Last year I had the opportunity to join with e3 Ministries as they partnered alongside David and Inna, a pastor and his wife with a burning desire to see the Kursk region of Russia reached with the love of God. They established The House of the Gospel Church in the city just four years ago, which now involves over 90 members. In their third year, having already experienced much growth, they shared their burden for seeing a church planted in the neighboring town of Kurchatov.

Joining forces with the Russian doctors who volunteered, we took e3 Russia’s first ever medical clinic to Kurchatov to begin to reach out to those the little church plant would ultimately be serving. About 250 people came through in those 2 days. They were invited to come back the next few days for an emotional health clinic to help those dealing with sad or negative thoughts. We were able to minister to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of so many people that we never would have had access to outside of the clinics.

That weekend, on the 70th anniversary of Victory Day, we had 15 or so people join us for a brief service where testimonies of God's grace and great love were shared. The church plant now has a small gathering of regulars and have invited e3 back to participate in another medical outreach.

Be praying for the team as we strive, as well, to encourage and equip the members to love and care for their neighbors. Many people think, as we can so often do, that it's the church's responsibility to care for others, forgetting that the church is made up of individuals and that God calls each of us, personally, to love our neighbors as ourselves. Discipleship is more than a command to invite people to church - in fact, it's not that at all - it's a command to live in deep community with others, walking alongside them, bearing their burdens where they can't bear their own, all the while pointing them to the cross and the ultimate display of love; Christ crucified for on our behalf.

Please partner with me in prayer as I prepare for this trip. I have a detailed list that I included below, but for now, I'll keep it as brief as I know how: please be praying that above all else, God would be glorified in what we do. Ultimately, none of this is about, "What is Jessica going to do? What will she bring to the table?" and thank God it's not... Because, honestly, all i'm bringing is a broken mind, a battered soul, and a desire to be used for whatever God would have me do. 

Another way you can partner with me is through giving. As you can imagine, a trip like this can include many costs. I have just less than 3 months to raise the necessary funds for this trip.

I appreciate all the prayer, support, encouragement and any funds you feel lead or able to give. I'd also be more than happy to talk to you in person or answer any questions you might have about this trip. Thank you all so much!

Prayer List: 

For me:
• Astonishment and a renewed sense of the “bigness” of God. I’ve been feeling very blasé (if I can use that in this context) about the things of God, which I don’t like, but have been unable to break free from. While I certainly don’t think I need a trip to fix that, it would help me to serve others if I felt and believed how amazing the things I’m talking about truly are.

• Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. Habakkuk 1:5, also For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
  

• That I would make wise use of the time I have in the next couple months to prepare for this trip.

• Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
  

• Endurance (especially, mid or late trip), and patience with others. I’m an introvert…

• May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6
  

For our group:
• That we would be able to reach out to those we serve in love with the Gospel, without fear of man.

• For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Tim. 1:7
  

• For safety as we travel, especially those of us (me…) who will be taking 4 modes of transportation over two days to get to Kursk

• Psalms 91
  

• Unity among our very diverse group. We have people from 17 – 68 years of age, from all over the U.S., from all kinds of denominations, with very different backgrounds.

• Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3; also, Colossians 3:13-14 and 1 Corinthians 1:10
  

• That we would put the needs of each other above the needs and desires of ourselves.

• Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3
  

For Russia:
• The God would raise up strong and caring leaders among the church plant in Kurchatov.

• And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12
  

• For spiritual growth among the members of both House of the Gospel church in Kursk and the church plant in Kurchatov.

• Ephesians 4:21-32
  

• Endurance for David and Inna who are juggling leading two church families and believe they may be called to plant another. As well as wisdom in which opportunities they should pursue and which to leave in the hands of others.

• Proverbs 3:5-6, and Proverbs 11:14