Presentation for the General Public:

“From Russia with Love…
Reconnecting with God in the Former Soviet Union”

This presentation will feature five Russians as they share of growing up in communist Russia and of living through the turbulent transition after the fall of the USSR in 1991.  In this atheist country, God was never been mentioned in their homes and they were taught they had absolutely no personal worth – only to keep the Soviet system running.  But, God was not dead and they hoped and prayed that one day they could connect with Him and begin to become healthy – spiritually and emotionally.  However, that seemed an impossibility, as not only was knowledge about God denied to them, but also any opportunity to address the deep emotional wounds they carried from World War II, the destructive Soviet system, and from their painfully dysfunctional families.

During Soviet times, the government denied that any type of abuse, addictions or dysfunctions occurred in their “perfect” countries, thus universities did not provide information regarding the treatment of these issues.  As a result, today clergy, health professionals, and professors earnestly desire to be educated in these areas.  In response, Marilyn Murray founded Health Restoration International, Ltd. of Scottsdale and Project: Restoration Russia; and has taught the treatment of trauma, abuse and deprivation and their correlation with addictions in the former USSR since 2001.  These sessions offer information to the Russians regarding lancing old wounds and also how to become a healthy balanced person – spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and physically with an intimate relationship with God in their lives.

The seminars are presented to clergy, health professionals, and professors who, in turn are transferring this knowledge to their parishioners, clients, patients, and students; and are teaching it to the general public. Not only are clergy becoming healthy personally and now able to share the gospel more effectively but this method also is reaching many non-believers through university classes who are opening their hearts for the first time to the concept of having God in their lives.

These five Russians are coming to thank Americans who have prayed for them and graciously contributed to Project: Restoration Russia; and to tell of the marvelous miracles that are occurring as multitudes are discovering who God created them to be, and are living healthy new lives - personally, professionally and relationally. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to bring your family and friends to a most informative and inspirational evening.  You will be deeply moved by these courageous Russians, and will go away with a new sense of thanksgiving for all you enjoy in this land of freedom, choice and opportunity. 

Presenters:
Vladimir Radzhabov;  Pastor; Faculty, Biblical Leadership Training Institute; 
Krasnodar, Russia
Victoria Bartsalkina, Ph.D.; Psychologist, Professor, Head of Counseling Psychology Dept. Moscow State University of Psychology and Education
Tatiana Grechayana; M.D., Ph.D.; Trainer -  Transatlantic Partners Against AIDS; Senior Researcher -Department of Medical Psychological Rehabilitation,       Russian-American Research Partner for Prevention with University of Minnesota; Professor, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education
Natasha Dmitrieva M.A.; Psychologist; Director - Center for Children, Teens and Their Families, The City of Moscow Department of Education  
Yelena Serebrennikova; Translator and Murray Method Staff Member    
Co-sponsor: Psychological Counseling Services
Moderator:
Marilyn Murray, M.A.; President, Health Restoration International, Ltd.; Founder - The Murray Method; Professor, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education

Sunday, November 12 –
Valley Presbyterian Church
6947 East McDonald Drive
Paradise Valley
6 – 8 p.m. with reception following

There also will be a luncheon for clergy, church leaders, and other interested persons: 

“Post-Communist  Russia’s Open Door to Finding Authentic
Relationships with God, Self and Others.”

featuring
Vladimir Radzhabov;  
Pastor; Faculty, Biblical Leadership Training Institute
 Krasnodar, Russia

Friday, November 9, 2006
12  – 2 p.m.
(registration 11:45 a.m.)

Hotel Valley Ho
 6850 East Main Street
Scottsdale, AZ

Cost $ 50;  Seating Limited - Reservations required by November 3rd
For information and reservations, contact Ken Wells, 602-629-5385
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RUSSIAN JOURNAL TWO
September  30, 2006

Hello dear family and friends,

When I was just writing the date on this journal it seemed impossible that we will be starting the last quarter of this year tomorrow - I still am writing "2005" at times.  It also was hard to believe that two weeks ago I celebrated my birthday here in Moscow for the fifth time.

Russians love to celebrate special events so they really went all-out for my 70th birthday.  It fell on the first day of a Level I seminar for the University and we had 33 persons (in a room made for about 25).  I didn't expect much because I thought almost everyone would be new and wouldn't know me.  However - 16 persons were repeat students and they made certain the day was a good one for me.  I received eleven bouquets and many gifts - we kept the beautiful flowers (roses, orchids, mums, etc.) on a big table all week so everyone certainly enjoyed them.

Then that evening, eight of my closest friends treated me to a lovely dinner in a new restaurant (which was wonderful as it was not so noisy and crowded as most).  They brought three large bouquets of gorgeous roses and delightful gifts.  So - I felt loved and appreciated all day.  I also received numerous phone calls and e-mails (some from you all - thank you so much) so that was great.  One young couple who are special to me and live in the Ukraine even called late in the evening - I was surprised as they a quite poor and I know the phone call was a financial stretch for them.

The class went well and the repeat students were good role-models and were open regarding both their personal/professional growth as a result of these training sessions, but also honest about their remaining struggles (change does not happen over-night.)  We had two women who were quite hostile and antagonistic toward any concept of God or a Higher Power.  Both had many heavy lines on their trauma eggs - one had been raped five times - no wonder she was so angry!   But, by Friday each had undergone a miraculous change and were soft and responsive.  They admitted they had a great deal of work ahead of them regarding lancing their huge emotional wounds - but definitely knew they could not do it alone and were open to the concept having God in their lives.

The Level IIb class (also with numerous repeat students) which took place the week before also ended well with obvious growth in everyone - you could really observe it in them physically - they begin to look so different.  Instead of walking with their heads down and slumped shoulders, with dead eyes and faces - now, they stand tall and confident - they smile and their eyes sparkle with life and vitality. So, when I see dramatic changes in Levels I and II,  then watch the amazing growth in the advanced students it energizes me greatly.  I am hoping that God will allow me to continue here for many more years - it certainly is very rewarding - every time.  

There now are many repeat students - for two reasons - one, because it is their personal therapy time and they need to continue working in these classes regarding their own health, and also because I have emphasized the need to repeat classes several times before they use these methods with their clients, and it is imperative to repeat if they plan to go on to the Level I and II Instructor Trainings.  I am excited that I already have received a multitude of requests to attend the 2007 Instructor Training sessions.  

I also will be adding a brand new Level III class in February, 2007 which will include new theoretical and treatment models as an extension of Level II.  Needless to say, since we have had over 300 persons attend Level II - I have a  long waiting list for this class.  I don't know yet how I am going to handle this   I also have Level IV planned for the following year as I still have many more concepts that I want to teach which I know are greatly needed over here.

Things in Russia certainly are better than they were during Soviet times, however - it still feels unstable politically and financially.  So - I genuinely do not know what day will be my last in this country I have grown to love so dearly.  As a consequence, my main goal is to train as many persons as thoroughly and as quickly as possible so they can continue to take over the responsibilities for this work.
-----------------------
Right now I am in Kranodar which feels comfortable as I have family and many friends here.  My nephew Tim and his wife Joy (and two children) have worked here for several years at the Biblical Leadership Training Center (BLTC).  Tim and Joy had a marvelous birthday party for me on Sunday - they gave me the most incredible bouquet and exquisite cake I have ever seen (Russians really know how to make things "over the top") and it was great to see dear friends again.

I have taught here for BLTC twice before and many persons also have continued their training in Moscow.  We have eleven graduates of  Level I Instructor Training here in Krasnodar and six of them presently are in the new Level II Instructor Training which pleases me very much.  These teams did two Level I classes before I arrived last Saturday and we started a large class of 40 for Level II this week..  This is the first time we have had a teaching team participating in a Level II seminar - so, this is a important event for us.  All six on the team are doing a wonderful job and also helping with the small groups.  

Everyone in this class is a first-timer except for the teaching team and two others - they had so many applications they had to limit the repeats.  Some persons attended Level I two or three years ago and some this year so it is quite a mixed group.  They are from many places throughout Russia (traveling several days and nights on a train to get here) and also from Kazakhstan, Dagestan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and others I can't even remember.
There are six psychologists from the prisons.  You might remember that two years ago we also had six prison psychologists - (all prison workers are part of the Russian military) and the one in charge was Capitan Natasha (she now has been promoted to Major.)  She has continued on through all my classes several times and now is on both the Level I and Level II teaching teams.  

Natasha has received a grant from the European Union to give three, one-week sessions (15 persons per session) for prison workers from the Northern Caucasus' and is preparing to use the Murray Method as the curriculum.  They have over 70,000 prison workers in this district - so 45 persons is an infinitesimal amount especially when you consider the Northern Caucasus' are one of the most violent areas in all of Russia.  Natasha presently is working on her doctoral dissertation and has permission from the authorities to do a research project on this for her dissertation.  So - I am most pleased about that.    

She brought me a new book this week which all prison psychologists in the country are required to read and she is interviewed in it.  There are two pages in which she discusses how she uses the Murray Method with the inmates and also how it has helped the staff.    She has over 70 psychologists who are anxiously awaiting their turn to attend these sessions so hopefully we will be able to do some specifically for them in the near future.

During this week the prison psychologists have brought a good balance to all the pastors, missionaries and church workers that make up the rest of the class.  The prison workers have especially rough backgrounds - both as children and adults - I was told their Trauma Eggs in Level I were quite startling with all the violence involved.  But - this week they have been wonderful and have been very active in all the sessions.

Many of the pastors come from extremely strict, legalistic denominations so the fact that they are willing to participate in these trainings is quite a miracle in itself.  They all have been so traumatized in their lives and most still are struggling just to stay alive.   When you see where and how they live at the present time, it is amazing that some can still smile and be loving.
---------------------------------
Wednesday, October 11

So sorry I have not sent this earlier but I had no regular Interent access in Krasnodar - only a couple of days for about 10 minutes to check for urgent messages.  I am back  in Moscow now and am happy to be sleeping in my own bed.  I am grateful to have this little apartment where I can genuinely feel at home (and have Internet service to communicate with you all). 

The Level II in Krasnodar ended marvelously well.  All of the prison psychologists made huge progress and several even amazed everyone by shedding tears, not only in their small groups, but also in front of the entire large group when sharing on the final afternoon (these are really tough guys who said they have never cried since they were very small.)  They all stated they realized their need for God in their lives and everyone said they wanted to be in the follow-up groups (even though they live several hours drive away from Krasnodar.)  There also were a number of other persons with severe problems and a couple of antagonistic ones that made dramatic changes by the end of the two weeks.  

Several of the legalistic pastors started out thinking that anything to do with psychology could not be biblical - so there were some conflicting opinions and numerous heated discussions during the first week - however, by the end of the second week they all settled down and became surprisingly cooperative (but still need to do a lot of personal work.)   

I was delighted to see many of the men who are on the BLTC staff (that I have known for three years) making some major changes in their lives - emotionally, spiritually and relationally as they continue to genuinely work on their own issues.  This is especially impacting for me as several of them were quite opposed to this method originally - and now are among our greatest supporters and encouragers.  

All the seminar participants expressed their appreciation for the teaching teams - both for the ones that taught the Level I classes (without me) and this first-time Level II team.   I was very proud of all the team members and feel satisfied that this method truly can be taught and conveyed effectively by others, not just me.  
----------------------
This week I am trying to catch up on my rest and also with a huge stack of unread and unanswered e-mails.  In addition I am preparing for the big "Five for Five" Russian events in Phoenix and Scottsdale in a few weeks - my Russian friends are so excited about coming - I hope you all plan to attend and greet them - I know you will find them most enjoyable and interesting.

I also am working with the publishers on my book contract, details, etc.  It makes it doubly difficult with the language barrier and is requiring many phone calls through an interpreter to both my attorney and the publishers.  So - I hope we end up understanding what the other actually meant and said.  

The publisher is pushing to have the book finished and out in time for the famous Moscow Book Fair in March (2007).  They want me there also so that should be ochen interestna (very interesting!)  If any of you saw the '89 movie, "Russia House" with Sean Connery you might remember that it starts at this same book fair.  
---------------------------
Moscow is changing every day - there is SO much new construction it is mind-blowing.  From where I now am sitting I can look out my window and see two huge new skyscrapers going up several miles away.  I go past them everyday on the way to my university classes and they are going to be quite spectacular when finished.  They are part of a cluster of five new buildings which form a portion of an elaborate new locale called "Moscow City." The two buildings I can see from my apartment will be forty stories high and one will contain a new Hyatt Hotel; of the other three buildings - two will be thirty stories high and one will be twenty. I also read yesterday that the government is planning 200 new skyscrapers around Moscow before 2020.   Unfortunately, apartment prices are so outrageous that I have no idea where people will get the money to live in them.  The salaries here for professionals still are at, or below, poverty level.

I surmise you heard/read in the news about the terrible murder of the well-known journalist, Anna Politkovskaya here in Moscow on October 8th.  I had purchased her latest book, "Putin's Russia, Life in a Failing Democracy" about a year ago and it has been sitting half-read on my kitchen table while I finished several large volumes on Lenin and Stalin.  So, of course now I am finishing it.  She was most outspoken in her criticism of the present government and the book is a compilation of many interviews of persons throughout Russia - their stories are extremely eye-opening and tragic.  I know they are true because they echo exactly what I have been hearing from my students for multitudes of hours the past four years.  

Anyway - Politkovskaya  made a lot of enemies here and she was executed by two gunshots in the elevator of her apartment at 4:30 last Saturday afternoon - she had been grocery shopping.  Her apartment is only a few miles from mine and I just happened to be in the metro station across the street from her place only about 16 hours later (I hadn't known of her death yet at that time.)  So - violence and corruption go on and on.  

Many people here are angry that Putin did not even speak about her death publicly until Wednesday (in Germany, not in Russia) - and then did not offer any condolences to her family and colleagues (she was killed on Saturday and the funeral was Tuesday - so he was unpardonably late with his brief remarks on Wednesday).  Other comments regarding the great tragedy of Politkovskaya's death and condolences came from leaders all over the world immediately, but the Kremlin was silent.

There also has been a great deal of conflict recently between Russia and Georgia with many deportations happening daily.  Many of the merchants and restaurateurs here are Georgian and they are quite fearful to say the least.  The government has been making big waves about keeping "Russia for the Russians" (which is pretty strange since this country is made up of over 100 different people groups) plus some rather startling bigoted statements. And - as a result, some serious racial incidents have been happening - I have deep sympathy for the persons who are on the receiving end of this critical ethnic intolerance.

Despite all of the above I still love it here and pray God will continue to give me strength to continue this much-needed work.
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When I arrived here the first week of September it was warm, beautiful and green; but now it has been raining almost every day and often is cloudy and cold.  Then an hour ago the sun came out and it is quite lovely as I look out at the trees parading in their golden gowns.  I return to Phoenix this coming Sunday (the 15th) and will enjoy the warm weather there but will miss the wonderful feel and look of autumn. 

I am most eager to see you all again and especially hope you will attend some of the "Five for Five" events the first two weeks of November and bring your family and friends.  Please let me know if you have any questions about that time.

With love and appreciation,  
Marilyn