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Visit to a Siberian Kindergarten |
 I went
to meeting without any hope of a translator. Igor had been doing a great
job but was sent on an assignment some where else. I was trusting
that if God did not send one, He would have me speak in tongues (Russian).
Tonya came forward in response to our plea in the adult meeting for
someone to translate. What a precious woman! What a blessing that we got
to meet each other. She was God's answer to my prayers. |
 She
loved the lessons about what God is like. She wanted me to share the same
thing with her Russian kindergarten. She invited and escorted me there. It
was a very precious experience I will never forget. These dear Russian
ladies have to work so their children are left in huge nurseries.
This was something I had never seen. I had the privilege of being raised
by a mother who stayed home for us. We had so many special things that a
mother can give. My friend Tonya and other ladies did their best for the
children in their care.
They had a big place with different rooms. There was a table where children could practice hair dressing. |
 I
looked in their kitchen at the enormous soup kettles full of the soup
supply for the day. |
  The
sleeping room amazed me. Each neat little bed had a triangular pillow on
it. The sheet had a hole in it for the blanket to go inside of. I never
figured out how they got all those little ones to sleep in the same room
at the same time. I have puzzled over this. My children never liked naps.
Just as soon as one would sleep the other would wake up and awaken others. |
 There
were dollies at tables that had been set with dishes and pretend food. The
little kindergarten children had many things they could do. |
  The
program they wanted me to do was the one on what God is like. The children
loved the sheep skin wrapped about them as I told them how God is like a
shepherd. I showed my slides on the wall of that kindergarten and had fun
introducing these little ones to ONE they had never heard about. What a
thrill to tell about my Jesus. |
  Tonya
took me to her home for supper and wanted me to meet her whole family. Her
oldest son had a room full of rock music pictures and records. Her young
boy was coming to our meetings. Her mother, she told me did not believe in
God. Tonya showed me a little red Bible that her grandpa had under his
bed. She was atheist and also her mother but I do not believe she really
was. Her heart was turning to Jesus. I saw it in her eyes. The
kindergarten presented me with a gratitude gift and wanted me to sit down
and visit with them. They were so curious about me. They had in the past
worked hard in ammunition productions. For years they had not been allowed
to go out of the region or to talk with anyone for fear they might give
out secrets on ammunition productions. |
 In
their home on the wall was this icon. It was something that they felt
should be prayed in front of. She asked me about what I thought of
it. There were so many things we talked about. She was so eager to study
the Bible lesson she was going to translate for me the next day. How I
enjoyed dear Tonya. I pray that her faith will grow and that some day I
will see her in heaven.
I began to understand that God does not just do the translations for us, because it could leave someone out of the kingdom. Because she was needed she came faithfully. She hired a car to take me back to the hotel because we were later than expected. |
  When
we arrived in the lobby of the hotel, some of our team were there talking.
One man, Dr. Dudin who had been bringing his daughter to the meetings, was
in the lobby so very worried about me. I prayed every day that this
doctor would accept Jesus into His life. We had visited his hospital and
clinics. He had really appreciated the children's meetings and gifts I had
given for his daughter. He was sure something terrible had happened to
me. He told me he had a friend who took people to be killed at
the death house for their faith. He said he felt it was wrong. I have read
horror stories but I am sure I cannot even begin to imagine the fear these
people and others live with. Tonya had told me a little when she showed me
the little red Bible that had been hidden for many years. I knew God had
sent me to Russia for these meetings.  I
had confidence God would protect me. Early each morning I was up
visiting with my dear FOREVER FRIEND JESUS for at least three hours. I
loved to read the Bible before I do anything in the day. I knew anyone who
harmed me had to get past my KING JESUS. He had awakened me three
nights in a row and asked me to go do this job in Siberia. I was on the
King's business and the King would watch out for me. The fear and anxiety
in Dr. Dudin's eyes over my absence told me he had seen some awful
things. I began to see the stress these people lived under. It had only
been one year since the laws had changed. He still was extremely nervous
that someone had destroyed me. I believe God was pulling this man to give
his heart to HIM. I still pray that some day I will see him in heaven
along with his wife and daughter.
The kindergarten had only day care service as far as I knew but the beds made things look so permanent, I wondered what happened to the children of people who had been killed for their faith in that death house. |