Friday:
We had an amazing day yesterday. We left in the morning for the orphanage in Shumerlye. Three young ladies from the church went with us and led us in games and songs with the children. The gospel was weaved into the songs with the older children by two of the young ladies who had come from the orphanage themselves. The children listened very intently. It is a blessing beyond comprehension to be able to sit and watch something like that take place. The director of the orphanage told us that we were welcome back anytime, which in terms of access is a huge win.
We raced, and I mean raced from the orphanage to a conference with the local pastors. Which in true Russian form, the two hour meeting lasted four. We led a study on Galatians where they sat quietly and listened. At the end one hand was raised for a question which led to an hour and a half discussion on traditions and their effect on the church. It was a great time for all.
Saturday:
Today was a bit more relaxed as we went to the 350 year old orthodox church overlooking the city. When they found out we were Baptist, the offered to convert us on the spot. That’s a first. We spent the afternoon at Pastor Sasha’s house where his wife, and his mother cooked us a home made meal Russian style! We talked strategy as we laughed and ate blinis with sweetened condensed milk. The evening was filled with a men’s conference and a women’s conference. They were very successful with talk of more conferences in the future.
Pray for us as we worship with the church Jaime H. preaches, and we get on the long train to Moscow. We will arrive in Moscow on Monday, which is the day Putin will be inaugurated. Pray that it does not cause us any problems.
Sunday:
Sunday was another busy day for us here in Cheboksary. We worshiped with Pastor Sasha and his church where Cathy shared a word of encouragement, and Jamie preached. They both did an amazing job bringing God’s message to the church. We took part in the Lord’s Supper with the church. The Lord’s Supper in another language is an amazing blessing. After the service, we had just enough time to pack, and eat a nice lunch with Sasha and his family. You are reminded of how small the world really is when you are sitting and talking about programs with a Russian pastor, and you hear the all too familiar sounds of Angry Birds coming from the phone his 8 year old daughter holds in her hands. We were met at the train station by a big group from the church to see us off. Well, they were really there to see off Zhenya, our translator for all these years, who was riding on the train with us to Moscow. But don’t tell that to Becky, she still thinks they were there to see her off!
Today we will meet with the english club in Moscow and have a picnic. It should be lots of fun and we are excited to go!
So happy to read the blog posted by the church. I miss my Honey which is “Bubba”. My thoughts are with you on this journey covered with prayer and power of the Holy Spirit -Vickie