|
 |
Update on Pastor Miles |
 |
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Pastor Phillip's written appeal was filed early this week. This site will be updated when we learn the date that the Court of Appeals will hear the argument. In the meantime, numerous efforts are continuing to be made on Pastor Phillip's behalf. He remains in good spirits and is confident that God's will is being done in him and in our church during this time.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Below is a special message written to the church from Pastor Phillip. If you would like to send a letter or card to Pastor Phillip please address it to the church and include your name and return address on the envelope. Please be aware that your correspondence will be read by other people. Also, if you would like to make a contribution, please make checks out to "CCC" and designate for "Emergency Mission Fund" in the memo section.
Address all correspondence to:
Pastor Phillip Miles (Russia)
c/o Christ Community Church
1500 Hwy 501 Business
Conway, SC 29526
A Message from Pastor Phillip
Monday, April 21, 2008
Dear CCC Family,
Praise God. I am doing well. Please know that your prayers are working. God is doing so much in me and I have heard what He is doing in you. Be encouraged! Your prayers are not in vain. God hears and will answer every prayer. But He will do it in a way that advances His kingdom in the most productive way. Do not be discouraged. I sense more than ever that God is in control. As much as we would like to control God at times, we will find in time that His way was the best all along.
Gal. 6: 9-10 "Instead of losing heart, let us continue to do good to all people."
We don't have enough time to question; there is too much work to do. My greatest burden is being away from my natural and spiritual family. You can comfort me by being about your Father's business. I love you more than words can express. Thank you for caring for Lynn and doing what God has called you to do.
In His Victory!
Phillip
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
We continue to be encouraged by news of diplomatic efforts on Pastor Phillip's behalf. We sincerely appreciate all who are working to assist him and his family during this time and we want to share the following with you:
Statement from Kevin Bishop,
spokesman for U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham on Pastor Miles:
"We have had extensive discussions with the Russian Embassy in Washington and U.S. State Department since Pastor Miles arrest. We know this has been a difficult situation for the family and church congregation. Senator Graham has reached out to some of the highest-ranking officials in the U.S. government and the Russian Federation regarding the Miles case. They are very aware of the situation and understand its importance. Pastor Miles' safe return remains a high priority for Senator Graham."
Monday, April 21, 2008
Earlier today, Pastor Phillip was convicted of smuggling ammunition and sentenced to three years and two months in prison. His attorney, the U.S. Embassy, and our church family are deeply disappointed with this unjust sentence. An appeal of the decision will be filed. We hope that the appeals court will take note of the errors in the Municipal Judge's decision and overturn her verdict. Diplomatic efforts are also being made on Pastor Phillip's behalf. His case is not over and the church family remains hopeful that we will be reunited with Pastor Phillip soon.
Despite our current disappointment, however, we continue to have faith that God will see Pastor Phillip through this process. Both he and our church will continue to grow through this period of struggle. As always, CCC thanks you for your prayers and concern for our Pastor and our church.
In particular, Lynn thanks everyone for continuing to pray for God's perfect will to be done. Phillip and Lynn are both confident that God is in the middle of all of this and that His purposes will prevail. This is a wonderful time to see God turn something intended for evil into something that works for good.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Pastor Phillip's trial concluded today with him being given the opportunity to speak directly to the judge on his own behalf. According to people in attendance at the trial, his 15 minute speech was very eloquent, powerful and moving. At the conclusion of Pastor Phillip's speech, the judge stated that she could not make a decision at that time and would announce her verdict on Monday morning at 11:00AM, Moscow time.
Many prayers for Pastor Phillip and our church have been offered from all around the country. Yesterday, hundreds of people prayed that God would give Phillip strength, courage, and wisdom during his opportunity to speak directly to the judge. We have seen these prayers answered and are so thankful for that. CCC is calling on its members, supporters, and friends to pray with extra energy throughout this weekend that the judge will make a fair, just, and merciful decision on Monday, and that it will result in Pastor Phillip's immediate release.
The CCC family is excited about our reunion with our Pastor, and we pray that it will happen very soon.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Pastor Phillip's trial continued today and all evidence and witness testimony was presented. The court will re-convene tomorrow, at which time Pastor Phillip will give a final statement to the court. At the conclusion of his statement, the case will go before the judge to issue a verdict. We hope that the verdict will be issued immediately, but the judge may take additional time before announcing her verdict.
Both the smuggling charge and the trafficking charge are pending in front of the judge. Please pray earnestly today that the judge will find Pastor Phillip "Not Guilty" of the smuggling charge, so that he may be released from prison.
Please also pray for rest and strength for Pastor Phillip tonight and tomorrow. Pray that God will inspire his remarks tomorrow and that the judge will be confident of his integrity, honesty, and innocence.
This website will be updated tomorrow as soon as a verdict is issued by the court.
Monday, April 7, 2008
The first day of Pastor Phillip's trial has concluded. Due to the court's schedule, the second day of the trial will not take place until April 17. We do not know whether the trial will conclude after the second day, or whether additional court days will be needed to complete the trial. That will likely depend on how much time the court has available on the 17th.
We have been informed by people in attendance at today's trial that Pastor Phillip did very well. He looked strong physically and mentally. He answered questions and discussed the facts of the case with the judge. There were even some funny moments related to difficulties in interpreting phrases from English to Russian. We continue to believe that God's light will shine through Pastor Phillip for all to see, and that the court will be convinced that he is a man of integrity and honesty.
Please continue to pray that his trial will conclude with his immediate release from prison and that he can begin his travels home as soon as possible.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
We received notice from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow that Pastor Phillip's trial date has been set for Monday, April 7. It is possible that the trial will not be completed until Tuesday. Immediately upon the conclusion of the trial, this website will be updated. We ask that you do not call the church office on Monday or Tuesday asking about the status of the trial.
In the meantime, Christ Community Church is asking that all readers of this message pray throughout this week that the trial will go well and will conclude with the judge releasing Pastor Phillip from prison and allowing him to return home.
Friday, March 14, 2008
With respect to Phillip's legal case, we have been informed that the pre-trial investigation process has been completed. This is encouraging news because this process frequently lasts many months. The prosecutor now has the case and will determine a trial date. The prosecutor has the authority to try Pastor Phillip on both the smuggling and trafficking charges. We hope to hear that the trial will take place within a few weeks, although there is currently no date set. Pastor Phillip's attorney will argue that any violation of Russian laws was done unintentionally and with no desire to cause any harm or danger to anyone in Russia. The testimony and evidence support this position. We trust that the prosecutor and the judge will agree with the evidence and Pastor Phillip will be released at the conclusion of his trial. Please continue to pray that the judge will show understanding and mercy on Pastor Phillip.
On a personal note, Pastor Phillip is continuing to develop close relationships with his cell mates and has faith that he will be able to return home soon. Two embassy officials visited Phillip this week and reported that he looked well. They were able to take the first package of letters and cards to him sent from the church, and he enjoyed reading every one of them. They had a wonderful conversation with him, even discussing the recent UNC/Duke basketball game. He decided to overlook the fact that one of the embassy visitors graduated from Duke! His third hand-written letter to Lynn seemed to indicate that he will have plenty of stories to share when he comes home. He sent his love and appreciation to the staff and congregation of CCC.
Friday, February 29, 2008
The embassy called Lynn Friday morning to report they were able to visit with Phillip for over an hour. It was a very good and casual visit. Phillip looked well although he is taking advantage of his time away from Lynn to grow his very first beard. He knows when he comes home, the beard will need to stay in Russia.
He told them about each of his cellmates and what they are like. He told lots of funny stories and it was obvious to the embassy officials that he is very fond of the men and the guards who watch over him. He told them all about the cabin in Clayton, Ga. where he and Lynn have taken sabbaticals. He related that he dreams about feeding the deer and watching the birds on the front porch with Lynn. He also told them about some of the people at church and had them all laughing.
They are very impressed with Phillip's demeanor and how well he is conducting himself while imprisoned. There is not much news to report about his case except that the lawyers continue to make progress on his behalf.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
What is currently happening in Russia?
Pastor Miles is being held in a prison in Moscow while his case is being investigated. He is confined to a wing of the prison that is reserved only for foreign nationals. Pastor Miles shares cell space with several men from various countries. He has reported to us, through the Embassy, that he is getting along well with his cellmates. The initial period allowed for investigation is 60 days. While the investigation could be completed faster than that, it is also possible for the Prosecutor to request additional 60 day periods for investigation. As a result, we do not have any way to know definitively when his case will be scheduled for hearing. The Prosecutor is investigating trafficking and smuggling charges against Pastor Miles. If he is found guilty for trafficking it could entail a punishment ranging from a fine to a sentence of 3 years. If he is found guilty of smuggling it would be a 3-7 year sentence. (Pastor Miles is being held because he was taking a goodwill gift, a box of ammunition from Wal-Mart, to a fellow avid hunter.)
What is happening in the States?
Church representatives are in daily contact with the US State Department, the US Embassy in Moscow and Lindsey Graham's office. All of these entities are working hard to assist Pastor Miles during this process. Pastor Miles has been visited by Embassy officials in Moscow. They report that he is in good spirits and he sends his best wishes to the church congregation. He thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers, and for their continued support of Christ Community Church. He asks that we continue to pray for his health, as the weather is turning very cold in Russia. Money raised by the church has been used to purchase food and additional warm clothing for Pastor Miles. If additional funds are needed, we will give you information as to how you can help. Finally, the Embassy advised us that they can take letters and cards to Pastor Miles, but that he is not always allowed to keep them with him in his cell. If you would like to send him a letter or card, please address it to the church and include your name and return address on the envelope. Letters will be gathered and sent in groups to the Embassy. This website will continue to provide updates from Pastor Miles as we get them from the Embassy.
Please send letters and cards to:
Pastor Phillip Miles (Russia)
c/o Christ Community Church
1500 Hwy. 501 Business
Conway, SC 29526
**Please be aware that your correspondence WILL be read by other people.**
Dominic Starr will be working with Pastor Phillip's Russian lawyers to assist them in preparing his defense. There may be long periods of time during this phase that we do not hear anything new as to the progress of the case. We will continue to post all official news on this website.
What do we need you to do?
-
Please continue to pray for Pastor Phillip, Lynn and their children.
-
Pray that there is a speedy investigation process and that the smuggling charges are dropped.
-
Pray for God to continue to move in our church as we prepare for the mighty things He is doing in us and Pastor Phillip in this process.
-
Please do not speculate about what might be going on. (All official news will be posted.)
-
Please do not call Lynn directly. She appreciates your thoughts and prayers. Please send her a card or note to her home or c/o CCC (same address as above) if you would like to communicate with her.
Friday, February 08, 2008
A formal hearing was held in Pastor Miles' case in Moscow on February 8th.
At the hearing, the State requested that it be given an additional 60 days to complete its investigation of this case. The request was granted by the court. As a result, Pastor Miles will be held in jail in Moscow during the course of the investigation. While the church is disappointed with this temporary setback, we are encouraged that Pastor Miles' reputation of integrity and character will ultimately lead to his freedom.
The United States Embassy in Moscow is monitoring this situation and has sent representatives to visit with Pastor Miles. They assure us that he is being treated well and remains in good physical condition. Friends in Russia have told the church that his spirits remain high and that those around him have been very impressed with his attitude and demeanor during this difficult time.
This website will be updated any time we receive official news about the status of this case. If you hear or read anything about this case that contradicts information on this website, please disregard it.
The church asks that you continue to remember Phillip and Lynn, their children and extended family, and the church body, in your thoughts and prayers.
|
|
|
