Rev. Don Richman, LFL’s International Representative, travels often to Russia and Eastern Europe. Here is a recent update on opportunities he has had to apply God’s Word to the life issues.
The last time I spoke in a church in the St. Petersburg area I had about an hour to teach. Based on the assumption that some—maybe most—of the women in my audience had had at least one abortion, I started with reference to the cross of Christ and the forgiveness that He offers. I then went into a biblical presentation using Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 8:5; Psalm 139:13-14; I Corinthians 6:19-20 etc. I wanted to establish the biblical foundations for the sanctity of life.
Then I shared biological facts—i.e. heart beats at 18 days, brain waves at 40 days, etc. I have a big chart—which gets a lot of use—that shows the development from conception and passage through the fallopian tubes all the way to nine months. It is very helpful.
After sharing these facts, I moved on to the genetic development of the baby (i.e. all genetic information is present at conception—nothing more is added from the mother).
Again, at the end I came back with the message of the Cross. We also shared one of Shari Richard’s DVDs in which she talks about having had an abortion, and which includes two or three others who tell their story. I want to get that DVD translated into Russian. (Lutherans For Life offers a number of resources on fetal development including Shari Richard’s DVD “Eyewitness 2 – The Next Generation.”)
Although there were only eight people there, one was the pastor, who was very supportive. Another was a university professor who wants me to speak to her class the next time I come and another was a university student who wants me to speak to his all-male class. I will arrange for this when I come back in May.
We also had our conference in Latvia again. It went very well. I took a new ultrasound machine with me for their use. During the conference, a gynecologist did a live demonstration of how it works. This doctor had recently quit the clinic she worked with because of their pro-abortion policies and started her own office. She will do free ultrasounds and pro-life consultation for any clients our pro-life people send to her. The ultrasound has added a new, positive dimension to the work in Latvia—thanks to Shari Richard’s help!
Regardless of what I teach—whether on prayer, or the Church, or the way of salvation—I almost always find a way to bring in the pro-life message. We do need to update our materials in Russia—including color material. If you would like to help fund this special project, please contact Lutherans For Life!
I want to thank Lutherans For Life for the support and materials that make my work possible.