Shockwave 2008

This past weekend 29 February to 2^nd of March, more than 50 nations all over the world were praying for the persecuted church. Our small, but ready youth group was participating in this event as well. I felt that it was very important, because people in our country just 15-20 years ago were persecuted for their faith as well and I am sure that many Christians all over the world prayed for Russia (former Soviet Union). The Lord answered this prayer!!! and I praise Him for that.

So for the last two or so months I was telling our kids the true stories of persecuted people and countries, so they would know the price some Christians have to pay and appreciate the freedom we have now in Russia. So on the 1^st of March our group met and we learned some more about countries where people suffer for their faith and then prayed for them and for specific people, whose stories we read. Then I asked kids to write a few card and to encourage their brothers and sisters in the Lord. It was such a blessing to see how they were thinking about what to write, picking passages of scripture in Russian, then carefully copying those verses in English, and decorating their letters. It was a really special time for our small group and I know that our prayers along with others made a difference. We also called Dasha, she was unable to meet with us this time, but she promised to pray too.

The next day, March 2^nd I shared about Shockwave at church and after the service we had another prayer time for the persecuted church. Two special guests came to our prayer meeting today, Katia (about 11 years old) and Tessie (about 3), they are sisters and their father is from Nigeria. So together, we prayed for their fathers’ people as well as for others and since March 2^nd was the Election Day in Russia, we prayed for our country too and thanked the Lord for His mercy and faithfulness.

If you want to know more about the ministry of Open Doors and the Shockwave, follow the links and please, see this video and be encouraged to pray.

Blessings, Natasha

Alexander (from the http://www.odshockwave.org) -Shockwave 2008