Soviet Siberian Snow Story

Shavei Tzyon | Return to Zion Congregation

Haifa, Israel

Dear friends, brothers and sisters in Messiah Yeshua! Thank you for your prayers, support and letters of encouragement. Sometimes we feel like our “legs are buckling,” and then an uplifting message comes from you, and the world around becomes more colorful and joyous. We pray for you and your loved ones that you may receive peace, health and prosperity in the Lord Yeshua!

This winter my wife and and I, together with our younger children, were blessed to visit relatives in the Toronto area and see picturesque places in Canada. Real snow was a new experience for our children who have lived their whole life in Israel.

I, on the other hand, was born in the Soviet Union, where snow was not a novelty. From 1987 to 1989 I had compulsory duty in the (Communist) Soviet Army and served in Siberia where it was very cold and there was more than enough snow. So, I do not have much nostalgia for snow, except for the way it is tied with my faith testimony – with how the Holy Spirit filled me in particularly unfavorable conditions when I was a new believer in an atheistic army in a country with enduring anti-God propaganda.

I learned as best I could about the Holy Spirit through a tiny New Testament which I somehow managed to hide in countless pockets of a military uniform. (It was strictly prohibited to have religious literature in the Soviet army). Sometimes I could understand what I read; sometimes I could not. On rare occasions I was able to attend an “underground” home group of local believers. They too, could not give me the understanding I desired.

In December 1988, we spent many weeks doing tactical military exercises while living in tents in the terrible conditions of a Siberian winter close to the Chinese border. Afterwards we were taken back to our base very late at night. I remember going to bed completely exhausted and “broken” in the barracks shared by more than 100 sleeping soldiers. Suddenly I started praying loudly in tongues. My bunk neighbors asked me: “Who are you talking to?” But thank God they were tired just like me and quickly fell asleep. And as for me, I had a dialogue with the Heavens that winter night!

Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Update from the Rainbow of Sounds Music School

There are 14 teachers in our school teaching a variety of instruments at a high level. Twice a year the children and their parents gather for recitals. The most recent recital was hosted by our piano teacher Anastasya. She specializes in children who have developmental problems and it is wonderful to see how music truly benefits these children as well – stirring them to interest and awareness. I’m absolutely convinced that our Messianic ministry center, where music lessons are held and where people pray and proclaim the name of the Lord Yeshua, has a great impact. We have witnessed how children who were reserved and withdrawn open up and become completely different after a few years in our music school!

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