Mission to
Magadan
Preaching the Gospel in Far East Russia
September 2009 Newsletter
A Surprise Call
I wasn’t expecting it, yet I heard the Lord say it is time to return to the U.S. I had wanted to stay in Magadan as long as the Lord wanted me there, and granted me the grace to be here. So after thirteen years in Magadan, I was surprised to discern that it was time to return to serve another parish.
Little by little it became clear – it is time for a change. I’ve been away from home and family for a long time, and an opportunity appeared to serve my grandparents’ old parish - with deep family roots as now my parents have retired there. I said yes! I would do whatever God wanted, even if it would be difficult; difficult to leave Magadan, leave all the people in my life, leave Fr. Mike and our little brotherhood, leave the still struggling Church in Russia.
These past years have been a privilege and blessing for me. I’ve been privileged to be part of the reemerging Catholic Church in Russia during this very historical period. I’ve been
privileged to be part of the Church of the Nativity as it grew from a few faithful believers to a vibrant Catholic community. I’ve been part of parish that began meeting in people’s apartments, to see and help it build its own beautiful Church proudly witnessing to the faith which could not be put to death.
I’ve been privileged to be part of a small brotherhood with Fr. Michael, a true priest, and friend. I’ve been privileged to know and be part of the lives of many living saints who suffered for their faith in ways that we can barely imagine. I’ve been privileged to be part of a family of faith that is growing and becoming more sure of itself every day - people who have found the Catholic faith and embraced it wholeheartedly, who daily stand up and witness, often amid persecution, to their love of God and Church.
So, it is with a very heavy heart that I say goodbye and move back to Missouri. My heart has been touched by so much and by so many people here that it is indeed truly like dying when one must make a change. But then love really never dies. I will always be a part of Magadan, and Magadan will always be a part of me. I will carry the love of the people with me the rest of my life, and we will always be united in that faith and love.
Thank you, Magadan. Thank you, people of the Parish of the Nativity; you have truly touched and loved and formed me in so many ways. You will be in my heart and prayers forever.
The Struggles of a Young Russian Family
Misha came to the Church of the Nativity when he was fifteen. He became a server in the church and thought he might want to become a Franciscan. After a year in a monastery in Moscow, he came back clearly understanding that he didn’t have a vocation to religious life.
Misha met his wife Nastia, who had a beautiful daughter, Alena, now five years old. Four years ago they married full of hope and happiness, and now have another bundle of joy. Veeka is two years old.
The young family lives in two rooms in a dormitory that had to be remodeled after fire damaged by a previous tenant. It is hard to imagine a worst place for the family. The building is a haven for alcoholics and prostitutes. The shared toilet and shower are in horrific condition. Misha installed a sink in their rooms so his daughter could bath in private and not be in danger in the public area.
Misha worked as a police officer for six years but could not bear the unethical and illegal actions happening within the police department. He is now unemployed and is ineligible for unemployment payments. The young family is now overwhelmed with debt. With only one parent working, the family struggles with heat and electricity. Their total debts now exceed $6,500 - not much for a family in the U.S., but here in Magadan, it is enormous. Nastia’s night job must feed the family until Misha is able to find work again.
The family remains happy and hopeful. The violence and crime that 
Misha witnessed in his work on the police force won’t haunt him as before. He is open to nearly any kind of work so he can feed and care for his family. This story could happen in many countries in the world right now, but Misha is Fr. Mike’s spiritual son. Fr. Mike prays with this family and prays for this family. Soon there will be a new beginning for the family – an new beginning that the Lord has already started in their hearts which has been nurtured through you and your support of the Church’s work in Magadan.
The Best of Brothers
Fr. David has discerned that his time in Russia has come to an end. He feels the Lord is calling him to return to his local church and be near family. Fr David is one of those priests who gives himself in a deep humility with a servant’s heart. Blessed Charles said we must shout the gospel from the roof top of our lives; we must show the gospel in deeds s
o people can believe in our words. The Russian people don’t trust words because they have seen the promises of a communist nation crumble and even the great perestroika “rebuilding” of the 1990s failed to bring what was promised. They want to see it in the flesh. This is Fr David at his best. I have known Fr David for near twenty years. He received the call to come to Russia a year after I discerned a new direction to my priesthood. He came as a Brother of the Heart of Jesus and he leaves as a dear brother in the heart of Jesus and in my heart.
He told me quite simply when he first came, that he came support me and be with the people here. He has done both with great grace. His gifts are numerous from a musician to electrician, a profound homilist, a computer master, great cook (Will I ever have Fr David’s pizza again?) and, first and foremost, a faithful priest.There are two things necessary for every priest: first is a deep, intimate prayerful relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ, most profoundly found in the Holy Eucharist. The second essential reality for any priest is a brotherly love for other priests and brotherly relationship.
I have such a brother in Fr David. The things Fr David has done here are numerous. The people he has touched is shown by the tears from his parishioners in the small parish in Ola. For me, the greatest gift is Fr. David has heard my confession almost weekly for over thirteen years. He has offered me the greatest gift from the cross of Jesus Christ and this is forgiveness of my sins. Fr David is a great confessor with a heart - as big as the one he wears on his chest: the heart of Jesus. I am here today in Russia because God called me to be here and will be until my death. I can stay in Russia because of the sacrament of 
forgiveness. What I have experienced in this sacrament through the priesthood of Fr David has been, in truth, salvation. I will miss Fr David and our conversations around our small kitchen table, our trips to the garden and our evening prayer together. Mostly I will miss his compassionate, priestly heart that has helped me through the most difficult times. He has beenthe best of brothers and I will miss him. I also know he will be back to visit and will continue with his preaching and ministry to support our little mission here. So the mission continues - in truth, in his life and ours. As the Russians sing to those they honor, many years, many years and I add priesthood for this good holy man of God, my confessor, my brother, Fr David.
In the hearts of Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Michael Shields
Send a prayer request to Fr. Mike
You can help families like Misha's and other people in need in Far East Russia through your financial support. Your faithful prayers and support will help ensure that the ministry of the Church in Far East Russian will continue long into the future. Thank you for your continued support of the Mission to Magadan!
