.

As many of you know, at the beginning of April, Mark (Wilder) and I went to visit churches within the Pskov region (about 200 miles south of St.Petersburg) with a group of Norwegians led by Arne Smedstven. Arne is a pastor of a church outside Oslo and the Lord has used him to plant churches in a fairly large area of Pskov. He is a man of vision and started this in the early 90’s. Not only has he overseen the work, but crucially he has enabled these young churches to tap into much needed finances and resources.

 

The team consisted of 4 Pastors and Leaders, Eileen and her daughter, Christina, Four Young musicians and finally 2 Englishmen!

 

This was my second attempt of going to Pskov, The first time in Feb was cancelled due to 1’’ of snow at Stansted!….Oh Well!

 

The purpose of the trip was to strengthen the pastors and churches and to stage some rock concerts for the youth events in pubs and clubs. The rock group was called “Humming People”, a highly talented group of young men. So now I have experienced my first Rock Concert at 53!

 

The trip was full of challenges both in terms of presenting the prophetic to new churches that have had no real experience of what that ministry really means. Also working in team with Mark and the other members. It became clear early on that we were enjoying much prayer covering!

 

The prophetic encouragement was flowing and very accurate and there was much grace flowing between us. I can’t tell you how impressed I was with Mark. I’ve known him over 25 years but to see him going out on the edge was such a blessing. We displayed to one another a sensitivity and deferring that clearly impacted folks.

 

The first event was a teaching day all about the prophetic which Mark lead. I taught the basics whilst Mark lead the practical workshops. Pastor Aleksey and his wife Veronica hosted the meetings. During the meeting I decided to pick on someone to download some encouragement. I went over to Pastor Aleksey and asked him to pick out a pastor there that he know is discouraged and finding things really hard. Instantly he that “That’s Me! I’m the man!” I found it hard to suppress a smile, such was his conviction, But praise the Lord, we did bless him and he was encouraged and strengthened.

 

The Sunday morning service was special, for a new bishop (Igor and his wife Alla) who was being publicly dedicated. During the dedication the leaders kindly made room for Mark and I to prophesy over Igor and Alla.

 

During the meeting I spoke on a word that has been living with me for ages that most precious of gifts “Righteousness”,

(This word will be available on the site soon) and mark spoke on Sonship. Both words were well received.

 

The same day we went on another long journey to another region in Peteburg (the bordertown to Estonia) to see Pastor Pavel and Natalia his wife. Again Mark and I shared but this time to a greater response. I didn’t realise how shy folks are in the churches and had to adjust accordingly. It was in Peteberg where the prophetic ministry started to connect with the people. Some of the needs presented to us there were very challenging and increased my desire and passion for more breakthrough particularly and healing.

 

Finally the team separated into two groups. So 4 of us went to Opotcha (Near the border of Belarus) to visit the first church planted by Arne in ’91. There was a new young pastor and his wife (Sergei and Vera) leading the church and straight away Mark and I were getting very excited about that meeting. The church consisted of about 30 people (plus children) mostly woman with Vera leading the worship. She is a highly anointed worship leader. The presence of God was clearly there.

 

Doctor Anders spoke first in the “Comfort of God” it was without doubt the finest word on comfort I’ve ever heard. I only wish my friends back home could hear his word! I spoke next on the “Nature of God” and Mark declined to speak but went straight into prophecy. We Prophesied and ministered for nearly 5 hours. It was very precious and powerful with much tears flowing as the kindness of God impacted their hearts. We all felt that Pastor Sergei was very anointed and his intersession was very powerful. After the meeting Mark and I discussed the possibility of raising money to teach them English. There are few translators so to have more people speaking English would be a real blessing for future ministry. We both felt very privileged to have served the pastors and churches in Pskov.

We had numerous invites to return (lots for Christine as well) but all the time I was in Russia my mind kept coming back to England. I couldn’t wait to get back, I’m convinced Father has plans for his church in this nation, at this time. It’s going to be BIG, It’s going to be special. Lets get ready!

 

I would like to say a big thank you for all your prayers and concerns for our trip. We are very grateful for the kindness shown to us by Anre and all the Norwegians, they not only looked after us but also were so much fun to be with!.