Ruslan has become a honorary member of our team. Every day we drive with him or work with him on projects including painting the "dungeon" or sandblasting the volleyball court. We won't talk about how fast he drives... or the chicken he ran into on the road today....suffice it to say he is a wild man!
Ruslan means "russian" in German - ironically though Ruslan is from Ukraine. He came here first to do discipleship training with YWAM. His parents followed, coming as missionaries to Russians here.
Ruslan shared about how Christ became central in His life:
I had one birthday when I turned 17, I asked my father for money to celebrate. He didn't give it to me. I was so mad at him, I got drunk and was throwing up for hours. At that time, I really hated myself. I grew up in church, but had an idea I might be missing out on something.
There was a conference at that time where I started learning about God and there I really received God in my life. Even my best friend saw me and said I was different. I got excited about prayer and going to church. I started doing basketball through my church. We would pray and then play. There was one guy who prayed for me and said I would be a missionary. I just didn't think about that.
My dad asked me if I wanted to do a discipleship training at YWAM. I had to get passport and visa.I needed 8 weeks and after this I got passport and visa in 2 weeks. It showed me that God opens doors wherever you go.
When I came to Germany, I couldn't speak English with the staff here.They err even thinking to send me home. There was a guy here who was in Kazakhstan and he was always translating for me. I went to Ethiopia and I needed to preach in a prison. The Holy Spirit really moved me. I told stories. I didn't even think about it, I just spoke. I didn't have money.I washed my clothes by hand. When I was in Ethiopia, I wanted to buy some things. God answered my prayers every time.
When I got back, I could speak English better. School was going to finish and I had no mney. We have a gift night here in the castle. I got so many things like clothes. I kept seeing God take care of me. He takes care of us, even more than parents. I see every day how God provides for me. I get car, I get clothes and what I need.
When you get home you can share a lot to your friends about how you saw things. I always say you can't put God in a box. I am working here for four years in maintenance and also with kids coming to our youth group. I am going to Bible school in the fall here.
Trust in God for everything. Ask him why he put you here. Don't worry about things.Trust him with everything. You don't know how long you will have money or food but you will have God.
I wanted to do a Bible school in Ukraine. It was in Russian and I thought that would be good for me.it wasnt working out. Now I can see there is a school operating here soon. It is working out for me the way it should. You should write down when God speaks to you. You should remember every thing He says to you. Don't be scared of ups and downs. I have more than I need. Trust him in all your ways He will direct your path.
pictured is team member Joe and Ruslan
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