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Being an Impact for Christ

It is a blessing to see the Lord work in the lives of people. Anton, a 20-year-old student at the Mordovian university in Saransk, did not believe in God when we first met him about three years ago. His grandmother started the English department at this same university more than 48 years ago and his mother is an English teacher. We started using Anton as an interpreter three  years ago and the word of God started penetrating his mind and heart. One day, an American, Ron, had a heart to heart talk with Anton about who was Jesus Christ and Anton realized that he needed to have his sins forgiven. From that day forward, Anton has devoured the Bible...reading almost the entire book. He is now becoming our newest LDI student in Saransk, and we are looking forward to what God has in store for this gifted young man of God.

-Jim Liljegren

By Anton from Saransk, Russia

Honestly speaking, I don`t think I have an effective impact for Christ yet. However, I want to share the truths about ministry and my ministry plans, which God revealed to me through
His Word.

I repented and turned to God two years ago after about a year of doubts while listening to the Gospel of Jesus Christ at English camp in Saransk. I think that was the most wonderful moment in my life. One church service was not enough for me. The ministry concept came to my mind as I was growing. I realized that loving God is not just having good feelings, but obeying his commandments (John 14:15) and serving others (1 Pet. 4:10). As we receive gifts, both inborn (Ps. 139:14) and spiritual (1 Cor. 12), we need to apply them. What is then the way I can know my gifts? Do I need a special revelation or “anointing“?

God`s word says the first goal of our ministry is to glorify God (1 Pet. 4:11), build up the church (1 Cor. 12:4) and help Christians (Rom. 12:13). So, the best way to start serving is to respond to the need. That`s how I started my church ministry. Our church needed people for the worship team, so I volunteered. I play accordion and can improvise for the songs (not a singer though). Later God showed me another need: somebody had to lead the interpreters’ meeting to help the American teams here and (the most important) study the Word. Now, we are also working on the Web site for our church. I also participate in Russian-English camp ministry here, in Saransk, every summer. I`ve been to four of such camps and they helped me greatly to know the Lord.

Through these experiences, I laid several principles as the foundation of my ministry. These include: being a good Christian – a Christian is one who believes in Jesus, is a disciple of Jesus (Acts 11:26) and follows Christ through all suffering (1 Pet. 4:16); being an example of a good Christian life (2 Cor. 6:3); being a churchperson, counseling with your pastor (Heb. 13:17); serving others through your ministry; and, constantly developing your spiritual gifts.