Thank you for your prayers for the 9th Planning Conference that the Russian Baptist Union (RBU) and e3 Partners held on the first week of April in Saransk. It went well. Some people could not come, but we recorded all sessions on video, however, to send DVDs to those who could not attend. At the Conference we had a full RBU representation: Yuri Sipko (RBU President), Ruvim Voloshin (Missions VP), Eugene Chepikov (RBU Missions Director), Amir Usmonov (RBU Youth Missions Director) were all present. Our e3 Russia Team was present as well: Alex, Aleksey and Vitalia did a good job giving testimonies about short-term missions and e3; Pavel gave a good talk on starting new churches during e3 short-term missions. Denis led part of worship, helped in technical area, and presented e-cubes. Sergey was recording all events. Marat did a marvelous job in organizing the local churches and believers to host the conference. I talked about biblical approach to church planting and presented the First Steps. Alexander was in Kranodar region participating in e-cube training and campaign, so he could not come. During the Conference we also had many good conversations with the region representatives as we planned ministry together with them in their regions. We had no trouble, whatsoever, from NASHI. The Lord answered your prayers and blessed the Conference. The main results of the Conference are that e3 Russia Team engaged the RBU missions department into preparations for summer missions and the RBU youth department integrated e3 training into the youth evangelism strategy. e3 Russia Team was encouraged to see good results and good perspectives for ministry. After the Conference we already had another meeting in Moscow where we allocated specific regions in Russia for mobilization and training. About 45 regions of Russia are going to be involved in Empower2008. Praise the Lord!
Thanks to your prayers and support. I began to work on my three Doctorate classes at DTS this summer. We will be coming to Dallas next month to work on these classes, as well as at e3 Partners.
Thank you for  standing firmly with us as we train a new generation to “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3)! In 2008 we continue to work with the Russian Baptist on the Empower 2008 Project, reaching thousands more people in Russia for Christ.We are so grateful to you for your prayers, support and care.
We pray that God would continue to bless you abundantly as you serve Him in the partnerships with us in Russia.
Please, pray for
-          English Club in Penza; new people come each week;

-          Following the strategic plan for Empower 2008;
-          Good progress in the D.Min program in 2008;
-          Mobilization of short-term mission teams for the summer work in the Russian regions.
God bless you! We will keep you updated.