In January, the ACCTS staff member for Eastern Europe traveled to Russia for their third annual MCF "Pray and Plan" meeting. Here is his report.
In Mark 16:15, Jesus told His disciples: "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." I used this verse for my Saturday afternoon presentation during the "Pray and Plan conference of the Russian MCF "Faith and Courage." The meeting was held at "Dom Cornelius" in South Moscow, and the theme of the conference was "Christianity in the Russian Army." The program included music, corporate and individual prayer, presentations, as well as informal discussions. Twenty-five delegates participated, most of them from Moscow, with representatives from Kazan Oblast, Omsk, Tver, and Armenia.
On Friday afternoon and evening each participant gave a personal testimony by way of introduction. Saturday featured a presentation on Christianity in the Army, noting that military service is a civic responsibility, and that each person should study the Bible and pray how God might use them in military service. Another talk described the organization of the Russian MCF clarifying that it is not a church, but rather a place of encouragement and Christian growth for military believers. 
The conference included several veterans from the earlier MCF organization "Shield of Faith." Their presence was significant, as it highlighted continuous Christian service to the Russian military over many years. On Saturday afternoon, I spoke on our responsibility as Christians to be bold witnesses for Jesus-something we cannot leave to others. Our testimony can be in both in words and actions, and should include our families, friends, neighbors, and even the homeless living in our stairwells. Ephesians 4:4-6 affirms that we have one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, no matter what our background is. Each of us is uniquely gifted by God, and our experiences and training give us the freedom to share the Good News of the Gospel in the special way that God has equipped us.
Sunday included a Holy Communion service with a strong message on God's healing power in our lives. After lunch, we had a time of sharing on how the conference had blessed each of us, followed by closing remarks on future plans for the MCF in Moscow. After the conference, I had several days on my own to visit long-time friends and enjoy the Christmas and New Year decorations in downtown Moscow. I also had an opportunity to discuss women's ministry and help develop plans for a future family conference in May.
Special blessings of this trip:
* I was able to return to Russia in time for Orthodox Christmas using a new passport and a new 3-year multi-entry visa.
* This third annual strategic planning conference harvested significant spiritual fruit, as five participants became new members of the "Faith and Courage" MCF, and one person committed his life to Jesus.
* Uplifting visits with friends in central Moscow, as described above.
Please pray:
* For continued growth of "Faith and Courage;" for other local MCF groups to reach out to military members through local churches and military units; and for strengthening of relationships with the countries of the former Soviet Union.
* For the Lord's provision to complete the second and third floors of the MCF Center, Dom Cornelius. (Construction is presently at a standstill due to lack of funds.) Once the building is complete, they plan a modest first floor Christian coffee shop, a permanent third floor office and meeting place for the MCF, and other rooms for rent to provide income for the MCF.
* For the family and marriage seminar to be held in late May 2020 at an orthodox church.
