In America a lot of people ask me if Russia is getting more difficult to evangelize. It is a very interesting question because I myself have never had any major trouble with evangelizing in Russia (other than the cost of getting a Visa every three months). But the real answer to this question is yes. I would say that the most difficult thing in evangelism in Russia is the peoples' hearts. Specifically, discipling men.
In chapter 16 of the book of Acts the Bible speaks about Paul and Silas being imprisoned. While they where in prison singing songs to the Lord the doors opened and their chains fell off. The jailer who realised that he would be put to death for allowing this, grabbed a sword to kill himself. But, Paul waiting patiently called out to the jailer,"Do yourself no harm for we are all here." After there was a call for a light the jailer trembling fell at Paul and Silas' feet, brought them out and said,"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" So Paul and Silas exclaimed, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."
Now we know that God requires a person's heart to be turned towards Him for salvation, but Paul and Silas did say that the jailer's household would be saved. Majority of the time, when the male figure allows his heart to be moved toward repentance by God and turns his life to the Lord, his family or household will follow. In fact, Tom Mercer from High Desert Church spoke about the statistics of this before and it was amazing how important the male role in the home is.
Growing up I was truly blessed to be able to have men in my life that loved and served our Lord Jesus Christ. One of those men was an amazing man that truly helped mold my life. I would go to him with questions about God, the Bible and many other topics concerning our Lord. In fact just recently we discussed end times, Revelations and Calvinism of all things. He was my brother-in-law, Brian Patrick Wilberding. His title didn't serve him. He was really my brother. I knew him for more than half of my life. He was so easy to talk to and I knew if I had questions about God I could go to him and he would be studied up. He was the kind of guy that would listen to books on CD in his car so that he could witness to people at his work. He had such a love for the scripture that he even studied books that did not make it into the Bible canon. Being as lazy as I am with reading, I would ask him all kinds of questions about these books. Maybe this is why God saw it fit to have Brian do our scripture reading in our wedding. Sometimes in my life I might have a friend or even a family member that I am close to, but something is missing because it is hard to talk with them about the most important thing in my life (God). I know it shouldn't be like this, but for my brother Brian and I, it was kind of the opposite. I knew that when I saw Brian, we were going to talk about "our first love." I loved our talks and I loved Brian with all my heart. That is why it pains me to say that last night I lost my brother Brian to cancer. Brian just turned 36 and has two boys-Zach 7 and Nate 4. Please pray for my sister Jennifer also. I thank and praise God for all the strength that He has given my sister through this time.
I thank those of you who have been so encouraging, uplifting and supportive. Thank all of you for praying for us too (we need it). With getting married, my brother going home to be with the Lord and moving to Russia, we have had so much opposition from the Enemy. However, God is so good to us and we are overwhelmed with His spiritual blessings.
I would like to encourage all of you to continue to live for the Lord. Although Russia needs men that WANT to lead, I fear that America will have men increasingly not CHOOSING to lead. If there is anything I can do to help any of you, please contact me through email. Also, our Visas are up in December so we should be back early December. I am leaving you with one of my favorite verses, a post from my sister Jennifer and a post from one of Brian's closest friends. Thank you,
Tyler
1Peter 3:7
Husbands, likewise , dwell with them(your wife) with understanding, giving honor to the wife as to the weaker vessel, and as being HEIRS TOGETHER of the grace of life, that YOUR PRAYERS MAY NOT BE HINDERED.
This is the NKJV. In the Amplified version it uses the word intelligent instead of understanding. It's as if Peter is saying the smart husbands give honor to their wives. So that their prayers aren't hindered.
Posted by Jenn:
Last night October 18th, my amazing husband Brian went to play guitar for Jesus. Brian's cousin, Julie, said that B is now in the Almighty's Praise Band.
Prior to kidney surgery, some family visited with Brian at City of Hope. On one of these visits, Brian told my sister-in-law "Whether cancer beats me or I beat it, either way, I win." My sis-in-law looked at him quizzically. B continued "Why have faith if you don't believe?"Brian has won!! He always did like to be successful!
God's Promise
Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." NKJV
Romans 8:28 & 29a "That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. God knew what He was doing from the very beginning." The Msg.
My God Rocks! and now He's rockin' with B!!!Jenn
Posted by Jeremy:
"Whether cancer beats me or I beat it, either way, I win." -Brian WilberdingLast night at 11:19pm, Brian Wilberding earned the victory of all victories as he made the incredible, yet mysterious transition into eternal life in the presence of Jesus Christ. As his wife, Jennifer, declared upon his final breath, "He is perfect now." I thank God for the assurance of hope and peace Brian had in Jesus.Thank you to all of you who expressed your love for Brian, Jennifer, Zac, and Nate. For the past several weeks they have been surrounded by those who love them and will continue to be as Jennifer and the boys move forward from here. Please continue to pray for them as they adjust to the next chapter of their lives. It may be difficult to find at the moment, but God's word promises in Romans 8:28, "...we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." It is an honor to have known Brian and be considered a friend. He will be missed by many. He fought the good fight. Now rest, my friend, and bask in the glory that is the love and presence of God through Jesus Christ. Until we meet again, my utmost congratulations on your incredible victory!!! I love you Brother.God is good...Jeremy
