Becky Foxen serves with her husband Missionary Ben Foxen in Russia.  Becky talks about adjusting to life in Russia and what their Easter celebration will include this year.

Sometimes I wonder what would happen if my husband stood on the corner of our busy street in Russia and handed out 500 ruble bills to each passer-by. I imagine a crowd quickly forming and people pointing others in his direction to take advantage of such an extraordinary offer of generosity from a complete stranger! I imagine a newspaper story printed in the next-day’s paper.

My husband’s call as a missionary includes outreach in our four congregations in Siberia. He is here to “hand out” something much more valuable than the American equivalent of $15. In fact, what he and you and I have to offer has a value that will last a lifetime and beyond! What a privilege to be the carriers of such a wonderful gift!

It is our first year in Russia and right now our primary focus is to learn Russian.  We spend hours every week in a classroom to pursue that goal and our 2-year-old, Levi, bravely goes to a toddler class once or twice a week where he is having his first experiences in the language. Many of our contacts in the community right now are at the University or at this preschool class. We thank God for these new friends and of course pray that Christ’s love would shine through our lives and conversation so that they may come to know their Savior and be recipients of His gifts.

As Easter approaches, we have some exciting opportunities to tell and show others why this is such an important celebration in a country that barely notices the holiday. We also have a great chance to invite people to worship at church services in all four congregations. For our special Easter worship we are planning festive piano duets and beautiful choir pieces for the congregations that have choirs. After each worship service we have a celebratory “tea” which we’ve quickly learned is much more than just “tea” and includes a combination of sandwiches, fruits, cakes and candies for every person. While the music, lessons and sermon may all be in Russian, the message is the same as you will hear at your congregation. It’s a message worth more than any amount of rubles or dollars and it goes like this: “Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!”