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| Elijah is in the center |
Once a
week, about 40 students from different universities get together in one of the
cafés in Odessa to play “Mafia”. It turns out that this game is a very popular game
among students in our city now. They even hold Mafia tournaments.
At the
English club, Elijah and several other “Mafiosi” participated in Bible
discussions with a great interest. After the English club, they kept coming to
our discussion club meetings and, of course, they have been very interested in
our paintball.
Paintball
is an effective and universal relationship building strategy. It helps us
assimilate new students into our movement. For example, after an English club
it is natural to invite students to come play paintball with us and thus
continue developing relationships with them. Paintball can also be used as an
evangelistic tool that allows us to meet new people. It is especially helpful
in our work with young men.
One of our
student leaders, Zhenya, is sharing his personal testimony during a break
between games. A spiritual part is essential at all of our events and meetings,
and paintball is not an exception.
As a
natural leader, Elijah took the initiative and suggested holding a paintball
event for his “Mafia” friends, the group of students I described earlier.
That is the
“novice effect” – when a new person brings many others with him. Of course, Elijah
does not consider himself a spiritual leader yet. He does not even fully
believe in God – he is an agnostic. Nevertheless, as a leader among other
students he brings 20 non-believers to our evangelistic event!
Vanya (one
of the student leaders) shares “Four spiritual laws”. Elijah stands beside him.
He helped us organize his friends during a break between the games. It was
obvious that Elijah understood the importance of a spiritual part and felt
responsibility for his friends.
One of the
students came with his mom. She responded to the Gospel message quite
skeptically, but I think we were able to dispel some of her stereotypes about
Christians. Interestingly, the mother came to play paintball with her son and,
if I understood correctly, she also plays Mafia with him and his friends.
Please pray
that Elijah and other students who heard the Good News from us. May they come
to know the Lord and give their lives to Him.
I also want
to ask you continue to pray for the support I am raising in the States right
now. I am both working on the team support and my personal support.
Thank you
my dear friend for standing alongside me in this ministry. You are dear to me and
much appreciated.
