’s first pastor, now academic dean of the Theological Institute of ELCIR in Koltushi), Rev. Leif Camp, the first missionary who worked with the group in the 1990’s, Rev. Sergey Shanin, president of the Moscow District of ELCIR, Rev. Jon Muhly, Area Facilitator of LCMS World Mission in Russia, and Rev. Kai Lappalainen, Finnish missionary to Narva, Estonia. The Sacrament of Holy Communion was celebrated by Pastors Shanin and Prilutskiy. The musical accompaniment on the organ was kindly provided by Yulia Lotova, organist of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Moscow. “They were all with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1). Please pray for God’s continued blessing upon this church in its efforts to proclaim the faith in Jesus to more people.

Photo Gallery. Earlier updates on Pastor Yaroslav's outreach ministry in Feb 04, May 04, May 05, Feb-Apr 06, Apr-May 06, June 06, July-Sept 06, Oct-Nov 06, Dec 06-Jan 07, Feb-Mar 07, April-May 07, June 07, Aug-Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan-Mar 08, Apr-Jun 08, Jul-Oct 08, Oct-Nov 08, Nov-Dec 08, Dec 08-Feb 09, Mar-May 09, Jun-Sept 09, Oct-Nov 09. (top)

January 2010 Update from Rev. Alexander Furs, St. John the Evangelist Lutheran in Saratov, Russia (Update Feb 09 '10)

On December 26, the clergymen of St. John’s church together with the Sunday school teachers led a children’s Christmas camp in the church. Children of some of the church members as well as those of unchurched people heard the Bible story of Christ’s birth, learned about Bethlehem, and about the meaning of the nativity scene.

On December 28 and 29, Rev, Furs met with the church’s partners from higher education institutions in Saratov to discuss plans of working together in 2010. Pastor Furs was offered to read a lecture series about today’s situation in Lutheranism in Russia, the USA, and the European Union at one of the city’s educational institutions. They also developed a tentative program of activities that could be conducted at the congregation and involve unchurched young people.

On January 8, Pastor Alexander visited a meeting of the Volga Germans Club in Engels where he extended season’s greetings to the club members and explained to the audience the meaning of the feasts of the Lord’s Baptism and Epiphany.

From January 18 through 22, Pastor Furs participated in two Christmas recollection meetings at two higher education institutions in the city. Alexander had a chance to extend season’s greetings in behalf of the church to the audiences and present short reports about Lutheranism and the Church of Ingria in particular, its Gospel teaching, history, and chief festivals. Pastor Alexander shared this information with around 110-130 people.

From January 11 to 16, Rev. Furs continued his regular media work. He wrote an article about Christmas and related Lutheran traditions for the newsletter of the Saratov Oblast government updated the websites of the Church of Ingria and St. John’s church, and answered the questions that came by email from 4 respondents to the web pages.

In the meantime, new people continued to come to the worship services at St. John’s conducted by Rev. Furs. 25 to 30 guests were in the audience at the Christmas liturgy (9 of them having been invited by Pastor Alexander personally beforehand). 6 guests joined the worshipers on December 27 when the theme of the service was St. John the Evangelist. During tea after the service, Pastor Alexander told the guests about the Apostle John and answered their questions about how the Lutheran church views veneration of the saints in the light of the Gospel. The church members were joined by 9 guests at the service on January 3, 14 on January 10, and 5 on January 17 who were invited by Pastor Alexander. After church, he fellowshipped with the newcomers and answered their questions about Lutheran theology, the history and traditions of the Lutheran faith.

Earlier updates on outreach in the Saratov region: Aug 01, Sept 01, Oct 01, Nov 01, Feb 03, Aug 03, Nov 04, Jan 05, Feb 05, Mar 05, May 05, Mar 06, Aug 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Jan 07, Feb 07, Mar 07, Mar-Apr 07, Apr-May 07, May-June 07, July 07, Aug 07, Sept 07, Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan 08, Feb 08, Mar 08, Apr 08, May 08, May-Jun 08, Jul 08, Aug 08, Sept 08, Oct 08, Nov 08, Dec 08, Jan 09, Feb 09, Mar 09, Apr 09, May 09, Jun 09, Jul 09, Aug 09, Sept 09, Oct 09, Nov 09, Dec 09. (top)

Missionary Newsletter (Update Feb 01 '10)

January 2010 Newsletter from Matthew Heise (Moscow, Russia). (top)

Missionary Newsletter (Update Feb 01 '10)

January 2010 Newsletter from Jim and Mabelle Bloker (Czech Republic). (top)

Warm Boots for Kyrgyzstan. Update from Lutheran Church Concordia, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (Update Jan 26 '10)

Children in Kyrgyzstan Receive Warm Boots

In December 2009, about 130 needy members of the Lutheran Church Concordia in Kyrgyzstan and 70 children from 2 orphanages received warm footwear from the Warm Boots fund, a program sponsored by the Christian volunteer network Orphan Grain Train, church groups, and individuals. This help was timely because the second ten-day period in January turned out to be rarely cold in Kyrgyzstan with temperature falling down to minus 15-20 degrees Celsius at nights. Photos. Earlier updates: Oct 02, May 03, Sep 03, Oct 03, May 04, Dec 11 '06, Dec 15 '06, Feb 07 (a), Feb 07 (b), Oct 08, Nov 08, Apr 09, Oct 15 '09, Oct 19, 09, Oct 28 '09, Nov 11 '09, Nov 14 '09. More about past work in Kyrgyzstan in the newsletters of Tim and Rita Nickel and Bob and Sue Pfeil. (top)

January 2010 Update from Rev. Mikhail Starilov, Borisoglebsk, Russia (Update Jan 26 '10)

Earlier updates on the outreach in Borisoglebsk: Nov 02, Feb-Mar 06, Jun-Aug 06, Sept 06, Oct 06, Nov 06, Dec 06, Jan 07, Feb 07, Mar 07, Apr 07, May 07, Jun 07, Jul 07, Aug 07, Sept 07, Oct 07, Nov 07, Dec 07, Jan 08, Feb 08, Mar 08, Apr 08, May 08, Jun 08, Jul 08, Aug 08, AIDS Awareness Seminars '08, Sept 08, Oct 08, Nov 08, Nov 08 AIDS seminar, Jan 09, Feb 09, Mar 09, Apr 09, May 09, Jun 09, Jul 09, Sept 09, Oct 09, Nov 09, Dec 09. (top)

Update from Deacon Ostanin on Prison Ministry in Novosibirsk, Russia. December 2009-January 2010 (Update Jan 22 '10)

Deacon Ostanin brings aid to kids at TB Sanatroium, Novosibirsk, Russia

Vyacheslav Ostanin (pictured above), president of ICHTHYS prison ministry and deacon at Christ the Savior Lutheran Church in Novosibirsk, reports around 420 Gospel touches since his last report as he continued his outreach to correctional facilities and children's medical institutions in Novosibirsk.

Download a full translation of Deacon Ostanin's December 2009-January 2010 report.

Photo Gallery. Earlier updates on Slava Ostanin's ministry in March 04, April 05, June 05 , December 05, January 06, February 06, March-April 06, May 06, June 06, July-August 2006, Sept 06, Oct-Nov 06, Dec 06-Feb 07, Mar-Apr 07, Apr-May 07, May-June 07, July 07, July-Aug 07, Aug-Sept 07, Sept-Oct 07, Oct-Nov 07, Nov-Dec 07, Dec-Jan 07, Jan-Feb 08, Feb-Mar 08, Mar-Apr 08, Apr-May 08, May-June 08, Jun-Jul 08, Jul-Aug 08, Aug-Sept 08, Sept-Oct 08, Oct-Nov 08, Nov-Dec 08, Dec 08 - Jan 09, Jan-Feb 09, Feb-Mar 09, Mar-Apr 09, Apr-May 09, May-Jun 09, Jun-Jul 09, Jul-Aug 09, Aug-Sep 09, Sept-Oct 09, Oct-Nov 09, Nov-Dec 09. (top)

 

 

2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010

Write To Us At :
 Evangelical Lutheran Ministries
PO Box 76, International Post Office
37, Varshavskoe Shosse 104000,
Moscow RUSSIA

© 2000-2010 Evangelical Lutheran Ministries (Moscow). All rights reserved.
Best viewed with Internet Explorer at a screen resolution of 800x600 or higher