CBU: A day of rest!

Update from CBU A team:

Today has been a day of rest and recharging! How awesome it was to worship at Calvary Chapel with other believers! Although we missed our heart language during worship, it was beautiful to hear voices raised in worship, in a foreign place! The message was translated into English, and spoke so directly to each one of us. We read from Mark 16, the Great Commission!

The afternoon was spent at Tanya Mendakoff’s home. She served us a wonderful lunch of traditional Borscht. It was delicious. Then we traversed to the park where we spent an hour journaling, in quiet time, and praying. Tonight we watched a thunderstorm and traveled back to our lodgings.

This week, we begin some very serious messages with the kids and teens. Tomorrow, we will speak to what Love is Not. Many of those we minister to have been abused, physically, verbally and sexually. We want them to be able to see and hear what Love should look like.

Please pray for boldness as we will speak against cultural norms, their own abusive relationships, and how to change the way they express love to one another. We will follow with forgiveness and love that endures. We would appreciate your prayers for all of these things.

   And….here’s an update from each team member from Russia A team:

Alejandro: Priviet! I am doing great as we connect more and more with the children and teens at the Transit Center. Out of all the teens I have encountered I have learned more about a teenage boy, who is sixteen, who has inspired me with his actions. He has given me the reassurance that I am here for a reason and despite the situation I am in, I am here to serve my purpose.

Saul: DA! I am doing fantastic here in Russia and I love the city, people, and most importantly the kids that I have met. God has really been HUMBLING me in many ways that I am very shocked and I cannot wait to share all the stories to family and friends. Keep me in prayers.  I have been connected to three boys that I have so much love for them and I just want to keep showing them God’s love.

Haley: My time in Russia so far has been such a blessing! The Lord has been opening my eyes to even more of His characteristics and to just how great His love really is. I have been blessed with the opportunity to grow close to a little girl (she is four) and I love being able to tell her that Jesus loves her in her own language! I love you all and appreciate your prayers!

Morgan: Russia has been Awesome! Every day is such a blast with these children, their laughter and smiles, despite the challenges in their lives; it is so encouraging to me. At times, it is exhausting and challenging, but I know it will be well worth it and that God is using us to be a light to these children.

Mayra: Hello! My time in Russia has been absolutely amazing. The Lord has really been stretching me and helping me grow in ways I never imagined. It has been a blessing being able to work with the children and teens at the transit center. They have made a huge impact in my life and I am excited for what God has in store for them and for our team this week. Please keep us in your prayers as we approach the end of our time in Russia. Thank you and God bless!

Carla: Zdrastvuytye! I am doing so great and I feel so blessed to be in Russia. I wake up in the mornings feeling awestruck that I am still in this beautiful city. I have had many emotional moments but I know the Lord is really breaking my heart for what breaks His. I have had the opportunity to build a solid relationship with one of the teen girls and I know my team still has plenty of work to fulfill as well.

Christy: Hello everyone! Physically I am doing very well; I am getting a little worn as our time here goes on but today (Sunday) was a good day of church and a special quiet time, which refreshed me. I have a special prayer request for one 10-year old girl I have gotten to hang out with and talk to a bit. I plan to tell her my testimony tomorrow. She is very bright for her age and thinks a lot, but she has told me she is struggling with trusting God because of her current situation. Thank God also for the breakthrough we have seen with a few of the teenagers.

Kayla K.: Hi everyone! My time here in Russia has been so great and has opened my eyes to so many things. My faith has been getting stronger and next Sunday I have decided to be baptized. The first few days were hard but fun just adjusting to the time difference. I am doing well in all ways except for the mosquitoes seem to love me and I have been collecting bites. I cannot wait to share my experiences further with you all when I get home.

Kayla B.: Priviet everyone! It has been such a blessing to be here. I will admit whole-heartedly that there have been physical, emotional, and spiritual struggles throughout our time here. We are in a battle for something big. I feel it in the air when we enter the transit center every day. I am convinced that nothing can stop what God is doing in the children and teenagers here. I am at a crossroad between sadness and joy as I look at the few days we have left ahead. I have had the privilege to grow close to one teenager and one child very quickly. Please pray for boldness as the Lord speaks truth into their lives through what He has shown me. Miss you all.

Kerri:  It is truly a privilege to see our team growing every day in their faith and boldness. There is an urgency among the team to share with each of the children and teens, as we know our time is short. So many have such broken lives, but we can point them to the true Healer. Pray for continued boldness, strength and health for all of us!