I did not think I could praise God for the things I experienced in my past – rejection by my mother, abuse, rape, abandonment. But, I do. I deeply and profoundly praise Him that He could turn my experiences, by His unfathomable grace, into a source of refreshment for others. Most people in other parts of the world where there is so much violence and instability do not believe that Americans ever experience hardship, much less cruelty. The people in Russia need to SEE the testimony of grace. That is why I can thank God for all the cruelties of my past – those inflicted upon me and those I inflicted upon myself. I have watched tears of hope stream down faces because of God’s great grace poured out through my heart to theirs. It is my desire to see a strong, grace-filled, joy-filled church planting movement in Russia!! Through teaching, counseling and economic development, God is using me as His instrument to come along side pastors, church planters, congregations and communities to strengthen the Russian church