Since I first traveled to Russia's Far East cities in 1992, I have been amazed at how God has used our efforts. Many of the 80 Russians who have passed through Faith in Action are now pastoring churches, working in Bible Schools, involved in Rehabilitation ministries, or serving the Lord in their community.

Principal Dima teaching

We are always so aware of those who donate money to keep the school running, and to the teachers who volunteer their time to go and teach the Word of God. This term starts in September, and we have a full list of guest teachers: Pat & Bevan Whyte, Alistair Reece, Des Short and others from N.Z., and Richard Flach, an American missionary in Japan. Russian pastors ably fill in the gaps.

A GLIMPSE OF HOPE Right now Russia is suffering from many tragedies: bombs exploding in subway tunnels, a submarine sinking with all lives lost, and the Moscow TV Tower being burnt out. But even greater is the effect of lawlessness affecting the lives of its 150 million people and binding them in poverty and hopelessness. For every 1000 who die in Russia, only 8 babies are born - the result of abortion and a sense of despair about bringing a child into today's world. 4 out of every 5 male deaths is alcohol related. Vodka, taken to dull the pain of a nation, becomes one of its main curses. Among my friends in the Bible School and in the churches, I see the trophies of God's grace - people who Jesus has saved from lives of crime, drugs, promiscuity and bondage, young men and women who never knew the suffering of a church a decade ago, and also the older ones who came through the fire and know that Jesus will see them through this time of testing too. Only Jesus can change their nation. Maybe you read about a vision that Hudson Taylor had 150 years ago, where he saw a mighty revival start in Russia and spread across the nation and from there to Europe and the world. We are seeing the beginning of his vision's outworking. It is one by one, as we train each one, and they tell another one and then train them, that a people are changed by the power of the Holy Spirit and Jesus shines in their lives. Only then can real righteousness triumph and overcome the hopelessness, bondage and despair in Russia today.

Walking home after church in Vladivostok

DELAYS IN THE REBUILDING PROGRAM
Faith in Action Bible School has experienced some difficulties and delays. In May a group of Christian Architects and Engineers came to Vladivostok to asses our needs, draw up plans for rebuilding, recommend materials and make cost estimates. Unfortunately the results have not yet reached us and with only a few more weeks of summer weather remaining, rebuilding will now have to begin after the snows begin to thaw next April.
This does however give us extra time to raise money for the project, and as soon as details come to hand, we will be appealing for funds and volunteers for the work.
Another problem has been the delay in getting invitations for visas for teachers. In July a Canadian evangelist held a large crusade in Vladivostok. As a reaction, the Russian Orthodox Church laid complaints with the officials. It has delayed invitation procedures and only now are they being issued, fortunately just in time. But it does show the opposition the local churches face from the Orthodox Church and official bureaucracy.

Students and friends at "Faith in Action", June 2000

• New students and term starting in September.
• Volunteer teachers going to Vladivostok this year.
• Finance for the Bible School, staff and church workers.
• Plans, finance and volunteers for repairs and rebuilding next year.
• The 80 graduates who minister all over Far East Russia
• Airfare for Noel Morris to go to Russia in December.

Donations can be sent to:
Faith Ministries
P.O. Box 12357
Hamilton, N.Z.

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