This site is maintained by David Gaddis. You can reach him via e-mail at dwgaddis@gte.net
Letters from the Curran Family
Curran's Winter Newsletter from Khabarovsk
KHABAROVSK CALVARY CHAPEL
"Then I will give you pastors after my own heart, who will lead you
with knowledge and understanding" Jeremiah 3:15
Hello again to you our dear family and friends from the Curran family in
Khabarovsk, Russia: Ray, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Dara, and baby Ray.
Well, the year 2000 has arrived and the world goes on. We're sure to see
more of man's sinfulness this year. But also more of God's grace.
I guess that's the story of Russia in 2000, like everywhere else. Sure, there's plenty of sinfulness at work here, but an abundance of God's grace
is also at work here. That's what we rejoice in. That's what we seek to participate in. That's why we labor here. That's why we have hope here.
The 1990s have been hard on Russia in many ways. Russia has severely
declined economically, militarily, physically (both in size of it's land as well as it's population), and it's status in the world. This has been very
humiliating to the country and it's people. At this time, Russia is desperately seeking to stop and even reverse this trend. That's why you have their strong actions
in Chechnya. That's why you have Vladimir Putin as president. The coming decade will be undoubtedly a tumultuous one here as Russia attempts to revive
itself.
However, the 1990s have been very good in Russia in other ways. There has been
tremendous growth in the evangelical church here, even despite the fact that large numbers of the most experienced evangelicals have emigrated.
We here at Khabarovsk Calvary Chapel (KCC) have been priviledged to be a part of what God has been doing here in this Far East city for the past 5 1/2 years. We have seen tremendous fruit. We have been greatly blessed.
Rebecca and I ourselves have grown tremendously through the years here.
What's new here with KCC? Well, more of the same. People continue to come and become saved and taught the Word of God. Believers continue to mature
and be used of God. We've been in a busy and fruitful routine now for several years: twice-weekly worship services and Bible studies, weekly prayer meetings, and weekly evangelistic English classes.
One thing I've began to do out of the routine recently is to hand more and more leadership responsibilities over to my assistant pastor Sergei
Matyushenko. It is sometimes hard for me to ajust to this as I'm used to doing these things myself, but this is necessary and beneficial for the future
of the church here. PLEASE PRAY for Sergei. He has matured much in recent years and I believe he has much potential to be a great pastor here. His wife Natasha leads our worship now as Rebecca has been very busy recently with
our 3 kids.
A big reason Rebecca has been so busy has been due to the poor health of our youngest child, 6 month old Ray. He's been perpetually sick here the past
5 months, sometimes very severely. He's spent several days overnight at the clinic. He's always on some form of medicine or another. His poor little
butt seems more like a pin cushion, considering all the shots he's received. He's a lot thinner than our previous two kids were at his age. They were both
like fat butterballs.
For the past few weeks, he's seems to be a bit more consistently better however. We'll see. We've just accepted the fact that he's likely a delicate and sickly child, at least at this age of his life, and we treat
him accordingly, and continue on. He'll be OK. He's happy and very bright otherwise. PLEASE PRAY for the health of Raymond Michael.
As has been the case our whole time in Khabarovsk, God's grace, providence, and provision have always been here just when we needed it. A modern
family medical clinic with skilled doctors has been available here at this time to treat little Ray. They probably saved his life in October when he
developed a severe viral infection.
There happens to be a dear "babushka" that lives next door to us. She loves our children and is always available to babysit them for us when
need be.
So we continue to see God's grace, his providence, his provision, his calling, his blessing, and his fruit here. To God be the glory!
Thank you again, our dear friends and family for all your faithful prayers and financial support. Please remember those 2 prayer requests I made in this letter: for Sergei's leadership development, and for little Ray's health.
We hope to report good news of God at work in these two areas next time.
We love you.
Ray Curran
1/23/00
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This site is maintained by David Gaddis. You can reach him via e-mail at dwgaddis@gte.net |
Older letters:
KHABAROVSK, RUSSIA - Blessings to you Chris, Juanita, Bob,
Joyce, Greg, Sandy, Judi, and the CMI family. Thanks so much for all you do,
especially your faithful prayers.
I recieved your autographed copy of Calvary Vision in the mail here today.
Thanks.
We are doing well as is the church. I wanted to say that it looks like there'll
be no problems for us to get our present visas extended now for a short time
until late June as well as get a new invitation approved by the Russian
government for a new one-year visa come late July when we return here after the
bith of our 3rd child. So praise the Lord and thanks for your prayers! God is
faithful to open doors for us to remain here. I was concerned that the souring
Russian/U.S. relations might cause the government to restrict Americans here.
Hasn't been the case with us yet though. Don't stop praying though. I never
believe I have these visas until they're actually in my hand. I guess this will
always be a touch-and-go issue here (obtaining a missionary visa), probably more
so in the future too. But no government can stop God's calling.
In other news, we found out today that our new baby will be a boy!
Also, we like you are shocked and saddened by the high school shootings in
Colorado. It's interesting, Rebecca grew up in that city of Littleton, just a
few blocks from Columbine high school.
Love to all of you,
Ray
"I will give you pastors after my own heart, who will feed you with
knowledge and understanding." Jeremiah 3:15
To our dear family and friends,
"Vam Privyet Yesho Raz" from Ray, Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Dara Curran
in Khabarovsk, Russia! We are well. We pray all is well with you and yours. As
most of you know, we visited California and Oregon in February. Since our
return, we've been busier than usual as we moved to a new apartment. The Lord
provided a wonderful new place for us and at a lower rent too. We thank Him.
Normally, we report on recent church news here and sometimes a testimony of a
new believer. I'll say up front that the church continues to do well here.
Sergei Matyshenko pastored very well in my absence. But what we want to do this
time is share what the Lord has done personally in our lives the past few
months.
As most of you know, the second half of 1998 was a rough time for our family
health-wise, like we never experienced before. Rebecca and the kids seemed to
chronically have the flu. I (Ray) was the worst. I suffered from dysentery,
severe flu bouts several times, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Finally, in January,
the Russian doctors said I had Hepatitus B. All the recent several months of
sickness pointed to the possibility that this could be a chronic condition. It
was possible too that Rebecca had this condition.
In late January, we were forced to return to the States to secure new visas. But
we thought it would be good to return anyway to see a doctor there and rest. As
we were flying back, we began to have doubts about our future in Khabarovsk. I
myself was facing possible treatment for Hepatitus B that certainly would
prevent me from living in Khabarovsk, nevermind the fact that my long-term
health was threatened. Rebecca was just tired of always being sick. We also were
expecting our 3rd child to be born in late June (I guess we weren't that sick
:-). What we were talking about doing was returning again to Khabarovsk in late
February like we planned, but only stay a couple months more to wrap things up.
Then permanently return to the U.S. before the new baby is born.
Needless to say, on the flight to California, we were very discouraged. We
didn't know it at the time, but the Lord was actually preparing people and
circumstances to greatly encourage us and confirm his calling.
Shortly before we left Khabarovsk, I recieved an e-mail greetings from a
stranger in Orange County, CA named Mike Hendershot. He was from a Calvary
Chapel there and found our church on the Internet and was inquiring about our
ministry in Russia. I get e-mail letters like this from time to time.
Just a couple days before we flew home, I finally wrote Mike back and shared
that we're actually from Orange County too. In fact, we'll be heading there in a
couple days. Mike wrote back wanting to get together with us when we were there.
We got together several times with Mike and his wife Brenda. They were so
friendly and generous to us though we never met them previously. They gave us
gifts. They took us out to dinner twice. They connected us with a Christian
doctor that tested us for free. Mostly, they were just full of Jesus, full of
smiles, time, encouragement, and energy to these two weary discouraged
missionaries.
They may not have realized it, but we knew later they were the first in a chain
of people sent by God to minister to us at this time.
After more than a week in California, our lab results came back and showed we
did not have Hepatitus B! I don't know if the first test in Russia was mistaken
or God did a great miracle, but I'll lean to the miracle. Whatever the case, I
learned quite a lot about myself and God's calling in the 2 1/2 weeks in
California. We were greatly encouraged by many believers there, including those
from Son Light Christian Center where I spoke one evening. I wanted nothing more
than to get back to serve the Lord in Khabarovsk.
We headed to Oregon on Feb. 13th to spend 1 1/2 weeks with the two Calvary
Chapels there that are our primary supporters. As has always been the case, the
believers there were very welcoming, warm, and generous to us. We were further
encouraged greatly. I spoke at both churches. Rebecca and I often talk about how
the Lord has brought so many wonderful brothers and sisters from Oregon into our
lives these past almost 5 years.
We flew down to San Francisco on Feb. 25th for our flight back to Khabarovsk.
Rebecca however was still a bit unenthusiastic about returning to Russia. She
contemplated more sickness and the inconveniences there that exasperate it.
I'll let Rebecca share what happened next:
*****
As we approached the Aeroflot counter in San Francisco, an amazing thing
happened to me. I heard the check-in lady speaking Russian to us. It sounded
like music to my ears, like an old familiar song. I recognized the woman's
Russian features and typical expression that cannot be mistaken for an American
and I felt an incredible nostalgia for going back "home". My spirit
lifted and my heart was filled with a wonderful peace about living in Russia
that I hadn't felt for a long time.
When we got off the plane in Khabarovsk, there was snow on the ground and the
most refreshing cool air and clear sky. There was church members there to pick
us up and I delighted to talk to them in Russian. I really missed their
fellowship!
In the days that followed into March, I've never felt better! I have incredible
amounts of energy and enthusiasm. Also, we've just moved into a new beautiful
apartment.
My friends, this is such a contrast to most of 1998 and a total miracle of God.
Thank you all so much for your prayers. God has answered above and beyond what
we asked for or thought!
Rebecca
3/29/99
*****
Thank you all so much for your involvement with us and this ministry. Your
generous financial gifts have helped maintain us here physically. Your many
powerful prayers have help maintain us here spiritually. We love and appreciate
you all very much. To God be the glory!
As we like to say this time of year: UUCYC BOCKPEC!
Ray Curran
3/29/99
680000, Russia
Khabarovsk
Ray & Rebecca Curran
Central Post Office c/o Calvary Missions International
U.S.A. Address:
Ray & Rebecca Curran
P.O. Box 1081 17575 SW T.V. Hwy.,
suite 100
Aloha, OR 97006-4469
NEW phone/fax: 0117-4212-21-06-11
Phone: (503) 642-2003
e-mail: calvary@ray.khv.ru
Fax: (503) 642-1733
Donations to this ministry are much appreciated and may be sent to the Aloha,
Oregon address above, payable to "Calvary Missions International". Be
sure to indicate it is for Ray and Rebecca Curran. Thank you.
Check out our web sites:
http://www.calvarymissions.com/russia2.htm
http://www.calvarychapel.org/khabarovsk/index.htm
My friend Donna Anderson is also in the process of redesigning our web site. You
can view it under construction at:
http://www.geocities.com/~dawn-/ray/cckfrontpage.html
We had a great Easter Sunday service here today. The church was packed. People
were really celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus in worship. I taught the story
of the death and Resurrection of Christ. We had Communion. Afterwards, we had a
big lunch together.
It's a great joy to serve the Lord here. Thank you all again for all you do to
enable us to be here.
I would ask that you pray for this Yugoslavia situation, that God would
intervene and bring peace there. I say that because this situation is really
transforming the Russian political scene here and Russia's relationship with the
U.S. It's definitely a bit uncomfortable being an American here these days.
Please pray that we'll be able to always remain here. I'm confident of the
Lord's calling. Thank you so much for your prayers in this regard at this time.
Our family is doing very well physically. Quite a different story from last
year, thank the Lord. We look forward to the birth of our 3rd child in 2 1/2
months.
I have on my heart a desire to to work more and more with the Far East
representative of the Russian Pentacostal Church Union here, Valentin Romanyuk.
He's a dear and godly man (BTW, his wife just gave birth to their first child, a
daughter). I want to try to do all I can, and us as a church, to minister to and
help grow the more than 50 churches under his jurisdiction here in the Russian
Far East. My assistant pastor Sergei also works as Valentin's assistant at this
time. Please pray for our relationship and that God would open doors of
opportunity for us at Khabarovsk Calvary Chapel to minister to greater numbers
of Russians in this way.
Thank you so much.
UUCYC BOCKPEC!
Raymond Curran
4/11/99
OCTOBER 11, 1998
Greetings dear family and friends in Christ. I thought I'd share a couple news
items with you. Those of you who have previously visited us here in Khabarovsk
will be able to appreciate this the most.
Today, our dear brother Misha (Mikail Molchanov), who has translated for the
groups here before and visited Oregon in 1996, got married to a wonderful and
beautiful young Christian woman in the church named Natasha. It was a great
wedding and reception. It lasted from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. I'm a bit tired now as
I had to preach a regular Bible study this morning as well
as a sermon at Misha's wedding. Wow, they went all out for this wedding too.
There was quite a few guests and quite a spread of food. It was a wonderful
time. I took lots of pictures.
What I'm most impressed with is this young couple's sincere and strong devotion
to Christ. We wish them much joy and happiness!
-------------------------------------
On another quite different matter, I wanted to ask you if you have a moment to
pray at this time for the husband of a dear sister in our church named Larissa
that we've known over 3 years (for those of you that have visited here, it is
her house that we store our sound system at. Maybe that can help you remember
her).
Anyway, her husband Boris, who is only 50 years old, had been diagnosed with
cancer all over his body in it's final stages about 1 month ago. Doctors can do
nothing and it's only a matter of time, and not much more, they say. He's slowly
wasting away. I don't think he is a believer, although he sometimes gives lip
service to the concept of God. The Lord knows his heart. We've fervently prayed
for a healing of his body as well as his salvation. I've anointed him with oil a
couple times and prayed over him. We've done all we can. It's in the hands of
God. Larissa is especially burdened because he apparently has not real faith.
Larissa would appreciate greatly your prayers for Boris at this time. With God,
all things are possible. Our hope remains.
I'll keep you posted. God bless you all.
Ray Curran
Hello again to you our dear friends and family from Ray, Rebecca, Elizabeth, and
Dara Curran in Khabarovsk, Russia! It's come to that time again when we want to
share with you a little slice of our life and ministry here. I want to first say
how much we love and appreciate all of you who faithfully pray for and help
support this ministry financially. It is a tremendous encouragement to us. Our
God is always faithful to His callings and we thank Him for bringing you into
partnership with us here.
Many of you have no doubt wondered about the economic situation these days in
Russia. The ruble has dropped 150% in value against the dollar (probably more
today even), most of that in the just past few days. The reason is because for 3
years prior, the government was artificially propping up the ruble.
A few weeks ago, the government ran out of money and could no longer afford to
prop the ruble up so they had no choice but to allow the ruble go to it's
natural level. It dropped of course. But it was far more than the government
anticipated. What exasperated the whole process even more was the rampant
speculation and then panic buying of products. People were willing to trade any
amount of rubles for dollars. That only made the ruble drop further and faster
and inflation become greater. It's like a vicious cycle. And it hasn't stopped
yet!
At church Sunday following the Bible study, I gave the Russians this scripture:
"The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion (I inserted
Russia here) with justice and righteousness. And He shall be the stability of
your times, A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the Lord is
his treasure."
Isaiah 33:5-6
What can we do in times like this? We as a church here pray. We believe this
nation like all nations is in God's hands and we pray to know his will for
Russia. We want to enter into his will at this time for Russia. Through it all,
we believe He will take care of his children. We have seen many answers to
prayer for provision here. All we can do is trust God.
This leads me to not become an alarmist. As I understand it, there's been a lot
of speculation in the U.S. media about what could happen here. I don't enter
into that speculation. It's foolish and a lack of trust in God to do so. I have
much hope in the future here simply because we pray and we have much hope in God
at work here. I've been hearing speculations and predictions of doom and gloom
for Russia and the end of Christian work here for the 4 years I've been here.
I've simply trusted God and His calling from the beginning and God has always
opened the doors for us and provided. I've been always free to proclaim the
Gospel here and can live here as long as I like.
I can only speak for myself on this matter, not others. I also cannot guarantee
the future will remain this way. But whatever the case, God is in control. That
is what we believe and how we live.
I would humbly ask you to pray especially for this nation at this time. There
has now developed a shortage of food here because no more will imported until
the ruble stabilizes. People have grabbed up all the groceries in stores, even
at the inflated prices. It seems kind of like a Great Tribulation scenario here
or something these days. To say the least, it's certainly interesting.
I sometimes ask the church members here to write a testimony of their life in
Christ and what this ministry means to them. We always like to share a couple
testimonies with each newsletter:
--------------------
"I like going to this church, singing these songs, being among these
people. It has a good, and always merry pastor with a bit of sense of humor, who
is perfectly organized in all issues concerning church and teaching the Bible.
The pastor's wife Rebecca does great guitar playing and singing.
All this taken together, I like it very much here. And also I just come here to
take a rest and to relax because the atmosphere here is so warm and easy. I like
the fact that by my faith in Jesus, I now don't owe anything to anybody. It was
due to the church itself, and the people in it, that those changes happened in
me. It is very good here."
Dennis
"Hello brothers and sisters. I'd like to tell you how I came to know God.
Before, I had a terrible character when I didn't know God and didn't go to a
church. There was total chaos in me and I didn't have self-control. I would
curse, show hatred, and always wanted to prove I was right. All this would
always end up in tears and hate toward my relatives. I didn't know how to start
each day. I couldn't make any decisions for myself. I would always ask my
friends for advice, but when they couldn't help me, my life would turn into
hell. I would become so helpless. This kind of condition would bring me to total
despair.
At that time, I began to understand that the character is formed in
difficulties. I would have totally collapsed if I hadn't come to God. I heard
about God from some older people and my soul seemed to be involutarily searching
for him.
When I was alone at home, I would cry and tell God my problems. I believed that
he heard me and protected me. It was like a miracle when he would give rest to
my soul. I can't express it in words. Someone needs to feel it to understand. My
desire to know him wouldn't go away and I wanted to know him more and more.
Also at that time, I always had severe back pain and I couldn't stand in lines
or on buses longer than 10 minutes. I went to a church to ask God to heal me. I
believed that he would hear my prayer. A miracle happened! My back became better
and God filled me with the Holy Spirit. My faith in God became stronger. I
prayed to God that he would bring me to a place where I could know him more.
I once read an ad at a bus stop: "Bible Study, Calvary Chapel." Now I
go to this church and I have many friends here. I'm happy that I've become a
totally different person from studying the Bible. Now I have confidence in
myself and everything fell into place. I no longer argue with my parents and I
calmly solve all my questions and problems. Thanks to reading the Bible and
Christian books, I came to understand that God can do all and everything is in
his power. Now I pray to God that I would be able to see the world through his
eyes and love people by his love."
Ludmila
--------------------
It's great to serve God here. May God richly bless you all!
Ray Curran
9/08/98
>
> 680000, Russia U.S.A. Address:
> Khabarovsk Ray & Rebecca Curran
> Ray & Rebecca Curran c/o Calvary Missions International
> Central Post Office 17575 SW T.V. Hwy., suite 100
> P.O. Box 1081 Aloha, OR 97006-4469
> phone/fax: 0117-4212-21-06-11 Phone: (503) 642-2003
> e-mail: calvary@ray.khv.ru Fax: (503) 642-1733
>
> web site: http://www.calvarychapel.org/khabarovsk/index.htm
>
> We hope to have all new photos of our family and ministry in our web site
> gallery soon! I'll let you know when this is completed.
>
>
>
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This site is maintained by David Gaddis. You can reach him via e-mail at dwgaddis@teleport.com |