Merry Christmas! from the Burches

*to enlarge, click on card (a gift from us to you)

A Christmas Carol by Amielle Lydia Burch

A Christmas Carol

“Mother, what is Christmas?
What does it mean?
Why do you celebrate with me?

Why do we sing of Christmas cheer?
So loud for everyone to hear?”

“My darling, my darling, you should know.
Why didn’t you come to me like so?

The reason we gather ‘round the table,
Is ‘cause Jesus was born in a stable.
Why we sing out loud for all to hear
Is ‘cause we want other’s to know of the cheer.”

“But, Mother, why do you give presents out?
It’s not my birthday.
It’s Jesus’!
Give a shout.”

"We give the presents out to show
That we love everyone so.”

“Mommy, Mommy, may I pray?”
“Of course, of course yes you may!”

“God, hear what I pray today.
Thank you for sending your beloved son to be born in a manger for everyone.
Thanks for the food you provide
Thanks again for sending your son to die!!!
Amen!"

~Amielle Burch

"I want to make a difference!"

I want so badly to make a difference in the world; it hurts. I look around to determine if there are any results from my efforts. Lord what have I done? Lord, what can I do?

I have been contemplating this for weeks, months and even years to be honest. I know he is the Potter and I am the clay (Isaiah 64:8); we are made by His hands and for the work He has for us. I ask Him: What kind of pot am I? What is my purpose? Lord, I desire for my pot to be used in the most effective way. Over the years I have discovered some uses for this ol’clay, but I feel like there is something else or there should be more. I am not doing enough. Tell me what to do.

Today as I write these things, my thoughts are a little clearer. I am sure one answer is that I need to let go of self. Humble myself. Give all to Him. I need to step back and let Him be glorified.

Then I ask how can I willing do this? A part of letting go of self requires daily submitting to the Master. I must trust His rule. When I admit it, I actually find stability and security in His control; but, I must let him lead. My answer is found in various ways, and this surrendering only comes through prayer.

What is prayer? Prayer is placing our requests before Him (Philippians 4:4-7). The interesting part from this passage in Philippians is the Lord is near. We are not to worry the least little bit, because our minds will be guarded in Christ. God guards our minds. This is a daily or moment to moment request. If my mind is to be guarded, I must pray. If I am to release self and submit, I must pray; I must be near Him.

How is all this possible? I must train myself to rejoice in the Lord by accepting the peace that He gives when I approach Him. Through this peace, my heart and mind is totally protected from damaging His work or purpose. My mind is guarded.

Why pray? We pray to be near to God. What country or nation is so grand as to have God so close to them as we do when we pray? We have the True God near us (Deuteronomy 4: 7). That speaks enough.

How often should we pray? Continuously. I must devote or give myself over to prayer. And, while I am praying, I am watching or allowing Him to guard my mind. I never really put these two scriptures or thoughts together before. I cannot guard and watch vigilantly without His power and peace being passed on to me. Just last week I wondered how I could watch in prayer. I can not; God can. Again He has promised to guard my mind and heart.

Where should I pray? Not necessarily thinking about a physical location, I questioned this. The scripture in Ephesians 6: 18 states that we are to pray “in the Spirit”. Here we find the word watch again — “watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints”. The word perseverance is determination. I must be single-minded. I must conscientiously let go and allow the Spirit to be master of my mind and thoughts. The Spirit helps me. He makes intercession for me. Also, when I am praying for others, self is placed on the back burner.

Supplication means plea. Plea seems to be a stronger word even though it is just a synonym. How can I place my pleas before Him? Uprightly. This can only be done when we hold to Proverbs 15:8. The prayer of a righteous one satisfies the Lord. He delights in our prayers.

So, I ask. What must I do? Nothing; He does it all. How can I make a difference? I can’t; He can. How do I humble myself then? Watch and pray. Will the desire, the hurt, to make a difference ever go away? The answer is found only in prayer.
L. Burch, Journal, Dec. 2008

Prayer- the voice of silence

Join with me in prayer this month for three areas. Let's pray for:

Russia's drinking dilemma

• a typical bottle of vodka contains 40% alcohol

• some turn to risky drinking (i.e., normal household items like perfumes, men’s aftershave and medicines containing alcohol)

• alcohol is a disease

• alcohol creates a problem for the Russian soul




European Russia encompasses over 100 million people, most of whom are Russian not only by nationality but also as a people group. The land size of European Russia is approximately the same size as the United States of America.


Golgotha Baptist Church

Our family will start an English speaking ministry at this church for evangelistic and discipleship efforts. Our target month for beginning a Sunday School class is February.

Coffee Moments- do not forget about us

….yet thou, O Lord, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not. – Jeremiah 14:9b (focal passage- Jeremiah 14: 1-9)




At this time Judah was mourning. There was a drought in the land. They actually were crying in anguish because the cities’ wells, grounds and fields were barren and dry. The people were at the point of despair. Have you ever been to the point of desperation like the people of Judah? Are you now?

The Lord recounts these words to Jeremiah. We can understand the fear of the people. Appearing next are pleas in the form of prayers admitting the sins of the people. Have you thought about praying like this and begging God to hear you?

Prayer for the moment:
Our sins show our guilt, Lord. Please help us. We have backslidden immensely; our sins have offended You. You are our only hope in this time of ultimate despair. You seem as a stranger to me right now or like a person that passes by me unknown. It is as if You are a soldier that has been approached unaware, unarmed and stunned. However, I know that You are right here with us. We know this, Lord. Others may think the opposite. We know that we are Yours. Please do not forget about us (Jeremiah 14:7-9)!

Do you desire to feel His presence so strongly in your life? I do.

In His Love,
Les
-Coffee Moments- a time to reflect on God’s Word, 2008

A Thanksgiving Prayer- poem by Ashlyn Burch

I am still hung up on the theme of prayer, so to speak. I just read my daughter's poem that was published in her school newsletter. I thought I would share it with you.

A THANKSGIVING PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for this day
A day set away to pray
A day to remember what You've done
A day to thank You for Your Son.
We gather 'round the table here,
Knowing that we have no fear
Knowing You are very close
Knowing You are the Holy Ghost.
While we eat our food today,
We will lower our heads and pray.
We will pray, thanking You.
We will pray, praising You!
-Ashlyn Burch

The holiday of Thanksgiving is a great day to remember our blessings and a reminder to be so thankful everyday. I hope to share with you soon a lesson I am writing on Prayer or at least a portion of it. God, please help me "continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving" (Col. 4:2). We are to be on guard, observant, watchful and thankful. How often? Continually.

Paleontological Birthday

Even though some paleontologist view the world to be 6-7 million years old, we know the truth about creation from God's Word. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." (Gen. 1:1) And, we have record of the history of man and of the dates of Christ's birth. That date being placed around the year 3-4 B.C. when King Herod reigned.

On November 29, 2008, the Burch family went on an archaeological adventure. We went to a dinosaur museum in Moscow, Russia, watched a family movie and observed a toy dinosaur egg hatch. Luke turned 9 years old. I praise the Lord for our miracle boy! Doctors only gave him a 10% chance to live. I will never forget to thank the Lord for Luke and for all my children. They are definitely a blessing from Him.

We had a wonderful day celebrating and even learned much about fossils. And, we had some great discussions about when and how we think dinosaurs actually lived and looked. Here are some clips from the Birthday party.



*click on any picture to enlarge

What am I thankful for? My family and God's presence.

During this holiday season, I am working on a family video entitled “Overseas Over the Years — a decade”. I hope to have it ready by Christmas (sort of a family present). Just thought I would share some of the photo clips. Thanks family and friends for your continual prayer and support. We love you and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, too. We appreciate the cards, e-mails and notes that you have already sent for the upcoming holidays. We wish we could see you in person, but our hearts are with you in spirit.



It is hard to believe that it has been a decade already. I praise the Lord for His presence over the years and over the seas as we serve with the International Mission Board of the SBC. What an opportunity!










“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.” Luke 10:2

Surprising Visit

I watched a movie not long ago and was fascinated when two ladies from different countries and cultures bonded. They seemed to be as close as sisters, maybe even closer. I never dreamed of having such a friend, but God gave me a dear friend/sister in Natasha. I saw her a few weeks ago for a brief few minutes as our train made a pit stop in Bryansk, Russia, on our way back from Ukraine. Not having seen each other in years, we were thrilled to even have 26 minutes together. I will never be able to put into words, though, how hard it was to watch her walk away as our train pulled off. Surprisingly this past week she was able to visit us in Moscow for a day. How wonderful our time was together! I thank God for Natasha.

Prayer is a top priority these days.

I pulled up a section from my journal from 1999. We had only been in Russia a year and were moving to our first city of service. Prayer became our top priority in those days. Prayer is a top priority these days.

Buck writes in a year in review newsletter in 1999:

"We are beginning to understand why prayer is so important. A pastor once told me that God would stop the world, the sun, and the universe, if He wanted to get the attention of His children. I believe it. Sometimes I’ve wondered if one of the reasons God has led us to Russia was just to strip away from us all the superficial in our relationship to Him and simply allow us to view our standing before Him with clear vision. I believe that God desires for every man to be saved; I believe that God will send a great outpouring of His Spirit onto Russia in these last days. But I also see that God’s desire for my relationship to Him to be one of simplicity, wholeheartedness, and total dependence upon Him. That kind of relationship only comes through a life priority of prayer.

It’s really a matter of a logical spiritual function. If the world is to be won to Christ, it will take men and women of God who are filled with the Spirit sharing with boldness. 'How can they hear without a preacher?' And if men and women are to be filled with the Spirit, they must have a deep relationship with Him. 'Walk in the Spirit'. And a deep relationship with God only comes through deep, quality time with Him in studying the Word, walking in experiences with Him everyday, and unceasing prayer. It’s that simple.

We are all called to be lights of the world. We are discovering that God as simply moved our lights from one part of the world to another part. And even though the faces have changed, and the entire culture is different, our relationship to Jesus in unceasing prayer through the Holy Spirit has not changed. Or if it has, it is being called to a deeper level."

-The Chosen Path, Journal entry "the unseen battle continues to rage in the forest land", L.Burch

Devotion for the month- "believing faith"

Path Light: Read Mark 11

Key Passage: Because I’m telling you that whoever would say to this mountain, “Go away and be thrown into the sea”, if he doesn’t doubt but believes that it will happen, he will have what he asks. So I tell you, whatever you desire in prayer, believe that you will get it, and you will have it. Mark 11:23-24

This scripture has been brought to my attention a couple of times this week. Some ladies and I, who meet weekly for a Bible study, were discussing this text about believing faith. I am convinced more every day about the power of prayer, not only in its power but also in its proving of our faith. Our faith is strengthened when we believe whatever we ask for will be ours. The stronger we believe, the more our faith is revealed as solid.

Many times I grow impatient and anxious for a specific desire that I have for serving the Lord to be fulfilled. The past few years I have taken these desires to the Lord and waited for an answer, though sometimes impatiently. Within this past month, I have begun to see how the Lord is answering my deepest desires. He reminded me once again of this scripture about belief in prayer. Prayer is powerful! Prayer is also proof of our faith. God does not have to prove anything to us, because He already is the great I AM. However, our faith is tested at times. We must stand firm in Him.

Path Application:
Decide today to be a person of prayer. Do you really believe that God will answer your prayers? Do you really believe that that mountain can be thrown into the sea? Do not doubt. Believe!

Walk Farther:
1. How much do you pray? How much could you pray? What’s the difference?
2. Do you really believe that a literal mountain could be moved through prayer?
Why or why not?
-A Winter's Path, path 48, L. Burch, revised '06

Lesson I learned- "Face to Face"

How nice it is to have a heartfelt, sit-down conversation with your best friend! One day I will have a face to face talk with my Lord— my very best friend. Interestingly while writing this, I am singing a few lines from my daddy’s favorite song:

Face to face with my Christ my Savior,
Face to face, what will it be,…
Only faintly now I see Him,
With the darkening veil between,
But a blessed day is coming,
When His glory shall be seen (written by Mrs. Frank A Breck and composed by Grant Colfax Tullarin in 1898).

God sent messengers to the Biblical patriarchs like Moses and Abraham. These men even spoke to the Lord when he appeared, for example, in the burning bush. I sometimes wonder what it would be like to have Him before me as they did and to talk to the Lord about anything. Then I recall the passage when Jesus appeared to the disciples after He rose from the grave. The disciples were in awe, because they had seen the Lord. Thomas was not with them however. Thomas wanted to touch Jesus’ wounds to know that He was alive. Jesus appeared a week later at the house and allowed Thomas to place his hands on Him. He believed after seeing Christ. The scripture tells us that we are blessed because we believe even when we have not seen Him (John 20: 24-31).

Many times over the past few months, I made requests after requests about some uncertainties. I felt the Lord encouraging me to wait on His answer and to trust in the fact that He is God. In other words, I was to listen for a time and stop worrying (Psalm 46:10). My natural reaction is to start asking questions, giving requests, probing for direction, etc. All of this is good, and actually the Lord wants to hear from us. I reminded myself to listen first. What a hard discipline to master! Four days ago I asked my prayer warriors to fervently pray with me that I would hear the Lord’s voice and know His plan concerning these matters. I studied in Amos 3 where God promises that He will not do anything unless He reveals it to the prophets.

Yesterday I opened the Bible to Psalm 50. As I read the first 13 verses, I was amazed at God’s mightiness and power. Verse seven states that He is my God. The passage then refers to His knowledge and how He created all things. Verse 15 encourages us to talk to Him when we are in trouble. We honor God when we share our desires with Him. His Word promises that He will rescue us.

I need to grow up and accept reality. We mature in stages both physically and spiritually. Babies start off with milk not steak. We are all familiar with the phrase: shag za shagom” (Russian for step-by-step). Jesus teaches me step-by-step. A baby satisfies herself with the taste of milk and enjoys it. When a child is ready, the parent gives her solid foods. She enjoys that, too. The fact is that I am to enjoy the day-by-day walk with God and trust Him with it all.

-The Chosen Path, 8-23-08, L. Burch

Living as Nomads for a Month

To place things in order, I will start by summarizing the past few months. It felt as if we have been moving two steps at a time. We were not sure what was taking place; we moved on faith. Literally we had to move from St. Pete to Moscow after living in the city for six years. While pitching our tent in Moscow, we registered until September. When September 15 started to approach, we had to leave the country. I think of this next experience as living like nomads.


Therefore, on September 13, 2008, we flew to Kiev, Ukraine, to renew visas in order to return to Russia. Matter of fact, we were not sure how long we were going to be there, because we had some difficulties with our paperwork. Buck left for a few days to check on our documents in another city.




On September 26, 2008, we headed down the road to Odessa, Ukraine, which is located near the Black Sea.



We all needed to travel and be present at the consulate where we would hand over our letters of invitation. We had hoped to meet our paperwork there; unfortunately, on the way we received an SMS that we would have to wait a few more days. While riding in the marshrouteka (van taxi) that we caught in Kiev, I glanced out the window in silence.

Wow! Wait some more! Okay! It is about time I realized that God works in ways that seem to us as possibly out of the ordinary. When in actuality He maneuvers all things according to His glory. It is really irrelevant whether or not I return; it is relevant that I “go” today with Him and be obedient.

Having left Russia a few weeks ago, I packed items for the trip as if we may never go back. I even packed certain items in trunks that we would need to receive if we got stuck out of country. Up until this point, we have waited for three months for these papers. These motives were wise given our situation but a minor issue in comparison to God’s big picture.

So, it was time to practice what I preached. I begin my day in Odessa enjoying what God provided and living for the day. I was no longer the poor, nomad missionary with no paperwork. Having learned in Finland years ago about no where to go, I made a conscience decision to delight in every day no matter where I was. I was smiling even as I walked the streets, and a Ukrainian, elderly lady approached me grinning and asked: “Young girl, apparently I know you, don’t I?”

I responded, “No, I was just smiling because Jesus loves me.” I soon realized by the look on her face that I needed to say that GOD loves you. I did. She accepted what I said, looked at me rather interestingly and then walked away. A transformation had taken place inside of me. I understood that the inner-change was all for my benefit. When transformation takes place within an individual, people begin to see evidence of it outwardly. It is not really about what I do for the Lord or with whom I have the opportunity to witness; it is about obedience.

Our family had a wonderful time together in Odessa. We also enjoyed seeing another missionary family, continuing with homeschool, attending an opera, watching a dolphin show, walking along the beach and worshipping with local believers. Buck even spoke at a brother’s prayer meeting. It was a celebration time of harvest with the local churches during this month. We felt blessed to be a part of their service and praise God for the gathering of crops. The pulpit area of the church was decorated with fruits, vegetables and fresh bread.

Luke was so amazed at the plenty before his eyes. He wanted his picture made in front of all the fruits and vegetables.

Even as we walked to the beach, we noticed the clusters of grapes growing along people’s driveways.



There are more homes in Odessa than apartment buildings. We purchased some fresh honey from a bee farm where the insects gathered the pollen from sunflower plants. We are truly blessed! Any situation can be turned into a good one.
-Journal: The Chosen Path, 2008, L.Burch

Please return soon for more posts. I still am pulling my thoughts together about the lesson I learned about not fretting. On the flip side I know that God wants us to bring our requests and troubles to Him. It is truly a lesson on balance.

By the way, on October 9, we returned to Moscow by train. We received our visas. Thanks for your prayers. Join me again soon for more of the story, especially the train ride back…

direct link for prayer video

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Thanks for your interest in praying with me. Some of you, though, are unable to view the video in the previous post. There are several possible reasons for this difficulty (i.e., internet service, web-browsers, or various applications). No fret. Try loading the link below in your address tab (copy and paste). This is the direct link that I use to feed the video. Your computer may find this easier. Have a great day! Here it is:

http://www.e-zekiel.tv/view_video.php?viewkey=4f8afe3df4886f5e516e&page=1&viewtype=&category=mr

Do you see what I see?

The kids and I enjoyed working up a home video clip from the previous post- voice of silence. One of my task as an IMB missionary of the SBC is to lead you to be on mission with God. There are many ways you are involved in this: pray, give, partner and go to bring all peoples to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. I want to focus on prayer right now and to do my best from across the Atlantic Ocean to help you see what I see. Please join me for a 3 1/2 minute "prayerwalk"...

*click on the arrow tab below.


Or, you if you cannot play it here, click on:
E.zekiel.tv

Feel free to show this to various church groups and Sunday School classes.

The Voice of Silence

Do you see what I see? Pray with me.

When I walk or travel in the metro (subway) in Russia, I often pray. I look at the many faces around me and wonder what they are thinking and wonder what they believe. We all go in silence. Even after living here for more than a decade, I am still not quite used to the quiet. People move about in their own little worlds.


I love to tell people about Jesus. Sometimes in Russia, though, the chance to share does not come as easily as it does in the States. I can think of many times back home when I walked up to a stranger in the grocery store and freely struck up a conversation about the Lord. I was home a few months ago visiting my parents. While shopping in Wal-Mart, I had the privilege of talking to a salesperson in the jewelry department about Jesus. It was so easy; she was ready to hear. In Russia the people seem more private. My neighbor even said the other day: “Leslie, you have your faith, and I have mine. It is personal, you know?”


Opportunities do arise to share; the “ground” for sowing just seems hard. It could definitely soften, because anything is possible with the Lord. If the Holy Spirit is pulling at a person’s heart strings, I just hope that I am around to tell my story. I am sitting on edge ready to jump at the chance. What do I do until that moment? I pray— the voice of silence.

Their Perspective: Amielle's and Luke's thoughts about AGM

Amielle said, “I wish we could live at AGM all year!”



Luke played as John in a play with “Simon Peter” proving that Jesus is REAL.








The things parents do for us. My parents were “Hilarious,” exclaims Amielle! [singing Pharaoh, Pharaoh]

Their Perspective: Ashlyn's Take on AGM

A few weeks ago we had an annual missions meeting (AGM) for all missionaries in our area. We had a great time of fun, fellowship and Bible study. A couple of volunteer teams came from the states to lead us in worship and VBS activities for MKs. Thanks a bunch, Guys! We had a wonderful time and enjoyed seeing you all (from the South we say—ya’ll). God Bless your efforts and desires to minister to us!

Below is Ashlyn’s take on our trip:

“Here is the update you have been waiting for: (Drum roll….)

First we drove in the car all the way outside of Moscow to this hotel \ hotels. We arrived and we got our room numbers. Family was in Building 2 while I was all the way in Building 5 with my roommate Sarah. The food was actually very tasty. Good ol’ Russian food!! We had thin pancakes in the morning with jelly and sausage and eggs (omelets). Well, so we had a wonderful time except the time I accidentally ate chicken hearts…

Anyway I had fun with my classes which consisted of bible study, singing and praising God, outdoor activities, and games indoors. A lot of fun! I would get in around 11:30 to 12:00… Tiring I know.  But I did have fun!! I got to see my best friend Jenna. In the youth there were only 2 boys and 8 girls…. It is really strange to have such a small group for the youth because usually there are 100 to 200 people. Different!! But we had such a wonderful time getting to know each other better. It was very hard for me to say goodbye to Jenna, because she is my best friend I have known for as long as I can remember.

So we are back now and I have started school, which is an online school. Very fun!! I get my assignments, and I chat and talk to the teachers online. But when I do my work,…I will be working in books off the computer. Mother just gives me the test and makes sure I get all my assignments done….It is exciting to do this on my own yet at the same time talk with all my classmates and teachers.”
-Ash

My Post to You- "thanksgiving"

I really felt compelled to let you know how much we appreciate your prayers, especially during this waiting period to find out about our visa status. We have no doubts that God is in control, and I am trying to enjoy the days as they pass till we hear. Since you have been so dear to pray for us, I want to give you a “heads up” about a recent happening. I hope to write an additional post in more detail later. Just the other day, I opened up the Bible and landed on Psalm 50. I began reading the chapter and verse 15 jumped out at me. Many of you know for a long period of time that I have been listening and not asking questions of the Lord. I have calmed myself by not worrying (Psalm 46:10). After reading this verse, I am proceeding to once again give my request to Him in times of trouble. It says: “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”

Knowing that you prayed for me to hear the Lord’s voice, I sincerely want to say: “Thanks”. Below in devotional form is my post to you. God bless each of you today.

thanksgiving

Path Light: Read Philippians 1:1-9

Key Passage: Every time I remember you, I thank God. I talk to God about you every time I pray, thanking Him for your fellowship from the first time I met you. -Philippians 1:3-5

Paul and Timothy were in prison when this letter was written to the church at Philippi. This church partnered with them for the spreading of the gospel. It was very evident how much Paul prayed with joy for the church members and how much he appreciated their support. He held them close to his heart.

We have had the privilege of having many churches, family, and friends praying for us, supporting us, and joining us as we are on mission to spread the gospel. These brothers and sisters have supported us from the first day. There are times when Paul longed for the church at Philippi like we also long for our churches back home. We know that they are with us in heart. Our prayers should be that they grow spiritually, stay pure and blameless, be filled with righteousness through Jesus, and most of all that they glorify the Lord.
-A Winter’s Path, path 15, L. Burch

A New, Separate Blog

As you have probably guessed by now, I love working with ladies and am actually encouraged by many. Thanks to all of you who give me a call, drop me an e-mail, give me advice over the phone, say a kind word, share great ideas for parenting and teaching my kids, etc. I started an informal blog last year for parents and teachers of homeschool, whether using a full program or doing supplementary classes. However, I never fully got it going. I think that I am now ready.

Blog #2 is now up and running for discussions about educating our kids. Below is an introduction post for this additional site. If you are interested, feel free to take a look.

Posted from: http://sphomeschool.blogspot.com/, Introduction and Network Purpose and How-to, L. Burch

“I am a homeschool mother and teacher of three children. My oldest, Ashlyn, is in the 9th grade; my middle child, Amielle, is in the 7th grade and my youngest, Luke, is in the 3rd grade. We use ABeka and NorthStar programs. I have homeschooled my children for 9 years now while living and serving as an International Mission Board missionary in Russia. Homeschooling has been a joyful experience.

Having given an introduction, I would like to now open this informal blog to parents and teachers of homeschool, whether using a full program or doing supplementary classes. Let’s brainstorm together and pull ideas to better our teaching environment. It has been helpful over the years to have a network of friends and colleagues to make it through a challenging day. I look forward to your ideas for teaching as we collaborate to improve.

I will frequently post a question to spur a discussion. Actually many inquiries will appear from your comments. Homeschool moms, teachers, missionary kid (MK) instructors and MK education consultants, please give advice, share thoughts and make suggestions to our questions or struggles in the comment section. I trust that we will learn from one another and never feel alone in our teaching experience. It always helps to have someone around to listen and to bounce ideas around.”

His Plans

As we continue to wait for documentation to stay in country, I am praying fervently to hear the Lord’s voice. I have been listening for His plans and waiting for the next step (see Post “Two Steps at a Time”, Sat. May 10).

I stumbled across a devotional that I wrote several years ago. Please pray that I can locate scriptures over the next few weeks to find direction for my life. Each day my prayer is that I would be faithful for the task for that day!

His plans

Path Light: Read Amos 3-5

Key Passage: It’s true that God won’t do anything unless He reveals it to His servants the prophets. -Amos 3:7

Are we listening to His plans or are we more interested in our agenda? Time after time God had given the nation of Israel His plans (commands or blessings), and time after time they refused to listen and they disobeyed by straying from the Lord.

Path Application:
In chapter 5 we read that the Lord calls for His people to seek Him and live (Amos 5: 4b). How many times have we not listened to God’s call? Let’s make it our focus this week to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His plans for our lives. Our prayer is that we not continually walk in a direction that we have chosen. And, each step that we take needs to be a step that is guided by Him.

Walk Farther:

1. What do you do to stop and listen to God?

2. Which scripture passages have been most meaningful to you in finding direction for your life?

3. Has there ever been a time when you’ve known what God wants but didn’t do it?
- A Winter’s Path, path 18, L. Burch

A lesson to learn- "I am here. Let me go!" (Isaiah 6:8b)

I am ruined!

Path Light: Read Isaiah 4-6

Key Passage: Then said I, Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. - Isaiah 6: 5 KJV

It seems very interesting that the first few chapters in Isaiah are placed before chapter six. Chapters one through five apparently are sermons that were given to the children of Israel. They needed to acknowledge their sin. Also God's desire was shown for Israel. The Lord wanted them to produce good fruit. God's wants us to produce beautiful fruit just like He wanted for Israel (Chapter 4). God wanted this fruit to be "excellent and comely". However, many times their sin prevented them from hearing God’s wishes and following His desires.

In chapter six Isaiah suddenly speaks about his calling. Notice in verse five how he admits his sinfulness not only as he sees it but also through the eyes of the King. His vision did not stop at this statement. He admits that he also identifies with the people (children of Israel). He feels as if he lives as one of them. He seems to stress that he is a sinner as they are sinners. Through the prophecies for others he notices his own sinful state.

God then sends a messenger to minister to Isaiah. The seraph flew with a live coal from the altar and touched his mouth saying that the coals have now touched his lips and cleansed them. All the guilt was removed and his sin redeemed (verse 7). The Lord then speaks and asks who will go and be a witness to the people. Isaiah volunteered. He is not appointed like many others before him. Isaiah eagerly said, "I am here. Let me go!" (Isaiah 6:8b)

Path Application:
Maybe today you do not feel worthy to tell others the Truth because of your own sinfulness in the eyes of the Lord. Let God touch your unclean lips and purify your life. Then willingly desire to go and tell others about Him. Go and produce Christ in others. Show people Christ. Do not show yourself. Produce good fruit that will be topnotch and beautiful to the eyes of others.

Prayer on the Path:
Dear Lord, please forgive me of my sinfulness. Forgive me when I have not done what you have asked me to do. Thank you for allowing me to finally see through your eyes my true nature. Now I want to be touched and made clean just as Isaiah. Lord, I am willing to go. Send me! Allow me to be one that produces good fruit and disciple others to produce good fruit. I do not want to show them my ways but show them Your ways.

Walk Farther:
Do you notice your sin?

Does your life resemble that of Christ's?

Are you producing good fruit?

Today will you go and tell?

Will you go and produce good fruit?

-Devotional Journal: Paths of Spring, L. Burch, 2006

I'm still listening...

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Teri

Referenced here is the IMB news and information article. Here is the direct link to the web-page:
http://www.imb.org/main/news/details.asp?StoryID=6967&LanguageID=1709

Colleagues remember missionary's love for family, music, children
7/29/2008
By Staff
RICHMOND, Va. (BP)--Co-workers remember International Mission Board missionary Teri Tarleton as a devoted mother and wife with a love for music and ministry among the children of missionaries in Russia.
Tarleton, 49, died July 28 from a pulmonary embolism in both lungs in her home in Moscow.
The IMB appointed Teri and her husband, Ed, to the mission field nearly 15 years ago. She sang in the church choir and was an accomplished bassoon player. Born in Phoenixville, Pa., she graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a music degree.
While her primary ministry involved her family and church, she also ministered to missionary kids (MKs) in Russia as an education consultant.
“Teri had an incredible love for missionary kids and repeatedly touched the [lives of MKs in Russia] in phenomenal ways,” said Robin Covington, a longtime friend and missionary colleague.
“Teri’s main desire for our Russian field was twofold,” said Buck Burch, another colleague. “[She had] a burning desire to see the lost come to Christ and an unwavering belief in the witness of a godly family.
“To Teri, we weren’t just missionaries; we were a missionary family.”
Besides her husband, she is survived by a son, Adam, 21; daughters, Anna, 19, and twins, Rachel and Rebecca, 17. She also is survived by her parents, Russell and Betty Halliger of Park Hill, Okla.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in honor of Teri Tarleton to the International Mission Board for the ongoing task of missions work around the world. Send donations to International Mission Board, Teri Tarleton memorial donation, PO Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230-0767.
Her funeral will be held Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. at Nicoma Park First Baptist Church, 1931 Nichols Dr., Nicoma Park, Okla. Arrangements are being handled by Barnes Friederich Funeral Home, 1820 S. Douglas Blvd., Midwest City, Okla. 73130.

be strong and courageous

Since my thoughts have been of home this month, I will share a short story in devotional form about something that happened in the States. This event took place a few years ago but still remains to be one of my most embarrassing moments.

Read Deuteronomy 31:1-8

Key Passage: Be strong and courageous, because you have to go with these people into the land that the Lord promised their ancestors… Deuteronomy 31: 7

We have been back for our second stateside assignment only a few weeks now. Having lived overseas for about 7 years, I am somewhat stressed about living in America again. I always wonder if I am going to "fit in" anywhere anymore. Missionaries seem to never fully belong in foreign countries. Also once we have lived in other countries for extended periods of time, we seem to lose a small portion of our native ways. I have been trying to encourage myself to be strong and of good courage. It hasn't been too bad lately, until an interesting thing happened last night.

We joined a fairly large church in our hometown, And this week we had a conference going on with some well known evangelists and preachers from the southeast. My children need to go to the bathroom in intervals during the sermon. Why they can't wait for a short hour service in America to be over with is beyond my understanding. In Russia they seem to be able to wait through the 2 1/2- 3 hour services when bathrooms are scarce. When we reentered the church service, we quietly slipped in the back, stood in the corner, and tried not to disturb the ending of the service. But I inadvertently leaned against the wall while looking for a seat near the back of a crowded sanctuary and suddenly felt something press on my back. As I silently moaned and rolled my eyes in disbelief, I noticed that the lights started to dim in the church. Then the entire sanctuary went dark during a crucial moment in the service. So much for not knowing about the new inconspicuous light switches that have appeared in America, and so much for trying not to disturb the service. Needless to say, I'll adapt, just as I did in Russia. We are missionaries, right?

In Deuteronomy 31:6, the passage reads, "Be strong and courageous… don’t be afraid of them, because the Lord your God is going with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you." In the following verses Moses speaks the same words to Joshua as he passes his leadership over to him. He promises Joshua that the Lord has already gone ahead of him into the land promised, yet unknown to the children of Israel. He mentions that he should not be afraid and always remember that the Lord is continually with him.

Application: We can apply this to our lives as well. No matter what type of situation we are in at the moment, we are not alone. The great thing is God has already been there. He has scoped out the area. We are coming in to a territory that is familiar to Him, and we have nothing to fear. No matter what we experience, we can be strong and have courage.

A couple of questions to ponder:

1. What are you afraid of?
2. If you really believed that God is with you, no matter what, what would you try to accomplish for Him?

A Winter's Path, path 53, L.Burch

Visiting in the US

I have had a wonderful visit at home in the US with family and friends. My main intent for visiting was to spend quality time with my parents and Buck’s family one-on-one. That is just what I did! We sat around all hours of the day just talking, sharing and encouraging one another. I have been married now for 17 years and my oldest child is nearly 14 years old. My husband said that I deserved this time alone with my parents. Thanks go to Buck for making it happen, to Ashlyn for taking on many of my responsibilities around the house, to Amielle for performing many duties (i.e., wiping the dinner table) and to Luke, my youngest, for being the little man of the house. In the beginning I was hesitant to leave all of them in Russia. However, before I left Amielle gave me the blessing to go by saying, “Mama, just go home and spend time with your parents as if you were the only child again.” What a great family I have!

Are there any foreigners in your town to whom you could be a blessing today?

While home in the US, I spoke in a couple of churches. During one service, I became aware of a new associational missions program. It reminded me of a devotional that I wrote years ago that I will share below. Missionaries are not the only ones that miss home; foreigners that live in our American neighborhoods do, too. The question is: Are we sharing the Gospel with those around us? Our family travels overseas to a foreign land to minister. How many of us are ministering in the States right next door? Since I have been home, I have had the opportunity to witness to people from other cultures. The numbers of internationals are increasing even in small towns like mine (population 3000). Praise the Lord churches are working in the community to sponsor mission-oriented programs within the geographical boundaries of the city!

a city prepared for us

Path Light: Read Hebrews 11:9-15

Key Passage: By faith he traveled in the promised land, like foreign soil, living in tents… Because he looked for a city with foundations built and made by God… and confessed that they were foreigners on earth. For by saying this, they are plainly declaring that they’re looking for another land. -Hebrews 11:9-10, 13b

Some of my missionary friends and I struggle with the fact that we do not have homes of our own. Many of us have the desire to build a house, decorate it, and work in our yards planting flowers. “Normal” people do.

There have been times when I have tried to pinpoint my momentary restlessness and wondered if having a permanent place would satisfy my desires. Then I am forced to look at realty and focus on my heavenly home which is all that matters.

We know that God is preparing a place for us. Why do we sometimes long for a place to call home? Because within us is the desire to not feel as aliens and strangers. Within us is the desire to reside in the city that has been prepared for us-our heavenly home.

Path Application:
This week focus on the heavenly city. Let us not think of the country that we have left. Let us look for the better one.

Walk Farther:
1. How do you think the Israelites felt when they lived in tents for so long?
2. How do you handle feelings of homesickness or longing to be somewhere else?
3. Are there any foreigners in your town to whom you could be a blessing today?
A Winter‘s Path, path 23, L. Burch

Reflecting Back 10 years

Our tent is now pitched in Moscow. How can I begin to share with you about our move? I have been puzzled about this for days. The only place I know to start is 10 years ago. I know that the Lord has many things to teach us in the future. Taking a look back from time to time may help me to be prepared for what is ahead. By reviewing the lessons I learned, I could be more equipped for the task. Simply walking down memory lane is just plain fun, too.

Many of you probably know by now that I have started a new writing project. For years I have journaled a few events of our missionary experience. I have been encouraged by family and friends to organize these thoughts; however, I am not fully sure how to take on this new endeavor. I came to the conclusion that sometimes a person needs to listen to these little hints and just act upon them even though one might feel incompetent. Below is a short excerpt from that journal chapter entitled “where the path led us” (10 years ago):

“From Georgia, USA, we transferred planes in Germany. The plane ride from Frankfurt was rough, and the turbulence was difficult. The AC went out. I had to take deep breaths. Then I exited the largest plane I had ever flown in and planted my feet on Russian soil in Moscow about 1:30 PM on a Monday in August of 1998. Foreign soil. Interestingly it was about 85 degrees that day, very hot and humid. My four year old daughter, Ashlyn, asked, “But where is the snow?” We all had on about three to four layers of clothing expecting frigid weather. However, within a few days, the temperature had dropped to 52 degrees.

We were moved to the front of the line at passport control because of our small children. After we stepped out of customs, I looked around for the first time and all I saw was the color grey. That is somehow the way I felt. I did not know what to expect, what to think, or what to do. I was just there. Then the next thing I knew I was riding down a polluted street filled with old cars that looked as if they were made in the 1960s, and the only thing I could do was watch building after building pass. They all looked the same to me.

I will continue to describe my first impressions. With my two daughters and husband, we traveled to a small apartment that was to be our home for the next month. We pulled up on the north side of town to a run down building with graffiti all over the walls. We walked up a flight of stairs with all of our luggage and footlocker trunks and entered a coded door that slammed behind us. We proceeded up a flight of stairs and stepped into a soviet style lift. The bars closed on us, and we traveled upward to our destination on the third floor. The only city that I could possibly relate it to was New York City. I had heard about the Bronx but never lived there.

The apartment complex was next to a main street and housed thousands of people…Then I walked through to the kitchen and found that our missionary colleagues had left us a basket full of goodies. I took a deep breath, straightened my shoulders, and decided that I was going to make it.

Though I was exhausted from traveling nearly 24 hours, I began my duties as a mother to get the house ready for my family. After cleaning the apartment of plaster particles [recently remodeled bathroom], I distinctly remember finding a bag of freshly washed sheets on our bed. I opened the sack and covered my face with the smell of fresh fabric softener. Thanks missionary family! I once again thought I would survive. Here are some of my thoughts from the first few days in county.

I’m getting used to life here. We can only do about one major thing a day as it takes hours to get anywhere. Just a ride on the metro (underground subway) and bus and back takes three hours. And that’s the fastest way! We went to McDonald’s today. Unfortunately on the way home, we got on the wrong bus, and it carried us a wrong turn. We had to walk a little extra. On each street going in a certain direction, there is a specific number on the bus. You must get on the right one. We are definitely getting good exercise walking.

I bought some chicken for the first time today. It’s funny. You have to look for what you want, write it down how much it cost, what department it is in, go to another place to pay for it, show your receipt to the product-person, and finally get your items. No grocery sacks either. You have to bring your own bags. But most everything that we need is right here around us. Don’t know what it will be like in Bryansk.

Buck’s having difficulty adjusting to the dairy products; they’re shelved, not chilled. 1.8% milk tastes a lot like buttermilk. The cheese is the same way. Uncle Rufus was right about the shelf milk. However, Amielle (my two year old daughter) loves the milk because it tastes very sweet.

It took me four hours to fix supper last night. When I had opened and closed the oven door, the pilot light went out. I did not know. I wash all the vegetables in diluted Clorox water. Everything here takes time. However, I’m faster today. I think I’m getting used to it.
-Journal August 8-9, 1998

In many ways God showed us that we were welcome in Russia. The Russian people had been smiling at us and talking to the kids as we traveled on the streets of Moscow. A few days after our arrival, a Russian lady we did not know selling flowers handed Ashlyn a small bouquet and a little old lady chased us down the street to hand the kids some old coins from the former Soviet Union. The missionaries said that this never happened.

In our first few days in the country, we had attended a Russian church service that lasted for two hours. The services were held in a hallway of an apartment complex with a few rooms on the side. We could not understand anything in the language or the customs. The language is going to be hard.

Out of kindness a Russian babushka (grandmother) shared the hymn book with me. A missionary friend translated that I could not read Russian. I will never forget. The lady looked at me and said, “You will.” Then she kissed me on the cheek. My first Russian kiss.
-The Chosen Path, L. Burch, 2008

“run the race”

As I often jog for exercise, I recall this short devotion.

Read Hebrews 12
Key Passage: …let’s run the race ahead- Hebrew 12:1b

Everything that we do, we should do it well. Give it our best. Before getting to the halfway point in the 5k that I marked out for my regular run, I sometimes think that I just cannot go any further. Then I pass the mark, take a few deep breaths, control my breathing, slow the pace down a little, and focus on the last leg of the course. I continually have to remind myself that the race is not something for me to fret over but enjoy and live as I take each leap. Sometimes our course has difficult points that we really must focus on in order to maintain our pace and other times we have moments for enjoying the scenery when the adrenaline “kicks in”.

Our ministry “stretch” where we serve is often the same. After living on the field for a number of years, I have learned to enjoy each leap in the course set before me. When I realize that each situation, each day, and each moment is given by God, I can put in perspective the awesome race that I have been given the opportunity to endure.

Application:
Exercise to keep your stress level at a minimum, to physically feel great, to cognitively function sharper, to psychologically control emotions better, and to spiritually be disciplined. Run your race with joy, enthusiasm, and just LIVE as you endure the goal set before you!

Walk Farther:
1. Find time this week to walk, jog or run. As you are going, think about what it means to run the race in your spiritual life.
2. How is your spiritual journey like a race?
3. What is the prize for winning this race?

-A Winter’s Path, #21, L. Burch

My Little Prayer (video by Luke)

Many of you have used the stories and prayers from my "children's perspective" postings in your missions classes. You many now click on a very short video and share Luke's Little Prayer. We thank you for your continued support through prayer and for your encouraging e-mails. God Bless!

Behind "Closed" Doors

As I climb the stairs to my apartment on the 11th floor, I see many closed apartment doors. Unfortunately I rarely meet the people behind them. This saddens me. Things are always so still; things are hidden.

Since the time of Lenin and Stalin, Russia has changed in many ways. However, in small ways the culture is still the same. These leaders led the society to become communal. I still see evidence of the same system today. For example, I watched part of a soviet film yesterday and was amazed how some of the buildings and streets have not changed that much. The film depicted how the strong ruled over the weak. Some people did not concern themselves with the struggle; they seemed to simply exist.
I see a portion of society still living this way. People who lived during the communist regime are now approaching the elderly age. Many stay to themselves unless confronted. They seldom reach out first. I am not stereotyping the system as a whole. There are always exceptions. When an opportunity does arise to meet someone, generally I start the conversation first.

As I ponder these thoughts and put things into perspective, I am reminded of my grandmother who is now 92. As a young person, she lived during the time of the Great Depression in the States. She never forgot those days. My mother and I were cleaning out her cabinets one day and found stacks and stacks of canned tomatoes and multiple can openers. Of course, many cans had expired, and I wondered why the many can openers. Ready to throw the extra away and get rid of the old, I did not seem to understand the real story. My grandmother jumped into the picture and said that the items must be kept, because she may need them one day. Having remembered the days when times were tough and when there was a shortage of everything, she did not want to be left without ever again. I guess those same cans and stacks of can openers are still sitting in her cupboard today. I must remember how events affect people and accept them for who they are.

As I try to befriend my neighbors in this culture, I sometimes wonder the best way to approach those around me. I still question why I rarely see the people who live right next door. Why are things hidden? Why is it so hard to reach out to others? This is somewhat of a mystery.

A long time ago I came to the realization that behind many “closed” doors are many opportunities. People are willing to communicate. The timing just must be right. A relationship needs to be established— some common bond. We must discover how we are similar. I always try to find even small ways that we relate. Most importantly I must be ready for the perfect moment. I pray I never miss those chances.

The other day I sensed the Lord wanting me to speak to my neighbor, the one right next door. I have spoken to her many times before. We have tried to befriend her, invited her to tea, taken her gifts and just tried to show her we cared. For some reason I could not cross the invisible bridge into her life or so called territory. Of course, when the Lord asks me to do something, I cannot refuse. Therefore, I tried again to enter her world. I rang the doorbell not knowing what response I was going to get. She came to the door with that look and tone: “What do you want?” I broke right through the tension with a smile on my face and said that we were boxing up our things to move from St. Pete in a few weeks. She frowned and voiced that she was disappointed. She went on to share that our kids were great kids.

I saw that as an opening to share the Gospel. I commented, “They are good kids, because we read the Bible everyday.”

I then asked, “Do you have a Bible?”

She responded, “Yes, but I rarely read it.”

Somehow my bold side crept up. After discovering that she had a Bible, I bluntly said, “Then you need to read it. And one of the easiest places to start is in one of the Gospel letters— John.”

I continued the conversation by quoting John 3:16. I shared what the Lord means to me and how He died for all on the cross. We had a great time talking together. She willfully listened. We were able to talk about the importance of a personal relationship with the Lord. I explained how our assurance cannot be based on what particular “faith” we claim. I prayed with her right in our doorway. The timing just seemed right.

When I returned home, I thanked God for the opportunity. I treasure those moments and wish there were a million more. It is necessary to practice patience when timing is of essence. The next time I pass an empty, dark, lifeless, quiet hallway, I will pray for those who live behind the “closed” doors. They need Him, too

Teach to Teach

As many of you know, the past few weeks our family has taught English as a Second Language classes at the local Baptist church we attend. The entire family participated in some way. I taught the beginners class, Buck led the advance class in a Bible study, Ashlyn took part in an introductory lesson, Amielle assisted in writing the notes on the board and Luke helped by passing out candy during tea times. What a joy we had serving together!

When the class began, we pushed forward to help the students learn English. I think it was a success, but there was a greater, underlining success if one realized what was actually taking place, precisely what goal was developing in the hearts of the believers. Step-by-step Buck led the advanced speakers through a simple inductive Bible study method. And, step-by-step they began to understand and to accept this new way of studying the Bible. Our prayer was for them to realize that this method could be used at home or in a small group setting. A faithful core group of 6-8 now feel prepared to not only continue with their English learning but also prepared to lead a study. We do not know exactly what God has planned for these dear ones, but they are excited about studying His Word in this manner and entertaining the thought of teaching others.

My heart was blessed as 3-4 ladies stood around me to tell me “goodbye” as we are moving from St. Pete the first of June. God turned the conversation around from just saying farewell, and we joyfully talked about how to use this method with the lost. I shared about my experiences with leading small women’s groups and my opportunities of praying with others who desired to lead groups. May our efforts of teaching others be passed on so that others will teach! May God use these precious believers to share their faith with their lost friends!

Two Steps at a Time

I want to expand on my thoughts about our plight to stay in country. Having already explained the process (in a post below), shared how I know that God is in control and committed our lives to Him because we know He is in charge, I feel I must paint a picture for you about the steps that I am taking. Actually the steps come slowly and the way is hard to see.

Remembering several years ago when our family lived a city about eight hours outside of Moscow, I can vividly recount the spiritual battles that we sometimes endured while serving there. When I was a teenager, I had a pastor that took the time to teach our youth group about spiritual warfare. Maybe I had even experienced it to some degree during those years, but not to this magnitude. Of course, while at a learning center for missionaries in the States, we had a few seminars about it before we came to the field. I had heard stories about other missionaries experiencing such a thing, but many of those missionaries live and work with tribal communities where witchcraft is practiced. Definite battles and fights with the enemy are apparent in those types of surroundings.

Our area is different, yet somewhat the same. There was a constant, dark shadow that lingered around us. There were no professing witch doctors or such, but the majority of the people were so wrapped up in superstition and pagan practice that false worship and mystical belief led them on the path to Hell. The general population accepted that Jesus Christ was born, but they had no personal relationship with Him. Many trusted the reading of the stars, the lighting of a candle or the kissing of an icon in prayer to save or direct them.

It was as if I were a soldier on my knees crawling through a maze of smoke, not knowing where to go. The bullets and darts were flying past— circumstances, pressures, stresses, sicknesses, etc. I knew that I was going to get hit. And, I did. But, I had to continue moving forward regardless of the wound and unpreventable scar. Unfortunately I could not see the captain to know where to go. Oh, but I heard His voice. If I listened very carefully, I would hear a sound, a faint whisper: “Come this way.” I proceeded in that direction. Then there was no sound, that is, His voice. I could only hear the sounds of battle. Out of nowhere I heard His voice, the great captain that He is, again and knew where to retreat. Then finally I found my way to calm ground.

Today the battle raging is quite different, yet similar. Praise the Lord that my vision is clearer. I can see the captain. Maybe over the years, I have learned how not to get lost in the smoke. I have learned better how to keep my eyes on Him and do all I can to not get hit; though, sometimes I understand that things are beyond our control. However, He does give us wisdom if we ask for it. Oh, how I pray for wisdom!

I see Him. He is crouched down. I must do the same. It seems that I do not hear as much noise encircling me. Thankfully I am better trained, because I have allowed myself to be taught. I know I have more to learn, because I cannot see like He can. I trust. He took a step. I take a step. I clearly see He moved again. I move again. The pace is slow. The way is safe. I just do not know where I am going. But, I know this: He does! Therefore, I move one step at a time. Today I sense that we are moving one step at a time, maybe two. I will be honest. It is not easy being unable to fully see, but I press forward because I trust in the One who leads.

-The Chosen Path, journal entry 2008, L. Burch

Grocery Store before Easter

In Russia the Easter holiday celebration time just finished. Ashlyn writes about a tradition or ritual of Russian Orthodoxy below:

“I would like to speak of an incident that happened at a grocery store here. My family had gone to a grocery store called Carousel. We went in and were standing around cakes that had the Russian letters XB on them, which stands for ‘Jesus has risen.’ Well I heard a sound like a priest chanting from the Bible. I turned around and there he was— the priest with a black robe and gold cross around his neck. This was an Orthodox priest. After he was finished chanting from the Bible, he took a brush and dipped it in to water. He took the brush and shook it over the cakes. People would buy the cakes after the cakes were blessed. He would go around to other people who had already picked up the cakes and sprinkle water in their buggies. This was an incident that I saw the day before Easter.”

In our Russian Baptist culture, I conclude, that this is the favorite holiday. Believers greet you with the phrase “Xhristos Voskres!” You answer with joy, “Voistiny Voskres!” Then it is repeated again, “Xhristos Voskres!” You answer with more excitement, “Voistiny Voskres!” And, on the third round, a fellow sister or brother looks you in the eye and as a huge smile on her or his face and shouts, “Xhristos Voskres!” You reply with as much enthusiasm and awe saying, “Voistiny Voskres!”— Christ has risen! He has risen indeed!

Amen. Thank you, Jesus, for dying for my sins, but not only that but also for rising again.

Journal Entry: no where to go

“Today I must share about our reoccurring plight to stay in country year after year. Our lifestyle is one of change. We are not guaranteed tomorrow in country. The sooner we learned this; the more relaxed we became living here. What a strange way of putting it! Relaxed. How can a person be relaxed and not know what tomorrow holds? My experience for learning this lesson happened a few years ago.

We left for visa renewal as we always do annually. This time, in 2005, we traveled to Finland as we had many times before. Matter of fact, over the past few years, we traveled to another country month after month for various reasons to be able to return and to live in Russia. The law requires that we be given an invitation by an inviting organization. We then approach the government with a request to live here. After gaining an invitation, we exit the country expecting to return in a day.

For many years I have been “nesting” or trying to make a home for my family. However, I fully know that one day we may not receive permission to stay. Being a mom, my responsibility is to make my family feel comfortable anywhere. Full understanding of all of this did not really become clear until I walked out of the Russian embassy in Helsinki, Finland, that day.

We sat for hours in a crowded building while awaiting a new visa. While trying to entertain my young children in the lobby, I looked up and saw Buck’s face at the agent’s window. I immediately knew something was wrong. We were told that we could not return to Russia until further notice. We must wait two weeks for a yes or no reply. There we were with only one change of clothes. I do not really remember walking out of the embassy and boarding a tram. Traveling I do not know where, for we had nowhere to go.

The feeling of rejection was so overwhelming that as soon as I sat down I began to cry. I felt so useless. As tears were streaming down my face, the Lord helped me put things into perspective. Sure, thoughts of what to do surfaced. Where are we going to stay? What about clothes? How much money do we have? Do we just ride the tram forever?

As soon as my eyes scanned the seats around me, I saw my family. In a quiet voice the Lord said, “This is all that matters. You have your family. They are what matters. Your things, your clothes, do not matter. You are together. It does not matter where you are in this world.” Then God called to memory a devotion that I had just started jotting down in my journal before I left.

Read Isaiah 48:17; 49:1-6
Key Passage: Listen to me, o islands; and pay attention, you distant nations. -Isaiah 49:1a

We may see God’s beautiful creation everyday. We may live in places that we call home. We may work with people that we love. We may travel many roads though only once. We may look through our apartment windows as if for the last time and realize we are finally beginning to understand our new culture. We may laugh and cry with our brothers and sisters. We may be comfortable. We may feel welcome in our new land. But then one day comes and because of outside circumstances, we are not sure about where we will be tomorrow.

Looking into God’s Word, we can be comforted by His Message to us. The Lord says that we are His servants. The Lord knew us before we were born. He called us by name. He gives us the words to speak. Our words and thoughts are not important; it is His words that matter. We remember that He keeps us in the palms of His hands and protects us. He perfects us and makes us useful for His work. God wants to display His splendor through us.

However, sometimes we feel as if we have worked for no purpose. Sometimes we question our worth. We may ask God, “Have we labored in vain for nothing here?” Then we are reminded from His word what is given to us is in the Lord’s hands. Our reward comes from Him. And our greatest reward is our relationship with Him. Our reward is with our God!

The Lord wants us to be satisfied with the fact that we are given the privilege to be His servants. We are to be lights to the Gentiles and to encourage and disciple His children. No matter where we are, where we call home, or what our positions are, He will allow us to bring salvation to the earth through our witness (Isaiah 49:1-6). This means no matter where we are in this world! We are not tied to things, places or one group of people. We are on a mission.

Maybe certain circumstances happen so that we might mature spiritually and begin to see with God’s eyes the plan for our mission— to not focus on the uncertainties that life brings but see the vision that the Lord had for us in the beginning. We are to be lights to the Gentiles so that we can bring His salvation to the world! And while we are being His servant, we can remember that we have security, we have stability, and we need not worry about where we will be tomorrow. The Lord says: “your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord your God who teaches you success, who leads you in the way you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17)
-A Winter’s Path, devotion 47

We are on a mission with a message. We are missionaries no matter what geographic location we have been called. After investigation of our files, two weeks later we were given permission to return.

The laws for registration have changed many times over the years. Presently (winter 2006-2007) we have just learned that we possibly have a minimal number of days left in Russia for this year. Because of immigration laws and circumstances, apparently the government is allowing foreigners to live in country for only a total of 90 out of 180 days. Again we are reminded: Who knows what tomorrow holds? God knows and He will lead us in the way to go! We trust in that fact, but the wait is so long. I remember talking to Buck one morning about the possibilities. I have never experienced a wait so long just to find out one piece of information. I am not worried about tomorrow; I just want a quick glimpse of what it might hold. He left that day to attend a conference with church planters, but before he ended our morning conversation time he said, “A long wait means a big change.”

It is interesting how when a transition is about to take place that God seems to be preparing me for something new. I am totally at peace, but there is something I can not “put my finger on” as the old saying goes. Because of what seems to be a feeling of restlessness stirring in my soul, I have tried to resolve these whirling desires by various means. I have placed out a fleece (Judges 6:37) or two, asked for a word from the Lord, suddenly read a specific scripture for a time period or felt the Lord’s moving in a certain direction. However, this time it has been a long wait. God seemed to be preparing me months before we even heard of this new law. Really the new rules have little to do with my feelings of a pull to earnestly pray. I have asked concerning this matter and waited but have not yet heard an answer. Then one day it dawned on me; I was to listen, not to keep asking. For about a year now, Buck and I have been in fervent prayer, even fasted, for God to reveal and affirm His plans. I felt the Lord telling me it was time to “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). I guess it was time for me to grow up some. That is spiritually, in a manner of speaking.

I talked to my dad the other day on the phone about these very thoughts. I told him that I had such inner peace. I know that God is leading in all circumstances and changes that are currently encircling our lives. However, sometimes I am impatient. My dad said to keep exercising patience. I laughed and said, “Okay, when I am physically exercising every morning, I will keep pushing forward and endure until this day’s workout time is over.”

With the thought of just a few days left in an area, my frame of mind changed as well as others’. Why does it take such a shock for me to be reminded of the urgency, the need, to spread the Gospel? My desire to share Christ should be so strong that I am compelled to act at once, because last days are approaching. I know that God does not need me, but praise Him that He chose to use me. So, what am I doing for Him? The question is: If today was my last day, how would I spend it— fretting or being about the Father’s business? Soon He is coming to take His Church. Will anyone be there with whom I shared?

Personal evangelism, church planting and church developing seemed to be on the top of our list of responsibilities, not that these tasks ever ceased. With the idea of exiting, though, I desired to do all that was possible. We worked as the days counted down.

Our family traveled to Tallinn, Estonia, in the middle of March 2008. We had to leave and reenter Russia for these same registration purposes. We heard from the foreign minister’s office when we returned, and they reserved the right to call us and tell us that we had until the end of the month to leave the country. We had already been in Russia more than the allotted days for that specific year. However, they stamped us through June. We had done everything that we were required to do; therefore, we were granted the minimal months after our new entrance. We moved forward each day as if it may be the last.

Since a missionary’s life is one of constant change, I had to maintain proper perspective. While reading in Jeremiah the other day, I related my predicament to a specific passage (Jeremiah 35). God commanded a certain tribe to never settle down and to live in tents from place to place. They obeyed without question, not really knowing why. Then years and years later God was able to use this family branch as an example of obedience to the children of Israel. We are just to obey and daily walk with Him, even though unable to fully understand how it all makes sense. I wonder where my tent will be pitched next.”
-The Chosen Path, journal entry “no where to go”, 2008, L. Burch