During his seminary days our son David Hendrick committed to serve in a two year mission in Khabarovsk, Russia. This ministry in the far southeastern Siberian section of that great country — near the Sea of Japan and just across the river from China — proved to be life changing. Amid some painful times of oppression there were great joys and victories. One of the delights was a lifelong friendship with Vladimir Lebedev, his roommate. David’s financial support for his mission (provided by Baptists through the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Offering) provided free living quarters for Vladimir. He often would live on $100 a month.
It is noted that a church our David planted with Vladimir is still in active ministry…with part of V’s ministry serving on staff of the church … as he leads and teaches in a Bible College.
Other interesting stories are shared … including the fact that David met his dear wife Cortland (from Virginia) in his second year of that mission. David is thankful that He obeyed to Lord that kept him there the full two year commitment. So are their five children, since they wouldn’t be here had David not been there to meet Cortland that second year!
The timing of this radio conversation coincided with Vladimir and his wife departing Khabarovsk for nearly a 40-hour day via New York City and on to St. Louis, MO. They will attend a one-day evangelistic conference and then minister in churches in their long weekend here. .. before going to other cities in the USA.
At my request Vladimir sent me information about himself…as seen below …
Dear Mr. Hendrick,
This is Vladimir Lebedev, your son David’s old friend from Russia. As I understand, Mr. Dwayne King (www.kingdomaircorps.org) was interviewed by you a while ago and discussed with you the possibility of my visit to St Louis and meeting with you as well somewhere March 9-10.
I have great memories of the time that I spent in the States 15 years ago, while then I too had a chance to talk with you on the phone; I think it was a small [radio] interview as well.
Dwayne had asked me to send you a brief on what I am. Please let me know if what’s below suffices.
Vladimir Lebedev …
•pastor of Transformation Baptist Church of Khabarovsk, Russia, for past two years, and previously an elder and youth minister at the same church;
•since 2000 New Testament and Theology Instructor at FERBC (Far East Russia Bible College), an extension of Moscow Theological Seminary in Khabarovsk, Russia; ThM from IBTS, Prague, Czech Rep.
•Conference speaker and preacher at youth camps; involved in leadership development, training pastors and ministers
•wife Tatiana, three kids: Olga (15), Dmitry (9), Vitaly (4)
•used to be a missionary, church planter in teams starting three churches; had worked with Dwayne King extensively.
If you have questions, please let me know.
In Christ,
Vladimir”
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