T Spring 2010 H E Liljegren serving with encouragement international, inc. u p d a t e

A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. As I left by train on Sunday night, Barbara (Prov. 16:9) was teaching a seminar to about 20 women, also at New Life. 3 teachers (on Right) attending seminar Three teachers from the two When we think back over our recent 2010 Spring schools came, who were not Mission Trip, we planned, but God directed our steps in many believers. They appreciated unexpected ways. the presentation, saying they had never thought of these Our first stop was in Saransk, , where we have things before. Barbara gave brought 13 short-term teams to help plant 3 church- them New Testaments with es. We were honored helps on finding God. with cultural exchange programs in two schools. Comment from Barbara: Our presence often provides a One had contacted a local catalyst for many witnessing relationships and opportunities for TV station, which inter- the nationals. My trip was Valentina sharing the Gospel with Yulya viewed us upon arrival. hard, being so concentrated, and it was glorious, helping Barbara, Arina, and Natasha to encourage many invalids We later learned and beloved in Christ, and that this interview finding unusual favor for and school presenta- the Gospel with many tion was broadcast in Western Russia

with our friend Lucy and her students Russian kisses from Antonina in village of Baevo on many stations. The students performed beautiful Mordovian dances and songs. We Barbara's seminar at Revival Church loved it! unbelievers. This was my twelfth visit to Saransk. Each time I return On Saturday night I delivered a requested lecture from Russia, I tell myself two things: on Leadership Development to about 30 church lead- 1) I can't do this again! and 2) I must return as soon as possible… ers after a full day of for an entire year! other appointments. On Sunday I awoke with a During Barbara’s productive ministry in Saransk, I was still high fever and could not having health issues by the end of the second week. I did meet attend New Life Church with Ruvim Voloshin, Vice as we had planned. What President of the Russian Baptist Union, in . Jim's Class In St. Petersburg I was a disappointment! This hosted by Sasha Kurmaev, began a full week of pastor of our church health problems for me, plant in Rybatsky. He and even though I made every I made final plans for the appointment in Moscow, summer teams with two St. Petersburg area, and Jim with Ruvim Voloshin church planters: Alexander as scheduled. Visiting Sveta and her family Hubeev in Pskov and Julian Erenchuck in .

228 Via del Caballo • Oak Park, CA 91377 • 818-991-0853 • [email protected] (within USA) • [email protected] (outside USA) This relationship with Sasha always rejoices our hearts. us to be put on our ministry update list.) And thank you, He takes his our faithful family and friends, for praying and sending us youth to Pskov encouraging messages. Thank you to everyone. Your prayers and Petro after made a big difference! we leave! He carries on the We planned our trip, but God ordered our steps. work of plant- To God be the glory! This trip laid the groundwork for the ing reproduc- July 14-August 10 evangelism ministry with 21 Americans in ing, God-reliant Pskov, Petrozavodsk, and Czech Republic. Jim with Sasha and Julian (blue shirt) churches. In His constant care, I tried to fly to Prague on Sunday, April 18, but all flights were cancelled because of the volcanic eruption in Iceland. Jim and Barbara We learned later that 100,000 flights were cancelled over a 6-day period, with 10 million affected for many days. I was very disappointed. We thought of many travel options to Prague… even a 40 hr. train trip. But I did get a flight with my interpreter to Prague from St. Petersburg on Thursday, April 22. I only had one afternoon and evening in Prague Jim with Igor, Camp Director (Gennady on L) but did meet with the camp director to finalize our plans for Our Gang this summer’s team.

Flights out of Prague at that point were $6,200 to get back to the USA. There simply were no reasonably priced Upcoming 2010 Ministry Schedule tickets for days, we learned from travel agents and our internet research. My interpreter had the great idea to contact Summer Team ministry: July 14-August 10 a Moldovan travel office on line. He found a very reasonably Goal: to help plant new churches in the priced flight from Prague to to LA for me for Friday, April following cities/areas: 23. The only hang-up was that it had to be paid for in cash. • Pskov: July 14-24 (courtyard outreach, My interpreter made a quick call to a friend in Moldova, and evening concerts) his friend paid for the flight, to be reim- • Petrozavodsk: July 25-30 (courtyard and bursed later. So, in about 12 hours, a sports outreach) very hopeless situation turned into • St. Petersburg area: July 31-August 10 my miracle flight…a real blessing! But (Extreme Youth Camp outreach) God didn't stop there. Back home, • Czech Republic Family Camp: July 31- someone asked the price of that August 10 (English classes, sports, and ticket. It was the exact amount he was evening services) praying about donating. Thank you for all those prayers! Fall European Vision/Strategic Planning Trip: Oct. 18-Nov. 1 Barbara and I want to thank God Goal: to strengthen Slavic church planting and you for sending us out to carry efforts in the following areas: the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ • Czech Republic: Oct. 19-21 to Slavic people. Thank you to Peter • : Oct. 22-25 Armerding, our church friend, who Olga (heart surgery in Oklahoma • : Oct. 26-27 at 3 and 10) is 17 now and volunteered to inform our prayer as tall as her mom! Please • Paris: Oct. 28-31 partners during our journey. (Email continue to pray for her.

228 Via del Caballo • Oak Park, CA 91377 • 818-991-0853 • [email protected] (within USA) • [email protected] (outside USA)