An update from Novgorod:
We cannot believe that we only have a week left here in Russia! The Lord has been so faithful to us as we are serving Him here and we are so thankful!
Today we are writing to you with great praises; both our children’s team and our teen’s team have experienced great triumphs so far this week, AND it’s only Monday!
Our children’s team has been able to continue planting Gospel seeds through storytelling and crafts. Many of the children know about the Bible and Jesus, but we are not sure of their salvation. Please pray that the seeds we plant take root in their hearts.
The children have completely fallen in love with our team and everyday they seem to let us into their lives more and more. The same can be said for the teenagers. Today, our teen’s team was able to break down some walls and have Gospel conversations; many of the teens know much about the Bible and who He is, yet are not able to make a decision. Please pray that, tonight even, the Lord would reveal Himself to them. The teens invited us into their kitchen and taught us how to make Shaverma. The wrap is made with lavash bread, chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes and a delish garlic sauce.
Our team is truly learning the beauty of laughter, physical touch and moments spent in the kitchen; these all transcend cultural differences and language barriers. As a team, we cannot fathom how He will use the seeds that we are planting, but we trust in His Word and the promise that nothing done in His name will return void.
I will leave you with a couple prayer requests:
– For endurance and strength to finish our time in Russia strong.
– For the continuation of walls to be broken down, that the children and teens would further share about their lives.
– For divine appointments, that the Lord would grant us moments to share His story.
– For protection from mosquitoes, as our team is being eaten alive. Parents, don’t worry, we are just a little itchy, but everyone is safe and healthy.
Once again, thankful for your prayers!
In Him, Kristi and Russia B
Fellow Russian Lovers,
I love reading your stories! Makes me miss my time there. This last week really strive to embrace every second as it will go by so fast. Soak in every smile, laugh, tear, joke, question, and understanding from those precious gifts of God. When you start to feel exhausted, ill, homesick, sad, or hopeless, press on, knowing that God will be your strength and continue to pour out all of yourselves to these children. This opportunity does not come to all of us usually more than once. And if you haven’t already, write down everything!!! I’ll be praying for your teams as you finish your journey! Pahkah friends!
From Vanguard’s 2010 team,
Lauren Minnick