John Carter Reports from Putin’s Russia

 

 

Pastor Carter at St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Russia

 

I write this from my hotel room in Russia, overlooking the frozen Volga River. I can hear the bells of the Orthodox Church, which in times past announced the persecution of Protestants.  This is my 43rd visit to this desperately needy land.  I am here to preach the Gospel and save souls. Nothing has changed. Last night we traveled for hours over icy roads to reach the Dzerzhinsk church where a marvelous group of believers awaited our arrival. God used us to raise up this church 24 years ago. The pastor was baptized in our meetings at that same time. How wonderful is that! The church is holding firm in spite of almost overwhelming difficulties. The music from the choir was so moving that it brought tears to my eyes. These are our people and I feel so proud, forgive me.

 

Dzerzhinsk is a bit of a hellhole, many of the people suffer from cancer and other diseases caused by dreadful chemicals. It once was the chemical production center of the evil empire, the Soviet Union. How can we forget these people? I now must leave to preach again, this time in Nizhny Novgorod. I will continue this letter when I get back late tonight.

 

 

It is now the evening of the Sabbath and it is 25 degrees below freezing. But there is nothing cold about the warmth of the welcome extended to us. 

 

Two young men (at least to this white haired pilgrim) hugged me and told me they were baptized when we proclaimed Christ in this city 24 years ago. One is the Conference president and one is the Conference secretary.

 

Another two “young men” told me they too were baptized because of our meetings. They are both pastors. One was with us last night. He is pastor of the Dzerzhinsk church. 

I feel my heart could burst for joy. So great a harvest! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!  It is now almost midnight and I am weary. I will write more tomorrow after I preach twice to combined congregations.

 

 

I have just returned from the Christian Cultural Center. It was hard to leave the people. There were many tears with entreaties to return. The place was packed to the doors. I preached tonight on the God who became man. Jesus was present by His Spirit, and almost everyone came forward in the altar call, seeking a closer walk with God. People who had lost hope and had wandered away were back in church, some after an absence of years.

Please study the pictures and look at these faces. We cannot allow anything to cause us to forsake these beautiful people.

 

 

What can I do? I can support God’s struggling and often oppressed people by supporting The Carter Report that does REAL EVANGELISM. Your gifts will wipe away tears and put  smiles on faces that have been covered in sorrow. Please in Jesus’ name, send your gift of love for REAL EVANGELISM to The Carter Report, PO Box 1900, Thousand Oaks, CA 91358 USA or PO Box 861, Terrigal, NSW 2260 Australia.

 

 

TO BE CONTINUED IN OUR MARCH NEWSLETTER with the true story of the Mafia boss who found Christ at The Carter Report.  SEE THE PICTURES, READ THE STORIES. Also the once powerful priest who now lies buried on the sidewalk in Kiev because he…well, you’ll just need to read the story.

 

 

 

 

Pastor Carter at St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Russia

 

I write this from my hotel room in Russia, overlooking the frozen Volga River. I can hear the bells of the Orthodox Church, which in times past announced the persecution of Protestants.  This is my 43rd visit to this desperately needy land.  I am here to preach the Gospel and save souls. Nothing has changed. Last night we traveled for hours over icy roads to reach the Dzerzhinsk church where a marvelous group of believers awaited our arrival. God used us to raise up this church 24 years ago. The pastor was baptized in our meetings at that same time. How wonderful is that! The church is holding firm in spite of almost overwhelming difficulties. The music from the choir was so moving that it brought tears to my eyes. These are our people and I feel so proud, forgive me.

 

Dzerzhinsk is a bit of a hellhole, many of the people suffer from cancer and other diseases caused by dreadful chemicals. It once was the chemical production center of the evil empire, the Soviet Union. How can we forget these people? I now must leave to preach again, this time in Nizhny Novgorod. I will continue this letter when I get back late tonight.

 

 

It is now the evening of the Sabbath and it is 25 degrees below freezing. But there is nothing cold about the warmth of the welcome extended to us. 

 

Two young men (at least to this white haired pilgrim) hugged me and told me they were baptized when we proclaimed Christ in this city 24 years ago. One is the Conference president and one is the Conference secretary.

 

Another two “young men” told me they too were baptized because of our meetings. They are both pastors. One was with us last night. He is pastor of the Dzerzhinsk church. 

I feel my heart could burst for joy. So great a harvest! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!  It is now almost midnight and I am weary. I will write more tomorrow after I preach twice to combined congregations.

 

 

I have just returned from the Christian Cultural Center. It was hard to leave the people. There were many tears with entreaties to return. The place was packed to the doors. I preached tonight on the God who became man. Jesus was present by His Spirit, and almost everyone came forward in the altar call, seeking a closer walk with God. People who had lost hope and had wandered away were back in church, some after an absence of years.

Please study the pictures and look at these faces. We cannot allow anything to cause us to forsake these beautiful people.

 

 

What can I do? I can support God’s struggling and often oppressed people by supporting The Carter Report that does REAL EVANGELISM. Your gifts will wipe away tears and put  smiles on faces that have been covered in sorrow. Please in Jesus’ name, send your gift of love for REAL EVANGELISM to The Carter Report, PO Box 1900, Thousand Oaks, CA 91358 USA or PO Box 861, Terrigal, NSW 2260 Australia.

 

 

TO BE CONTINUED IN OUR MARCH NEWSLETTER with the true story of the Mafia boss who found Christ at The Carter Report.  SEE THE PICTURES, READ THE STORIES. Also the once powerful priest who now lies buried on the sidewalk in Kiev because he…well, you’ll just need to read the story.