TELA | History

TELA has come a long way from its beginning, and I can't help but think of those who are written on the pages of history, from the time TELA was just a dream to its development into a plan…from those on the High School Evangelism Fellowship staff, the Board, and the Russia Committee to the former and current national staff…from those who went on a short-term trip to each person who ever prayed and gave financially - God has used each one to bring TELA where it is today.
God has carefully orchestrated the details for saving young people in Tambov, Morshansk, Lipetsk and Voronezh. His blueprint even includes the sending of this missionary to Russia in 1993. But, it all goes back to the cross when Christ died for Misha, Olya, Sergei and others living in Russia. The price tag on eternal life is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. If it cost the Son of God His own life, what amount could be too high to bring people to the Savior? May we spend ourselves on others, for the sake of their salvation and for the glory of God. Our history teaches that God's grace has been sufficient; and it will be all that we need to continue doing His mission in Russia.

Rick Kirschman

A Dream
A Challenge
The First Decade

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The saga continues on the boilers. Additional details for completion were given by the gas company before the boilers are allowed to be switched on at TCC. These details of course, cost money; and winter is quickly approaching. PRAY for God's provision.

No heat at TCC meant that session 2 for the CBSR (Central Black Soil Region) Training Center was held at the First Baptist Church in Tambov, and students lived in the HiBA Center. On Saturday at the end of the session there was a seminar for mentors to the students. They were given an overview of the purpose and program for the training center, and given an explanation of their responsibilities to the students, and how their role is essential to the success of the students. They will be monitoring their students' progress in 3 areas: their personal walk with God; their homework assignments; and their ministry involvement. PRAY for these mentors to have a major influence on the progression of the six students.

Donna Macomber was a missionary with High School Evangelism Fellowship for many years before joining SEND International in 2002. She recently finished her language study in Far East Russia, and her assignment by SEND is to work with TELA in western Russia. Her ministry will be to lead the HiBA Club part of TELA, which will include writing materials and training leaders. Donna has many years of experience with the HiBA Club ministry in NJ, and is very qualified to oversee it in Russia. However, some issues with her parents' health have required her to be in Maine for making some very serious decisions with her brothers and sisters concerning the long term care of their parents. PRAY for Donna to have wisdom and strength, and for her father to know Jesus Christ as his Savior.

Two of TELA's staff members are involved in new churches. Pasha Litvinov is the pastor of a church in Morshansk that he began, and Andre Motenko leads the youth ministry and outreach of a new church in Lipetsk. PRAY for these 2 churches to grow in the grace and wisdom of God, and that God would add more people to their number.