Yesterday we went to the Russian Baptist church here in Plzen. It was the first time we had been. We were greeted warmly by every member (only about 20) at the door who gave the traditional "Kristos Voskress!" (He is risen!) to which we replied "Va-eestinu Voskress!" (He is risen, indeed!)
While we were waiting for the service to start, the pastor spent a lot of time talking with us. I had met him at a meeting about a year and a half ago and he remembered me from that time. Also, in Russian Baptist culture it is very important as to who you know, so we spent a lot of time with us asking each other "do you know this person...do you know that person...i have worked with him..." And, I guess when I demonstrated my pedigree he asked me if I would speak that morning.
Of course, I thought I would just get up and introduce myself and explain a little about my work. However, I guess I had a lapse of sensibility and had forgotten where I was. When the pastor introduced me, he explained my work and the fact that I had worked with many of the senior pastors that he knew in Russia (basically everything I had prepared in my mid to say) and then invited me to the pulpit. So there I was...
Of course, I have preached in Russian before and I have found that you just have to follow Mark Twain's advice: Write what you know about." So I started telling simple stories about congregations that I have met during my travels and reminding them that "We are not alone." That no matter how large or small your congregation is, that no matter how many people you feel that you are NOT reaching for Christ, that we, as believers, are not alone. Now, I must admit that I did turn to the pastor's son, who also speaks English, for some assistance in translating. But, considering that I was totally unprepared to speak, I was pleased that I was able to bring a 10-15 minute message.
After the service, I was explaining to the pastor that I travel quite a bit. However, when I am in town, this will be our church home. He asked me if I was going to be in town on the 18th because that is the anniversary of the day that Stalin had has grandfather and many others executed. He explained that he and his family would be attending a memorial service that day and asked me (I think) if I would stand-in as the pastor that Sunday. So, I am waiting for his email to confirm this. But, it appears that at the least I will be preaching again (in Russian) at the church on the 18th. I must say, that when I came to the field nearly three years ago it never really entered my mind that this would be the role I would fill.
Yet another reminder that life on the mission field is NEVER, NEVER dull.
Blessings,
Marc
