Pentecost Sunday, May 15, 2016

Dear God,

Twenty eight years ago you led us to the USSR for the millennial celebration of the Russian Church.  One thousand years, one thousand years of faith above and underground.  Every day we worshipped with the faithful and every day I was humbled by their devotion to Christ and the church.

The price of faith is steep for those who face persecution.  However, for many babushkas, there is no price too high to love Jesus, to worship with his people, and to celebrate faith.  I looked into their faces and wanted to fall down and worship.  I realized my faith is so small compared to those who've paid the price.  They taught me much about devotion.

I remember well those who stood in front of the icons, eyes fixed upon the face of the savior.  I remember the candles being passed from person to person, names whispered for prayer, and the candles being placed in the stands, lighted, and prayers being prayed.  I remember the rush for the Eucharist, the blood of the lamb.  I remember the gratitude for the redeemer's comfort.  I remember Jesus present in the people.

Holy Spirit,
thank you
your people
in Russia,
Christians who
have stood faithful
in time
of trial.
Thank you
for blessing
your people
with faith
and devotion.
Thank you
for their witness
to the gospel.

Love, Andrea