The Final Day of the Week of Prayer---Pray for Pereslavl Zalessky and Sergiev Posad

Pereslavl Zalessky was established in 1152. Aleksander Nevsky (1220-1263), Russian saint and national hero, was born here. In the beginning of the 14th century, after the fall of Mongol/Tartar rule, Pereslavl was the first city to return to Russian rule. In the 17th century, Polish and Lithuanian invaders took over the city until the Russian army could free it. Pray that God would free this city from bondage to religious tradition and the invasion of the world with its influences.

Sergiev Posad began as Sergei Radonezhski's, the greatest spiritual leader and monastic reformer of medieval Russia, settlement. In 1345 he was performing miracles and healings. Many people flocked to join his order. In 1380, the Moscow prince came to him for blessings for the victory in battle with the Mongol/Tartars. Even czar Ivan the Terrible and his son had a church built here that resembles one in the Moscow Kremlin. Today Sergiev Posad is one of the most “religious” centers in Russia with many very high and important monasteries. Pray for Jesus to be the One and Only Who would receive the honor and glory for salvation and healing. Pray for God's Name to be Hallowed in this place.

Day 6---Pray for Rostov and Uglich

Rostov is a very old city and known as the Pearl of the Golden Ring. It was first mentioned in 862. The city was on a very prominent trade route connecting the north with Moscow to the south. In 1870 a railroad was built to connect the two cities. Pray for the people of this area to know Jesus as their only way to God. Pray for them to hear and believe in His love and grace towards them.

Uglich, like many of it's neighboring cities, is over 1,000 years old. The city's streets are in the same general plan as they have been since 1784: 3 major streets emerging into the main square. Pray for the people of Uglich to accept the True Path of Life. Acts 2:28 says “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that seems right to a person, but eventually it ends in death.”

Day 5---Pray for Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl is the home of the Sullivans!!! It was founded on the Volga River in 1010. It is a treasure of Russian history and it is known historically as the first "Christian" city on the Volga. Monuments, theaters, and museums are constant reminders of the influenial artists, musicans, poets and actors. One of the most beautiful monuments is The Church of the Epiphany (manifestation of God) built in 1684-1693. Pray the people of Yaroslavl will recognize that God has shown Himself through Jesus' life. Pray that they will repent, place their faith in Jesus Christ, and that their Christian faith would become living and active. Pray for the Sullivan family to be used by God to reach Yaroslavl.

To see more pictures of Yaroslavl check-out The Week of Prayers online photo ablum at www.goldenring.photosite.com and the Sullivan's online album at www.the4sullivans.photosite.com.

Praying in Kostroma

Yesterday, we meet in Kostroma to prayer walk. It was a beautiful, sunny day and a wonderful time to be with friends to pray for the people in Kostroma. Keith had an opportunity to share the Gospel with a local artist, ME loved spending time with Lola, Gideon's nanny in Ivanovo, and we all enjoyed a fabulous time of fellowship and prayer. Thank you for joining us this week as we pray for the people of the Golden Ring.

Day 4---Pray for Privoizhsk and Kostroma

Privolzhsk is a city of about 30,000 located 30 miles north of Ivanovo with only two known Baptist believers. Evangelistic outreach has started. Please pray for seekers to be found and congregated for Bible study. Pray for many people to hear, believe, and become the church that would allow God to do His work through them.


Kostroma was first mentioned in 1152. As one of the northernmost cities it served as a place of retreat for grand dukes when enemies besieged Moscow. In 1612 the future tsar was living in Kostroma. When a Polish detatchment found out that he was there they went to find
and kill him. Legend has it that a peasant named Ivan Susanin promised to take them via a "shortcut" through a forest directly to where the young tsar was hiding. The enemies followed him and were never heard from again. It is presumed that Susanin led them so deep into the forest that they could not find a way out, and they perished in the bitter cold. (I wonder if Susanin's plan was intentional, or did he simply fail to ask directions?) Pray that people would experience an awareness of their lostness, a desire for forgiveness, and a knowledge of the truth.

Day 3---Pray for Shuya and Kokhma

Shuya and Kokhma are names of two cities in the Ivanovo area where we have good missionary friends; one family is from the Ukraine and the other is from Moldova. God calls people from all nations to be faithful to Him and go “to the ends of the earthmaking disciples of all nations.” Pray for these families to be completely dedicated to the task of testifying to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray for them to stand firm in their faith, to be kept free from evil, and to be bold in their witness. Pray for believers from all nations to be faithful to go when and where God calls.

Day 2 of the Week of Prayer---Pray for Ivanovo

Ivanovo is a relatively new city established in1561. It is a well known center of textile manufacturing, and has been called the “Manchester of Russia.” Ivanovo had a great influence on the movement that brought the Communists to power with the Revolution of 1917. Ivanovo is the "headquarters" for Team Golden Ring and was the location of the Sullivan's first three years in Russia. Our team's vision and desire is to see a spiritual revolution that would give all people an opportunity to repent and have faith in Christ. Ask God to give a Great Awakening in Ivanovo that would cause her to be a great influence in Russia. May believers here be as bold and courageous in sharing Christ as the revolutionaries were 100 years ago.

Pray today for Vladimir and Suzdal

Vladimir was established in 1108 as a defensive outpost. It quickly became a major commercial city and was the capital of Russia from 1121-1238. At its peak, Vladimir was one of Europe's largest and most beautiful cities. Pray that Vladimir would once again be a central city of influence-spiritual influence for the proclaimation of the gospel.

Suzdal was first mentioned in the year 1024. When Vladimir was the capital of Russia, Suzdal was the religious center for the Russian Orthodox church. Pray for God to send workers in the harvest fields of people that need to hear the truth of His grace and love through Jesus Christ. Pray that those who are called will go and share the good news.

A Week of Prayer for the Golden Ring of Russia

Today is the first day of a concentrated time of prayer for the Golden Ring of Russia. The Golden Ring is a symbolic ring of cities located to the Northeast of Moscow. Please join us this week as we "prayer walk" the Golden Ring.

"Look, I place in Zion a stone that will make people stumble, a rock that will make them fall. But whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed." Romans 9:33

To see more pictures go to http://GoldenRing.photosite.com
(All the information and photos for the Week of Prayer were provided by Mel and Nancy Skinner. Thanks Mel and Nancy for all of your hard work!)