Ukhta - Russia

Komi Missionaries

Dear Praying Friends,
I am grateful to have a chance to share about what God has done during the last two years in Komi, as well as in my life. I moved to Ukhta in October of 2005, excited about what God had in store! I had traveled to this area a number of times before, visited the villages, and got to know people in the church here. I was enthusiastic about expanding the ministry to the surrounding villages, and being involved with ministry at the church!

Now, two years later, I am grateful to report that six different villages have been visited regularly over the last two years. A number of these trips were made by teams from our church. These teams would hold larger meetings, fellowships, or teas for the people in the village, during which we had many opportunities to sing and share. We also traveled as a team to each village every Christmas and Easter season, when we held meetings in the local cultural clubs, shared about the meaning of the holiday, and gave gifts to those families who came. These meetings are now looked forward to by both children and adults alike, and we have already been asked when we will be coming to the villages for Christmas this year! Other times I traveled by myself, which provided me greater opportunity to spend time with women and their families one on one in their homes, get to know them better, and share on a more personal level. I have come to love these visits, and the people who welcomed me into their homes. Many of them have become special friends, and it has been exciting to watch their understanding of spiritual things, and their interest in God's Word slowly grow. These people are close to my heart, and will remain in my thoughts and prayers for years to come!! I was encouraged recently by two women from two different villages, both of whom said that they have learned many new things about God over the last two years, things that they will never forget.

Unexpectedly for me personally, God has begun to open up a new door in my life! This fall I had the special opportunity to travel with a team to the region of the Urals, where we visited a number of different towns, villages and cities. It was very interesting to learn more about what God is doing in this area, as well as the great needs that are there! We were also blessed with a very special team! One of the people on this team was a young man with whom I had previously served in Moscow, and who has now been called to serve in this area. Towards the end of the trip, we had several days to spend together as a team in a more remote location. It was here that he invited me to cross the river with him one morning, when the time came that he told me that he believed that God is obviously leading us to be together. By that point, I could only wholeheartedly agree with him, as our hearts filled with joy at what God was revealing! Beginning from that morning on, God has confirmed in an amazing variety of ways that this is truly the direction He is leading us in! We and our families see in each other the answer to prayers of many years, and God's wonderful reward for trusting Him, and waiting on His timing and plan! His ways are truly perfect, and we continue to be amazed as we discover how intricately God has prepared the two of us for each other! I can only stand in grateful awe before Him, and thank Him for all He has done! "Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, they would be too numerous to count." - Psalm 40:5. In the future, we both plan to return and serve in the Russian Urals, in Bashkortostan, and would greatly appreciate your prayers for our upcoming ministry there!

We are very grateful as a church for the water that is now running, and for the septic tank which will be installed this spring! Preparing meals and washing dishes for guests at the church is now a joy! And a practical, immediate need that God has now provided for is a new van for the church for the trips to the villages! Just last week we broke down once again in the cold and dark, and our old van is in need of many repairs. Also last week, we received the last funds necessary for the purchase of a new van, and plan to make this purchase within the upcoming few weeks. Praise the Lord!!! We thank God, and thank Him for each of you who has taken direct part in meeting this need - Thank you!!! Thank you so much for your prayers, support and gifts over the last two years!!! The investments you have made will continue to bear fruit in the church and through their ministry for years to come. I pray that God will bless each of you with His love, and a renewed appreciation for His presence with us! And let us pray for many more people to come to know His love for them and peace in their hearts in the upcoming year!

In Christ

Lindsay Rink.

If you would like more information about New Fields ongoing ministry there, please contact us at info@newfields.org

If you feel led by God to support our ministry in Ukhta please send us your designated, tax-deductible donation securely through Google.

Thank you for supporting our ministry and may God reward your giving according to His riches and grace!