God cares for orphans, Part 2

The other day I was at a prayer meeting for people with a heart for orphans. The crowd of about 14 included missionaries from different countries (Germany, the U.S., Great Britain) as well as Russians. There was a young Russian lady present whom I hadn't met before, although she was accompanied by some ladies I do know who work in transitional homes for orphanage graduates.

After the prayer had ended, I approached the young lady to introduce myself. She was sitting by herself as the others talked amongst themselves. "I'm an orphanage graduate!" she announced, partway into the conversation. My heart was immediately touched that she had risen out of her circumstances and joined a body of believers who wanted to help others in her situation. "I want to help orphans too," she said. She also shared with me that she had lived in Kazakstan for four years, as a missionary to the Muslims. "I liked my years from 20-25 the best," she said almost wistfully. "I was active, doing ministry. But now I will be doing ministry too, helping orphans." She was around my age. And what a life! She would be an example to others. I was encouraged.

When I got up to leave, the missionaries continued to chat jovially, but my new friend came over and gave me a hug and a little kiss on the cheek. It is sometimes surprising how easily God can unite believers in love.

God cares for orphans, Part 1

Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless. Exodus 22: 22-24



I am so thankful that God in Heaven recognizes the needs of orphans and does not forget them. They are one of the special groups of people to whom he has given attention since the beginning. He hears their cry. It can be perplexing to understand how to help, but God's stance on orphans is clear: He loves them, and it's an abomination to Him when they are mistreated.

What elections?

Elections for the next president of the Russian Federation will be held on March 2nd. But in St.Petersburg at least, things are quiet. I haven't been watching tv, but I checked the Internet news sites and there are no headlines about the Russian elections. There is a little information on Russian news sites, but it is eclipsed by an announcement about Putin's last presidential speech. In St.Petersburg, there are a few billboards reminding people to vote. But unlike during the parliamentary campaigns in the fall, there are no flashy messages urging people to lend their voice. Apparently, it doesn't matter whether they vote or not. Everything is already decided.

Heaven

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. -Rev.21:1

I was pleased to see this article from Time posted online. It is an interview of Bishop Tom Wright of the Church of England, as he dispels some of the myths in Western culture about what Heaven is supposed to be like. As explained in the interview, some of those myths come from a non-Biblical view of the afterlife, some from literature, and some from the Bible being quoted out of context. I don't agree with everything in the interview, but I like seeing the myths being questioned.