John White - Developing Church Leadership in the Russian Speaking World
1634 King Ct., Green Brook, NJ 08812    *   jwhite@alumni.princeton.edu
August, 2000                               http://www.marucheck.net/jw/

"Ibo blagodatyu vi spaseni, cherez veru"

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith," Ephesians 2:8. And, it is by grace that I continue to live as well. This is one of the lessons I have been learning this summer (along with a little Russian!). I have just completed my eight week intensive language course, and have really learned a lot.

I learned about a Russian history that is full of tragedies that has borne a culture of pessimism and patience. I learned about how many missionaries return because the language and the culture are too difficult. And yet, I confirmed again how much I care about these people and how God seems to somehow allow me to form the words of this very strange language. I can now even say the name of my favorite animal - cherepaha - and you can see me with one in the latest pictures on my website (which has moved, just like I have - see above!). Praise God for His grace.

Leaving on a Few Jet Planes

Yes, it's finally time to leave! I have a one-way ticket from Chicago to Moscow on September 9 (9/9/00). From there, I'll be going on a "vision trip" across Siberia (the Asian part of Russia), learning about future ministry opportunities. I am really excited about this wonderful chance to see what God is doing across a huge expanse of Russia. Here is my schedule:

• 9/12 - Fly from Moscow to Novosibirsk
• 9/15 - Fly to Irkutsk, near Lake Baikal
• 9/20 - Fly to Vladivostok
• 9/22 - Fly back to Moscow
• 9/23 - Take the train to Donetsk, Ukraine
• 9/24 - Arrive in Donetsk, settle in with a Ukrainian family and soon begin Russian classes at the State University

My temporary address in Ukraine:

c/o Eric Yodis
Postal Box 3644
Donetsk 83076
UKRAINE

Support Update:

Full Financial Support!

250 Prayer Partners, including 11 daily and 36 weekly!

Thank you so much for believing in me and giving so generously.

Prayer Requests:

• Praise God for a wonderful Russian language course and the blessings of being commissioned and ordained for ministry
• Continue to pray that my visa, shipping, and moving arrangements work out smoothly
• Pray for a good transition, leaving family and friends
• Pray for a safe and eye-opening trip through Siberia
• Pray for me to find a good Ukrainian family to live with

Some Final Thoughts...

As I begin living in Ukraine, I will probably face serious spiritual opposition. Please pray for my protection from temptation and danger, for an increasing love for God, and for strong friendships to support me. You can always pray for these things, and when you think of me, please do!

Also, please consider writing me once in a while - e-mails and letters are very encouraging, and help me to remember I am not alone in this work.

In partnership with you and Him,

John

CBInternational
1501 W. Mineral Avenue
Littleton, CO 80120-5612

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