Shortly after the New Year, I travelled back to Aigir, a small village in the Southern Ural Mountains. The “camp” is open to tourists and mountain-climbers as a type of lodge. I was neither a tourist nor mountain-climber, but my university hosted another camp for high-school students studying English. So, I spent the first week of January helping students practice speaking English while we enjoyed the beauty of snow-covered mountains and forests.

One night I sat with a student, and we talked about our families and our plans for the future. His name was Almaz; he was fifteen years old. He had only been studying English for a few years, but he worked hard to communicate with me using what he knew. After several exchanges that night he asked me if I believed in God. He shared with me about the Koran, the Prophet Muhammed, and visiting the mosque. I told him about Adam and Eve, sin, and Jesus’ death and resurrection. Then he asked me if I believed in Judgment Day and confessed that he was afraid of that day. I explained why God’s love for us and Jesus’ sacrifice gave me a different perspective of Judgment Day.

I love the mountains, and they’re beautiful covered in snow. And I like interacting with groups of students and helping them practice English. But what I desire is to begin conversations like the one I had with Almaz. Thankfully, he lives in my city and we’re planning to meet again. Would you pray for the Holy Spirit to be working in Almaz’s heart?

Shawn B.