Russia and Her Youth

Willie Crew | 2016 | CIS

My journey started in CHITA, east of Lake Baikal in Siberia. This is PART ONE of this unforgettable journey!

The first 10 days of our journey took us to some of the most beautiful places on the planet, yet, seriously in need of CHRIST! Our ministry in 4 cities in the region West and East of Lake Baikal put us in front of congregations from different backgrounds and ages! Yet, the only word the LORD gave me upon arrival in Russia is: JOSHUA! One of the most familiar “stories” of our time, however, absolutely in season for a nation like RUSSIA, now under severe international pressure, politically and financially. If there has ever been a time the local church in Russia has to take centre stage in guiding this nation, it is NOW! More and more God is releasing a desire to seek HIS face and intercede for their nation, young people gather together to worship HIM, an urgency grabbed hold of the RUSSIAN CHRISTIANS to see His Kingdom being established! And all I could say was: JOSHUA!!

All 8 services in these cities were very personal and important to me BUT it was the Ulan Ude Youth Conference that caught my attention upon invitation! I knew God wanted me to be involved in the youth movement in Russia BUT nothing wanted to work out, until Word of Life in Ulan Ude invited me to be the speaker at this years Youth Conference: Without Borders! Everything in me exploded and I knew God has set this time apart for the young, and as Joshua, they will in many ways, lead this vibrant church into their destiny! Praise God! After a very intense weekend of ministry, fellowship, worship and prayer, it was one simple, yet life changing moment that took me to my knees again. I was ministering on the Saturday evening when the Holy Spirit lead me to share my story and testimony around Milo (my son) and myself! I had a real battle in sharing and showing my love and affection to him as my son, as many of us grew up in a very different world when it comes to the showing of fatherly love! And I for one did not understand this. But, guided by God and HIS grace alone, Milo and I found each other. It happened over months with much tears, prayer and counseling. But we did find each other!

After telling them the whole story, I looked at the young people and said: “I know many of you never heard your dad telling you, that he loves you, and if you need to hear that today, come!” In the back of the hall sat a young man, sobbing, and upon my invitation, he stood up and ran forward and grabbed me, crying like just the fatherless can!!!!! The rest is history. Spasiba Hennie! Spasiba Hennie! (Thank you Hennie) is all he said softly! He was not the only one that night…

Ministry in Russia – although challenging is real and in many ways so basic! God has released a Joshua calling upon the church and in November this year I will travel by train from Vladivostok to Moscow to gather youth as we go to encourage them to RISE UP and SERVE GOD! It is their time! We need to take this call, to take our stand and conquer, seriously. For once and for all!