Weekend Updates from Russia

Friday

We began our day at the Russian Finance University. Interesting to know that their higher education system is changing to be more similar to ours in the states where the can earn a bachelor or masters degree. It was also great to see five students we had met the last time we were speaking there.

We had two groups we met with focusing on branding and world economy. Even with our economic downturn they still view the US as a strong economy. Many want to come and learn in the states. The crew did very well engaging the students and were not shy about sharing their faith.

In the evening we did a meet and greet with about half the students registered for tomorrow’s event. Our guys did a great job interacting. We sang a few Beatles tunes to warm them up and then our team sang solo. Not pretty but it really broke the ice. Jonna shared testimony and all were great about giving God the glory for who they are today as they interacted with with the students.

Pray for a productive Saturday.

Saturday

 

We hit the ground running again today. Pastor Sasha and Chet from Cheboksary joined us yesterday so they have been eager to see what we do in Moscow. The team has done a great job meeting our objectives. I enjoy watching them grow and boldly speak about their faith.

We had a lighter crowd than expected but they were very engaged and attentive to the testimonies. Bill and Marty did a great job with their testimonies and got plenty of good questions afterwards.

We had the students break into groups and do two projects, one was a case study on a real business and the other was to create a business. The projects are meant for them to practice their English and for us to continue to grow closer to them. The women seemed to dominate with input but all the students did well participating and gave great presentations.

We had dinner at the seminary and afterward a Russian student gave a great testimony of how God intervened in his business. Sad to hear one of the first questions we are asked is often about corruption because it is so prevalent in Russia.

I ask for prayer for a young lady I met last trip. She is struggling with life and who God is. I had the opportunity to pray with her. She broke down crying because her plate is so full and does not know where to turn.

Continue to pray we strengthen relationships. Sunday we will be following up with several that we invited to church. We will do a workshop prior to that with people we have not met. Pray that is a productive time. We will meet with the Integra Group this afternoon and end the day at Starbucks with students from this weekend.

Sunday

We began Sunday by attending an English class. Unfortunately the rain kept all but two students away. We brought peanut butter for toast as a snack. It was great to see the look on the instructors face as she had it for the first time. Sasha had never had it either so it was quite the hit.

A student had given me some gingerbread treats on Friday from a well known bakery. We used a large one to celebrate Bill’s birthday. We had to use a iPhone app for a candle. He also got recognized by the entire church which we attended later.

Even though we only had two students attend, God always places us in the moment for a reason. We met Sergey, an older gentleman who is an electrical engineer and an atheist. He attends English club at the seminary because he likes the attitude of the teacher and fellow students. I met him on our last visit and he remembered details such as my having two dogs. We got into a topical discussion which quickly led to a spiititual one. It ended up as an encouraging discussion and I left him a  signed Purpose Driven book which he was very appreciative. The real work now begins for his instructor.

We attended an engaging service at the seminary afterwards. Always great to hear a Russian worship service.

We had lunch at a local cafe where we met with Neil from Integra. His organization does business training   and provides loan advisement primarily for women. We will engage his organization more on our next visit. He was introduced to Sasha. We think there is a future partnership of some form.

The group debriefed on Sunday night and later met with Sasha to get his status and begin plans for next year.

We will be home late Monday. Thanks for your prayers.