Regheta News

Russian Covenant Ministries August 2008

Dear Friends of our life and ministry,

Thank you for your prayers. I (Leonid) had a wonderful ministry experiences in five cities of Estonia (Aug 2nd through 8th). My wife, on the other hand, had to deal with the consequences of severe thunderstorms and tornado warning in the Chicago area (hiding in a basement with children late at night, no power and water for more than two days, etc.). Thank you for prayers of those who remembered to lift us up before the One who has everything under control.

Sincerely,

Leonid and Leanna Regheta
Russian Covenant Ministries

Step of Faith 2008 in Estonia

Step of Faith 2008 was a powerful example of what can happen when Christians of different countries work together. This year's outreach included Swedish, American, Russian-speaking and Estonian young people being united in one mission. All were united in reaching out and proclaiming message of the gospel in five different cities of Estonia, including ministering at the newest prison of Estonia. There were a number of people who came forward to accept Jesus as the Lord and Savior as well as be prayed for in each location of this year's outreach.

However, Step of Faith in Estonia is not only ministering to nonbelievers. It is also serving as a platform for reconciliation for Christians of different backgrounds and theological perspectives. I have personally been involved in this ministry for a few years and each year I have observed Christians working more and more closely with one another. With political and social tensions between Russia (including its population in Estonia) and Estonia escalating, it is only proper for the church to be the catalyst for reconciliation and to show such an example. From the very beginning, Step of Faith ministry in Estonia has attempted to bring together Estonian and Russian-speaking Christians to work together for the Kingdom of God. In my opinion, this year has been a highlight of such partnership and ministry.

Thank you, so much, to all who have prayed and spiritually supported this ministry. Few days in a row we were able to witness the rain stopping less than hour before our scheduled open-air events. With participants coming from such a variety of ethnic and church backgrounds there were plenty of opportunity for miscommunication, suspicion and mistrust. Yet, God has allowed us to bond together around one goal and with a power of own example proclaim the work of God in and around us. In other words, we all felt there was a spiritual battle happening during this event and it was only through the prayerful support of our brothers and sisters that we were able to continue proclaiming the gospel of Christ.

Thank you, the Mission Covenant Church of Sweden, particularly Rev. Goran Holmberg, for providing leadership and guidance to this wonderful example of God's Kingdom.

Please click HERE for a photo sketch of this trip.

Alexander Solzhenitsyn dies at 89

Called Russia's prophet and consciousness, Alexander Solzhenitsyn died last week in Moscow. The author of "One Day In The Life Of Ivan Denisovich" and the "Gulag Archipelago" reportedly died of a stroke. His impact in the history of Russia's 20th century is difficult to underestimate.

Please click HERE to read an excellent obituary about this great man.
Also, click HERE for a video clip of his funeral.

Life and ministry of Leonid and Leanna Regheta

Russian Covenant Ministries August 2008