Vanguard: Three days left…

We came to the realization today that we have only three days remaining with the kids at the children’s center. The time here in Novgorod has been flying by. We started out our first week of ministry anxious about how the kids would receive us, but soon found that they were as excited to get to know us as we were to get to know them. There are about 50 kids currently at the TB children’s center we are working with. The kids vary in ages from toddlers to teens. It is inspiring to see the people who work at … Continue reading

Vanguard: Greetings from each team member!

Lindsey—Hi Mom, Dad & Aaron (and everyone else)!! We are having a great time with the children!! They are so fun and full of love!!  The team has been staying healthy (minus the MANY mosquito bites) J, the crafts and Bible games have been going very well and the kids are so welcoming—all thanks to all of your prayers! Please keep praying for health, safety and most importantly for the 50 children that we will be sharing Christ’s love to! Love you all…see you in a few weeks! Love, EE Sara – Greetings Everyone. It’s hard to believe it’s been … Continue reading

Vanguard: First day of camp!

Tuesday in Novgorod… It’s hard to believe that we left the United States nearly a whole week ago.  Today was our first day at the TB Children Center, and therefore our first day of hands-on ministry with the kids.  We were all so excited to finally meet the kids, start the summer camp for them, and really step into what we came half way around the world to do. As we were heading over to the center, a few of us were feeling a bit nervous–not sure how the kids would respond to us, not sure how our skits, lessons … Continue reading

Vanguard: Getting ready for camp!

Vanguard team has finished their training and sightseeing in Saint Petersburg and is off to Velikiy (Great) Novgorod to start their 2 week camp at the TB Children Center. Their days in Saint Petersburg consisted of learning about the Russian history, culture and language. Seeing the beautiful Orthodox Cathedrals and the Hermitage museum. On Sunday they went off in groups to several Orthodox churches, where they witnessed an Orthodox service and experienced first hand the ancient atmosphere of Orthodoxy, a religion which uses liturgy from the 5th century to this day! Sunday night the team was off to Novgorod! On … Continue reading

Vanguard: Our 4th team for the year, has arrived!

Today we finished the first day of training and sightseeing! The team from Vanguard University has arrived and is getting ready to start their camp on Monday. This afternoon they saw their first glimpses of St Petersburg, as they visited 2 cathedrals. Tomorrow they head to the Hermitage Museum to see one of the greatest museums in the world. We will do our best to put updated from the team and relay the messages that you post here to the team as well.