Well, the training is over and tomorrow the teams start their first day of camp with the kids!
The day started with the final seminar on Orthodoxy and Russian Culture. After visiting a nearby Orthodox church as a group, the team was given some more background on the church and the many differences with the Protestants.
After lunch, the teams were divided into groups of 2 or 3 and given assignments to go and find one of the local Orthodox churches and find out the history of that specific church. Don’t worry everyone, each small group were thoroughly checked to make sure they knew the way to the church and back home. And, each group had a map of the city and underground metro. (Everyone did come back!)
The assignment ends the 3 day training, empowering each team member with the knowledge that they can get around the city and feel a little more comfortable in their new and strange surroundings. This part of training is talked about for years after the trip! 🙂
As this update is being written, Russia B team is arriving in Novgorod where they will do their 2 week camp at an orphanage. Russia A team is still in St Petersburg, getting ready for their 2 week camp at the Transit Center. Tomorrow will be a hard day, since it is the first day of camp.
Please continue to pray for both teams. For the camp that is about to start. As Christians we know that it is hard to share the Gospel, and it is even harder to do so in a country that is still living through its communist/atheist past. Spiritual warfare is very evident in Russia and the teams are experiencing it already. Pray that God’s name will be glorified in all that we do!
To all the Mothers reading this: Happy Mother’s Day!!! We love you and appreciate you very much! Hope you are having a wonderful day!
Megan Zimmon and team….Sounds like you all had fun navigating Russia…it can be very confusing and not eveyone speaks english. Meanwhile, back in US, its mother’s day! I know all the mother’s here wish you were with them today, but we all know the important work you are trying to achieve there….Please make the children smile and feel loved…they don’t smile enough in Russia and don’t express much emotion. We love you Megan and are very proud of you…
Sounds like you have had some really good training and some wonderful experiences. Looking forward to hearing about it all. Praying for you all as you begin your time with the children. May God bless them and you.
What a pleasant surprise this morning for the Mother’s Day message. Love you Rachie.
Thank you Kevin for the Mother’s Day message – it really meant a lot! We spent the morning at church, then went up to Santa Rosa for the afternoon. The family sends you their love and prayers. I was glad to hear your little group didn’t get lost in Russia. Dad and I can’t drive over at 1am in the morning to pick you and your friends up because you missed the last “Metro”…explain that one to your team…hahaha Anyways, want you to know that I am praying unceasingly for you, the team, the organization, the kids, and everyone else you will come in contact with. I can only imagine the thoughts and emotions you will have flying through your heart and head for the next few weeks. Just remember you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Love ya.
Oh man that sounds awesome! I’m definitely praying for you Sarah and your whole team! I know God is working through you all for the kids and they are lucky to have you all there. Good luck tomorrow can’t wait to hear about it in the next update! 😀
Hailey, so glad to hear from you!! Of course it wouldn’t be Mother’s Day without my sweet girl, bringing tears to my eyes and joy to my heart!! Dad and I are in continual prayer for all of you and know that you and your team will be an eternal blessing to all you meet. Oh, dont keep taking the maca, you can start it after you get home and make some other changes. Glad your sugar is ok and pray you all stay healthy and strong physically and spiritually! Wish I could see what your seeing 🙂 KIT Shine on Love you baby girl!!!!!
continuing to pray for them! This update made me miss Russia a lot. As you said the adventure of finding an orthodox church with someone else was so much fun! I went 2 years ago and reading these updates still brings back memories that I will never forget. Continuing to pray for strength and encouragement as the teams are both in the orphanage/transit center. Praying for the children that are lost right now to know Jesus as well and live for Him.