Waiting for Metro/Subway
Yes, it was a long journey and, yes, there is still snow on the ground here in Moscow as winter went into overtime. It took the better of 45 days to secure my new visa and so I was happy to finally get here.
I was met by my friend Nikolay Makoyed, Rector of Moscow Theological Institute and Pastor of Bethany Church. We contacted Bishop Eduard and immediately started looking for
Pastor Nikolay and Nina Makoyed in Moscow and their 7th child – Pavel
our Indonesian friends who were arriving on various flights. All 500 arrived. They were jolted by the cold coming from a tropical climate. Some purchased Russian faux fur hats to keep their heads warm. They were split into 3 churches so as not to overwhelm one congregation. They did not realize had bad traffic could be in this city. One group took 4 hour to get to their meeting. I heeded wise counsel and took the subway which took less than an hour. It was great to see Pastors and Bishops at the meeting.
Meeting in Moscow
The Lord’s presence was mightily felt as these Indonesian believers, all former Muslims, worshiped God in simplicity and joy, but with much energy (you would
never know they flew in that day and had not even checked into their hotel). Pastor Petrus shared how He had begun their church in 1991 with 25 people and how it grew to 2000. But the Lord gave him the vision to build a sanctuary for 12,000.
Building churches in the largest Muslim nation (by population) in the world is not favorably looked on. It was not an easy task when you
Walter with Bishop Vladimir Murza
who pastors church we planted 20 years ago
consider the opposition, the unwritten rule that the size of a church building cannot exceed the size of the largest mosque (3500 in this city), the church had mostly young
Walter with BIshop Okara and Pastor Petrus and Pastor from Israel.
people who had little finances and banks would not lend. He went ahead, despite all odds, following God’s direction and build Holy Stadium now filled with people. They have been experiencing revival in Indonesia and would like to see Russia experience such a move of God.
Please pray for God’s blessing as we continue to minister here.
Please pray for our dear friends and colleagues, Tony and Frank Abram as well as their spouses. Their dear mother went to be with Jesus at sunrise on Easter Morning. Mother Abram was a true prayer warrior and will be missed not only by family but by many whose lives were touched. I don’t think a day went by without her praying for us.