packing for the trip...I sat with my backpack full waiting for the few items that I crammed in all the pockets to satisfy my every need.

In the beginning of my missionary experience, I never knew 12 years later that such a partnership would develop between my home state and Russia. I cannot wait to see what plans the Lord has to unite the two--Georgia Baptists and the Russian Baptist Union. As I read the article in the Christian Index today, my heart was overjoyed. I immediately had thoughts of home about packing for the trip. So, I flipped through my journal pages and found some of my first meanderings about leaving home to live in Russia as an IMB missionary. And I sincerely want to thank you dear people from Helena Baptist Church in Helena and Southside Baptist in McRae, Georgia. Because you are the ones who taught me the words to the song:: "This Little Light of Mine".

Journal entry in The Chosen Path: Standing in the middle of my bedroom in Eastman, Georgia, I looked around and wondered where to begin. The back pack and trunks sat on the floor empty. As my eyes circled the room, I did not know where to start. Grabbing a shirt here and a pair of pants there, I finally commenced throwing things in the luggage. There was so much stuff. Where did I get all these things? As I prepared and gathered items for my voyage, I really did not know what I would need. Somehow I sorted through the important things and stored the other behind.

I really did not know what was necessary until I arrived at my destinations. With each trip along the way, I soon realized what was required more than anything else. My relationship with the Lord is the most valuable piece or possession that I must have. I was stripped, so to speak, of family, friends, church programs, Christian music and worship services in my heart language. How does a person survive without these dependencies? It is really very simple; however, I must have been rather stubborn on the first few legs of my journey to figure it out. There I sat with my backpack full just waiting for the few items that I crammed in all the pockets to satisfy my every need.

As I plopped on my floor in Russia one day, unlike mine at home, it finally dawned on me. My very existence and livelihood depends on the Lord. All we need is Him! I asked God to help me. I asked God to bring me closer to Him. I wanted to only seek Him for satisfaction. I wanted Him to provide for my every need.

That is when my learning process really began. A person cannot learn until they are willing to listen. In a classroom a teacher instructs and attempts to lead her students to understanding. However, until students have the desire to learn and entrust their attention in the teacher, they will not understand. They may go through the motions of learning but never gain wisdom or true knowledge. Learning comes through application. It was time for me to practice what I had been taught over the years and was being taught day by day.

Remembering my childhood days as I sang the old spiritual, children’s song, “This Little Light of Mine”, I realized that my light was moved to another part of the world. Though the faces changed, the words changed and the entire culture was different, my relationship with Jesus was the same. I could not hide my light under a bushel waiting for the familiar to carry me through and out into the world, but I had to hold it up and stand in Him alone to shine (Matthew 5:14). If I did not get my act together, I was not going to make it or be effective in any way.

Reflecting back, I started to formulate who I was and who I was becoming.
In His Love,
Les

in the shadows

The other week I went to church without my family because they were a little under the weather. It was a day filled with meetings, teaching and discipling. I had a lot of time to think on the way to church as I traveled by way of metro and walking. It has been a joy this past year to work and serve at Golgotha. The people have been so kind and supportive of our ministry there. I love our pastor and his family as I did my pastor in Saint Petersburg. I can honestly say that these two men have found a special place in my heart because of their devotion to the Lord and leadership skills.

I teach an English Bible study lesson for the kids and parents that attend the class. As we study the English language, I infiltrate Bible lessons and Biblical vocabulary words. And parents who live in neighboring apartment buildings attend with their children. The attendance pattern is so sporadic though. We even had a totally new group yesterday. Sometimes we have 15, and other times it may just be five or six. However, I adapt the lesson for whoever shows and trust that the students will gain new insight from the Word. And for those who do not have a personal relationship with the Lord, I pray that they come to know Him.

As I was contemplating about church and this ministry, I thought about the day and what part I enjoyed the most. I sit among ladies who have totally let me into their group as one of them. Yesterday I was giving an illustration about the Baptist churches and in the Russia language I said, “Our churches in Russia….” Then I paused, apologized and mentioned that I could not help but say “our” churches even though I know that I am an American, but I have lived here for so long. One lady commented that there was no need for me to apologize, because I am Russian. She may never know how much a compliment like that is cherished by a missionary. I also like to receive flowers, fresh berries and vegetables gifts and simple hugs, pats or kisses from the sisters in Christ. Yesterday I was given a bag full of yellow berries. I have no clue what they are, but the offer was nice. I love the ladies in our church, and I think they know it.

Having just translated 11 lessons on spiritual gifts for the upper-intermediate English class, I try to make the most of everything I do for the building up of the body of Christ. The way may be a small one but the desire is huge. We all are needed to work together and are found useful for a purpose. I ask for wisdom to use my time wisely and for direction, because I want to make the most of my efforts—not just good but the best. I desire to use my gifts in the way that pleases the Father.

So, I bounced from meeting to meeting and group to group throughout the day and was torn where to actually stay, because I treasure it all. For a person who loves activity and being involved where the action is, however, I found myself wanting to withdraw, land in the shadows and be of use in a one-on-one situation.

Looking at the whole picture, I so enjoyed the entire day; but my favorite moment was sitting at a secluded table with a new believer in Christ. This lady repented several months ago in another church in Moscow. She started attending our church after her move to the north side of the city. I have been chatting with her for weeks now and felt it was time to ask her if she wanted to have a cup of tea together and find a spot in the church to study. I wanted to disciple and pray with her if she desired.

I pulled out an old Bible study that I wrote years ago while living in Bryansk and we started on the first lesson—“Assurance of my Relationship with the Father” (A Woman’s Path to God, 2003). Nothing beats sharing your own testimony with others. I know that there are many great books and teachings on the market. But when a person has something from experience to share, it is valued so much more. So, my new adventure, not hers, is encouraging one new believer how to know Him. She even eagerly told me before I could embrace the topic again, “I need to baptized; I do not need to put it off any longer.” I guess my plans of study will move a little faster than I expected.

I thank the Lord for how He encourages me. Just when I question my worth, my efforts or my selfish thoughts of did “I” do this right or am “I” being used for You in the right way, He points everything back to His work. The Holy Spirit does not need me, but thank God He allows me to participate, especially in the shadows!

English ministry update and praise!

We often divide into small groups to assist with the various levels in our English class at Golgotha. Buck is continuing with the adults at an upper-intermediate level. For the children’s class (parents and grandparents also attend), we have two levels—beginning and intermediate. One Russian young girl is helping me with a group. Ashlyn, Amielle and another young girl help with the other group. We studied about the Book of Life this past Sunday and if our names are written there, and a student prayed to receive Christ. It was such a joy to watch my own children participate in leading someone in a prayer of forgiveness.

Devotion- serve him and believe in his promise

-Path 22-
A Winter's Path
by Leslie Burch

Path Light: Read John 12:20-35
Key Passage: If somebody wants to serve me, he has to follow me. My servant will be everywhere I go. If somebody wants to serve me, my Father will bless him. -John 12:26

As His servants desiring to be fully used for His potential, we have to be reminded in His teachings that we have been chosen by Him only to bring glory to His name. In everything we are doing, no matter where we are living, or what we are experiencing, we need to constantly focus on bringing glory to His name. Having given our lives to the Lord, we need to remember that He is always near us as we follow Him closely. The moment that we do not follow after Him and look at our steps is the time when we lose our focus and vision of Him and His leading.

Many times while living in Bryansk and Saint Petersburg, Russia, I have questioned why certain things have happened. And often wondered for what purpose God allowed these things to take place. Then I am reminded time and time again that I will not always understand. I realize that I cannot possibly grasp His wisdom and decision in all matters. Everything is for His glory and only for that reason should we serve and remember His promise in John 12 "if any man serve me, him will my Father honor.” I know that some circumstances seem to have no eternal purpose. They are sometimes simply hard to comprehend. I question how God can even use me or a situation for His glory. However, I know the fact and trust in the Holy Sprit that one day He will fully allow me to comprehend through His eyes the meaning and purpose of each leading/action. Then, I will look back over the years and wonder why I could not see....

Path Application:
This week let us apply this prayer: May we focus on Your promise, Father, that we are honored as we serve You. May we follow Your lead. May we bring glory to His name!

translation complete

I finished placing the last translated spiritual gifts lesson on the Golgotha in English site. This has been a great project for me as it was a means for me to improve my language skills as well as watch others enjoy learning about their gifts.

It is time for us to have a serious talk.

We have a phrase where I am from that goes like this: It is time for us to have a serious talk. I used to love it when late at night my dad, mom and I decided to have a family conference. I am not sure why the desire normally hit us after supper. And the discussion time went into the early hours of the morning. Those were great, tiring moments but learning ones at that! The topics would range from national, business, family, convention, church, town, or personal issues. I think that we would solve the world’s problems in our small living room in McRae, Georgia. There is no need to look it up on the map; it may or may not be there. The town is bigger than the one stop signal light ones but not by much.

These are serious times as they always have been really. Let me explain my thoughts. This morning when I got up I started my daily routine of Bible study, prayer, checking e-mail and reading the online news first thing. Even through our popular social global networks, we can find out how friends are doing in an instant. These networks bring the good and the bad, and they are widespread in popularity. So, I have decided to use them for not only fun avenues but also witnessing tools. I have had many opportunities to tell someone about Jesus and disciple others via chats, instant messaging and tweets. How interesting! We might as well use it more for the good and not let the bad take control.

Last night after my responsibilities with my family where completed for the day, I sat down once again at my computer to check the news. I clicked on a video clip of two of the Southern Baptist Convention's former conservative presidents carrying on a conversation about times past and it was almost as if they knew their days on earth were numbered. They are older in age now and they were reflecting. As I listened, I was in awe to some degree, because these two made a huge change for the good in our convention around the late 70s and early 80s with a return and strong desire for conservatism.

This morning I woke to think about other leaders that really have made a difference to stand strongly on Biblical truths and principles and to believe firmly in the One and Holy God. These leaders are older now and as I look around, I wonder who is going to take their place. Tears come to my eyes as I think of times past and see a generation about to enter into a new life.

And I do not notice many dynamic leaders like those today. Overall as a convention, I see a possible four on the brink of positive influence. Will it happen? Can a great influence take place that will change America and the world for Christ? I hope so. One of these leaders just recently announced publically that after being in the ministry for many years, he still has a strong passion for Christ and one personally shared with me the desire to make a difference. May we never lose our passion or strong desire! As I pray for this to happen, I want to be humble in my efforts to contribute to what I deem important—desiring personal and cooperate revival for the building efforts of a great commissioning movement.

With that, though, comes change. Having been a missionary now for over 11 years and lived in a country where change is inevitable and happens daily. I have discovered five steps that have helped me know how better to handle change: 1) Observe early, 2) Analyze wisely, 3) Act accordingly, 4) Adjust rapidly and 5) Evaluate always.

One needs to most often observe the process early. This means sometimes beforehand. That way we already “knew” the change was coming. This cannot always happen but it generally does when we stay alert. I do my best to analyze with wisdom through prayer. The next step is usually the difficult one for most people. That is to act accordingly. Some wait too late to act, thus causing personal and cooperate or organizational stress. The stress takes place because of procrastination. An optimist views the situation as an opportunity to make a positive move and help with the change. Procrastinators do the opposite. They slow the process down and possibly prevent a great awakening. We must keep in mind step number two is analyzing wisely. Not all change is good. But change happens. It is how we move with it and influence it that makes the difference for the ultimate good. Pray for wisdom.

The fourth step is to adjust rapidly. If I do not, I might get hurt. Look at the meaning of the word hurt however you choose. If a person does not move quickly, the outcome, though, usually is painful, figuratively and sometimes literally speaking. That is what leads us to step number five—evaluate always. One has to be prepared, because generally the cycle repeats and turns. If we are constantly evaluating a situation, nothing will take us by surprise, thus the stress level for stage three will be low. Stay on top of matters. Be in control. Pray for wisdom and trust in Him to help you see the matter clearly.

Having explained my thoughts, I see a new moment in history on the horizon. Change is coming. How will we handle it? What part will we play? How will we lead and follow? And who will step up to be that dynamic influence? I am praying for you and for me to be those great men and women of influence for today.

Maybe I am a little bolder than I used to be. Maybe the experiences that I have been through have caused me to think quite deeper than just on the surface. When you are in a new position or a new environment, it is very important how you react. Since I have made the comparison in my missionary life before about being in a spiritual battle similar to that of a military one, I have learned that you come to new territory prepared and with foresight. You cannot come to a battle and then try to figure everything out; you have to be ready to move. I think the same goes for how one tolerates change. Come prepared to overtake it.

Regardless, it is time to have a serious talk and solve the world’s problems.
-The Chosen Path, L.Burch

Another gift just for you…

You can hear Dima's, Sveta's, Sergei's and Marina's story now.

A team of IMB workers recently finished pulling together a devotional guide of encouraging stories from the Russian cluster. I posted it on the sidebar for your convenience. You, dear stateside prayer warriors and fellow colleagues, have asked how to get more copies of this booklet. Please click on the Blessings cover photo on the side of this blog page referenced along with IMB stories; it is a free E-devotional download just for you. You will need Adobe Reader to view it.

A little insight into the devotional:

"Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them." Luke 10:23-24

I cannot stress in words how much we are thankful for you and all you do. Over the years of our missionary experiences, you have been faithful to co-labor with us; we value your partnership. Many of you have prayed for numerous hours that souls would be saved, joined us on mission trips and given monetary support. Therefore, we wanted to collect stories of salvations, new church starts or new groups and baptisms to encourage ourselves and you with what God is doing in our harvest field (Blessings, 2009, 3).

In His Love,
Les