“What We Teach About Jesus’ Love Is True!”

Listviyanskie Schachti

By Pastor Luke Wolfgramm (Our missionary to Russia)

Listviyanskie Schachti, also known as “Listviyanka”, is a small mining village about 45 minutes south of Iskitim. In the 1950’s the village reached its peak, and a two-story school was built in 1958. About 10 years ago the mine closed, and the town subsequently has been in decline.

Our Iskitim deaconesses have made monthly trips to the village school in Listviyanka for over 10 years. They arrive at the end of the school day to teach a Sunday school lesson, and any student who desires to stay is welcome. Usually about 60-70 students stay for the lesson. The deaconesses divide the children into two groups, younger and older. They teach a Bible story and do a craft with the children. The children actively participate in the lesson and enjoy doing the crafts.

Listviyanka is a poor village, and it lacks wholesome activities for the children outside of school. But the Bible lesson and craft are much more than just a pleasant distraction from the daily routine. Hearing about a Savior who loves them is especially meaningful to children in a rough neighborhood. Learning about eternal joy in the mansions of heaven provides hope when all around looks bleak. Seeing the love and concern of the deaconesses and mission reinforces that what we teach about Jesus’ love is true!

Outreach to the children of Listviyanka is possible due to humanitarian aid funds. Over the years our mission has provided school uniforms for children who need them, used computers, equipment for gym class, desks and chairs, bulletin boards, repaired their copy machine, and more. The school recognizes that our mission fulfills some of their physical needs. The school also realizes that children who know about Jesus’ love and show love to others in thankfulness to their Savior are a positive influence on the student body. For these reasons, the school welcomes our church body into its midst.

We hope to continue serving the students of Listviyanka as long as the door is open. Right now manpower in Russia is short, but God-willing in a year we will have two national pastors ready to serve the church. At that time, the mission may be able to expand work in Listviyanka to work with the parents as well. The groundwork laid by humanitarian aid funds and the years of positive Bible study by the village’s children will undoubtedly provide a natural bridge to ministering to the families of Listviyanka. Thank God that the children know and love their Savior! May God grant us the means and opportunity to work with their families in the near future!