In His Love

The Quilt by Buck Burch

2011-12-05T10:52:00.018-05:00

Last week in Atlanta, we experienced our first frost of the year. I know, many are thinking, “Wow, we’ve already had weeks of snow!” But last week’s weather reminded me of a special event in our life about 4 years ago.

In early 2007, the ladies of Byron Baptist Church contacted us with a question of how they could bless us as their missionaries. Some churches sent things in the mail that we passed on to our Russian colleagues or new believers. Others prayed intensely for our ministry. We appreciated each effort our supporting churches made to be a blessing to us. Unfortunately, Leslie and I had already experienced the disappointment on numerous occasions when churches sent care packages to Russia. Some packages made it; some came with things missing.We even had one package of little cards written by children in a Sunday School class, but the package arrived 8 months late. That church was so surprised when we finally contacted them to acknowledge receipt; I guess they figured we had just not cared to send our thanks. So, when Byron Baptist asked what they could send, I quickly said, “Don’t send anything; just please pray for us.”

But the ladies were persistent about wanting to do something for us, so I began to think about what could be done. Outside our St. Petersburg apartment a heavy blanket of new snow laid on the ground. I watched shivering Russian children walking to school, and my mind somehow envisioned a warm blanket of God’s love covering the people I saw. At that point, I quickly went to my computer to type our answer to Byron Baptist Church: Would you make us a quilt, a blanket that will represent your love for us and God’s love for the nations? Some might think this was an audacious request, but I really felt like it was the right response.

Only later during the summer of 2007 did I find out the other side to this story. Byron Baptist Church women received our response with shock. Not one among them knew how to quilt.

But with an attitude that can only be described as faithfulness and joy, they brought in an outside consultant to explain the process, and they mobilized their ladies to begin work.

Slowly at first, the work began as the ladies listened intently to what should be done.

Some youth also participated in the design and stitching.

We arrived for our summer stateside assignment in

Georgia In June, and Byron Baptist Church requested I come to preach. After the service we were presented with the most beautiful quilt I’ve ever seen in my life.

On the reverse side of the quilt, prayers were written out with signatures of those who labored to produce this masterpiece.

The quilt is still the centerpiece of our bedroom, and each morning we awaken to pull back the cover and read the faithful messages of those

who wanted us covered in prayer and warmth. My prayer for the nations today is that, through the labor of His church, the Lord would gently lay His quilt of grace and salvation.

2011-10-09T20:04:00.002-04:00

Thanks for your prayers as I am finishing the final touches on my book. I have a title now. :-) I will let you know what the new developments are soon.
In His Love,
Les

Daily Thoughts:

2011-08-05T09:43:00.002-04:00

As a parent am I thinking long-term? Abraham obeyed. He & his CHILDREN were blessed (Gen. 22:15-18)

Lord, I have loved and still love to be where You are (Psa 26:8). To what or whom do I give worth?

"Sneak peek" of my book. What do you think?

2011-07-15T09:34:00.009-04:00

What do you think? Here is a sneak peek to the prologue of my book. Do you find this interesting? Would you like to read an honest and transparent account of our story in print (call to missions, experiences in Russia, first-hand ministry moments, homeschooling lessons, cultural adaptation ideas, etc.)? Thanks for your feedback.

In His Love,
Les

**************

Prologue
"As I sat on the front porch swing at the family home place in the summer months of our furlough in 2007, I glanced at the beautiful landscape in front of me. On many occasions I came to this very spot with a cup of coffee in hand. I reflected on the many blessings that the Lord provided over the past nine years.

The view was breathtaking. Rows and rows of pine trees were planted across the acreage. The pine smell radiated the area and presented a calming effect. How gorgeous was this farming land in a rain storm! As droplets of water fell from the edges of the roof, I looked through the haze of rain and saw the antique farm equipment under an old oak tree. It beautifully decorated the front yard. I did my best to paint a mental picture. Black and picturesque stand the old wagons, a hand plow or two and a piece of an old picket fence. Home.

While contemplating, I grabbed a sheet of scrap paper and wrote down these words:

After returning to your native land, you find home is the same. It never changes, not really. Sure there are a few minor differences, but the overall look and feel is still home as well as the people you hold dear are near. A scene from The Lord of the Rings (2003) series flashed across my thoughts. The event seemed to depict my emotions at that moment. After Frodo, Merry, Pippin, and Sam returned to the Shire from their long journey with the ring, they were sitting at a table together in familiar surroundings. They looked around at the well known faces and environment. Then they glanced at one another. Without saying a word, they realized how much they had changed. Possibly no one knew to what magnitude, for only they had experienced the journey. They had changed inwardly. The incidences that they lived through were irremovable. However, home was still the same.

Outwardly I look like the same Leslie, but inwardly I am new. Others may never know the extent of my journey. The trek has been worth it all, for I needed the transformation. What I have seen and have experienced will always be on the forefront of my mind. In Russian the word for having lived through a period of time carries a deeper meaning. It does not just mean having lived during a time period but having journeyed through it. The one thing over the years that kept me going, other than my Lord, was the one thing that remained the same or undisturbed— home."
-Journal: The Chosen Path, L. Burch, 2011

Dear Prayer Warriors

2011-06-13T14:38:00.004-04:00

Dear Prayer Warriors,
You have not heard from us in several months, but it is not because I have not thought about you. I know you have prayed for us while in Russia and as we began our stateside assignment in Albany at Sherwood Baptist Church. For that we are so thankful. Our time at Sherwood was such a blessing! While in Albany, we took this time to pray for new direction. The Lord showed us that we are to transition from international mission work to state missions at this time. Buck will be working with the Georgia Baptist Convention (GBC) in Duluth beginning this Wednesday, June 15, as a lead state missionary in the stewardship department focused on missional giving, so we are moving to Atlanta right now. This transition requires our children to enroll in new schools in Gwinnett County this fall.

Prayer needs: Please pray for Buck’s new ministry and the continued partnership that GBC has with Moscow and Saint Petersburg, Russia. Who knows we may visit Russia again soon on a mission trip from the states. :-) Our parents have struggled with heart issues these past few months; pray for their health. Also, please pray for the children as they become little missionaries in the public schools in Gwinnett County. Lastly, thanks for your prayers concerning my writing. Things are moving forward and I soon will decide how to publish my journal stories.

You can continue to follow our family and ministry “news” on my blog, facebook or twitter. God bless you all! With much love, I write this note.
In His Love,
Les

“Someday your prince will come.”

2011-04-21T08:05:00.003-04:00

I was saved at a young age. But a major turning point in my life took place during my college years. At the age of 19, God called me to serve Him. I sensed that God desired for me to be the wife of a man called to full-time Christian service. He also gave me a strong desire for missions. When I spoke of service, I did not know what that entailed, but I knew that God wanted me to support my husband in his role of ministry. At that point I knew the Lord was calling me to be His servant. I only needed the husband to fit the part. I intensely began searching and waiting for the right one. He had to have a strong desire to serve in the ministry.

Of course, I understood that we are to share the Gospel message with others and to be on mission no matter our job title and that God’s desire is for all of us to have a close relationship with Him. I so strongly wanted to share that Christ came to earth and lived as a man to save the lost. This calling was just a defining moment in my life.

When I was pursuing a degree in business, I knew I needed to shift my plans. At this time I was helping manage two ladies clothing stores with my parents. There were several events going on in my life. I juggled managing the stores, attending college, dating, and being involved in church. As I attended church and studied God’s Word, I felt that I needed to fast in order to hear some answers from the Lord. I fasted for a few days, stayed in the Scripture and waited for answers. I only drank through the fast and depended on the Word to supply my hunger needs. I was at work one day and vividly remember as the Lord spoke to me. His voice was not audible, but I knew it was Him.

The Lord helped me know the direction to take in these particular areas of my life. So, when He spoke, I knew to listen and to act without question. For example, I was dating a nice young man at the time, and God specifically “said” for me to end the relationship. I did that day. The Lord told me he was not the man for me. I obeyed even though I fully did not understand everything. I also knew that God wanted me to begin taking Bible courses at a nearby college. I stepped out on faith and enrolled in these classes, too.

The truth is that in the beginning I was trying to plan everything. “I” was trying to put the pieces together. I could not understand how this was to fit into “my” equation of life. Truthfully I wanted the man first so this process of life planning would be easier. I wanted my prince charming to ride up on his horse and take me away. Often getting very desperate, I would go to my mother for advice. She always sang this tune—these promised words: “Someday your prince will come.”

So often we get caught up in the world’s methods, though, for solving our problems that we lose sight of God’s way—pray. So, I continued to seek the partner for me through prayer. I wanted a divinely appointed marriage, and Buck appeared only four months after I submitted to the Lord’s direction. And we married on April 21, 1991.

God is so good! He works in His own timing, not ours. First I needed only to surrender. He put the puzzle together; I only needed to step out of the way and say, “Yes, Lord, whatever You say. I will do.” Faith is a virtue. When my desire to know God’s will is so strong and I depend on the Lord, He will answer and give me the desires of my heart (Psalm 37:4).
The Chosen Path, "a crossroad", L.Burch

Legacy Run for Life 5K at Legacy Park | Albany, Georgia 31721 | Saturday, March 26, 2011 @ 9:15 AM

2011-03-16T14:39:00.001-04:00

Legacy Run for Life 5K at Legacy Park | Albany, Georgia 31721 | Saturday, March 26, 2011 @ 9:15 AM

Spiritual Gifts

2011-03-08T09:08:00.002-05:00

Where do we see ourselves being useful in the church (body of Christ)? What spiritual gift(s) did the Holy Spirit give you for the building up of the body of Christ? We all fit in somewhere. If I do not use the spiritual gift(s) that God gave me, I feel "spiritually depressed". I want to serve in the area that He chose for me. If I am not using my talents for Him, I become so low that I feel drained spiritually. I listed the gifts below and the references for easy study. What is your gift?

Romans 12: 6-8
• Prophecy
• Service
• Teaching
• Encouragement
• Giving
• Leading/administrating
• Mercy

1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 27-31
• Apostles
• Prophets
• Teachers
• Wisdom
• Knowledge
• Discernment
• Faith
• Workers of miracles (i.e., healing)
• Helps
• Administration
• Speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues

Ephesians 4:11-13
• Apostles (sent one/missionary gift)
• Prophets
• Evangelist
• Pastor/teacher

In His Love,
Les

“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” (Prov. 31:27)

2011-02-23T08:58:00.004-05:00

A Homemaker's Responsibility

Thought I'd post a "Daily Chore Schedule" here for you ladies who are doing your best to take care of your household. I have shared this schedule with many friends in hopes that we can all benefit from one another's ideas. It seems to be helpful.

This is what I do to make my home a better place to enjoy:
Basically I do one or two jobs a day to keep the house in order. That way I don't get tired, and the house is always clean. Only a fast “touch up” is needed for company. :-)

Mon- Gather trash in every room of the house. (Of course, kitchen trash is taken out daily [Thanks to the men in the fam!]).; Change sheets on bed in master bedroom

Tues- Vacuum entire house; Spray house with air freshener

Wed- Clean bathrooms (I only have two baths. If more than two, maybe add another bath to Tuesday’s chores); Mop the entire house

Thurs- Deep clean kitchen sink, stovetop and counters; Quickly wipe out frig.

Fri- Dust the house; Change sheets on kids' beds

Sat/Sun rest

*I usually wash and fold two loads of clothes a day (family of five). Everyone puts up their pile immediately!
*Helpers: Assign age appropriate jobs when possible to children. Call on helpers to assist with everyday jobs like dinner dishes, sweeping the kitchen floor after supper or unloading the dishwasher in the mornings.
*Declutter a little as you go each week. Don’t get “bogged down” in one room; remember you are coming around again the next week. ;-) After a month, you will notice a difference.
Hope this helps. Tackle your responsibilities with joy. Sing praises to Him while you work. Happy Choring!
In His Love,
Les
“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” (Prov. 31:27)

feeling of nostalgia

2011-02-18T09:27:00.004-05:00

God wants everybody to be saved and come to truly know Him. (1Timothy 2:4)

Sometimes Americans find themselves having a feeling of nostalgia when they live in a foreign country that has a McDonald’s. There are times when a family just needs a hamburger and French-fries. However, in this incident I had a purely Russian experience under the “Golden Arches” and praise God for it.

Our family attended a Russian Baptist Church on the south side of St. Petersburg this past Sunday. We walked and traveled by metro train for about an hour for Buck to have the opportunity to preach and for our family to worship with one of the four Russian Baptist Union churches in a city populated with 4.7 million. Before the service a gentleman approached me whom I assumed to be a believer and asked me to meet with him and his two daughters to help with English as a second language. One of the daughters attends a university in Saint Petersburg. She was having a written exam on Thursday of this week, and the father was concerned for his daughter’s learning and asked me to dialog with her. We exchanged phone numbers to set up a meeting time and place.

Two days later Buck talked with the father, and I met the family at McDonald’s on Wednesday. Sitting down to eat, I noticed that they did not ask a blessing; therefore, I suggested that we pray before we eat. I began to notice certain things that were indicators that possibly they were not believers. After our prayer, we began introducing ourselves. This family is from Murmanskaya oblast, one of the most northern regions of Russia located to the right of Finland by the White Sea. The father is visiting the oldest daughter attending the university. The youngest daughter will be coming to live in Saint Petersburg next year.

Immediately I remembered Buck casually saying, “Leslie, this may be a witnessing opportunity for you because the girls may not be saved.” I had the privilege for an hour before we started speaking in English to give a gospel presentation in Russian. I finished by asking specific, culturally based questions about beginning a personal relationship with God.

Then three miracles took place. The father, Anatolly, his elder daughter Anna, and his younger daughter, DeAnna, prayed to begin a relationship with the Father on the top floor at a middle table in McDonald’s. Wednesday, July 24, 2002, only twelve days before we leave the country for stateside assignment, God allowed me to have the privilege to share with the people of this area about Him and see three new children born into His family. Praise God people can find the Old Rugged Cross anywhere, even under the Golden Arches that day. (A Winter’s Path, 2003, devotion 16)
In His Love,
Les

“I feel fine. I want to keep running.”- Devotion

2011-01-28T08:35:00.002-05:00

Do I need to slow down a bit? What happened to taking things one step at a time? To be honest sometimes I rush into a matter, am naïve or lack good judgment. A wise person thinks before acting. Every move we make is vital; every word we say counts.

I was exercising the other day with Buck at the gym. We were running side by side on treadmills. Buck has been my trustworthy exercise coach for about 10 years now. The digital reading on the treadmill kept asking for my heart rate every few seconds. I was frustrated that I had to place my hands on the handrails for a check so often. I wanted to jog along at the pace with which I was familiar without disturbance. Guess what? My heart rate was too fast. I was not in the target zone. I had to slow down. I did not feel like I needed to reduce my speed though. I looked at my coach and said, “I feel fine. I want to keep running.” He quickly made me aware that my legs may be in better shape than my heart. Wow, that stung! Exercising is about the long term effect—good health, not immediate results—completing the workout. I had to pace myself.

I would have to say sometimes I also lose site of the healthiest way to do things spiritually, because personal desire overrules godly logic. The two can be effectively intertwined only when we intently seek to know His desire and timing. Occasionally I move in too quickly. I do not want my actions, even the good ones, to get ahead of God’s perfect will. It may mean that I need to pause a second and not be afraid of slowing down—monitoring the situation—before I proceed or thinking before I speak—silence. “I wisdom dwell with prudence…” (Proverbs 8:12).
In His Love,
Les
Jan 2011

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-25T15:56:00.002-05:00

How to store a lasting memory...

2010-12-16T02:24:00.008-05:00

"You probably know that I don’t like the word “goodbye” and rarely use it anymore; I prefer “see you soon”. I have come to understand why over the years. When I left home 12 years ago to live in Russia, I knew that I may never see some of my loved ones again. It is hard for me to explain the feelings that surface when I get on a plane and travel to the other side of the world. A place away from home. Each time I leave I have this little routine I go through. I don’t know if you noticed, but I would make a very special effort to look one last time in your eyes and take a mental picture of your faces. I blink my eyelids like a camera lens to store a lasting memory. Then I turn, walk away and don’t look back." -The Chosen Path, L.Burch

This is a small excerpt from the book I just finished about our missionary experiences. When my grandmother passed away this year and I was unable to attend the funeral, I shared these words with my family about how I store a lasting memory. What an appropriate time to share this section as we leave from this side of the ocean on Saturday! It is hard to say "goodbye" on either side of the "big pond".
In His Love,
Les

Bless others and you will be blessed...

2010-11-27T01:45:00.009-05:00

I cannot begin to explain how thankful I am. Words, unfortunately, can in no way express the magnitude of joy that I feel. Our family decided to cook a Thanksgiving dinner for the English group at Golgotha. I felt impressed to prepare a traditional American meal for our friends. Of course, the most important part of the day was the fellowship with one another.

There was a time to share testimonies of how God has worked in the lives of the members. As they wait in long lines to purchase fresh milk, one couple shared how they have been reading the Bible together daily and how blessed they have been. They hope others will see their happiness and desire to read the Bible with them. Who knows? Maybe there will be a future Bible study group that starts.

Another young man said that God has blessed him in his job this year. There were many such testimonies. I was very pleased to have a friend’s husband join us. We praise the Lord that he has not been dependent on alcohol for a year. He told me that he is finding his way to God now. Praise the Lord that he is closer today than he was yesterday.

God has shown me this year that we are to be faithful and obey in the task He gives us regardless of the size of the group—large or small. God knows the outcome of my efforts; I do not have to know all the plans from the beginning. I will see fruit if my desires are in harmony with Christ’s. Bless others and you will be blessed. I thank God for this day—November 25, 2010.

In His Love,
Les

GBC partnership video interview

2010-11-12T00:15:00.004-05:00

A Message from J. Robert White, Executive Director of Georgia Baptist Convention; Moscow/ St.Pete Partnership
Click here for the video interview we had via internet with Dr. White.
Thanks churches for all you do for missions!
In His Love,
Les

Burch Family Update

2010-10-16T07:20:00.002-04:00

The past few months have been busy. A lot of good things happening! I posted numerous, recent photos on my blog. We have been involved in VBS, weddings, conferences and have welcomed a new missionary to the field. We celebrated our 12th year anniversary in August for serving in Russia with IMB. Last month we even had the privilege of having Dr. O.S. and Susie Hawkins in our home as well as Jim Jewell from Sherwood Baptist in Albany. I’ve been editing my personal journal from the past decade into book format. I hope to have these notes in order by Christmas. We are looking forward to our stateside assignment and will be living in Albany at Sherwood's mission home. We will be home Dec. 2010-Aug. 2011. God bless you all. Thanks for your prayers! Check out my blog posts when you have a moment.
In His Love,
Les

Fall Family Photos

2010-10-13T13:32:00.006-04:00

Dear Family and Friends,
I hope to write more soon. I have just been doing a lot of editing this month on a personal writing project, and we have been busy with mission work. All good! Plus we are preparing for stateside which will be soon. See ya in December! I'll be home for Christmas...literally. God bless!
In His Love,
Les

Birthday month

2010-09-24T05:43:00.006-04:00

This month has been all about pictures. We have had event after event. My girls turned 14 and 16 this year. I think we celebrated all month long. Here are a few photo shots for you:

By the way, prayer warriors, we have 85 more days till stateside assignment. We are looking forward to seeing many of you. Thanks for your support.
In His Love,
Les

VBS week at Golgotha Baptist

2010-09-01T02:20:00.008-04:00

Last week was a full week of Vacation Bible School at Golgotha. Buck taught the oldest group. The family was able to join him for the last two days of events. I was so thrilled that we were able to go, because I had several witnessing opportunities. I talked with one man on the street; he was just passing by and wondered about the activities. Standing in costume on the street, I shared with him about Jesus. I also spoke with parents who were enjoying the festivities and refreshments at the church.

I am convinced more than ever how important it is for believers to be in harmony and use our spiritual gifts to compliment one another. Many church members were there serving in different capacities. It seemed as if everyone knew whose job was whose--some cooked the meals and snacks, some taught the lessons, some shared the Good News in testimony, some cleaned the building, etc. We all worked together to make the school a success. I can truly say: At Golgotha Baptist Church, you will find a family of believers working together!
In His Love,
Les

Do you have a quiet time with God? When?

2010-08-25T02:23:00.006-04:00

seek His face

1. Do you have a quiet time with God? When?

2. Describe a time when you feel like God was using a circumstance to get your attention.

3. How can you help someone who may have trouble hearing God’s voice?

Read Hosea 5
Key Passage: …when they are hurting, they will seek my face early. -Hosea
5:15b

Israel was being judged in the book of Hosea. Sometimes it was very hard to get their attention (Hosea 5:1). We repeatedly read in scripture how God pleaded for them to listen to His voice. We see many times how they failed to heed God’s warnings and His commands. May we hear His voice when He wants our attention! May we not fail to seek His face before it is too late!

Application:
Let’s pray that we will seek His face in all areas of our lives. We do not want to wait until it is too late or until we have so fallen into a state of ultimate misery that a rescue seems impossible.
-A Winter's Path, L. Burch

gentle words

2010-08-11T11:35:00.007-04:00

Devotion:
Read Proverbs 15
Key Passage: Answering someone calmly diffuses anger, but antagonistic
words inflame the situation. -Proverbs 15:1

1. Do you find it difficult to get along with some people? With whom do you
argue most?

2. Is it ever hard for you to think before you say harsh words?

3. Pray for this person by name and ask God to prepare you with gentle words for your next encounter.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, may all my words be gentle ones. Help me to choose carefully the right words to say. Even in times and conversations that seem to be controversial, I pray that I can steer discussions to show gentleness, kindness, and love.

Application:
Take a break time today/this week just for yourself to relax and do something that you enjoy so that your level of tolerance and patience will be intact. Also, throughout the week make a list of as many kind words as possible. Remember these words and use them when needed to warrant off feelings of anger in others or within yourself.
-Path 7, A Winter's Path, L. Burch

My first Russian kiss. 12 years ago.

2010-08-03T23:33:00.009-04:00

August marks our 12 year "anniversary" in Russia.

From Georgia, USA, we transferred planes in Germany. The plane ride from Frankfurt was rough, and the turbulence was difficult. The AC went out. I had to take deep breaths. Then I exited the largest plane I had ever flown in and planted my feet on Russian soil in Moscow about 1:30 PM on a Monday in August of 1998. Foreign soil. Interestingly it was about 85 degrees that day, very hot and humid. My almost four year old daughter, Ashlyn, asked, “But where is the snow?” We all had on about three to four layers of clothing expecting frigid weather. However, within a few weeks, the temperature dropped to 52 degrees.

We were moved to the front of the line at passport control because of our small children. After we stepped out of customs, I looked around for the first time and all I saw was the color grey. That is somehow the way I felt. I did not know what to expect, what to think, or what to do. I was just there. Then the next thing I knew I was riding down a polluted street filled with old cars that looked as if they were made in the 1960s, and the only thing I could do was watch building after building pass. They all looked the same to me.

I will continue to describe my first impressions. With my two daughters and husband, we traveled to a small apartment that was to be our home for the next month. We pulled up on the north side of town to a run-down building with graffiti all over the walls. We walked up a flight of stairs with all of our luggage and footlocker trunks and entered a coded door that slammed behind us. We proceeded up a flight of stairs and stepped into a soviet style lift. The bars closed on us, and we traveled upward to our destination on the third floor. The only city that I could possibly relate it to was New York City. I had heard about the Bronx but never lived there. The apartment complex was next to a main street and housed thousands of people.

As I walked into a stuffy apartment, interestingly I immediately looked for toilet paper. One of my fears was that I would not have any. I remembered from MLC (Missionary Learning Center) that some missionaries were crating such household items; though, we could not crate into Russia. We could only arrive with a few trunks.

I know. It is silly the things that we worry about some time, and one of my concerns was arriving in a country that did not sell toilet paper. As I looked around, I noticed a small yellowish-brown hard roll of paper in the corner of a dirty, dusty bathroom. Well, there it was, though not as soft. Incidentally the toilet was just as yellowish-brown as the paper. Apparently the rusted water had stained the fixture. Also there was plaster everywhere, too. Someone had just remodeled the bathroom but forgot to clean up! Then I walked through to the kitchen and found that our missionary colleagues had left us a basket full of goodies. I took a deep breath, straightened my shoulders, and decided that I was going to make it.

Though I was exhausted from traveling nearly 24 hours, I began my duties as a mother to get the house ready for my family. After cleaning the apartment of plaster particles, I distinctly remember finding a bag of freshly washed sheets on our bed. I opened the sack and covered my face with the smell of fresh fabric softener. Thanks missionary family! I once again thought I would survive. Here are some of my thoughts from the first few days in country.

I’m getting used to life here. We can only do about one major thing a day as it takes hours to get anywhere. Just a ride on the metro (underground subway) and bus and back takes three hours. And that’s the fastest way! We went to McDonald’s today. Unfortunately on the way home, we got on the wrong bus, and it carried us on a wrong turn. We had to walk a little extra. On each street going in a certain direction, there is a specific number on the bus. You must get on the right one. We are definitely getting good exercise walking.

I bought some chicken for the first time today. It’s funny. You have to look for what you want, write down how much it cost, what department it is in, go to another place to pay for it, show your receipt to the product-person, and finally get your items. No grocery sacks either. You have to bring your own bags. But most everything that we need is right here around us. Don’t know what it will be like in Bryansk.

Buck’s having difficulty adjusting to the dairy products; they’re shelved, not chilled. 1.8% milk tastes a lot like buttermilk. The cheese is the same way. Uncle Rufus was right about the shelf milk. However, Amielle (my two year old daughter) loves the milk because it tastes very sweet.

It took me four hours to fix supper last night. When I had opened and closed the oven door, the pilot light went out. I did not know. I wash all the vegetables in diluted Clorox water. Everything here takes time. However, I’m faster today. I think I’m getting used to it.
-Journal August 8-9, 1998

Even in the first few years, I wrote:

We have fewer canned and prepared goods here; therefore, most is done from scratch. I have experienced quite a lot since we have been here. At times I have had success, and at times file 13 enjoyed the rejects. One success was a beautiful cake. However, we made moderations on the frosting. The "7 minute frosting" turned out to be a beautiful icing. The egg whites just don't fluff the same though. Maybe one day I will learn the secret touch. (February 2000)

In many ways God showed us that we were welcome in Russia. The Russian people had been smiling at us and talking to the kids as we traveled on the streets of Moscow. A few days after our arrival, a Russian lady we did not know selling flowers handed Ashlyn a small bouquet and a little old lady chased us down the street to hand the kids some old coins from the former Soviet Union. The missionaries said that this never happens.

In our first few days in the country, we had attended a Russian church service that lasted for two hours. The services were held in a hallway of an apartment complex with a few rooms on the side. And some people travel an hour to get to church. We could not understand anything in the language or the customs. The language is going to be hard.

Out of kindness a Russian babushka (grandmother) shared the hymn book with me. A missionary friend translated that I could not read Russian. I will never forget. The lady looked at me and said, “You will.” Then she kissed me on the cheek. My first Russian kiss.
-The Chosen Path, L. Burch

August is here.

2010-08-01T11:36:00.002-04:00

August is here. Look! It's harvest time. Gather the fruit for life everlasting! (Jn 4:34-36)

Free E-booklet (Bible Study) in Russia

2010-07-13T00:42:00.008-04:00

A new, free E-booklet has been posted on the side of my blog. This Russian Bible study for women is available as a witnessing tool. It is also a study on how to know the Father better.

The first chapter is about: How to begin a personal relationship with the Father.
The remaining lessons discuss: Trust, Love, Assurance, etc.

When we lived in Bryansk, I wrote these lessons while leading small group Bible studies. As Russian women asked questions each week, I jotted them down. I then developed this study based on their inquiries and personal interviews. It is presently being used for witnessing opportunities. I listed six steps for beginning a personal relationship with the Father. The remaining chapters are also used as a source for discipleship. At this time the booklet has only been published in Russian; however, I am presently editing the English translation. Feel free to download this for your Russian friends. Click directly on the book photo on the side bar or here: A Woman's Path to God (ЖЕНСКИЙ ПУТЬ К БОГУ).

2010-07-13T00:32:00.003-04:00

I have documented more ideas for discussion on "Women Partnering Cross-Culturally". This concludes this series of blog postings. As far as implementation of these ideas, feel free to contact me personally and hopefully soon these facts will be available for review in print form. Thanks for your interest about partnerships. God bless and have a great day!
In His Love,
Les

Goals 3,4, & 5 Partnering Cross-Culturally

2010-07-02T01:29:00.004-04:00

Desires three, four and five...continued...

Click to review goals for partnering here.
Click to review goals one and two here.

Desires three and four provide a way that will lead speakers and coordinators to efficiently undertake a challenge not only to teach others but also to learn from their new experiences. Speakers and coordinators can better learn how to lead and pass on knowledge (ideas) that will prayerfully help others feel comfortable to use in their areas. As far as the steps that are taken or the actual messages that were to be given, at first I had no insight in this matter of where to begin.

The fifth desire consisted of organizing a panel for discussion among coordinators, speakers, leaders, and missionaries wherein each person could learn from one another how to create an effective conference as well as a comfortable environment for one. If so, there should be some way that these participants could collaborate with one another regardless of geographical boundaries. Communication was necessary; therefore, I encouraged the interaction among the organizers on a regular basis.

Apart from the desire to implement effectively these ideas and goals, I hoped that all women involved, whether those organizing, speaking, or participating, would be fed spiritually during the preparation time and conference.

In the beginning I had a feeling that this task would be very hard to complete. But with much prayer and direction from the Lord, I knew that all things are possible with Him (Matthew 19:26). We may feel unqualified, but anyone who follows the will of the Lord will be given from Him the ability to succeed.

When I first contacted the Russian sister, she was skeptical for two reasons. She desired pastoral approval and did not know that we already had it. She did not personally know the volunteers that would be speaking at the conference and wanted to receive biographies to first understand their hearts. So, I knew that I must get busy, because the job was going to be difficult yet also pleasing. That is, I had to accomplish her desires and to help her understand that it was all possible if we worked together.

However, by the tone of her voice I noticed that she was especially skeptical of the idea of organizing a conference with volunteers. In the past some volunteers have come to accomplish their desires and have not been sensitive to the culture and desires of the people that they are coming to minister to and help.

When organizing a conference, it is a plus to have a veteran coordinator or missionary involved in the planning. It also helps to first have the approval of the national pastors and the trust of the brothers and sisters of the church in place before the women’s director (head national leader) is approached.

With these beginning desires and steps, I look forward to sharing more with you about the direction I took. I wanted the conference to allow its participants to grow spiritually and eventually learn how to build a women’s ministry of their own.
-The Chosen Path, L. Burch, "goals in ministry"

Explanation of Goals

2010-06-23T02:16:00.006-04:00

Continued topic on Partnering with Women Cross-culturally (earlier post)...

I experienced great joy on the field as I took part in ladies’ conferences. In the first few years of our service, I always dreamed of having seminars for ladies in the Russian churches in coordination with American volunteers. The men would have events together, but I did not see a great amount of activity with the ladies. I was able to participate in a couple of conferences in St. Pete. With much satisfaction I was involved in some of the greatest events in all my years as a missionary. Overall the Russian sisters thoroughly enjoyed the topics and joining hearts with other sisters of like belief. The nationality differences were forgotten and did not interfere with the delivery or hearing of the message. Plus, the brothers were receptive in allowing the ladies to participate more openly in active service, whereas in the past men mostly dominated any activity in the church.

While helping coordinate the conferences, I listed these goals for implementing an effective women’s conference cross-culturally. Having goals for a women’s conference can make a coordinator’s (e.g., on-field missionary or stateside volunteer) job easier. If a person has a desire to do a conference, she can talk with someone who has actually planned and implemented one, thus providing her with personalized understanding. Coordinators have much to gain from both planning and doing a conference, but communicating with someone who has had experience can be very beneficial.

After praying and deciding on desired goals, I made certain conclusions. I organized meetings between Russian sisters, American volunteers and myself (a missionary) that proved to be very useful. Then I reflected upon the team’s thoughts and wishes and compared those to the desires of others, thus giving me the opportunity to learn more how to plan an effective women’s conference cross-culturally. It pays to listen. After all, the conference is intended for them.

I chose to work with the head director of the women’s ministry at a central church in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Also, initially I corresponded by e-mail with the leader of the women’s ministry of a local church in the states which planned a volunteer trip to Russia to assist in a two day conference. Until I began the process, I knew very little about the steps to pursue this task. What I had desired to happen for eight years was very realistic and how it would benefit the churches in this area seemed hopeful, but I was very interested in finding out if the conference would actually be a success. I hoped that a coordinator could combine the two cultures without any hard feelings or unsatisfactory mishaps. I did not have a full understanding of how that would work other than to prayerfully work hard to unite the two over several weeks of collaborating. In order for this to happen, I had to start early. I needed to knit the two together by helping them understand one another better.

Two desires I listed were for the speakers to be dedicated to those attending and to understand the topics that they were to share and sensitively know how to share those topics. The goals need to be healthy, spiritual and productive methods for interaction between coordinators, speakers and participants of the conference. Along with this interaction, I encouraged that the coordinator and speakers improve in relationships with nationals. A speaker in most cases can know her or his participants better by also knowing the nationals’ culture and the relationship that it brings to their topic of discussion.

Desires three, four and five...to be continued in the next post...

-The Chosen Path, L. Burch

Repost for upcoming topic

2010-06-07T05:58:00.000-04:00

The next several posts (in June) will be about women partnering cross-culturally. Beginning with five goals, I will share in these future posts more in depth about each one and about personal experiences of coordinating women's conferences and seminars with American SBC volunteers and Russian women in church leadership. Has your church ever thought about taking a mission trip? Have women in your church ever considered partnering with other ladies in foreign countries to help encourage women's ministry? Below are goals that lead to success. Consider these:

Goal one is that coordinators and speakers are to be dedicated to those attending and their learning.

Goal two is that speakers must understand the topics that they are sharing and sensitively and culturally know how to share those topics.

Goal three is that speakers and coordinators should learn more creatively how to lead and pass knowledge on to those attending so that they will be able to duplicate in their areas what is being taught.

Goal four is that coordinators and speakers will undertake a challenge not only to efficiently teach others but also to learn from their new experiences.

Goal five is that coordinators, speakers, leaders, and missionaries start communicating, regardless of geographical boundaries so that ideas can be united for an effective and culturally sensitive conference.
-The Chosen Path, L. Burch, "goals in ministry"

Showered with love.

2010-05-25T05:55:00.005-04:00

Have you ever stepped out into a cool summer’s rain? With outstretched arms, tilted back head and closed eyes, I escape to a world unknown as I twirl in complete freedom. I know that everyone has experienced this before, even in adulthood. How refreshing it is to just forget about the stresses and cares of the world for a few minutes! That is just what happened to me when I went home to the United States to visit with family and friends while awaiting visa documentation.

I had not anticipated this trip to the states, because our company made plans to send us to another Eurpoean country. After some discussion, I decided to pay an extra expense and travel home. Little did I know how blessed I would be! My entire stay consisted of family and friends showering me with kind words and actions. Many people called, visited and took me out to eat. My dad’s home church—Southside Baptist in McRae—on the last few days of my visit even handed me a check that covered the personal cost of my plane fare.

I spent quality time with family. I had special moments with my father and mother as we talked and talked. My dad and I did yard work and afterwards sat in the swing to reminisce. My mom and I thoroughly enjoyed preparing meals in the kitchen, and I often just walked up to her and kissed her cheek for no special reason. Buck’s dad and I took multiple walks down the dirt road. Many times we walked in silence and were just in each other’s presence. But on some of these walks, I learned the secrets of old. Buck’s mother and I had special moments as we sipped tea and worked on the farm. During these times, it was as if I were a sponge soaking in words of wisdom as each shared about life experiences.

While stateside I do my best to see all those I love, but it is impossible to travel to everyone I wish. For this particular trip, many came to me. I was overwhelmed by the conversations we shared. I definitely returned to the mission field encouraged and renewed. I cannot help but wonder if there is a glow on my face right now. Because on Sunday alone, I was given the opportunity to witness twice in Moscow and on my return flight I shared the Gospel with three passengers. Two women were from Puerto Rico and one man working for the American Department of Defense.

In the airport I had the most interesting conversation with the two ladies who spoke Spanish. In broken Spanish and English between the two of us, we soon found out that we were both believers. Her sister, who spoke fluent English, returned from the information booth to find us in deep conversation. We exchanged information and now I am praying for my Puerto Rican sisters in Christ and their lost family members. We swapped Bible verses for the day. It was her birthday and she wrote in her journal about our meeting. She passed me a scripture as a reminder of our visit: “Engañoso es el encanto y pasajera la belleza; la mujer que teme al SEÑOR es digna de alabanza.” (Proverbios 31:30) Before I boarded the plane, one of the sisters ran from the front of the line and gave me the biggest hug and kiss right in the middle of Hartsfield-Jackson International. I guess I better brush up on my Spanish now.

And on Sunday in Moscow while traveling home from church, Amielle and I stopped to get nuts at a candy stand. The lady behind the glass began asking questions about why we were living in Russia. And that led to sharing about Jesus. Next week I promised her a Bible as she does not have one. I told her that she could read it for herself. She asked, “Really?” I explained how Christ is our mediator between God and us, thus allowing personal interaction with Him.

So, if a cool, summer shower gives one’s face a radiance that people notice, I guess it was your showers of love that changed mine. You are a part of what we do in many ways. I have tried to explain it before. Maybe now you will believe me. Thanks I needed a fresh rain.
-The Chosen Path, L.Burch

5 goals for partnering cross-culturally

2010-05-20T04:09:00.007-04:00

Urban missions

2010-05-13T22:18:00.002-04:00

A glimpse of scenery for urban missions. You gotta love it!
-The Burch kids

My Beautiful Mother!

2010-04-30T12:46:00.001-04:00

My beautiful mother!

Day at Sweet Home

2010-04-18T14:50:00.010-04:00

I had a wonderful day at Sweet Home Baptist Church with Buck's parents today. Here are some memories:

Why doubt?

2010-04-13T01:43:00.002-04:00

Path Light: Read Matthew 14:22-32

Key Passage: And when Peter got out of the boat, he walked on water to get to Jesus. But when he felt the wild winds, he was scared… Matthew 14:29b-30a

When first preparing to come to the field, volunteers and new missionary personnel seem to excessively worry. Missionaries in Russia have learned over the years to come expecting nothing, anticipating nothing, and just enjoying life with what God provides. God will amply provide all your needs. In our family’s case, God has truly provided above what we need. Life in Russia can be difficult if we look at it through our own eyes, but through God’s eyes it is very simple.

Sometimes the language barrier worries us. No matter what country we live in, including the various regions of the United States, we can learn the language of the people's heart as well as their words. Most people in Russia will respect you and gain from your experiences, because they can really tell when a person has come to serve. Especially while a missionary or volunteer is in the beginning stages of his missionary service, he needs to build on this foundation. When a missionary is in the middle of transition and times are tough, she seems to notice the storms around her. The waves and wind seem so huge, strong, and impassable. At this point we think that we cannot make it through the storm alone, and we almost seem to drown. The uncertainties overwhelm us; however, when our eyes are focused on Jesus and remember that He is always with us, we walk through the storm in peace.

Peter was walking toward Jesus with no problems until he became afraid. He began to sink. Then he cried, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and held him. “O thou of little faith,” He responded. Then Jesus asked, “Wherefore didst thou doubt? (Matthew 14:30-31 KJV) Notice the word the Lord uses. Not only did Jesus want Peter to know why he doubted, but also He wanted Peter to recognize at what point he doubted. At the moment we doubt we begin to fall or lose balance. Think back to the times when you have doubted. Did you notice a change in your life for the worse? Did you notice that you did not care to accomplish much or thought that you could not make it anymore? How was your relationship with the Lord? Are you doubting today or are your eyes on the Lord as you go? Do you daily desire to read His Word or just read the Word at your convenience?

Path Application:
As you pick up the Bible, do so with desiring anticipation to discover the Lord. Desire to know Him. Keep Jesus in close sight. Do not allow the circumstances around you to depict your state of being or cause your faith to diminish. Situations or events are not the rulers of your life. Jesus is. He is your Savior.

Walk Father:

1. When have you found yourself facing the most doubt?

2. Think of a time when God’s Word has helped you through a time of doubt. How did it come about?

3. Who has been the person who has encouraged you the most when you face periods of doubt?
-A Winter's Path, path 43, L.Burch

When it all began...

2010-04-10T06:17:00.004-04:00

I have to travel home (USA) this week for visa renewal. I will be spending the month with my parents and Buck's. Please pray for our family as we will be separated for this time period and that all my documents get in order. Thankfully we are almost finished with the home school year. So, Buck will not have too many papers to grade while I am away in addition to his other mission responsibilities.

Also, this month is a special one as it is our anniversary of 19 years together--April 21, 1991. I thank the Lord for my wonderful husband. Here is a pic when it all began.

In His Love,
Les
P.S. Women partnering cross culturally topics will have to be posted when I return. I had hoped to start this discussion this month; however, due to travels, I will postpone. Thanks for your continued interest.

Christ is Risen! Христос Воскрес!

2010-04-05T03:20:00.007-04:00

Here are a few photos from Easter Sunday in Moscow at Golgotha:

One of my favorite ladies at church! She brought us a baked Easter treat and Easter eggs yesterday. She is actually a family member to our closet friends from Bryansk, Russia.

Kcenya and Luke
Luke presented her with a handmade art project--carnation flower--for Easter.

Luke's Sunday School group

Sunday School choir

Golgotha children's S.S. choir
Christ is Risen! Христос Воскрес!

Daily pray for others

2010-03-26T09:55:00.005-04:00

God answers our prayers, sometimes even doubling our request. Sunday was a day of encouragement. A young guy repented after the morning worship time. He is very dear to me; I have been praying for him daily. The most wonderful thing happened though. After he prayed, his best friend did, too. You know, sometimes all people need is a little affirmation. Today is the day to start telling others how much you care and think of them. A few words of encouragement may be just what is needed for someone to take that next step. God bless you!
In His Love,
Les

Somebody’s watching you.

2010-03-12T02:32:00.005-05:00

As we walk the streets and ride the metro in urban Moscow, we move along at a normal pace and sometimes do not focus on what is happening around us. Let me tell a story about what took place as we ventured to church one day. For this kind of event, I should have been paying more attention. As our family traveled the subway with millions of other passengers and blended in with our dark colored coats, we stepped into the wagon and settled into our seats as usual. Or, so I thought.

That morning I had a heavy heart. I was worrying about some things and feeling rather guilty about some mistakes that I had made. The family was spread out. I was sitting by myself. One child was across from me, another to the right and Buck and the other child were across from the door. Since we had about a 45 minute ride, I began contemplating. Eventually I lowered my head, prayed and asked the Lord’s forgiveness for where I had failed Him. I started to repeat my prayer over and over again. “Lord, please forgive me. I love you.” But then a still, small, not audible voice, said, “Move on and just feed My sheep.”

Wow! With tears forming in my eyes and a light heart now, I was not expecting the mission that was about to be handed to me. I was not paying attention to the somebody that was watching us. Buck was aware of what was taking place this time, but I was not. A lady was sitting near our family and crying. We arrived at our stop, the last on the north train line, and exited onto the platform. I generally make sure the kids make it off first for fear of separation, so I was behind the family. A lady with a large, weaved bag of goods stopped me. I just knew that she was ready to sell me something. She forced a pair of tights in front me and said take these. I shook my head and firmly said, “No.” She insisted that I take them for my older daughter. She replied that they were a gift. I was caught off guard. I took the hose and said, “Thank you.”

As she was walking away with the flow, I remembered what the Lord told me: “Feed My sheep.” My thoughts were: How am I going to catch up with her? Yet, I knew that I had to. I turned to Buck and asked if he had a tract. He did. He was prepared. I looked at Buck and without saying a word he knew that I was going to chase after her. As he watched the kids and waited on me, I ran and stopped the lady. I said to her, “You do not know how much you have blessed me today. I just wanted to let you know how much this gift has meant, especially right now.”

She began to cry and share with me about personal matters. Coming from a recently broken home, she listened as I tried to consult her and share about God’s love. She told me that she was watching our family and noticed the love between father and children—between us. She wanted to reward us with a gift, because we appeared to be a family that stays together. After sharing the Gospel with her, I handed her a tract. We parted and went our separate ways. I will never see her again or know of her true relationship with the Lord. But I learned a lesson: Somebody is always watching you, so be ready at all times to bring the lost to Him and feed His sheep. Even when I least expect an opportunity, I must be watching.
-The Chosen Path, L.Burch

Last great snow

2010-03-06T02:45:00.008-05:00

I think that we have had our last great snow of the year. Here is a pic of Amielle and me right outside our apartment door in the courtyard.

And soon our snow will be melting away. It has actually been above freezing this week. And this morning we heard the men knocking the snow and ice off the tops of the buildings. We live in a building with only seven floors now. We have lived on the 20th floor before. However, this job has to be done regularly on these not so tall and older complexes. Here are a few pics taken from our apartment window. How would you like this job? Unfortunately they do not use ropes for protection. They are not aware, but I pray for their safety.

Lizzie Viola Arnette, age 93, died Feb. 20, 2010

2010-02-24T12:54:00.007-05:00

Grandmama definitely was a person of stamina. Her age was even proof of that. She always followed through with her responsibilities and commitments. She was a quiet person yet strong and vocal where her beliefs were concerned. She was a great listener, for I know that she would sit for hours and hear my thoughts. She was a great encourager and constant companion. She daily stayed by Granddaddy’s side over the years no matter what. She was a determined person. For this reason alone, she desired to be in the presence of her children for so long. She was not a quitter; she endured to the end.

I heard that Grandmama opened her eyes on Friday for three minutes one last time. And what did she see? She saw her three daughters standing by her who loved her very much. She saw the three sisters who were always faithful. It is special that she gave each a minute a piece. That is all she needed. I think that may have been her way of saying, “Thank you for all you did, my Darlings.”

I talked with Grandmama that same morning. I remember hearing her rhythmic breathing over the cell phone as I said my last words to her. She did not respond; it was not necessary. She heard me though. I also prayed with her and asked the Lord to just let her rest and sleep and awake to see Him. I did not tell her goodbye. I could not bring myself to do it. So, in my heart I said, “Grandmama, I will see you soon.”

God does all things in His timing. It was Grandmama’s moment to see her Master face to face. I trust that she stood before the Lord that Saturday morning and heard His sweet voice say similar words like these: Welcome Home. Share in this joy—this wonderful place that I have prepared for you.

I thank the Lord for Grandmama’s testimony. We can say that Lizzie Arnette served the Lord well and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. May we all trust in the Lord as she did!

In closing I found a poem that I want to share. The author is unknown.
Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what's to be,
A resting place along the road,
to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
Different paths along the way,
We all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay...
Our destination is a place,
Far greater than we know.
For some the journey's quicker,
For some the journey's slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
We'll claim a great reward,
And find an everlasting peace,
Together with the Lord

-Les, 2010

My Grandma!

2010-02-19T12:22:00.004-05:00

This is a picture that was taken several years ago of my beautiful grandmother. One of the hardest things to handle while living on the mission field is not being able to drive around the block or across town to see your loved ones. I would right now if I could.

When I was a little girl, I would actually ride my bike down an old dirt road and across a wooden bridge to get to grandma's house. You could actually see the water flowing beneath you as you steered carefully. Spending the night with my grandparents was just the thing to do. She always fixed me just what I wanted and that was usually fried chicken, peas, rice and cornbread. Well, granddaddy and I would sometimes crumble the cornbread up in a glass of milk at the end of the meal. Have you ever had a better dessert than that? Memories. I love my grandma!

Coming soon...

2010-02-17T12:23:00.004-05:00

I often mention the importance of your e-mails, Skype talks/chats, comments, etc. I cannot say it enough though. I enjoy hearing from you and sharing in your lives as well. I know how much you pray for us. For that we are appreciative, but today I want to say thanks for your friendship!

Coming soon...It seems like each month a theme develops for these posts. Apparently for the month of February it has mostly been about family and homeschooling. It looks like as we head into March that we will be discussing partnerships. I am presently gathering my journals about "Women Partnering Cross-culturally". Today I posted a link to the most recent video with Dr. Robert White, executive director of the GA Baptist Convention, about the GBC partnership with Moscow and Saint Petersburg, Russia. Watch it here.

Please at any point share ideas with me about your interest for future post. God bless!
In His Love,
Les

A homemaker.

2010-02-09T03:46:00.022-05:00

For many years now, homeschooling has become the most pleasurable part of my day. I remember even when I had elementary-aged children and Buck often traveled that I still found ways, though, to be involved in other ministries. I have been talking with a couple of my closest friends lately about these very things and setting priorities. Having spoken on this topic years ago at a seminar, I want to list four facets of ministry: 1) Ministry to husband; 2) Ministry to children; 3) Ministry to the lost; and 4) Ministry to national believers.

The order of importance is imperative but not restricted to isolation. In other words, I found myself learning to be multi-tasked more and more as a homemaker. Naturally I prefer to stay focused on one project until I complete it, but I learned how to devote my attention on more than one thing at a time, especially since I homeschooled while living on the mission field. I began making more use of my time, energy, gifts and devotion in a variety of ways.

Let me explain. My responsibilities to my husband are to help him and to be his best friend and devoted lover. I also need to support him in all that he does by building up his male ego and encouraging him constantly. I found myself making sure that I supplied all his needs. If I did not know what those needs were, I asked. And when I questioned him, I made sure I did what he wanted. That is the key factor and hard part. If I asked, I had to be willing and committed to follow through. I am to be his helpmate.

My ministry to the children is to love and care for them, supply their needs and disciple them. Supplying their needs meant nursing them at a young age, homeschooling them, making sure that they were involved in extra-curricular activities and that their social needs were met. I often found friends for the kids. I would purposefully meet parents and neighbors, so the kids could make new friends.

I would label the third facet a ministry to the lost. Revisiting the reason that I came to the field as a missionary, I concluded that we are to tell people about Jesus. I looked at it this way: No matter what position we are in, what we do on a team, what role we hold in the family, we must evangelize. Many times I found myself even searching for opportunities to witness. In actuality most of the opportunities presented themselves right before me (i.e., landlords’ visits, repair men, neighbors, teachers of my children [language or music], people in the markets and stores). These are all ministry opportunities from the home.

The last one is ministry to national believers. My desire for ministry in this area is to encourage and disciple women. Whether coordinating a women’s conference with Russian sisters and American volunteer speakers via internet, facilitating small groups in the home, encouraging young girls who stop by or using the gift of hospitality, ministry can happen right from the home. I actually found that ministry automatically happened. After the children got a little older, I started other ministries outside of the home once a week.

I have more written about these matters that we may discuss another time. However, I have begun to approach the topic of priorities and ministries quite differently in the last few years. Ministry is family and all that blossoms out of this beautiful setting. In earlier years as I led women’s groups in the states, I used to teach that you must put your priorities in order: 1) God, 2) husband, 3) children and then 4) church. This idea is a good one but a little shallow in thought. We must think on a deeper level. Our ministry involves all these things; they are all an outpouring of one another. Of course, God is always at the top of our “list”. But, think about it, we—our husband and children, eventually church family and colleagues—work together for a great cause; everything we do is ministry. It is all done together. It is like a package deal. This is why I have labeled the various areas facets. What a deep discussion to explain in a few paragraphs but one warranting dialogue!
-The Chosen Path, L. Burch

Thank you, prayer warriors and supporters! We have had the funds to homeschool our kids while being IMB missionaries. Your gifts to Lottie Moon Offerings have been put to use. God bless.

A taste of home

2010-02-04T08:38:00.004-05:00

Just want to say thanks to "Uncle Jim and Aunt Rose" for sending us some goodies. The care package took around two months to get here, but it finally made it. We are trying not to fight over the food. ;-) Yum! Yum!

There's a lot of talk going on right now...

2010-01-25T02:17:00.008-05:00

A famous childhood tune rings in my ears as I place my fingers on the keyboard this morning: “The foolish man built his house upon the sand…And the walls came tumbl’in down…The wise man built his house upon the Rock…And the wise man’s house stood firm!”

David truly was an interesting biblical character. One minute he was in the pit of despair (Psalm 22) and the next minute he was singing with the saints for joy (Psalm 30). Peter was another one who denied Christ one day (John 18) and walked on water in total trust the next (Matthew 14). Sometimes my emotions jump back and forth the same I am ashamed to say, maybe not as often as David’s. I try to keep them in check and remain firm and solid. I want my family and friends to always know what is important and of value to me; I want them to see me as stable.

I have been reading a lot lately about the predicament we seem to be facing as a Southern Baptist Convention and as an international and home missions sending organization. Should we continue to call ourselves by the same name? Should our missions organizations combine to be more cost and witness effective? I am serving in a country where religious law and freedom is wavering. Recent regulations are under discussion concerning the Baptist’s ministry outside the church building ceasing in Russia. I have seen so much change while living here and adapted. But today my heart is really burdened for not only Russia but also America. The US seems to be in a danger zone, too. Waking up every morning to check the news of America, I sometimes feel ill. It appears that our character is swaying back and forth, not only politically but religiously. At least we knew where David and Peter really stood. I thank the Lord for the churches today that are setting the example. I find myself daily looking for the positive that I do see. Maybe in a small way, I can help, also, by praying constantly and exemplifying a positive attitude and not camping out on the negative.

Some say writing is a way to relieve stress. I have found this to be true. So, as I sit in front of this blue and white screen, I type the thoughts that come to mind. When I think about the history of Southern Baptist, I read through articles that speak of our initial beliefs and views toward slavery. From there we take a shift and apologize for not being diverse and now unite together regardless of race. We have had thoughts before about changing our name. There has been a shift to conservatism, especially where our seminaries and institutions were concerned. I watched as this was happening in the late 80s and early 90s as we enrolled at Southeastern in 1993. And now we have another goal to push a conservative movement and a recall to the Great Commission overall. I am presently praying strongly for our convention and the call to lead the nations to Him and embrace the Great Commission even firmer. I am conservative to the core and stand on the Bible as inerrant, infallible and inspired. God came to save all people of all nations and culture. And Jesus is the only Way. God is love.

Over the past 12 years, I have watched our American Baptist churches take a huge shift in look and style. Once there was such a thing as a pulpit. Now the popular stage area holds a stool, chair and table. My memories and history of the church are those a little more reserved. I remember when pastors were skeptical about having the hymns appear on a PowerPoint. I serve in a country with the Baptist Union where the pulpit is a place that is somewhat thought of as holy. In the US today some church buildings look more like sports arenas. I have watched from afar how pool parties have replaced church dinner fellowships. Preachers in torn blue-jeans and earrings have replaced preachers in suits and ties. These are great topics of discussions and facts of change. Times have changed and a new generation has moved in—a new culture.

However, without being philosophical about which is right and which is wrong, I want to focus on what I think is the underlining root problem, more than what our building or institution “looks” like. We can leave that discussion for another day. At that time we can still study Matthew 7 and the context of not judging others, asking and it be given to us, entering through the narrow and wide gate and noticing a tree by the fruit it bears, being careful not to give our teaching over to dogs (hypocrites or false prophets) or casting our “pearl” before swine.

The deepest root problem is not really how we look anymore, what we call ourselves, what programs we use, the colors painted on the walls of our youth building, it is that some have strayed from our roots and foundation. Can we be like and look like we used to? No, it is impossible. I think we are concerned about our physical appearance and comfort levels, though, too much right now; we need to focus on our spiritual ones.

We need to be centered on Him and His mission. Pleasing and entertaining people or congregations have replaced feeding, shepherding and nurturing believers. Building a huge sanctuary has replaced the desire to build up the body of Christ. Increasing numbers has replaced in many cases truly finding the lost sheep and bringing them into the fold and caring for them. Bringing in popular programs, literature and secular videos that are “appealing to the eye” have replaced reading, citing and preaching God’s Word before the local body. Techniques to attract the community are seen as extreme. When in reality, radical revival and renewal is all we need.

So changing our name or combining or not combining organizations is not the biggest question. Let us just rally together, standing on the solid Rock. The rock that does not waver, that does not pacify just for comfort, that does not lie to gain popularity, that is not hypocritical or ashamed to speak Biblical principles, etc. There is no way that we are going to solve this “dilemma” if we do not remember our foundation—Christ—and build there (Matthew 7:24). It is that simple: The wise man built his house on the Rock! Our nation and politics will get back in order when we stand on the solid Rock and preach “In God We Trust”!
-The Chosen Path, L.Burch

Give all your worries to Him

2010-01-22T04:23:00.004-05:00

Many times I stepped off the train from Bryansk as I traveled to urban Moscow for a few days of retreat from my missionary life in the semi-small, Russian, village-like city. The backpack or large duffle bag with belongings for the family that I carried across the tracks and through the cold, snowy, dark streets was heavy. I have those who will testify to that—a weight pretty hefty for a lady. But as I looked around, I saw the weight that my husband was carrying. It was much heavier than mine. As I walk I envision the weight of colleagues’ bags that are loaded down with amounts even harder to handle. These colleagues, dear friends, who have journeyed with me along the way, have walked a familiar road. What do I do? I realize that the pounds I am carrying are just for me and must be transported to the final destination. When I arrive, I will drop them to the floor or pass the luggage to a friend who is waiting at the door—one who is to relieve me of the pressure for a time. Praise to the Lord, for everyday He accepts our load (Psalm 68:19). So, I shift the load on my shoulders and push forward because my best friend said that I could and must, for it is a lesson to learn. Exactly in that moment I know not the lesson. It is just one to be accomplished. As I walk my load gets lighter, because I know that one close to me is carrying a bag heavier than mine. Give all your worries to Him, because He loves you so (1 Peter 5:7).
-The Chosen Path, L. Burch

Short Walk Down Memory Lane

2010-01-10T02:00:00.013-05:00

As I sit at home this morning, I started looking through some old photos. Buck is away in another country and the kids and I are snug and warm in our apartment in Moscow, Russia. So, I clicked on the photo section of my computer and pulled up a few pictures from over the years. The next thing I did was open my journal to find this paragraph that I wrote years ago. I'll be concluding this portion soon. It rather sums up my thoughts for this time period. Anyway here is a short walk down memory lane.

"Maybe the question that was forefront in everyone’s mind but never verbalized was: “Why did you ever leave home in the first place and move to Russia? I never left home actually. Home is who I am. I have come to understand many things over the years. One of which is that who we are has been shaped and formed by the many people that have invested their time in us and the many places and opportunities we have seen or lived to experience."-The Chosen Path, L. Burch

Bryansk 2000

AGM 2003

Saint Petersburg 2004, Church on the Island (Southside Baptist McRae...love offering given to help purchase keyboard)

Shipbuilder's Team, St. Pete '05-06

St.Pete crew 2007

Our landlord (friend) and us, St. Pete 2008

Golgotha Church Family, Moscow 2009-10

In His Love videoblog-"Praise the Lord"

2010-01-09T08:16:00.006-05:00

From dawn to dusk, the Lord’s name should be praised. - Ps. 113:3

This is a short videoblog post. Just click on arrow to play.
For written version click here.

Homemade rolls

2010-01-05T03:19:00.004-05:00

My kids have been taking care of me while Buck is away. I have been a little under the weather as the old saying goes. I am very proud of my little helpers. They have been in charge of the home. However, I must say this is the last time I call them little. Ashlyn is a young lady now and I am thoroughly proud of her homemaking skills. Here is a photo of her delicious homemade rolls (and pretty, too). Thanks for all your prayers and e-mails of encouraging words.

Best Practices Book Review and Reflection

2010-01-03T03:47:00.008-05:00

Select ladies of ERBB participated in two Best Practices meetings. These were for the wives of IMB leaders and a team leader in European Russia. No one person was in charge or responsible for teaching the entire time. I named this type of meeting or model: The Roundtable of Lady Mission Leaders. I combined the two concepts of facilitation and collaborative discussion. Our time was divided into four areas—learning, fellowship, praying, and sharing. The learning part consisted of resource reading and each person being responsible for teaching the group about the new concepts learned. The books were related to Women in Leadership, missions, Orthodoxy, feminist hermeneutics, etc. Posted below is my review and reflection.

Best Practices Report
Leslie Burch, Russian Cluster, 2009

Author’s Right to Discuss Topic
In this reading, Women in Mission, Smith (2007) has the right to speak on the subject, because she served in overseas work. She was in Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea and Ethiopia. She also worked with an organization for justice development and lived among the Maori tribe of New Zealand. Her involvement there played a huge role in the understanding “of European people in their involvement with indigenous peoples” (p. xiii).

Summary
The author presented various types of mission work, mostly from the Catholic faith or perspective. Seemingly the most successful works were those with efforts to help the poor. Especially where women in mission was concerned, the female workers were respected and given the opportunity to participate in humanitarian helps. These types of deeds were considered a possibility for women, but a leadership role of any form was not allowed for many years. Many eventually proved their loyalty and knowledge of business and were given the right to run a convent, home or school. Also a woman who lived a life of service and suffering was respected more and recognized as a true missionary—a devoted servant. The missionary that empathized more with her people was placed in a higher position of influence, thus being allowed to present request and seek permissions before male leadership. Eventually an authoritarian role may have been granted.

Mother Teresa was one such example; though, she valued more what she taught her disciples (followers) than what position or title she held. According to the author, Mother Teresa’s “lack of enthusiasm for a feminist agenda and her acceptance of the economic, political, and ecclesiastical status quo in the countries where her sisters work have gained here many admirers who regard her as a role model for contemporary Catholic women missionaries…For them the immediate physical needs of the destitute have remained their apostolic priority” (Smith, 2007, p. 133-134).

In the first few chapters, the author defends in favor of women in leadership as she references various scriptures to prove her point. Nevertheless, I did not agree with her observations in many cases, but I definitely learned some ideas and beliefs that feminist hermeneutics present. For example, I was surprised that the author sought to validate a point for godly women leaders, but the women were actually living a lie to make their stand. In 1 Timothy 5 we read on the topic of widows. Smith concludes that “the order of widows might have been attracting celibate women, who remembering the freedom and equality of the first generation Christian communities, believed that widowhood would have allowed them to assume public leadership roles in the community” (2007, p. 34).

The author referenced the era, mostly from Paul’s writings, as a patriarchal time period where wives were subject to their husbands and the father figure was in control. The culture in this age of the New Testament writings presented a hardship for women to be recognized or accepted to any position of authority; however, she referred to some of Paul’s writings, specifically his earlier ones or in her opinion writings before his death, as letters in favor of women as co-workers or apostles with Paul. I disagree with several of the statements she presented, but I am now aware of other theological and philosophical views that I did not know existed. But I do understand some of her viewpoints and accept them as possible means in support of women in respected roles of leadership. For instance, in the New Testament we are aware that women were helpers in encouraging, discipling and leading other believers. There are multiple names mentioned in the Bible where women were seen as those who were faithful to their tasks (i.e, Mary Magdalene [Mark 15:40-41], Mother of Zebedee’s sons [Matthew 27:56], Anna, the prophetess [Luke 2:36], Phoebe [Romans 16:1], Priscilla [Romans 16:3], etc.). Also in many of Paul’s letters women were seen and recognized as influential “to the church in thy house” (Philemon 2).

Application and Reflection
The focal point of the book that I wish to elaborate and reflect on is how or what type of mission work was most successful in the Catholic faith, not how she attempted to prove a woman’s right to lead. After reading the book, I discovered that I was not using some of these avenues of missions in my own life. Also while contemplating where the Catholic faith is strong in missions, I began to question where I sensed the IMB’s strongest emphasis was. When I think of Catholic work, the first thought that surfaces is humanitarian aid. For IMB work I concluded that the dominant push is for church planting. Most of the ladies in our Best Practices Meeting from ERBB (European Russia, Baltics and Belarus) agreed with my conclusions. Of course, IMB participates in the humanitarian field of service, but it is not the most known area.

I considered the following a huge step in my new findings. As missionary women we can be better leaders and professionals by evaluating our work on a regular basis. We must keep an open mind and step outside of our “boxes” or normal way of doing missions to improve methods for leading the masses (nations) to the Savior, especially in our assigned areas of responsibility. It is wise to look at other organizations and determine where they are most effective and incorporate their ideas as well.

Briefly I will first explain by means of application. I have noticed more homeless narcotics even at our church, and I am discipling a lady whose husband is an alcoholic—a form of lifestyle that I have no close relation. Honestly in the beginning, I wanted to toss this book away, because I did not agree with some of the author’s interpretation of Scripture. I am glad that I continued to read this book for this very reason—noticing these two people in need.

According to Smith (2007, pp. 147-160), Catholic mission work reported success with health care, various people groups, “foreign” missions, charity for the poor, social justice work, women in mission to the orphans, castaways, sick and needy, secular institutions and presence (suffering) among the people, why should we not? As missionaries we have a huge responsibility to our Russian brothers and sisters in Christ to help with one of the strongest growing movements for salvations, baptism and church growth today for one such model—work through rehabilitation centers. Especially with the recent regulations under discussion concerning the Baptist’s ministry outside the church building ceasing, we need to pray about these services. How we can partner with our local union for these efforts to continue? I would hate for us to walk away 10 years from now and wish we had done more, especially when this ministry has been in existence for at least six years already. Unfortunately as Southern Baptist or just missionaries in general, sometimes we do not take action until a decade later or a generation too late—a lost one.

Our church planting push may have more success in Russia if we tweak our focus or at least make sure that we include this type of mission work in our vision, masterplan, strategy and personal daily witness, instead of only attempting to start new churches with students, existing church small groups, English ministries, intelligentsia, etc., for example. Actually if we look at the study of the meaning of the Russian word intelligentsia or in Latin intelligentia, we discover that this is a group of people who study a better means for assisting society and to disseminate (broadcast influence) in one’s culture. This would be another interesting topic of further study, particularly in the Russian culture. If we befriended or partnered with more people of influence, we may have a better chance for the Lord’s work to be accomplished on a larger, communal scale.

One of my main ministries is at a Baptist church in Moscow, Russia. I teach, disciple and mentor English students and Sunday school teachers to use their spiritual gifts for the building up of the body of Christ. How can I lead them if I am not seeking to be more Christlike myself and love and help those in need? Jesus said in a parable in Matthew 25:40: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

References
Smith, S. (2007). Women in Mission. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books.

Video: Family Memories X-mas ’09

2009-12-26T05:25:00.003-05:00

Here is a short, fun clip of family memories from Christmas ’09.

Family and Friends in the states, we miss you and wish we were near. I wanted Grandma and Granddaddy and Mema and Papa to know we are happy and well, so I made a quick clip to share. Feel free to watch.

God is good! He is faithful! He is King! Glory to Him! Praise to Jesus Christ! Alleluia. Alleluia. May we be more bold this New Year for Him!

Christmas Card

2009-12-17T07:43:00.004-05:00

The Burch Family wishes you a very Merry Christmas in this 2009th Year of Our Lord! May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and your family during this holiday season. May God grant you and yours everything you need to serve Him during the upcoming 2010 year as well!

In Him,
Buck, Leslie, Ashlyn, Amielle, and Luke Burch
Moscow, Russia

Good Resource

2009-12-12T05:10:00.007-05:00

Here is a good resource for those of you interested in training church planters, partnering with IMB missionaries in Russia, in studying about the contextualization approach, etc. One of Buck's most recent posts is about Partnership for Salvation: Finding a Person of Peace

"This week we take on the Luke 10 passage where Jesus told his 72 other missionaries to plan to find a person of peace. Notice that Jesus didn’t tell these guys to go set up a massive evangelism campaign; actually he was going to do that later. Instead he wanted them to initiate a base of operations through finding a person of peace.Just what is a 'person of peace', 'man of peace', or 'son of peace'?"
Read more on these topics at Buck Burch.

The significance of the number 10.

2009-12-04T05:51:00.009-05:00

I am going to share a life story with you to explain the significance of the number 10. Luke just had his 10th birthday. Luke is our tithe—10%; we gave him to the Lord 10 years ago. I praise the Lord for my Luke on this special day!

While living in Moscow and adjusting to our new culture in 1998, we had several unique experiences; though, sometimes they were unpleasant and trying ones.
While carrying my third child, I had problems that developed in the seventh week of pregnancy. I was at language class that day. My first prayer was that the Lord’s will be done and that God would save my baby. My language instructor was very concerned, but her reaction was rather strange. She could not understand why I would want to have another child anyway. The norm in the Russian culture, outside of the religious evangelical circles, is one child per family. Later she even questioned, “You are not going to put your body through this hard pregnancy, are you?” I got the same response at the hospital that day. The technician asked if I wanted to have an abortion. Because of the stress my body was under, I did not need any more pessimistic statements. Buck and I immediately gave this child to the Lord.

A friend who had a vehicle came by to drive me to the clinic. All I could do was pray the entire trip, which seemed like took forever. After the doctor’s examination, we discovered that the fetal sac detached 35% from the wall. I had a hemotoma located near the left side of the sac. The doctor only gave our child a 10% chance to survive, and if I continued to carry the baby, he or she would likely be born premature. Needless to say, we gave this tithe to the Lord. Our tithe!

The doctor put me on bed rest for at least two weeks. I could not do any housework or cook. Buck was in charge of everything including the children. After some period of time the doctor said that I could move around the house slowly. I could take short walks near the house, but I was not to travel on public transportation for any reason. Therefore, our language teacher traveled to us for lessons.

It was very reassuring to see the baby growing and kicking on the sonograms that I had often. We knew that God was in control. A verse from the Bible kept coming to mind: If we are weak in times of challenge, how little is our strength (Proverbs 24:10)! The Holy Spirit provided me with the strength needed to endure.

The baby kept a normal heartbeat the entire pregnancy. God wanted our baby to survive. Soon we found out that we had a son, Luke, growing inside the womb. God knew that I deeply wanted this child. Remembering back to the day when the pregnancy could have ended, I recollected how my emotions yelled for God to sustain Luke. When doctors doubted all possibilities, the Lord was performing a miracle.

Around the 20th week we discussed delivery. The doctor wanted to make plans for premature labor. The options for locating a hospital capable of handling this type of birth in Moscow were slim. We knew if the Lord did not show us an adequately standard medical hospital that we must make other arrangements, possibly travel to another country. That meant that I would have to live somewhere else with the girls for three to four months, and Buck stay in Russia. That was a surprise!

Buck also needed to start finding us a home in Bryansk (the city in Russia where he was to serve as strategy coordinator). Our plans were to move after full-time language and the birth of the baby. After talking with leadership, we made plans for the girls and I to live with parents in the States in case of an early delivery. I finished my last language exam at 11 months, which was presenting a witnessing outline, and traveled home with the girls, leaving Buck behind. What a sad day that was as we waved goodbye in the airport! I immediately built up a wall to fight the emotions that were flourishing. I did not know how I would survive without my best friend for four months. However, I knew that I needed to for Luke’s sake. Buck recollects those lonely months of separation, too.

It became a lonely time for the family as we separated by an ocean and thousands of miles, but the Lord began to teach us dependence upon Him and several lessons that could only be learned through this period of separation. Two in particular came through scriptures that I had learned long ago but through which the Holy Spirit began to speak.

As I finished up full time language school and began the move to Bryansk. With the help of the Russian brothers and missionary friends, the Lord led me to the right apartment. I began to buy the necessary appliances and furniture to accommodate our family when they would return after the baby’s birth. I’m no interior decorator, but it was a pure joy to begin fixing up the apartment in preparation for Leslie, the girls and our expected son. As I was putting everything in place in the kitchen, I thought only of Leslie’s tastes, how Leslie would like it decorated— her favorite colors, where she would want the flour, etc. Upon completion I sat down to admire the place. It was then that the Holy Spirit brought a verse to memory, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). I sensed Jesus telling me, “Buck, I know you really miss your family, but did you know that I also long for you to be here with me. You know the joy you are experiencing in preparing Leslie and your kids a place is the same joy I am experiencing right now as I prepare a place for my bride!” I couldn’t help but break into tears as I thought of how magnificent heaven must be. Jesus is there, and He is preparing a place with us in mind.

The days of waiting and waiting and waiting for our son to be born seemed like years. The Lord also brought to mind a verse, “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God” (Romans 8:19). He seemed to say, “Buck, be patient, he will be here soon and you will have your time of rejoicing!” People are getting saved all over the world, and soon the true sons of God will be shown for who they really are. Be patient, world, Jesus will be here soon and the sons of God will be revealed, and you will rejoice at His appearance!
- “The Times of our Lives” newsletter, October 1999

God is so good, so powerful and so wonderful. Many prayers were lifted up to perform a miracle. Our “miracle boy”, Lucius Robuck Burch IV (aka Luke), was born at 8:45 EST on November 29, 1999, only two weeks early. He weighed 8 pounds and was 19.5 inches long. Buck came as soon as possible. After a month, we traveled back to Russia together, interestingly straight to Bryansk. The things I did not know….My missionary life was just beginning.
-The Chosen Path, L. Burch

Nationally Broadcast Radio Interview

2009-11-27T01:11:00.004-05:00

Click here for Life With Purpose Radio interview airing this weekend with Buck and Dr. Robert White, the executive director of the Georgia Baptist Convention, about life in Russia and the upcoming GBC partnership (precisely at 13:52).

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

2009-11-26T01:43:00.002-05:00

The Burch Family wants to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving Day today!
We hope your day is filled with God’s goodness as you bring thanks to Him for all He’s done for us!
We invite you to remember our most precious blessing is salvation we find in Jesus Christ alone.
May God grant you a wonderful day of memories with loved ones and friends.

In Him,
Buck, Leslie, Ashlyn, Amielle and Luke
“…but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”—Philippians 4:6

Семья Бурч хочет желать Вам очень Счастливый День благодарения сегодня!
Мы надеемся, что Ваш день заполнен совершенством Бога, поскольку Вы приносите благодарность Ему для всего, что Он сделан для нас!
Мы приглашаем Вас помнить, что наше самое драгоценное благословение - спасение, которое мы находим в Иисусе Христе один.
Пусть Бог предоставляет Вам замечательный день воспоминаний с любимыми и друзьями.

В Нем,
Бак, Лесли, Эшлин, Амиэл и Лука
“…, но всегда в молитве и прошении с благодарением открывайте свои желания пред Богом ”—Фил. 4:6

Join in prayer

2009-11-14T02:31:00.006-05:00

*photo reference from Georgia Baptist Convention 2009 (A plea to GA Baptists to pray with us)

Thanks for your prayers for the situation in Russia. As many of you already received our e-updates a few weeks ago, I ask that you continue to remember the following:
"We have been asked to enter into prayer and fasting with the Russian Baptist Union regarding new legislation being pushed through Russian congress. If it does pass, our missionary activities and the regular Christian life of Russian Baptists will be severely restricted. I would ask that you join in prayer with our local Baptist brothers that God would give wisdom and common sense to those making these decisions." (Buck Burch)

To read an article about these regulations, click on Baptist Press or The Christian Index

Georgia Baptist Mission Partnership Opportunities

2009-11-09T07:38:00.004-05:00

Pray about mission partnership opportunities with Russia: Here is a video link to a message from Dr. White, executive director of the Georgia Baptist Convention.

packing for the trip...I sat with my backpack full waiting for the few items that I crammed in all the pockets to satisfy my every need.

2009-11-07T03:10:00.008-05:00

In the beginning of my missionary experience, I never knew 12 years later that such a partnership would develop between my home state and Russia. I cannot wait to see what plans the Lord has to unite the two--Georgia Baptists and the Russian Baptist Union. As I read the article in the Christian Index today, my heart was overjoyed. I immediately had thoughts of home about packing for the trip. So, I flipped through my journal pages and found some of my first meanderings about leaving home to live in Russia as an IMB missionary. And I sincerely want to thank you dear people from Helena Baptist Church in Helena and Southside Baptist in McRae, Georgia. Because you are the ones who taught me the words to the song:: "This Little Light of Mine".

Journal entry in The Chosen Path: Standing in the middle of my bedroom in Eastman, Georgia, I looked around and wondered where to begin. The back pack and trunks sat on the floor empty. As my eyes circled the room, I did not know where to start. Grabbing a shirt here and a pair of pants there, I finally commenced throwing things in the luggage. There was so much stuff. Where did I get all these things? As I prepared and gathered items for my voyage, I really did not know what I would need. Somehow I sorted through the important things and stored the other behind.

I really did not know what was necessary until I arrived at my destinations. With each trip along the way, I soon realized what was required more than anything else. My relationship with the Lord is the most valuable piece or possession that I must have. I was stripped, so to speak, of family, friends, church programs, Christian music and worship services in my heart language. How does a person survive without these dependencies? It is really very simple; however, I must have been rather stubborn on the first few legs of my journey to figure it out. There I sat with my backpack full just waiting for the few items that I crammed in all the pockets to satisfy my every need.

As I plopped on my floor in Russia one day, unlike mine at home, it finally dawned on me. My very existence and livelihood depends on the Lord. All we need is Him! I asked God to help me. I asked God to bring me closer to Him. I wanted to only seek Him for satisfaction. I wanted Him to provide for my every need.

That is when my learning process really began. A person cannot learn until they are willing to listen. In a classroom a teacher instructs and attempts to lead her students to understanding. However, until students have the desire to learn and entrust their attention in the teacher, they will not understand. They may go through the motions of learning but never gain wisdom or true knowledge. Learning comes through application. It was time for me to practice what I had been taught over the years and was being taught day by day.

Remembering my childhood days as I sang the old spiritual, children’s song, “This Little Light of Mine”, I realized that my light was moved to another part of the world. Though the faces changed, the words changed and the entire culture was different, my relationship with Jesus was the same. I could not hide my light under a bushel waiting for the familiar to carry me through and out into the world, but I had to hold it up and stand in Him alone to shine (Matthew 5:14). If I did not get my act together, I was not going to make it or be effective in any way.

Reflecting back, I started to formulate who I was and who I was becoming.
In His Love,
Les

in the shadows

2009-10-29T03:14:00.005-04:00

The other week I went to church without my family because they were a little under the weather. It was a day filled with meetings, teaching and discipling. I had a lot of time to think on the way to church as I traveled by way of metro and walking. It has been a joy this past year to work and serve at Golgotha. The people have been so kind and supportive of our ministry there. I love our pastor and his family as I did my pastor in Saint Petersburg. I can honestly say that these two men have found a special place in my heart because of their devotion to the Lord and leadership skills.

I teach an English Bible study lesson for the kids and parents that attend the class. As we study the English language, I infiltrate Bible lessons and Biblical vocabulary words. And parents who live in neighboring apartment buildings attend with their children. The attendance pattern is so sporadic though. We even had a totally new group yesterday. Sometimes we have 15, and other times it may just be five or six. However, I adapt the lesson for whoever shows and trust that the students will gain new insight from the Word. And for those who do not have a personal relationship with the Lord, I pray that they come to know Him.

As I was contemplating about church and this ministry, I thought about the day and what part I enjoyed the most. I sit among ladies who have totally let me into their group as one of them. Yesterday I was giving an illustration about the Baptist churches and in the Russia language I said, “Our churches in Russia….” Then I paused, apologized and mentioned that I could not help but say “our” churches even though I know that I am an American, but I have lived here for so long. One lady commented that there was no need for me to apologize, because I am Russian. She may never know how much a compliment like that is cherished by a missionary. I also like to receive flowers, fresh berries and vegetables gifts and simple hugs, pats or kisses from the sisters in Christ. Yesterday I was given a bag full of yellow berries. I have no clue what they are, but the offer was nice. I love the ladies in our church, and I think they know it.

Having just translated 11 lessons on spiritual gifts for the upper-intermediate English class, I try to make the most of everything I do for the building up of the body of Christ. The way may be a small one but the desire is huge. We all are needed to work together and are found useful for a purpose. I ask for wisdom to use my time wisely and for direction, because I want to make the most of my efforts—not just good but the best. I desire to use my gifts in the way that pleases the Father.

So, I bounced from meeting to meeting and group to group throughout the day and was torn where to actually stay, because I treasure it all. For a person who loves activity and being involved where the action is, however, I found myself wanting to withdraw, land in the shadows and be of use in a one-on-one situation.

Looking at the whole picture, I so enjoyed the entire day; but my favorite moment was sitting at a secluded table with a new believer in Christ. This lady repented several months ago in another church in Moscow. She started attending our church after her move to the north side of the city. I have been chatting with her for weeks now and felt it was time to ask her if she wanted to have a cup of tea together and find a spot in the church to study. I wanted to disciple and pray with her if she desired.

I pulled out an old Bible study that I wrote years ago while living in Bryansk and we started on the first lesson—“Assurance of my Relationship with the Father” (A Woman’s Path to God, 2003). Nothing beats sharing your own testimony with others. I know that there are many great books and teachings on the market. But when a person has something from experience to share, it is valued so much more. So, my new adventure, not hers, is encouraging one new believer how to know Him. She even eagerly told me before I could embrace the topic again, “I need to baptized; I do not need to put it off any longer.” I guess my plans of study will move a little faster than I expected.

I thank the Lord for how He encourages me. Just when I question my worth, my efforts or my selfish thoughts of did “I” do this right or am “I” being used for You in the right way, He points everything back to His work. The Holy Spirit does not need me, but thank God He allows me to participate, especially in the shadows!

English ministry update and praise!

2009-10-27T09:33:00.005-04:00

We often divide into small groups to assist with the various levels in our English class at Golgotha. Buck is continuing with the adults at an upper-intermediate level. For the children’s class (parents and grandparents also attend), we have two levels—beginning and intermediate. One Russian young girl is helping me with a group. Ashlyn, Amielle and another young girl help with the other group. We studied about the Book of Life this past Sunday and if our names are written there, and a student prayed to receive Christ. It was such a joy to watch my own children participate in leading someone in a prayer of forgiveness.

Devotion- serve him and believe in his promise

2009-10-24T08:10:00.002-04:00

-Path 22-
A Winter's Path
by Leslie Burch

Path Light: Read John 12:20-35
Key Passage: If somebody wants to serve me, he has to follow me. My servant will be everywhere I go. If somebody wants to serve me, my Father will bless him. -John 12:26

As His servants desiring to be fully used for His potential, we have to be reminded in His teachings that we have been chosen by Him only to bring glory to His name. In everything we are doing, no matter where we are living, or what we are experiencing, we need to constantly focus on bringing glory to His name. Having given our lives to the Lord, we need to remember that He is always near us as we follow Him closely. The moment that we do not follow after Him and look at our steps is the time when we lose our focus and vision of Him and His leading.

Many times while living in Bryansk and Saint Petersburg, Russia, I have questioned why certain things have happened. And often wondered for what purpose God allowed these things to take place. Then I am reminded time and time again that I will not always understand. I realize that I cannot possibly grasp His wisdom and decision in all matters. Everything is for His glory and only for that reason should we serve and remember His promise in John 12 "if any man serve me, him will my Father honor.” I know that some circumstances seem to have no eternal purpose. They are sometimes simply hard to comprehend. I question how God can even use me or a situation for His glory. However, I know the fact and trust in the Holy Sprit that one day He will fully allow me to comprehend through His eyes the meaning and purpose of each leading/action. Then, I will look back over the years and wonder why I could not see....

Path Application:
This week let us apply this prayer: May we focus on Your promise, Father, that we are honored as we serve You. May we follow Your lead. May we bring glory to His name!

translation complete

2009-10-10T08:05:00.001-04:00

I finished placing the last translated spiritual gifts lesson on the Golgotha in English site. This has been a great project for me as it was a means for me to improve my language skills as well as watch others enjoy learning about their gifts.

It is time for us to have a serious talk.

2009-09-26T06:53:00.007-04:00

We have a phrase where I am from that goes like this: It is time for us to have a serious talk. I used to love it when late at night my dad, mom and I decided to have a family conference. I am not sure why the desire normally hit us after supper. And the discussion time went into the early hours of the morning. Those were great, tiring moments but learning ones at that! The topics would range from national, business, family, convention, church, town, or personal issues. I think that we would solve the world’s problems in our small living room in McRae, Georgia. There is no need to look it up on the map; it may or may not be there. The town is bigger than the one stop signal light ones but not by much.

These are serious times as they always have been really. Let me explain my thoughts. This morning when I got up I started my daily routine of Bible study, prayer, checking e-mail and reading the online news first thing. Even through our popular social global networks, we can find out how friends are doing in an instant. These networks bring the good and the bad, and they are widespread in popularity. So, I have decided to use them for not only fun avenues but also witnessing tools. I have had many opportunities to tell someone about Jesus and disciple others via chats, instant messaging and tweets. How interesting! We might as well use it more for the good and not let the bad take control.

Last night after my responsibilities with my family where completed for the day, I sat down once again at my computer to check the news. I clicked on a video clip of two of the Southern Baptist Convention's former conservative presidents carrying on a conversation about times past and it was almost as if they knew their days on earth were numbered. They are older in age now and they were reflecting. As I listened, I was in awe to some degree, because these two made a huge change for the good in our convention around the late 70s and early 80s with a return and strong desire for conservatism.

This morning I woke to think about other leaders that really have made a difference to stand strongly on Biblical truths and principles and to believe firmly in the One and Holy God. These leaders are older now and as I look around, I wonder who is going to take their place. Tears come to my eyes as I think of times past and see a generation about to enter into a new life.

And I do not notice many dynamic leaders like those today. Overall as a convention, I see a possible four on the brink of positive influence. Will it happen? Can a great influence take place that will change America and the world for Christ? I hope so. One of these leaders just recently announced publically that after being in the ministry for many years, he still has a strong passion for Christ and one personally shared with me the desire to make a difference. May we never lose our passion or strong desire! As I pray for this to happen, I want to be humble in my efforts to contribute to what I deem important—desiring personal and cooperate revival for the building efforts of a great commissioning movement.

With that, though, comes change. Having been a missionary now for over 11 years and lived in a country where change is inevitable and happens daily. I have discovered five steps that have helped me know how better to handle change: 1) Observe early, 2) Analyze wisely, 3) Act accordingly, 4) Adjust rapidly and 5) Evaluate always.

One needs to most often observe the process early. This means sometimes beforehand. That way we already “knew” the change was coming. This cannot always happen but it generally does when we stay alert. I do my best to analyze with wisdom through prayer. The next step is usually the difficult one for most people. That is to act accordingly. Some wait too late to act, thus causing personal and cooperate or organizational stress. The stress takes place because of procrastination. An optimist views the situation as an opportunity to make a positive move and help with the change. Procrastinators do the opposite. They slow the process down and possibly prevent a great awakening. We must keep in mind step number two is analyzing wisely. Not all change is good. But change happens. It is how we move with it and influence it that makes the difference for the ultimate good. Pray for wisdom.

The fourth step is to adjust rapidly. If I do not, I might get hurt. Look at the meaning of the word hurt however you choose. If a person does not move quickly, the outcome, though, usually is painful, figuratively and sometimes literally speaking. That is what leads us to step number five—evaluate always. One has to be prepared, because generally the cycle repeats and turns. If we are constantly evaluating a situation, nothing will take us by surprise, thus the stress level for stage three will be low. Stay on top of matters. Be in control. Pray for wisdom and trust in Him to help you see the matter clearly.

Having explained my thoughts, I see a new moment in history on the horizon. Change is coming. How will we handle it? What part will we play? How will we lead and follow? And who will step up to be that dynamic influence? I am praying for you and for me to be those great men and women of influence for today.

Maybe I am a little bolder than I used to be. Maybe the experiences that I have been through have caused me to think quite deeper than just on the surface. When you are in a new position or a new environment, it is very important how you react. Since I have made the comparison in my missionary life before about being in a spiritual battle similar to that of a military one, I have learned that you come to new territory prepared and with foresight. You cannot come to a battle and then try to figure everything out; you have to be ready to move. I think the same goes for how one tolerates change. Come prepared to overtake it.

Regardless, it is time to have a serious talk and solve the world’s problems.
-The Chosen Path, L.Burch

Another gift just for you…

2009-09-25T01:47:00.008-04:00

You can hear Dima's, Sveta's, Sergei's and Marina's story now.

A team of IMB workers recently finished pulling together a devotional guide of encouraging stories from the Russian cluster. I posted it on the sidebar for your convenience. You, dear stateside prayer warriors and fellow colleagues, have asked how to get more copies of this booklet. Please click on the Blessings cover photo on the side of this blog page referenced along with IMB stories; it is a free E-devotional download just for you. You will need Adobe Reader to view it.

A little insight into the devotional:

"Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them." Luke 10:23-24

I cannot stress in words how much we are thankful for you and all you do. Over the years of our missionary experiences, you have been faithful to co-labor with us; we value your partnership. Many of you have prayed for numerous hours that souls would be saved, joined us on mission trips and given monetary support. Therefore, we wanted to collect stories of salvations, new church starts or new groups and baptisms to encourage ourselves and you with what God is doing in our harvest field (Blessings, 2009, 3).

In His Love,
Les

Taking up a hobby

2009-09-11T15:44:00.004-04:00

There are some days on the mission field when feelings of loneliness really kick in. Being separated from immediate family and like friends from home makes it tough. Understand that I love Russia and the people, but at times I ache for what is familiar—my heart language, my roots, small town life or South Georgia country living. As I have shared with some of you personally, there is a drive that keeps me going. It must be the urgency to spread the Gospel, the burning fire within me to make a difference, my desire to please the Father, encouraging words from national partners, words of exhortation from prayer warriors and verbal motivating statements from my children and husband.

Though, the fact that the Lord gives me strength is what really sustains me. While living in Bryansk many years ago, I remember relying on Philippians 4:19. I depended only on the Lord for strength to survive. It was a very challenging time and my relationship with the Lord deepened from the experiences. It is through these times that the Lord can shape us and make us stronger vessels to be used for His service. It seems extremely difficult, though, while we are going through times of loneliness, trials, sickness, scrutiny, etc. However, we have a Father that gives us all we need. Later I realized that God was using these experiences to prepare me for the future. I can now identify better with the people I serve and understand more in their heart language. Most importantly I overcame these feelings by relating to the Father even more.

At times even in Moscow many years later, the emotion of loneliness tries to overtake me. I try to pinpoint if it is a certain time of the year that this happens. It could be when the cold weather hits or first signs of the coming season show. I know the long, “hard” days of winter are approaching. So, I revisit these previous chapters from my life that seem to repeat themselves. And recently I discovered something new that may even help with the situation, also. Taking up a hobby may be a good idea.

It has been ages since I have picked up the paint brush. I am reading about how to draw and paint, and a friend who is a professional artist has been giving me some tips. When we moved to the center of the city, Buck and the kids noticed an artist store right below us with a coffee cafe. And, my family urged me to pick out supplies and get started. Setting aside time to go into my own little world of creating a masterpiece, I figured it might help me overcome those negative feelings that stir.

I just finished the second oil painting and am studying on blending colors and ways to allow the brushstroke to enhance the picture. I can tell already that it has been good for me. This seems to help and is actually healthy for relieving stress, too.

Our Little Princess

2009-09-11T13:45:00.005-04:00

*click photo to enlarge

Some ladies at our church call Amielle their Little Princess. And a few Sundays ago they just handed her a bouquet of flowers. I am so thankful that we have such a great church family. Here is my little girl and our friends from Golgotha.

It is an honor!

2009-08-28T01:43:00.004-04:00

We appreciate all of you who have sacrificially given to international missions. Many SBC churches participated in "Christmas in August" for IMB efforts to send workers. Thanks for allowing us to be your missionaries. It is an honor.

In His Love,
Buck and Leslie Burch, serving with IMB in European Russia

desire mercy

2009-08-27T03:47:00.002-04:00

Path Light: Read Hosea 6 and Matthew 9: 9-13

Key Passage: Try to understand what it means that “I will have mercy and not sacrifice.” Because I came to call sinful people, not righteous, to turn to me. -Matthew 9:13 *quotations KJV

We desire God’s mercy. Because of the mercy and compassion he shows us, we know that He loves us and wants us to know Him personally. God had pity on us; therefore, He sent His only Son, Jesus to die for us.

Also in Hosea God spoke to the Israelites concerning their form of worship, and God said, For I desire mercy and not sacrifice; and knowledge of God more than ritual offerings (Hosea 6:6). In Matthew Jesus refers to these same words of God, “have mercy.”

Path Application: God wants our hearts to be given to Him more than He wants what we bring to Him. He wants us to first acknowledge Him as the one and only God. A person may do many things in God’s name and may never know Him. Sometimes we do things in God’s name only to satisfy our desire for recognition. Accept His love and forgiveness. Acknowledge Him as Your Savior. Daily through the reading of His Word and prayer seek to learn what He wants.

Let’s show mercy, love, and kindness to everyone as Jesus showed. One example of Jesus’ concern for all people is in this passage when Jesus was eating dinner at Matthew’s house with many sinners. When the Pharisees questioned Jesus about his eating with “sinners,” Jesus mentions that He came to save those that were lost. We can in no way segregate ourselves from certain types of people. We cannot place people in categories. Jesus died for us all. We are all sinners until we accept Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. This week be challenged to identify in some way with ALL people. Do not just find yourself encompassed by believers. Look for the lost in your city. Show them mercy and compassion as Jesus did at Matthew’s table.

Eat with the lost. Jesus wants every person to believe in Him. He died for sinners. Give your whole heart and life to him, and do not build for yourself a comfortable zone around you that excludes certain types of people because of race, culture, lifestyle, or habits.

Walk Farther:
1. Do you know God personally? Do you have a strong desire to know Him better?

2. What do you need to do in order to know the Lord? What do you need to do in order to know Him better and know His desires?

3. How can we share Jesus with the lost if we are not around them? How can we tell others about Jesus if we spend all of our time only with believers?
-A Winter's Path, path 35, L. Burch, 2006

Correspondence study

2009-08-21T06:37:00.005-04:00

I am very pleased that the Golgotha in English website is being used for study via correspondence now, too. If others are interested, feel free to contact me for questions about the study. I just posted Lesson 8 in Russian and English. Please work at your own pace.

We had a great day Sunday at Golgotha church as we had about 20 students. And this week I began receiving e-mails from a former student in another city in Russia who is working through the study online. How this blesses my heart! The plans for a new children's English program are progressing as well. We hope to soon add a time of learning and worship for school aged students, too. Thanks for your prayers.

In His Love,
Les

Sound of Old Russia

2009-08-19T02:21:00.002-04:00

A common musical sound that one might hear in Russia is the accordion. Still played today by many, this instrument is a sound of old Russia as is the balalaika, a string guitar-like instrument. The other Sunday four church members sang a special with this one man band entitled:

“Красота Иисуса, светись во мне”

Пусть увидят во мне красоту Христа,
Всю Его чистоту и любовь всегда.
О Дух Божий, приди (приди),
Все во мне измени (измени),
Пусть увидят во мне красоту Христа.
-Songbook of Hymns #802, 2006

“Beauty of Jesus, Shine in me”

May all see the beauty of Christ in me,
All His purity and love always.
O Spirit of God, come,
Change everything in me,
May all see the beauty of Christ in me.

I did a rough translation for you to read as you listen (click play tab on video). It is difficult to explain in words the emotions that are triggered when I hear the sounds of old Russia. In America I guess it is kind of like hearing someone play the harmonica or strum on the ole banjo.

In His Love,
Les

2009-2010 Burch Ministry and School Plans

2009-08-05T01:24:00.009-04:00

With the summer coming to a close, the Burch family is gearing up for a new school year with homeschooling and ministry plans—2009-2010. We will start our homeschooling year mid-August. Ashlyn will be in 10th, Amielle in 8th and Luke in 4th grade. Our family attends Golgotha Baptist Church in Moscow. This fall we hope to establish a house group-based English ministry through the church that will meet goals for an international 2nd worship service at the church (more youth-oriented and people group-oriented) as well as start house churches for minority people groups in Moscow. Please pray with us for at least two house groups started by next spring and four by next fall. We would like to see a leader emerge who could be sent out as a missionary/evangelist to his own people group. In a few weeks our present Sunday school class will begin a time of worship by forming a praise & worship choir. And we will be formatting and printing a book for the lessons that were written by a member of our church for the recent spiritual gifts study.

Buck also may be traveling to Serbia in October to help lead an Urban Church Planting Conference for pastors and church planters. Buck will be in Georgia, USA, in November to sign the official IMB/GBC partnership that will start a five-year relationship with Georgia Baptists and St. Petersburg and Moscow. Buck has been invited to train some young people or pastors in the Chuvash Republic and in Ruza. Leslie is praying with the pastors’ wives about starting a home group Bible study. She enjoys meeting with the ladies at Golgotha and has opened her home for a place to meet if they choose. She is also traveling in October to Latvia to help facilitate a leadership meeting among missionary leaders’ wives.

We ask for your prayers as we are moving apartments again. This will be our 7th move since we came to Russia in 1998. The board is asking us to change to another apartment in the center of Moscow in order to make room for another family moving here. We will miss our neighbors that we have come to love. Pray for us to have strength, patience and for the Lord to open up many opportunities for us to serve Him in our new “home”. Buck also covets your prayers as he is working on a Ph.D. in Applied Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. We depend on your partnership. Thanks for being right with us during our missionary journey and feel free to pass along the E-devotional book A Winter's Path by Les.

In His Love,
Les

Witnessing in the village while picking berries

2009-07-23T13:55:00.012-04:00

I love the different seasons of the year. Summer is a great one because of its warmth. Since we somewhat endure the winter months in Russia, we surely enjoy our brief heat wave. Yesterday we traveled an hour outside of Moscow to a dacha (summer home) to pick berries. A friend from church invited us for the day, and we enjoyed a time of fellowship, good food and fresh air.

The country atmosphere seemed nice compared to Moscow’s pace of fast life, noise and pollution. Buck and Luke also played a game of pool and chess with the man next door.

After picking berries, we prepared a meal the old-fashioned way. I washed vegetables with rain water that was collected in an outside barrel or tub. Of course, all the vegetables were grown on the spot, and we even picked some right before we ate. It was hard work preparing the meal, but the outcome was worth it. The house had no running water, so all the drinking water was brought in from a well down the street. This type of life reminded me so much of our days in Bryansk and brought back great memories.

I remember eating with the head pastor’s family in Bryansk, and we had beef, potato, carrot and onion stew that had been cooked all night in a pechka (stone hearth). All the dairy foods (i.e., sour cream, mayonnaise, cheese, etc.) were made from scratch right after milking the cow. A great taste that is unforgettable!

The day was fun and pleasant, and we even had a chance to witness to a villager. We came home with berries to put in the freezer. And now I am off to make fresh cherry tarts…

An Update- "rest and regroup"

2009-07-14T02:00:00.003-04:00

Dear Family and Friends,
I haven’t forgotten about everyone this month. I normally post on the blog at least four times. Having just finished also pulling together, along with a team of IMB workers, a devotional guide of encouraging stories from the Russian cluster, I have taken a few weeks to rest and regroup. I thoroughly enjoyed gathering these Blessings stories about salvation experiences, new church starts, new groups and baptisms among the Russian speaking people. And the most enjoyable part of the work was staying in the Word.

While Buck has been away due to his studies and Ashlyn visiting grandparents in the states, Amielle, Luke and I have continued in Moscow. I have also been thinking through plans for the fall. I want to do exactly what God wants, not what I wish. These plans are becoming clearer as the days go by and as I continue in a prayerful attitude. While at church, Golgotha, Sunday, I was thrilled to hear from a sister in Christ about the desire for a new Bible study home group. She asked when we could start. I responded, “How about September?”

Please be in prayer about the Lord’s will in this matter and others. I still need to translate four lessons for the Golgotha in English ministry. I am presently reading from 1 and 2 Chronicles for my personal "quiet time". I have to be honest and say that I was not too eager to begin reading the historical records; however, to my surprise there were many times that I gathered something new from these books, especially concerning actions of King David. Maybe I will have more thoughts soon about my learning. Again, thanks for your continual love and support and for traveling this journey, this path, with me. I'm trying really hard to connect with you.

In His Love,
Les
-The Chosen Path, 2009

40th Birthday

2009-06-29T02:14:00.009-04:00

Amielle, Luke and I had a great time this past week in Greece as we met colleagues and friends for a conference; it was a time for spiritual renewal, worship, fellowship, training and motivating. What made the trip extra special was my 40th birthday.

Since Buck and Ashlyn are in the states for a few weeks, I was able to celebrate this special day with many friends and people that I actually consider family. Accepting that I was turning “middle-aged” has been a process for me; however, I am admitting it now and no longer in denial. Thank you for the gifts, birthday wishes and prayers. I heard from many of you via e-mail as you noticed my name on the list in Missions Mosaic. God bless you today, too!

The trip was slightly stressful as I traveled without my best friend, Buck; but we did not miss any of the flights, and I handled the paperwork just fine. Our time of worship and renewal was wonderful. Hearing messages and singing in our heart language is always very relaxing and comforting. And the kids enjoyed a time of VBS all week. Thanks to all volunteers for traveling to bless our kids.

Interestingly, though, I found myself singing some songs in Russian. And, when we landed back in Russia, I noticed that I felt like I had returned to my comfort zone. It helped that the people at the airport treated us extra nice and even offered assistance with special documents. It was like a nice welcoming “home” present!

Speaking of home…
My thoughts are often of home. Let me explain. As I sat on the front porch swing of my family’s home place in the summer months of our stateside assignment a few years ago, it became very clear what keeps me going, other than my Lord, is the one thing that remains the same or undisturbed—home. As I have been organizing some of my journals from the past ten years, I have been defining this term home. Home is rows and rows of pine trees planted across the acreage, gorgeous farm land in a rain storm, the sound of droplets of water falling from a tin roof, antique farm equipment decorating the front yard, an old picket fence, sound of crickets at dusk, batches of mistletoe in the old oak tree, sitting down for dinner and conversing about the small town news, etc. I could continue with many thoughts, but the real definition of home and who we really are is not totally these things.

The who we are has been shaped and formed by the many people that have invested their time in us and the many places and opportunities we have seen or lived to experience. You know the feeling you get when you look through an old photo album or sit and watch a slideshow from your picture files on your computer screen saver. You get that warm sensation while glancing at those photos, you notice how the kids grew over the years, recognize how your looks changed, recall the places you have visited and reminisce about the people that crossed your path.

That is what it has been like for me these past few years. Now that I have turned 40, I wish that I knew in the beginning what I know now and somehow matured miraculously years ago. As I have said before: We pass a moment only once and what we gain or take from that instant is up to us. Sometimes we make mistakes, but we do not let them force us to give up. We learn from them and actually push forward because of the knowledge we gained from the incident. As I look through my so called album, I recognize that God has definitely been good! God led me down a certain path, thus helping give a title to my meanderings. Maybe one day I will be brave enough to share all my thoughts on paper.

Thanks for making my 40th birthday so special and keeping up with what is going on in our lives; we look forward to helping you connect more with the Russian speaking people in our area this next season.
-The Chosen Path, L.Burch

SBC news

2009-06-28T04:38:00.001-04:00

For current news about “SBC green-lights Great Commission Task Force”, I referenced this article link from Baptist Press for you. Thanks to all in your commitment for church planting, renewal, revival and spreading the Good News. Let's be in prayer for President Johnny Hunt and the appointed 19 members of the task force panel.

In His Love,
Les
Serving in European Russia with IMB

Steps to take to enter into a personal relationship

2009-06-20T01:38:00.003-04:00

Step 1: Believe in the Son of God.
God wants us to have a life that is eternal; therefore, he sent His Son so this would be possible (John 3:16). We only need to believe in the Son, and we receive this gift of everlasting life. With this gift a promise is given to us that we are now seen as justified. This righteousness is not received by what you do but received because of what Jesus Christ did at Calvary. We are placed in right relationship with the Father. The Father will see the Son in you (Romans 10:9-10).

Step 2: Repent and turn away from your sins.
The word repent in Greek, the original language of the New Testament, is metanoeo meaning to change one’s way of thinking. The word also has the connotation of actually changing your purpose in life. In 2 Corinthians 7:10, we read that worldly sorrow will lead us to death. We need not only be ashamed because we were caught in sin but also be sorrowful enough to make a change in our lives and run from sin.

I have met many people who think that they need to get their lives in order before they come to God. They feel as if they need to clean up the sin or bad habits before having a personal relationship with Him. We need to think the opposite. First we approach God with a repentant heart, and He will help us to stop those bad habits. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we win over temptation that can lead to sin. In Acts 3:19 we read that our sins can be wiped out. God forgets our sins once we have repented, and we can feel as if we are starting a new life. Actually we are starting a new life in Christ once we accept Him. The Bible says, “…the times of refreshing shall come…” (Acts 3:19). We are a new person in Him. In Luke 13:1-9, we can clearly read that the choice is ours. If we do not repent, we will die.

Step 3: Confess Jesus as Lord.
We should not be ashamed of the Lord but confess Him as our Savior (Romans 10:9-10). The Bible says that with our mouth we confess. Believe in your heart that He is Lord. Confess with your mouth. That is putting some action to your belief. The word, confess, here seems to express speaking out. Shout out that He is Lord! Live every day as if it is your last day for sharing about Jesus. Share with others what you are holding dear in your heart. Let your joy overflow to others. Make them wonder what you have in your life that is so special. Help them have a life full of happiness.

Step 4: Accept Him by faith in Jesus Christ.
Your faith in God proves that you are loyal to Him. It is fidelity to your agreement. Allow God to give you the faith you need. Sometimes people wonder if their faith is genuine. The Bible defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Pray to the Father for strong faith. Jesus said to His disciples in Mark 11 that whatever they ask for in His name, if they believe that they will receive it, it would be theirs. This verse applies to you as well. Ask the Father to give you faith in Him, and He will. Jesus said in Mark 11:23, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

Step 5: Trust in God's Word for assurance.
In I John 5:13 the Bible says that we can KNOW that we have eternal life. We may have times when we doubt our salvation, but we can always turn in God’s Word and gain reassurance. Perhaps there are periods in our lives when we doubt our salvation. However, Satan would want us to continue to doubt God’s Word and doubt ourselves. The devil is pleased when we are not confident of what God did for us at the cross. We are breaking fellowship with the Father when we are not assured of our relationship with Him. Settle your doubts by reading the Bible and praying. We will be discussing more in this study about seeing evidence of the Fruits of the Spirit in our lives as another way to assure us of our salvation. Also, we can check for evidence of fruit being produced in our work for the Lord. Remember we gain security only in Him not in our works. Our work for the Lord shows our gratitude to Him.

Step 6: Read and meditate on the Word of God.
We should read and memorize God’s Word (Psalms 119:11). The word for meditate in Hebrew, the original language of the Old Testament, is hagah and may have several meanings. Let’s focus on meditate, speak and moan. In Psalm 1:2 and Joshua 1:8 the word is used in this context. This word is interesting because in our relationship to God and His Word, we want to be able to meditate on Him and His Word day and night. If we concentrate on Him and read His Word constantly, we are placing His Word in our hearts.

Another word for meditate may be think, plan, brood, etc. What does brood mean? When a mother bird sits (broods) on her young in the nest, she stays for a period of time, cares and nourishes them. We must cherish God’s Word as a mother bird does her young. Spend time in His Word. Meditating and understanding God’s Word begin during times when we sit (brood) and read His Book. We will have moments when we will need to be prepared to speak His word from memory. We may not have the Bible in our hands. How can we speak in public about God’s truths if we have not meditated on these truths in private?

I can also identify with the word moan. There have been times in my prayer life when no words or thoughts would come to mind to speak. These thoughts may have come in the form of cries or verbal moaning. Sometimes in our Christian lives, we experience times of utter despair and confusion. Maybe at these times we were trying to survive on our own. Maybe we were just at a point in our spiritual walk with the Lord, and He wanted us to rely on Him for strength. During moments like this, I literally cried out Psalm 22 like David cried while in despair. Whether His Words are meditated, spoken or moaned, let them be hidden in our hearts, so our relationship with the Father can be intertwined as if we were one in spirit.

Let’s make a goal in our lives to dwell on God’s positive thoughts. We can learn of His thoughts by making a commitment to daily read His Scripture. Our thoughts and ways are not His thoughts and ways. His thoughts and ways are much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). The only way that we are going to understand the Father is spend time with Him. Spend time reading His Message to you. All answers for life can be solved through prayer and reading of Scripture.
-A Woman's Path to God, L. Burch

This may be your first time ever to think about these steps. If you have any further questions or thoughts, please feel free to comment below. I would love to hear from you.
In His Love,
Les

How to have a personal relationship with the Father

2009-06-20T01:09:00.003-04:00

Have you ever thought about these two questions: 1) Am I sure that I have a personal relationship with the Father? 2) Am I at peace in knowing where I will be when I die? If your answer to either of these questions is “no” or “I am not sure,” ask the following question: What does it take for me to have a personal relationship with the Father? You can begin a remarkable relationship with the Father when you say yes to His offer of salvation.

His desire in creating us was for us to have fellowship with Him. You can take steps that will lead you to a personal relationship with the Father. God is ready to draw (near) to you (James 4:8). Realize that God created you in His image (Genesis 1:26), and He wants to communicate with you through the reading of His Word.

How is this possible? The Holy Spirit comes to live within us at the moment of our belief. We receive the promised Holy Spirit, the seal, who marks us as His children (Ephesians 1:13). And our understanding of the Scriptures is possible only through Him. He opens our minds to understanding which leads to wisdom.

Steps to take to enter into a personal relationship

Step 1: Believe in the Son of God.
Step 2: Repent and turn away from your sins.
Step 3: Confess Jesus as Lord.
Step 4: Accept Him by faith in Jesus Christ.
Step 5: Trust in God's Word for assurance.
Step 6: Read and meditate on the Word of God.

-A Woman's Path to God, L. Burch

In the next post, Steps to Take to Enter into a Personal Relationship, I would like to explain these steps in more detail. Please read through these carefully or share them with a loved one or friend; He desires for us to know Him personally.
In His Love,
Les

A Mother's Joy...

2009-06-10T00:48:00.008-04:00

These people are my joy. I thank the Lord for my family. There are some days on the mission field when feelings of loneliness kick in. Being separated from immediate family and like friends from home makes it tough some days. Please understand that I love Russia and the people, but at times I ache for what is familiar--one could say this would be my heart language, my roots, small town life or South GA country living. However, there is a drive that keeps me going. It may be the urgency to spread the Gospel, the burning fire within me to make a difference, my desire to please the Father, encouraging words from national partners, words of exhortation from prayer warriors and verbal motivating statements from my children and husband.

Lately I have felt impressed to spend quality time with my children. I do not want to look back one day and say "I wish I had done _______(fill in the blank) with Ashlyn, Amielle or Luke before they left home." I will make great memories. And truthfully they help cure my moments of "loneliness". We just finished a successful home school year. I praise the Lord that I get to teach my own children. I get to spend time with them 24/7.

I now have a 4th, 8th and 10th grader in the house. Since we are finishing the school year and have more free time, I am setting aside certain days for each child. It seems wise to spend a little individual time together.

A mother may be surprised what she hears when she gives a child her undivided attention. And I do not know why I have to remind myself over and over again that a great way to solve my own "so-called problems" is invest my time and attention in others. So, here are a few family pics entitled A Mother's Joy.

A Winter's Path

2009-06-04T04:45:00.010-04:00

Over the past couple of months, friends have asked how to get a copy of my earlier writings. Unfortunately there are no more hard copies of either work left. This month I prayed about how to make at least one of these available again. If your church is interested in having access to or if you would like a personal copy, click here for a free E-Devotional Book:
A Winter's Path

An ocean divides but prayers unite the two

2009-05-25T01:26:00.007-04:00

Yesterday at Golgotha in Moscow, Russia, during the Sunday School hour, I visited one of the ladies' classes to share how my mother's Sunday class in America was praying for them, especially for Olga has she continues to write the Bible study lessons for the English class.

Every Sunday it is evident that the ladies at Golgotha are thrilled to be in church and learning more about the Lord. They are really studying God's Word with a strong passion. We read from Philippians how every time we pray we thank God for you with joy (Phil. 1:3-4). I mentioned that I never fully understood this verse until I became a missionary and lived in Bryansk, Russia, years ago when times were tough. And I just knew that family and friends back home were praying for me. I learned another lesson, too. When you are going through tough times, you should focus on others and pray for them with joy. I began praying for those around me and my problems seemed to disappear.

Yesterday the ladies at Golgotha were so pleased to hear that other ladies in America are praying for them. I even asked for a specific prayer request sheet. They handed me one immediately. I will translate this list and pass it on to the ladies' class at Southside Baptist Church in McRae, Georgia. Though an ocean divides the two countries geographically, the prayers bring them together in heart. I live in Russia as one of your missionaries, and I thank the Lord that I have an opportunity to pass on your thoughts to other brothers and sisters in Christ for encouragement. So, yesterday, dear ladies--you who trained me in the Lord--of Southside, I was your voice; I hope I made you proud.

Earnestly Request Mercy

2009-05-22T05:07:00.006-04:00

How we should be ashamed and repent! Do we see our ugliness? Are we begging for mercy? We should seek forgiveness with a strong passion, because our sins are being spelled out to us letter by letter and verse by verse.

If we study Ezekiel 36 in order to comprehend what is actually taking place, we notice evidence of God’s grace. In verse 32 God says that He is not showing mercy for their sake. This is a clear picture of a loving God. All throughout this book, the Sovereign Lord calls the children of Israel to listen to His Words. The phrase often repeated is: “Hear the word of the Lord.” This is a command.

Time after time they were given the opportunity to heed the warning. However, Israel sinned over and over again, and God continually called for them to repent just as He calls for us to turn from our sinful—fleshly—ways. He wants to cleanse us from our ugliness (verse 25). He will give us a “new heart” and a “new spirit” (verse 26). God will take away our hard, unclean, dirty, black, sinful nature and bring us into a “land” where He will be our God (verse 28). By His grace we are called His own.

We have seen God’s wrath and judgment throughout the entire book. God provides a summary for us in this section. Multiple times He has spoken of His intent, fiery and jealous anger, but now He had pity on the children of Israel yet again. They are reminded, though, in verse 32 to “be ashamed” and sorrowful for their actions.

All we have to do is a complete turn around entrusting ourselves to Him. Fear God, repent, submit to His Sovereignty, experience His love and receive His blessings. It is that easy. With a repentant heart, we see our filthiness before Him just as the children of Israel did.

After reading this chapter, I was convinced even more than before that God’s love is only understood after we comprehend His wrath and vice verse. They must be explained together. Interestingly it may be wiser not to use the phrase “we must have a balance” in teaching these two attributes; we must simply teach both, not one without the other. If our true desire is to know Him, we cannot pick and choose what we want to accept. That is why often these days the Word is being “adapted” to fit a way of lifestyle to make everyone feel comfortable (See earlier post, 5-13-09).

And I realize once again that we must watch out, because dangers are present yet hidden all around us. Be careful for there are false prophets in disguise everywhere (Matthew 7:15). Buck and I were discussing Romans 3:10-18. He said that we see the “ultimate end of a group of people who have replaced the righteousness of God with their own creation”. Unfortunately there is no fear of God. They do not know peace and their mouths utter words of death (verses 14; 17-18). The sad part is Satan is slowly luring people into a level of comfort unaware. Subtle untrue, negative lies and statements have briefly been fed from some media savvy government officials, “pastors”, writers of “fiction”, family and friends to diminish our levels of tolerance for the Truth. Just as with the children of Israel, we have allowed other beliefs, bad theology and idols in our midst.

What can we do? Pay attention and do not let anything be a substitute for God’s Word. And may we not be guilty of the same sins as Israel! God please have mercy on us for we are sinners. Save us from our sins. We ask for forgiveness. God promises that He will “save you from all your uncleannesses” (verse 29). And He will pour out His blessings (verses 29-30; 37-38). Praise God because of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, we are cleansed as “white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).
-The Chosen Path, L. Burch, 2009

Follow on twitter

2009-05-15T11:01:00.004-04:00

Follow @lesburch on twitter - Thought-provoking questions for spiritual reflection.
*Click on title or lesburch

Preaching and teaching is rarely confrontational or exegetical anymore; it is conversational.

2009-05-13T13:11:00.009-04:00

Do we really understand the wrath of God we read about in the Old Testament? How is that same wrath displayed in the New Testament? The answer has to be found in Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. This is a topic we generally do not want to think about. Maybe it is because we do not understand it. If the truth be known, maybe it is because we do not want to picture such a loving God in this manner. God cannot tolerate sin. I have been reading in the book of Ezekiel lately, and we read multiple times about the Sovereign Lord bringing judgment on the nations. God will judge each according to his own deeds (Ezekiel 33:20). This is Truth just as much as the fact that God is Love (1 John 4:16). He sent His own Son to die such a cruel death because of our sins. He is our only way to the Father. Jesus is our mediator.

I am really concerned about my home country right now. America looks drastically different than it did 11 years ago. I have been removed from the scenes for this extended period of time. My dad said the other day that maybe I can see things better because I have been taken out of the picture. I remember how things were, and I recognize how much things have changed. I realize that times change and people change, but God’s Word never changes. It is as if people have been snoozing and are not aware of what is taking place around them. It is a shame that things have to get so bad before anyone pays attention. It is time to wake up. Not all, but I am afraid many, have lost sight of this fact and do not want to think about the wrath of God. They only want to focus on the topic of love.

Today it seems that the Word needs to be “adapted” to fit a way of lifestyle or way of thinking just to make everyone happy. This is very dangerous. We cannot adapt the Word to satisfy us; the Word should be the standard that we live by. I made some conclusions about these concerns. In the general population of spiritual teachers and speakers, preaching and teaching is rarely confrontational or exegetical anymore; it is conversational. That is, rarely do preachers critically explain; they comfortably pacify these days.

We attempt to whitewash our faults instead of expose them for repair. Have you ever whitewashed a fence or the side or your house? The fact is that this thin coat just touches up the ugly spots. It is time to fix the damaged spots and put on a fresh coat of paint. Call black “black” and white “white”; do not compromise and call it grey. Therefore, call sin “sin”.

The Word says:
* “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)
* “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:22-23)

We need to beware of false teaching and doctrines and hold ourselves accountable to God’s Word.
* “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)
* “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies…And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” (2 Peter 2: 1-3)
* “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

We can rejoice in the fact that the Father knows us, loves us and calls us “the sons of God”, and remember that He understands that the world does not know us, “because it knew him not” (1 John 3:1). It is time to stand up and not be ashamed anymore. Let’s hold to the Book and teach verse by verse. This is not a time to converse or discover the Truth. I would venture to say the dangers of the emerging church, for example, can be equated with the belief of evolution. Everything and everyone gradually evolves from what already exists. The Gospel Message no longer needs to be compromised. There is only one way that leads to repentance and one way that leads to life and one way that leads to truth—Jesus (John 14:6).
-The Chosen Path, L. Burch, 2009

Russian Evangelical Christian Movement

2009-05-08T12:10:00.004-04:00

This was a wonderful conference with the purpose to unite all Evangelical Christian churches who share common conservative Baptistic doctrine and evangelistic spirit. This conference was a celebration of 100 years of Russian Evangelical Christian Movement, founded by Prokhanov with a view to win souls. Buck was able to attend and was even picked up for a few seconds on Russian TV.
*the title above will direct you to the link

back to the basics

2009-05-05T08:26:00.004-04:00

In the past 11 years, the world has changed drastically. The areas of the world in most need of the Gospel are not the same either. I would even say that America now is in just as much need of the Gospel as many other countries. Buck was just sharing with me that Africa and some Latin American countries have more Christians than any other part of the world. There has also been a decline in membership of our Southern Baptist Churches in America and an increase in the interest of other religions like Islam, Buddhism and so forth. We are even noticing on the mission field that there has been a huge shift in missions and international needs.

There are still small pockets of unreached peoples, but in general Russia is not a pioneer field. We are still assured that the doors of Russia were opened for this specific time in history, and I will always be grateful that I am here to serve. Though, the question still remains in my mind, one in which I feel we must constantly revisit: What parts of the world have limited access to the Gospel? I would add another question today: Where do I fit in in this equation to bring change to the world?

These have always been underlining goals, but I am more convinced than ever before that I (we) need to get back to the basics, that is, abiding in Him (John 15). Only through that can we know for sure what we are to “do” for Him on a day-to-day basis and where we are to serve. We are promised in John 15:5: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” And again we are told in verse 4 and 11 that the branch cannot bear fruit if it does not abide in the source—the vine—of its joy; our joy which is to remain full.

I have dreams of what I want to be involved in, what I want to do and how I want to serve the Lord with my family, but no dream or act can surpass my desire to first remain in Him. This requires time. A time deemed as valuable, and a time that I ache to spend with Him. If Christians are going to “impact the world”, a phrase often used in our Baptist arena, we have to abide in Him. That constitutes more than just an initial repentance; it requires a commitment to a personal ongoing relationship-building with the Father. A great place to start is the beginning. If we are not careful, we venture to fulfill our own ideas and accomplish our own agenda, though, often achieving great things for Him; unfortunately, we have somewhat left our first love (Revelation 2: 4).

If we could give or do anything for the Lord, it would be to abide in Him. The fruit will automatically be produced, because the source distributes the nutrients needed for fostering fruit. This growth begins in me first. I came to the conclusion earlier in my meanderings that prayer was the key to make a difference. The next step was to allow the Master Artist to actually paint the strokes. Here we are honestly submitting to Him. Maybe it is the how or the means by which we can persevere, but we have to abide in Him.

If the Christians of America, Russia or any other country are going to make a stand for Him, we must return to our first love. God will assure us that we are just where He wants us and lead us to fit into the equation to bring change to the world. Otherwise, we are never going to be able to regain our position as a people that “stand up” for Christ. There is a danger when a person distances oneself from the Source. The Bible says: “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.” (verse 6)

Abide.
-The Chosen Path, L. Burch, 2009

Georgia Baptist Convention- Partnership Opportunities in Russia

2009-04-22T10:37:00.005-04:00

Click on the title above for another message in video from Dr. J. Robert White, Executive Director of the Georgia Baptist Convention, about their partnership with the churches in Moscow and Saint Petersburg for planting new churches.

"Blessings" article- Sing Unto the Lord

2009-04-22T03:18:00.008-04:00

This article was personal, so I thought I would reference it:

Dear Partners,
I stood in awe and tears rolled down my face as I listened to two beautiful prayers. A couple of ladies knelt before the church and cried prayers of repentance and forgiveness while brothers and sisters in Christ stood by them in support.

Last Sunday, we had the opportunity to witness spiritual gifts at work. Olga Sergeyevna has been teaching at Golgotha Baptist Church in Moscow for a number of years. Our IMB team asked her a few months ago to write a Bible study on “Spiritual Gifts”, and it is being translated into English for a new ministry. Olga Sergeyevna brought a friend of hers to the service. After a highly evangelistic worship service where Boris Berezhnoi, the lead singer for the Russian Christian music group Blagovestie, had shared the gospel in word and song for about an hour, an invitation was given. It was a joy to see Olga Sergeyevna literally push her friend forward to accept Christ publicly. When she did, many in the service began to weep tears of joy. Another visitor at the church ran forward to bow on her knees and give her life to Christ, too. It was a joyous day to see the spiritual gifts of teaching and evangelism displayed for the glory of Christ!

What a gorgeous sight it was! We are thankful for servants like Olga and Boris who use their gifts to edify the church. More importantly we give glory to God for saving souls. The church sang enthusiastically along with Boris: “May Russia bow before You!” It was amazing to see such a request being answered right before my eyes.

Rejoice with us,
Les
(Blessings, "Sing Unto the Lord", 3-11-09)

Subscribe to Blessings: blessings@everyheart.net

Georgia Baptist Convention- Reaching Russia for Christ

2009-04-21T11:59:00.010-04:00

Click on the title above for a message in video from Dr. J. Robert White, Executive Director of the Georgia Baptist Convention, about their partnership with the churches in Moscow and Saint Petersburg for planting new churches.

ХРИСТОС ВОСКРЕС!

2009-04-19T09:05:00.008-04:00

ХРИСТОС ВОСКРЕС! Christ is risen!
ВОИСТИНУ ВОСКРЕС! He is risen indeed!

Amielle and her friends took part in a drama production in the Easter service at Golgotha Baptist Church in Moscow. I have uploaded a short family video. Happy Easter!

*Click on the video to play or the title above "ХРИСТОС ВОСКРЕС!" will send you directly to the host link for viewing.

Russian meetings

2009-04-11T13:35:00.006-04:00

Buck was invited this week to a Russian meeting on the topic of missionary service. Many evangelical organizational leaders from Moscow were present. We are hearing about some great plans for sharing the Gospel in European Russia and Moscow.

I have heard that it is healthy for missionaries to blend into the culture where they serve. Part of the Russian culture is very serious in nature. And this meeting was just that, thus the look on Buck's face. Thanks for your prayers as we seek to partner with these believers.

Church Fellowship

2009-04-06T06:04:00.004-04:00

We had another wonderful day at church. Our family looks forward to Sundays as Luke is involved in his classes, Amielle is practicing for an Easter Sunday drama production and Ashlyn is spending time with the young people. Even though it is a long day for us, we are eager to be with the local believers at Golgotha.

Leaving home early, we arrive and Buck prays with the pastors and brothers first thing. The service starts at 10:00 and dismisses by 12:30 for a time of tea and cheese bread. At 1:00 we attend our various Sunday school classes. I am so thrilled to be a part of a ladies class on the third floor. The teacher asked that I sit in, so we can consult with one another about the lessons and new ideas for her class. They all welcomed me to their group; I praise the Lord for new relationships.

Then at 2:00-3:00 our family participates in the English Bible study. We are seeing growth in number and learning. Yesterday I was pleased as I was able to translate more vocabulary in Russian. Translating the Bible study lessons during the week has been helpful. Though Buck teaches the lessons, the ladies in the class seek my help with words and phrases as we all work together to understand more about Spiritual gifts.

We really miss out on a noon meal, so I always pack a picnic lunch to tie us over until we travel home. However, if we stay for extra meetings, we are welcome to eat a prepared meal for those ministering all day. The ladies in the kitchen already love Ashlyn as she and her new friend help clean the social hall and kitchen after hours. The other day I saw one of the girls toting a mop bucket. All of this activity together makes a church fellowship!

I uploaded some photos for us all to enjoy, and please continue to pray. Praise God for Golgotha Baptist Church.
In His Love,
Les

Let's Go Down to the River....to Pray....

2009-03-23T09:50:00.007-04:00

Buck just arrived back home this morning from Bryansk, where 5 young people were baptized yesterday in the freezing Desna River. This young church plant is growing! There are about 70-80 regular attendees now for the Sunday and Wednesday services. The young church is led by 20-somethings and the majority of the members are below 18 years old. The worship service is definitely "next generation" and Buck was overjoyed to meet them, because some of them are the children of young guys with whom he worked with to do church planting when we lived in Bryansk 10 years ago.

Billy is a pastor at Lifeway Church in Seattle, WA, but his church has freed him up to spend about 6 months out of the year as Virtual Strategy Coordinator with the IMB. Buck said, “I just praise God that these youth are being reached for Christ. And I praise God for Billy and Patty Arnold and Lifeway Church. May this become a true Christian Youth Movement in Russia.”

Here is a short video clip of the event. (If blog music is running, you may want to click the pause button on the left of the page.) It blessed my heart and I am sure that it will bless yours. Our prayers are with you Billy and Patty! God bless you!

Skewed Vision

2009-03-17T02:26:00.002-04:00

One Thanksgiving holiday Buck wrote a poem. About a month later, I read it again and one particular thought or stanza really struck me right to the core. “Like Judas’s skewed vision, I try to paint You into my creations instead of You revealing me in Yours.” So, that has been one of my problems. That is why my vision is skewed, because I have been the one trying to paint the picture. I must allow the Lord to paint the strokes not me.

I actually enjoy painting and want to study more on the subject. I have pulled out a brush or two and painted a few scenes. In the beginning when I started out, though, I immediately began painting on a canvas without preparing it. I had no clue that I must first prime the support. Therefore, the strokes looked thick and uneven. I was in too big of a hurry and did not study up on the topic before I began. The surface needed to be smooth and prepared for the oils.

Sometimes I do the same thing in life. I jump right into a task or challenge without thinking it through or without preparing the canvas. Just as the Master slowly prepares us for His work, we must be willing to let Him prime us. Priming a painting surface does not always happen overnight. It takes several hours mostly depending on the temperature. It takes years sometimes to prepare us for His service and work.

Many times when I am faced with a project, my view is distorted. I have assurance that it will become clear eventually, but I often tackle the challenge by myself instead of allowing the Creator to finish the piece through me. I am not saying that we need to just sit back and wait for everything to come to surface and not put forth any effort. It is just that we must understand that the Master is the one that paints, because He sees the overall picture. We must be willing to allow Him to guide us.

Details also matter in a painting and make-up the whole. An experienced painter observes the scenery in depth before even picking up the brush. God does the same with our lives! Unfortunately if we are in too big of a hurry, we often just glance. But we must train ourselves to observe.

Right now we are helping to start an English speaking ministry at a large church in Moscow. From day one the pastors and leaders of the church were ready for us to begin. First we said that we must pray. For weeks now we have set an example by praying in the sanctuary after the service for those interested. We want the ministry to become one of the churches. It will be theirs not ours. Our existence in country is temporary. The ministry should not revolve around us anyway. It needs to be indigenous and done according to His will. I can honestly say at times I was ready to plunge right in, but this has been the wiser move. Anything that is effective takes time.

There is one other factor that I sometimes want to overlook. I love projects, and I love seeing the outcome. I must remind myself over and over again the following: It is not only about the finished product; it is about the process, too. Sometimes it is hard to submit and move at His pace. God sees the whole painting; I cannot. Thus, I hand over the brush and allow Him to reveal me in His work. My vision then becomes clearer.
-L.Burch, 2009

Is that sunshine peeking through the trees?

2009-03-14T09:43:00.010-04:00

"The sunshine time of year is on its way, Everybody. I think."

"The animals are stirring."

"Spring is in the air; but, oh no, I am still knee deep in snow!"

Here she is...

2009-03-09T15:30:00.004-04:00

Here she is! I would like to introduce you to Olga Sergeyevna. After the church service, I asked if I could take a picture with her, because many of my friends and family are praying as she writes the Sunday school lessons on “Spiritual Gifts.”

She was so thrilled to hear that people in America were remembering her in prayer. She grabbed my hand as we took the picture. I could not help but smile as she squeezed my hand. The love I felt flowed straight to my heart.

She just finished two more lessons. My plans are to translate about a lesson a week. Please pray as I am very tired. The winter months in Russia seem to drain an individual physically, and I have been asked to do some more writing— a devotional booklet. I am being blessed by staying in His Word. Once again the Lord has opened a door for a project that is just what I need for myself. Buck has been extremely busy with work as well, and the kids are still plugging along in school. It is nine weeks testing time again and with that is much preparation.

We had another great day at church yesterday. We were actually at church all day long. A sister in the Lord approached me and asked for help with a woman’s Sunday school class, too. Of course, I said, “Yes”.

These lessons are about how women can best react in situations that affect us emotionally and psychologically. About nine years ago, I wrote a small group Bible study lesson after interviewing a Russian acquaintance on this very topic. God surely does put the pieces of a “puzzle” together. I have to tell you more about that story later. Till next time, here are some pics for you to enjoy. Thanks for your continual prayers for Olga and the English ministry at Golgotha. God is so good!

Family fun

2009-02-20T03:11:00.007-05:00

Everybody needs a valentine. We ventured out on this special love day on a hunt for a bird friend for Luke's pet parakeet, Parrie. We found "her". We are pleased to introduce to you- Ekaterina (Katy). She is the yellow one. Interestingly our family has learned much about budgies. For instance, the blue on the beak (cere) is characteristic of a male and brownish color is on the female.

We ended the day with a great gourmet dinner that Buck prepared. I'll tell you a little secret: My Georgia Boy knows how to cook!

"God, please, change me," I cry.

2009-02-13T09:44:00.008-05:00

A Changed Life. Since I truly desire to positively influence others, I often wonder if I have really made an impact on anyone’s life. The yearning in my life to minister and tell The Story is so strong; therefore, I really try so hard to do or say the right things to others. I “feel” as if it is my responsibility. To take part in the transformation process in a person’s life is so fulfilling. I have had the opportunity to sit down and talk with several authors, speakers and people that have impacted hundreds for Christ. I only dream of doing such a thing.

Sometimes I feel like I cannot bear the weight any longer. Am I doing all I can to disciple my kids? Is my husband closer to the Lord because of something I said or did? Are any ladies that I have come in contact with any better because I took the time to care? How many have come to Christ because I was prepared to share?

At the time my husband and I were helping with a new church start on the island in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where we lived and worked as missionaries, I remember an incidence so vividly how God worked in Luda’s life. While attending this church plant, the Lord impressed upon my heart to encourage a specific believer. Luda and I began praying periodically. We prayed for personal prayer requests as well as a group to start meeting in her home. She wanted to reach out to her neighbors. We prayed, if I remember correctly, for about six months together. Nothing happened. I became discouraged. Summer time approached and Luda moved from the city to the outskirts of Saint Petersburg for the season. This is very common among the Russians. They move to the country to enjoy the fresh air, rest and even plant a garden. By August they are prepared to gather the harvest. The most interesting thing happened while she was there. She said:

Three years ago my sister Leslie came up to me and asked, “Why don’t we pray that the Lord somehow would help you reach your neighbors and tell them about Him?” We began praying. We did not know how it would all work out. But in the summer, we decided to buy some land…We traveled south to a village called Tropkino (Path) where it would be a little warmer….

My husband left and went home to St. Petersburg. I decided to read the Bible in the countryside out in the open foliage. While I was reading out loud, two storks came nearby and appeared to be listening to me read. When I opened the Bible I read, “Go and tell.” I felt like the Lord was telling me, “Go and tell.”

The next week I went to the mobile shop and asked the villagers if they had a Bible. They said that they have never held a Bible in their hands. I asked, “Would you like for me to give you a Bible?” Their response was, “Yes, we want one.”

I called my husband, Sasha, in St. Pete and told him to bring all the Bibles that he could find. He found and brought many Bibles. We gave the Bibles to the people, including the children. In Pskov oblast (region), they thanked me and kissed me. Later they came to me and said, “We cannot read the writing in such a small font.” I said, “Let me be your eyes. Why not we meet every Sunday for me to read to you?”

We began meeting and God allowed this to be a time for me to bond with my neighbors. This time of fellowship was in the open countryside. We gathered and read the Bible. I tried to answer all their questions. We met this way all summer, and to this day I still relate to them.

…older women came to me through the forest on Sundays, as not to be seen. They said that it was pleasurable how I read and how we related spiritually. Four repented and accepted Christ in their heart….That is the story how God miraculously answers prayers! We asked that God would bless with a group in my apartment, but we see that God has His own plans. Our thoughts are not His thoughts. His plans are not our plans. This is how a Russian saying goes. In that way, the place opened for us to tell others about God in the village Tropkino.
-Ludmilla B., Interview, 2007

The Lord allowed a harvest to be gathered that summer, though, in a different city. Luda was instrumental in not only planting seeds but also in reaping a new field. God is faithful to answer our request. I will be honest. I became very disheartened during the last few months we were praying, because no results were visible. Luda had such a strong desire to see her neighbors come to a Bible study. We received an answer to this prayer a little different than expected.

We prayed God would provide a group in Saint Petersburg in her apartment, but God had different plans. When Luda left for the summer and returned, she immediately called me and shared her wonderful story with such excitement. She was so thrilled. God totally changed her, and she became bold in her witnessing. I suddenly realized God does have His own plans. We must live for the moment and be committed to what He calls us to do day-by-day. It is important that we never doubt His direction.

It has been a privilege to see what God is doing in Russia. Luda was different after that experience. If I am really honest, though, the life changed is mine, too. Luda impacted my life; she influenced me. Luda’s strong belief and boldness is planted in my mind forever.

Today I realized something that I should have understood a long, long time ago. If I want to encourage others in a mighty way, I allow Christ to first modify me. I have met great leaders of today and read about those in the Bible like Moses who led the children of Israel through the desert and Abraham, the father, whose descendents were as numerous as the stars— to be a person like that! Of course, we cannot forget David, a writer of the psalms. Isaiah, the great prophet, was not really remembered for his message to the people but that he said, “Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6: 8)

Are these people really known because of their works? No. Their greatest accomplishments are not what they did but who they were in Christ— their transformation. David was a man that begged God to know his heart and lead him to the way that is everlasting (Psalm 139). Moses, Abraham, and Noah did everything through faith (Hebrews 11). The overarching factor is not their deeds but their faith. “By faith, may I be used for You. Search me. Make me. Mold me. Fill me. Guide me. Lead me. Here I am, Lord. Use me. God, please, change me,” I cry.

-Journal: The Chosen Path, L. Burch, 2009

Golgotha Church in English

2009-02-08T08:30:00.004-05:00

We had our first Sunday school lesson in English today at Golgotha Baptist Church. There were about 8 members (excluding our family) interested in starting the core group for what we hope is an evangelistic effort of the church for inviting friends and family. We were thrilled to be a part of the group and please continue to pray as Olga S. prepares lessons and I work up the translation. You may visit the Golgotha in English blog to view the lessons in Russian and English. Click on the title above (Golgotha Church in English) or go to:
http://www.golgothainenglish.blogspot.com/

Homeschool thoughts (blog #2)

2009-02-02T01:31:00.005-05:00

I posted a few thoughts about homeschool on my other blog. The topic is creativity- a must to homeschool. I enjoyed thinking back to several years ago. Click on the title, "Homeschool thoughts" above. The link will carry you there.