Greetings everyone.  I had the most exciting time talking to Pastor Andrei Protasov through Skype the other night.  Skype is a service that allows anyone to make a free video phone call to anywhere in the world - yes, even Chita, Russia.  Andrei and I have now had the opportunity to talk a few times, through an interpreter, and this has been an encouragement for both of us.  To be able to hear his voice and see him in "real time" is absolutely great.  Video conferencing makes the experience much more personal.

Andrei and I were able to talk about several things concerning the Biblical training in Chita in order to better guarantee that both sides understand the needs and expectations of the work there in the region.  Our conversation also included finding ways to decrease the travel costs to Chita.  As of now the only option he knows of saves us around $400.00-500.00 but adds additional travel time on trains that would be difficult for non-Russian speaking Americans.  After traveling to Russia many times and having experienced the "good, the bad, and the ugly" of travel in Russia, I think it is important that we put a high premium on what is now an almost effortless travel experience from Moscow to Chita.  But we will keep striving to find the most cost-effective travel in order to keep costs down.  I do want to mention that Andrei does send his greeting to all of you and wanted to make sure you know how much he and all the brothers/sisters in Chita appreciate our partnership.

Okay, here is the latest news.

Pastor Andrei let me know that twenty-five to thirty men will be in attendance for the upcoming training in Chita.  The subject for study is The Doctrine of Christ (See explanation below) and the teacher will be a Russian professor from the Novosibirsk Seminary.  Please pass this on to your churches in order that we will be praying for them as they travel and study.

June Family Camp -  For Chita pastors and their Families

We have set up a fund at SGA for any of your churches to help underwrite the upcoming Family Camp for fifteen pastors and their families.  The amount needed to help cover the costs is $2000.00.  This camp will allow these families a week in the beautiful Siberian countryside.  A week away from their churches and a week of much needed time with their families.  The organizers are bringing in leaders from the Russian Baptist Union to encourage them in the Word.  They will also have a worship leader there to encourage these families in music and song.  And as most of us know, the Russian Christians love to sing.  If you would like to give, please mark your gift to SGA for Chita - Camp Fund.

I also wanted to challenge all of you to consider giving a financial gift to Pastor Andrei and his family.  I am hoping to raise at least $1000.00 for he and his family.  This is something that has been on my heart for some - even before my conversation with him on Skype.  Since we do not directly support him on a monthly basis, I believe it is prudent for us from time to time to bless this hard-working brother to help him and his church with the many needs they face.  I have asked SGA to set up a separate fund for Andrei.  Just mark your gift to SGA - Chita - Pastor Andrei Protosav Fund.

So at this point we have three funds through the Slavic Gospel Association.  A "Camp Fund, a Protasov Fund, and our ongoing "General Fund."  The two funds I mentioned above are temporary funds for the month of May and early June.  The third fund is the "general fund" which covers the operating expenses for all training in Chita.  There is currently $4,920 in that account and each training session is now costing around $3,200 each quarter.  As always, all we ask is that you prayerfully consider how the Lord might use your churches to help with these needs.  If you have any questions don't hesitate to call SGA or call me at our church office at Community Bible Church of St Augustine, FL (904-797-3875).

Thank you so very much for all your prayers, you support, and your love that you continue to direct toward our brothers and sisters in SIberia.

By His Grace,

John Ringo, Pastor/Teacher

Community Bible Church of St Augustine, FL

The local government and the local leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church have been putting much pressure on a congregation that is meeting in a public building in the Chita Krai (region).  This congregation of two hundred had been meeting in a public theater but must now meet in homes (apartments) which of course has fragmented the church.  I do not know the name of the city nor where it is in proximity to the main church of Chita.  But according to Andrei it is several hours away by train.   Andrei merely asked that we pray.

I asked Andrei how his daughter is doing and he updated me that she is doing well.  Good news after hearing over a year ago that she was not responding well to the medical treatment she was receiving.  Slava Boga!!!  Praise be to God!!!