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Visiting Immigrants
(March 2000)
Visiting Russian Jews is a fun part of our ministry!
Once or twice a month my ministry partner Fred Klett and I go to
visit someone at their apartment. We make friends and tell them
about God and Jesus his son. This is an important part of our ministry.
Our group is called "House of the Risen Son" - a Christian Jewish
fellowship reaching out to Russian-speaking immigrants in the Philadelphia
area.
"Dobri viecher" (good evening) is what we
say when we step through the doorway. But when we sit down at the
table, one phrase that we use over and over is "ochinn fkoosna"
(very tasty). Russian Jews love to eat! In the last 2 months, Fred
and I were treated to a 6 course meal by N. and his wife, a 3 course
meal by T. and her friend, and tea and cakes by G. and F., two wonderful
ladies. After we get filled up, Fred takes out his guitar, and we
return the hospitality by singing some Jewish and Christian songs
in Russian, English, Hebrew, and Yiddish.
We have gotten to know some of these people quite
well - their struggles, their hopes, their disappointments and their
dreams. Small talk usually shifts to more important things, and
we have many opportunities to tell people about God, his word the
Bible, and Jesus the Messiah.
Why spend time visiting Russian Jewish immigrants?
Most are not very interested in going to an American church service.
Maybe its because they don't understand an English-language sermon,
even though their English is good enough to get around this country.
So someone must go to them! Romans 11:14-15 says "How can they hear
without someone preaching to them? How beautiful are the feet of
those who bring good news!" (Hmmm, I never thought about feet being
beautiful.)
In the last couple years, we have formed friendships
with 30 to 40 Russian Jewish people. I believe that through these
friendships, God is laying the foundation for a Russian Christian
Jewish congregation here in Philadelphia. He is also sending us
helpers for this task. Some American Christians with the desire
to serve the Lord in Russia or the former Soviet Union are finding
out that House of the Risen Son is a good step into ministry overseas.
A few are now helping us reach Russian-speakers right here in Philadelphia.
Please pray for all those we have visited, and people
like them, that their lives and their community would be transformed
by Jesus.
With Glory to Our Risen Messiah!
Marko Malyj
Congregational Planter, New Life Northeast Pres. Church (PCA)
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