Hello friends and family!
I have a lot of exciting things to report for the Novgorod team. We are still very busy and time is flying by. On Sunday our team had the privilege of attending and participating in a service at the church where we are being housed. On behalf of our team, Megan, Sean, and I lead the church in worship. It was truly beautiful to hear everyone worshiping even though we didn’t speak the same language. After worship, three of us had the opportunity to open up to the congregation by sharing with them our testimonies. Needless to say it was a great Sunday morning.
In the afternoon some of us got to walk through the beautiful park here in Novgorod. The pictures that we will bring back for you will do it no justice. After a great time in the park the girls got to relax and watch a movie. As for me I experienced my first taxi ride, and went grocery shopping with Sean and our wonderful translator Ksusha. No one should be worried about us starving because they feed us very well here. After a very long busy week Sunday was a much needed day of rest.
On Monday after a morning of shopping, we showed up at the orphanage to find all of the kids gone. However, God worked it out in an amazing way. We got to prayer walk around the area and see a little more where the kids live. When we got back we had the opportunity to spend time with the two older boys, German and Stepa, and had some much needed conversations. As for Monday night the team spent time in worship and encouragement. Today we spent our usual Tuesday, Thursday time at the preschool orphanage. They of course kept us moving, but not fast enough for the mosquitoes. We were sad to leave them but happy to get away from the swarm.
This afternoon seemed to be rough for our team. Although my lesson for the kids seemed to go well, a couple girls are fighting a cold and others are struggling with emotional and spiritual warfare.
As we go into our last few days here in Novgorod I ask you to pray even more fervently. We thank you for the prayers you have already been sending our way, they have been much needed. Right now some of us our enjoying some comfort mac and cheese that we made from scratch. Seriously we navigated like pros through the Russian market getting our ingredients. It’s like we’ve been living here for years.
~Russia B (written by Lindsey Reynolds)
p.s. Happy Birthday Matt on Russia A 🙂
God bless you all Team B! My prayers are continually for you and as well for Team A which my daughter Grace is on. Take care and rest for you is near. Remember this work is not in vain.
My Alyssa, It Blesses me to see you ministering to the children in Russia. I pray the Lord continue to strengthen you and use you as you minister to the children. Love you forever! ~Mommy
Lindsey, what a breath of fresh air you are to a mother missing her daughter. I loved the update and how God is using the team not only in the children’s lives but in each others lives. I will step up my prayers of healing and watch care over the team. Rest is the best meds and you might not get to restful of sleep on the floors. Take care of each other and soon you will all be home to tell your adventures. I can’t wait. Love Momma
Hi Everyone – glad to hear all is well. Only a week left, then you’ll be back home, and wish you were back in Russia. Relax and take in the moment. Megan – we’re boarding the plane and will soon be at Markie’s. We love you, and the cats miss you. 🙂
Lindsey, it’s been very gratifying to see the different pictures and to read all of the write ups, especially yours. I’ve missed you but am very proud of you and what the rest of your group has been able to accomplish. It will be very exciting to hear about all of your adventures in person. I’m sure the time is starting to wear on all of you but know we are all praying for you and you are never far from our thoughts. Love Dad
“B” Team – you guys rock! Remember there are only “b’s” and want-a-“b’s” haha (a little firefighter humor there)!?
The adventure, ministry and personal joy of serving the Lord is evident thru the up dates of both teams. I am sure these moments serving the youth of Russia will bring fond memories for a life time. Enjoy the moment!
Thanks for the posts. It has been great fun and a true blessing to watch the Lord work through the teams this past couple weeks! We look forward to our pending reunion! Until then God bless the teams as they prepare for the journey home. Sammy – we love you and can’t wait to see you!!! 😉 love Mom and Dad
Girls, I have been praying for you, several times a day, that the Lord would do a life changing work in each of your lives and the lives of those with whom you come into contact. I encourage you to stay focused on the Lord, approaching each new day seeking to find Him and what He has for you that day (challenges and all..), and finish strong! I will continue to pray for each and every one of you!
And…if someone would please give my Sammy Ann a big hug and tell her I LOVE her and MISS her and that she is definitely my absolutely, one and only, FAVORITE daughter!!! All my love and prayers, Mom XOXOXOX
Lindsey, Jeff and I have read you and your team’s blogs and I must say we are so very impressed and proud. You all are so very brave and it’s been exciting to follow along with you. We continue to pray for you and your physical, personal and spiritual journies. And, upon your return, we look forward to your very long slide show of pictures 😉 We love you!!
XOXO
Praying!!!
HI Megan and Team. Hope you are all feeling better from your colds. Megan, we are at Marks place and they have two horses in the pasture and things are going well here. Uncle Basil put a tall fence around the place to keep the deer out, but he locked rabbits in! LOL.,…bunnies are everywhere…Only a few days left keep up the good work and spirits high. We love you and miss you…Dad, Mom, Chel, Mark, Basil, Vickie and Brad
ALYSSA: Dear Alyssa and Crew, We love watching and following how the Lord is using you. Look for the opportunities to share the Gospel and be bold in doing so. Father has obviously prepared the hearts to hear. Seize the moment. We are praying that He uses each of you to reveal His power to save, to love, to give, to show mercy, to laugh, to cry. WE ARE ALL SO PROUD. To Alyssa: We love you Baby. Mommy and me miss you very much and cannot wait to see you, but if it means even one more opportunity to stay and grow in your faith and courage, I will gladly wait patiently for the hug from my little girl! I love you so much and can’t wait for a hug! As they say here in Atlanta “Git ‘er done!” Well, that’s a bit more TX than it is ATL, but I’m in ATL this week lol! See you soon! Proud of ALL OF YOU!!!