TO RUSSIA with LOVE
Mission of Miracles in Russia & Latvia

Marilyn Hickey Ministries and 165 travelers returned to Russia in May 2005 with a heightened sense of excitement and expectation. Thousands attended Marilyn and Sarah's city-wide meetings in Moscow and Riga ...people danced and worshipped God with abandon... salvations and miracle healings were abundant. It was obvious from the beginning that these "pumped up" travelers, ranging in age from two to 83, were truly on a mission of miracles from God.


Moscow
Upon arrival in Moscow, the travelers were introduced to the river cruise liner which was to be their home for the next eight days. However, they didn't have much time to rest, because the sights and sounds of Moscow were calling

The group was awestruck by the majesty of the Kremlin, Red Square, and St. Basil's Cathedral, affectionately called Russia's "Taj Mahal." These sites and symbols reminded the group of Russia's glorious Christian heritage before communism.

After the grand tour, it was time for ministry. Arriving at Rick Renner's Good News Church, the team was inspired to see the church of 1,000 filled to capacity and overflowing. Many had been waiting for hours, hungry to experience Jesus, His healing power and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit--and they weren't disappointed. This would be a night of miracles!

Marilyn's passion for God's Word was evident as she taught 8 Ways God Heals the Sick. She prayed for people with back problems, while Sarah prayed for couples who wanted to conceive children. One woman, who had been in intense back pain for two weeks, was able to move freely around the stage. A nurse was instantly healed after experiencing back pain for over a year.


Following the service, the ministry team prayed for the sick. Although they didn't speak Russian, and the attendees didn't speak English, that didn't hinder the Holy Spirit. Healing after healing took place as the ministry team prayed and as many as 75 people accepted Jesus Christ as Lord that very night.


Worldchild in Russia
While in Russia and Latvia, Sarah, her three children, and a team of volunteers from the group, visited two local orphanages. One hundred and fifty worldchild "prayer bears" were distributed to the children at each location. Dental supplies, and a thousand copies of Terry Law's book, The Story of Jesus, were also given out. Moved with compassion, the worldchild team made a generous contribution to the Pokrov Orphanage to further meet the needs of these dear children.

The orphanage in Riga, Latvia touched the hearts of the ministry team as the children there were so young--all under four years of age! Ministering to the children individually, Sarah shared the love of Christ in a way that captivated the children: "What an opportunity to be 'Jesus with skin on' to children and youth here in Russia and around the world."

*For more information on how YOU can help needy children around the world, log on to world-child.org.


Volga River
After the Moscow citywide meeting, Marilyn, Sarah and Reece Bowling, and the rest of the ministry team boarded their ship once again for an eight-day cruise down the Volga River. This cruise was like no other! The entire team enjoyed inspired worship, outstanding teaching, and exceptional ministry.

Navigating the numerous locks of the Volga, anticipation continued to build as the ship journeyed into the heart of Russia. Each day brought new ports of call, fresh ministry opportunities, and unique experiences revealing Russia's diverse culture and people.


On Board
The travelers enjoyed teaching by three generations of Hickeys and Bowlings. On the boat, Marilyn, Sarah, and Reece shared lessons from Marilyn and Sarah's Gospel of John Encounter. Not to be outdone, Isabel Bowling, Reece and Sarah's 4 year-old daughter, shared her thoughts on why we all need Jesus.


Catalyst
Among the travelers was a small group of interns from Marilyn Hickey Ministries. Marilyn said of the intern program, "The Catalyst Interns is an incredible opportunity for young adults to really connect with Christ, to discover their life's purpose and cultivate the leadership that God has put in them...." On this group tour they participated in every aspect of the trip, including prayer walking, street witnessing, ministering in the meetings, and also performing dramas that communicated the gospel in a powerful way. During the ship's talent contest, their "human video" presented the salvation message to passengers and crew alike. Many lives were touched by the powerful performance.


St. Petersburg
Spread over 42 islands and covered with wide boulevards, delightful canals and bridges, St. Petersburg is known both as a cultural center and for its elegant architecture. While there, the group visited the Palace Square, the Winter Palace, and the Hermitage Museum, which houses many of the vast treasures of the former tsars. One of the world's most prestigious museums, the Hermitage boasts over three million works of art from great masters, such as Rembrandt and Picasso.

Fifteen thousand Russian tracts can go a long way to further the kingdom of God! The ministry team handed out tracts everywhere they went--knowing they were laying the spiritual groundwork for revival. This commitment led three busloads of team members to St. Petersburg, where they witnessed, prayer walked, and handed out tracts in the rain! Souls were at stake, and this ministry team would not be deterred.


Riga
After a 12-hour bus ride, the ministry team arrived in Riga, Latvia with passion... purpose...and power on fire and ready for the evening meeting at Jesus is King Good News Church. Marilyn recalls "The Latvian's loved having hands laid on them while we prayed; there were many healings, miracles, and salvations that night."

During worship one woman was healed of foot pain and a few minutes later, a young man who couldn't walk because of severe pain in his leg and foot was miraculously healed! He suddenly began to race around the sanctuary with Sarah at his side--the entire church exploded with excitement. However, the miracles didn't stop there. About 75 people came forward for salvation, and after the service the ministry team prayed for the others who came forward. Whatever the need, the travelers were ready to release the anointing and power of God.


Mission of Miracles
Some people only dream of doing great things for God--this team lived that dream. When the travelers headed for home, one thing was certain, the Spirit of God will remain at work in the lives of the thousands of people touched by Marilyn, Sarah, Reece, and the entire ministry team.

Ministry opportunities abounded and were as diverse as Russia itself. From Moscow...to Riga...in St. Petersburg...aboard the cruise liner...and at each port along the Volga River, the team carried the power of the Gospel and the Word of God to a nation ready to receive it. From start to finish, our Ministry Cruise with a Mission was more than remarkable--it was truly miraculous!