Wrap-up

Picture: Missionary/nurse Beckie Garrison tending to me January 10. Ow! That REALLY hurt--the injury, not what Beckie did.

I confess, blogging slowed down after my crash in Tambov. The last 5 days of the trip were still fruitful. God used the class on Titus as we prayed. I got feedback a week after returning home that things from the class are being quoted and applied in talks about church situations in Tambov. Todd's work has incredible potential for the future. (I guess that's when most potential develops!)

Todd's and my final day was a snowy Sunday's journey to worship in Kirsanov, one of the healthiest churches in the oblast. Jenni drove us to and from Kirsanov, then accompanied us to Moscow and delivered us to the airport right on schedule. Our trans-Atlantic flight was diverted to London to drop off a passenger who fell ill, but we were able to absorb the delay into our scheduled layover in Chicago so we returned home on schedule Monday night.

The news on my shoulder is encouraging. "It's broken" is not what you usually want to hear, but in this case it's good news. Two fractures near the top of the humerus (upper arm bone) seem to be the extent of damage. After first x-rays and examination the sports medicine doctor does not think I damaged the rotator cuff and does not think I'll need surgery. Follow-up on January 24 will hopefully confirm the diagnosis. If that holds true, it will be a matter of keeping it in a sling until the bones heal sufficiently to begin physical therapy. I've set my personal goal to hit a golf ball by May 1.

I'm humbled again at the things God is doing through this bi-continental partnership. Thank you for praying for us. Thank you Todd, Jen and Megan for making this trip and letting God use you exceeding abundantly beyond all you could ask or think. Thank you to everyone who sacrificed (giving, babysitting, covering at jobs, etc.) to make it possible for the team to go. Thank you for praying for dear friend Paul Guay who intended to be with us. Please pray his recovery is sufficient to fulfill our plans to get him to Tambov in October.

Ephesians 3:20-21,

Jim

Big Day

Photos: Class picture (sadly, without the guys from Michurinsk who had to leave early) and dinner feast at the home of Vadim and Oksana Mihalin.

What a day!

We spent the morning finishing class. Good discussions of how God wants His church to function and more good connections than ever with the pastors and missionaries here.

After lunch we drove 2 hours to TCC (where Winter Camp was held) to visit the Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center. There are currently 8 or 9 people in the 2-month program. It’s all Bible study, prayer and discipleship–no psychology or medication. After tea we had a time of worship and study together where I preached briefly and answered Bible questions.

Next was dinner at Vadim’s home. Oksana prepared a delightful feast for 8 guests in addition to her family. Dinner was about 9:00 and we got to our room at the church a little before midnight.

I’m heading for bed. Todd battled a migraine headache all day. Please pray he can be back to normal tomorrow. We have the morning off, then meetings with Vadim. The evening is dinner and movie night at Jenni’s along with other Russian friends.

Thanks again for your prayers for pain management with my injured arm. God has granted me good rest each night and the ability to do everything necessary.

–Jim

How The Car Was Fixed

In Todd's post he mentioned casually "We fixed the locked brakes and had her back on the road in a short time." I wish I could have been there and made a video. From all the reports I've heard it involved:

- Pasha lying under the back of the car

- Jenni in the driver's seat with instruction to keep trying to pull forward and "Whatever you do, don't go backward--Pasha's lying back there"

- Todd and another guy with a tire iron, a meat tenderizer hammer and a dinner knife from the kitchen, banging on the brake drums and cylinders to break them loose

- Someone lighting newspapers on fire and holding them under the rear wheel wells to heat everything up and melt whatever was frozen

- Jenni praying something like "Lord, I'm Yours and this car is Yours. If you want to bring me home to You by burning alive in the car, so be it."

My mental picture is that this probably looked like a gathering of medicine men performing rituals to free a car from its bondage. The image would be complete if they told me they were chanting while they did all this.

That's today's snapshot of life in Russia.

Tomorrow: 3 hours of class before lunch, then adjourn. After lunch we travel to TCC (Transformation Christian Center where camp was held) where I will lead a Bible Q & A with the people in the rehab program.

Thanks for all the prayers and notes about my injured shoulder. I'm getting along OK. God is allowing me to sleep well in spite of the pain. Marsha already has an appointment for me at Idaho Sports Medicine Institute the day after I get home.

--Jim

New Friends

We have new friends and co-workers on the Russian side of our partnership.

Two couples have come from Uzbekistan where they served the Lord faithfully until bitter persecution drove them out. Please pray that God grants them much fruit for His glory.

The younger couple is Sergei and Nadia Shopin. They are working with youth through the church in Michurinsk (for those who know, that’s where Raphael is pastor). He has a diploma from Tashkent (Uzbekistan) Baptist Seminary by way of a distance learning program of Dallas Theological Seminary. They have no children yet, but Sergei tells me they are asking God for five! We saw them in action at camp, and they do a great job.

The older couple is Sergei and Luba Astashenko. They did not marry until well into their 40's and have no children. Sergei was a pastor in Uzbekistan for about 15 years. He has the same diploma from Tashkent Baptist Seminary and a Master’s from Reformed Seminary in Miami (also a distance learning program). They will be working in the church in Nikforovka (also called Dmitrievka) where Alexei Silkin has been the church planter. Alexei will move to the town of Kirsanov from which he will start a new church in a nearby village called Umyot. This is the first time Luba has ever lived away from the city (Tashkent) where she was born. Their smiles belie how difficult their life has been.

–Jim

We did it!

Imagine this . . .

Beautiful log cabin

Fox and coyote hides on the wall

Wild boar’s head trophy on the wall

Dart board on the wall

Antlers for coat and towel racks

Table and benches made of logs

(Sounds like an Idaho cabin so far, right?)

On the table . . .

5 varieties of chips

Pistachios

Dried smoked fish

Apples

Oranges

Deer jerky

Non-alcoholic beer (“kvas”)

(Still sounds like Idaho . . . )

Add in . . .

4 Russian pastors

1 American missionary

1 American pastor

1 American businessman

All wearing next to nothing

A 120 degree sauna room

Water to splash on the rocks to add humidity

Birch branches with leaves on them for slapping your skin while you sweat

10 minutes in the heat

Quick dip in the river

Sit, drink fluids, talk, eat

Repeat the cycle three times

That’s the Russian experience called Banya, and Todd and I have passed our initiation. I had to skip the river because of my shoulder and not wanting to navigate snow/ice but Todd did the full treatment. I stood outside and rubbed snow on me to cool off after the heat cycle. What I’ve been told is true . . . you feel really good after Banya. On my 11th visit to Russia I finally participated and now I wish I had done it sooner. No pictures–in this case what happens in Russia stays in Russia (except for descriptions on the internet!).

–Jim

Todd: Volume 7

Thursday. The students are all thirsty for the Truth; the class generates many good questions and much discussion. Jim is holding up well and his shoulder seems to be getting a little less sore but is still very limited in motion.

Last night several of us were able to go to Jenni’s house and repair her car. She had been without a vehicle for several days waiting for help. After class she and I were waiting for a taxi to go work on it and 3 of the Russian brothers decided to come with us. We fixed the locked brakes and had her back on the road in a short time. For her work here a vehicle is critical. She has had many problems with her current vehicle and is hoping to be able to upgrade to a newer used car sometime soon.

The business class last night was also fruitful, we worked together learning the process of identifying a Mission and Vision for an organization. We put our learning into practice and devoted the first Mission and Vision statements for the group formed to support the practice of faith in business for the Tambov region. The brothers were very engaged in the process, its very pleasing to see these business people so motivated to move into successful enterprises to support themselves and others in the region. The talent in the room is great and the opportunities are plentiful. As they develop the tools necessary to do business in a the global economy that is reaching well into rural Russia, I see great things coming.

After class Jim and I are going to Banya with 6 of the men from the church. The Banya is a “sauna ish” experience involving steam, cold water, swim in the river (yes it's winter in Russia), tea and snacks. Having not done it before I’ll report on the details tomorrow. Following Banya I will meet with the business people and present the elements of a business strategy. We will have a class party to end the evening.

The entire ministry team from Tambov is working hard and is grateful for the support from every one of us in the Idaho coalition of churches. It’s truly a blessing for me to be here serving again. If you’ve ever considered this type of service, please take it into prayerful consideration and discuss the opportunities with any of us that have been here.

Hibernation by Megan

Spending this day at home, hibernating...trying to collect the fragments of thoughts.  Spending time with HIM, and thinking through this trip as I  recharge my battery. Jen, there's a couple songs that I might have to add to our soundtrack. One from your iPod: "Hide Away in the Love of Jesus."

"Come weary saints, though tired and weak, hide away, hide away in the love of Jesus. Your strength will return by His quiet streams..."

"He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul..."
Psalm 23:2-3

Another song that has been running through my head is "Faithful God" by Laura Story.

"For you are a lamp to my feet
A light to my path
You're the hand that's holding me
Faithful God, every promise kept,
Every need You've met, faithful God
May the love that caught my heart to set it free
Be the love that others see in me
And may this hope that reaches to the depth of human need
Be the song that I sing in joy and suffering
For You are the love that never leaves
The friend that won't deceive
You're the one sure thing...
How deep how wide the love
That pierced His side, the love
Redemption's mine, oh love
That will not let me go!"

O, Lord God! So much bigger than I can imagine! Thankful that You would see fit to include me in some tiny way in Your eternal plans. When I catch even the smallest glimpse of Your mighty power, I am humbled to the core.  Faithful God, every promise kept! Every need You've met!  There's been several times during this trip where I've been floored by Your faithful care. One was when we were pulling away from the train station (with a loving group standing outside our window) and I was overcome by the realization that despite being in such a foreign place, You unite your people! Though not able to speak the language AT ALL,  you allowed us to serve together as a team!   O, Lord! Send more workers into the harvest! Continue to use me somehow to support and encourage these few but faithful Russian brothers and sisters.  Another moment of absolute gratitude was the gift of being reunited with my husband and children and realizing strangely that we have grown closer by being apart.  Thank You for strengthening and uniting those who serve together, both here and around the world!

Praying for the orphans, for the many in spiritual darkness, for the neighbors and friends here in the United States, in this very city...that may they truly find "the water of life without cost."  For You are the love that never leaves, the friend that won't deceive, You're the one sure thing!

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me of my purpose. Things get simpler when I am removed from my culture, my friends, my family, my routines. It causes me to reflect on what REALLY matters.  How deep, how wide the love!!!! May the love that set my heart free, be the love that others see in me! And may this hope reach to the depth of human need!

Reflecting on how the end times of Revelation are a key part of God's faithfulness...when He will bring all things to completion, when every promise is kept.
"and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain, for the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' And He said, 'Write, for these words are FAITHFUL and true.' And He said to me, 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.'"  Revelation 21:4-7
The very NEXT verse after this passage explains  that those who do not come to Jesus Christ in this life will be sentenced to the lake that burns with fire and brimstone.  O, Lord, may I be faithful to speak this truth in love! Not desiring that any would perish, but desiring all to come to saving knowledge of You! To repent of living this life for our own purposes and begin living fully for You!

I was talking to Todd about how one even begins to summarize all of the things that we have seen.
He suggested that it's probably just one picture. Just one set of eyes. One person that needs to know Him.
So here's just one. O, Lord, may we be faithful to share Your truth with the many...young and old, rich and poor, near and far...Come, every single one!!!

Right Back at Ya!

Thought I'd send the thanks right back at you guys! Here, Jen and I are making the guys pose in their suits and ties.  Misha gets props for really going with the moment and pulling out his "Zoolander" face.  Todd gets props for loaning Misha an Orkin dress shirt and tie! Jim gets props for putting up with all of our antics (and joining right in!)  Praying for these remaining days of service!  Thankful for each one of you! I have come to really appreciate each one of these guys for the unique ways in which they serve.
Love,
Megan

Thank You!

Just want to say "thank you" for praying for me after my crash and burn. Even though there was only one possible position I slept amazingly well last night and had a good day today.

Todd and Misha have taken turns "mining" ice from outside for me to use on my shoulder several times per day. The arm is pretty useless but with a sling I can keep it immobile and keep the pain under control. Hot tip: Buy stock in generic ibuprofen, especially that which is distributed in Russia. I won't need to see a doctor until I get home.

I also want to say "thank you" again for Megan and Jen and their role in Winter Camp. Getting a photo of them together is a lot like catching Clark Kent and Superman in the same picture. They were always the ones taking pictures. From the looks on their faces in the photo here I'm guessing they were reviewing a shot of me in some kind of embarrassing situation.

While I'm at it, I'm giving thanks for Todd and what he's doing here. He's had two long meetings with entrepreneurs here and laid the foundation for them to help and support each other. This could be a huge help to Christians in the Tambov region. They're going to squeeze in one more meeting Thursday night before our class party.

And I'm indescribably thankful for HBC. Teams we have sent here have really useful and fruitful. Each one seems better than the one before. I can't wait to be back with you!

--Jim

Todd: Volume 6

I’m sure you’ve heard the news of Jim testing the both the slippery characteristics of ice and the laws of gravity. These are both true. What is not true, is that the concussion of the fall actually triggered the earthquake that hit western Indonesia at approximately the same time.

Jim is doing well and teaching as I write. He is showing off a little as he handles the scriptures with one hand tied behind his back (well actually tied to his chest).

Later today the business men will meet again and we will work through the process of developing Mission, Vision, and Values for the new fellowship organization they have formed. The process will help provide the tools for each person to develop the same for their own businesses.

Please keep both Jim’s health and fruitful outcomes from the teaching and meetings that fill our days this week in your ongoing prayers.

Prayer Requests from Jim

Three requests for you:

First, a member of our coalition is going through tough days. Karen Hayden, wife of Roger Hayden who pastors Cambridge Bible Church is apparently going to be with the Lord within days. The cancer for which she had surgery this fall is very aggressive and could not be completely removed. She has turned for the worse in the last 24 hours. Roger wrote: “She is very weak now. We expect without direct intervention by the Lord that Karen would be called to her heavenly home before many more days have passed. We are at peace about this knowing that we've done everything possible in the Lord's leading in providing for her health and comfort.” Please pray for our dear friends and co-laborers for Christ.

Second, praise God for two good days of class so far. We’ve been discussing serious matters of ministry and how to apply God’s word in tough situations. Please pray I will have wisdom to lead the studies through Titus and that God will continue to make our fellowship and partnership deeper and mutually helpful.

Third, please pray for me. A trip to the store was cut short when I slipped and fell on the ice as we left church. I landed directly on my left shoulder. So far I can barely move it and cannot lift my arm. One of the sisters at church crafted a sling from a piece of cloth and Misha filled a plastic bag with ice he harvested from outside so I can do basic first aid. I’m waiting for a visit from missionary Becky Garrison (a nurse) and from Jenni (who is in charge of caring for Americans). Please pray for pain relief and that I will not have to seek medical treatment here. I would rather not get entangled in the Russian health care system.

Thank you for praying . . . wish I could be more entertaining this time. The photo is sister Raisa (rah-EES-ah), one of the ladies who rotates with several others to spend 24 at a time as the church hostess and guard. This is one of her two days this week to be on duty. She is about 80 years old, widowed for 10 years and a believer for 15 years. She has 2 children, 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. It;s impossible for Raisa not smile any time you talk to her. She’s holding a box of Marsha’s toffee I gave her in thanks for all she does. I have spent time with her on all 7 of my trips here. The picture was before my crash. Too bad there isn’t a video.

–Jim

Soundtrack

Thank you for your prayers! We arrived home at 11:20 last night, with nary a snag in our many
modes of transportation. Jen and I were deliriously singing this Chris Daughtry song on our nine hour transatlantic flight...
So I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
Though it's not a Christian song, the lyrics worked to express our hearts.
Not running from Russia, because we are very thankful for this trip and all that we learned!
But it is an incredibly wonderful thing to be standing on American soil (even if it's a big airport)
and to know that you're just one flight from HOME!


Part of our in flight entertainment was picking our top songs for our annual Russia soundtrack.
(Jen thinks in music!)
These first two songs are from our first morning at camp. We were sitting in the quiet dining hall, and apart from communication with us, Vadim gets up and starts playing these songs. (Russians don't have much Christian contemporary music, so most of what they listen to is American songs.)


1- None But Jesus (Hillsong Live)
2- From the Inside Out (Hillsong version) 


Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise
Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring you praise,
From the inside out!!!!


We were moved to tears of surrender and gratitude, for the way this music spoke to our souls.
So thankful for God's faithful care when we feel SO very far from our comfort zone. 
What a beautiful gift to watch the snow falling outside and to become still and quiet before our Great God...He understands us when no one else can!


3- Come Down, O Love Divine (Fernando Ortega)
4- Follow You (Leeland & Brandon Heath)
5- Grace (Laura Story)
6- The Look of Love (think cheesy 80's song)
7- Hold Me Together (Royal Tailor)
8- Always Enough (Casting Crowns)
9- Every Little Prison (Matt Maher)
10- Home (Daughtry)

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for bring us home safely! It is SOOOO great to be home!
Jen, I hope you're achieving your goal of not waking up until Wednesday! :)
-Megan


P.S. 40 straight hours of travel. We looked AWESOME by the time we arrived home!

I love this picture of Jen slumped over on her tray attempting sleep on our last flight! Delirium is truly the best description!  She returned the impromptu photo op by getting the fine photo of me just having raised my sleep mask. And frankly, the "sleep" part of the mask title is unjust. For what was going on...maybe "jerk mask"  would fit better for the many times I would drift off and find my head slowly leaning forward and then jerking back upright! God bless my husband, I came home to a clean house with fresh sheets on our bed...SO THANKFUL!  (Not to mention the heavenly shower with endless hot water!!!!) 

Todd: Volume 5

Today is Tuesday and the pace of our trip has begun to slow a little. Yesterday Jim’s class went well while delving into some very difficult material both timely and relevant to the church in Tambov. Jim will blog more on the details of class.

Following class Jim, Misha, Jenni and I took a brisk walk in the cold fresh air to the market only to find it had closed at 4pm. We will attempt the same today if we have time. The walk was worth it even if we didn’t succeed at the store. Dinner at the church with all of the students is a highlight. Jim and I were able to eat with a married couple that has recently relocated to Nikiforovka from Uzbekistan.

Last night I was able to begin the business development meetings with a larger than expected group of entrepreneurs from all around the Oblast. The meeting was planned to go an hour and a half and we wound up going twice that time without a break. The group is very interested in learning ways to build businesses that will help them support their families and the ministry throughout the region. Last night we discussed business in the US and how it parallels and contrasts business in Russia. We went over each business that the brothers are involved in currently and what opportunities they see in the marketplace. The group also was able to get into a discussion about the challenges of extortion and criminal behavior that they must deal with and as an extension of that how they can and must rise above this and be truthful in their dealings. This sounds so easy in the US but business in Russia is in in infancy, this group has an opportunity to live their faith in the business world, they will need our prayerful support.

We will cover the process of developing Mission, Vision, and Values for their organizations and the process to develop and document a business strategy before the week is over. The other positive outcome from last nights meeting was the commitment to future ongoing fellowship among the Christian business people in Tambov. The group will meet regularly to openly discuss the challenges and successes they have while navigating the corrupt business environment in Russia. More than anything we will cover in the business classes, this one thing will make the greatest impact. Fellowship of like-minded people in similar situations provides the strength to do what’s right in the face of corruption and temptation.

Off and Running, Final Phase

Here are two more pictures from our cultural experience as guests in the home near Morshansk. Misha wanted his pelmeni dry (no broth) and added a dollop of mayo on each one. Jen had it traditional style (with broth) and discovered it doesn't float her proverbial boat. After she discreetly handed off the ones in her bowl she said quietly "there's still the one I'm holding in my mouth." The soft voice and unusual tone conveyed volumes. She managed to ingest it without provoking a gastronomical incident or an international crisis. Well done, Jen!

I finished the first day of class today, laying a foundation from the book of Titus. Lord willing on Tuesday we'll build on that foundation to get into serious conversations about the difficulties facing some of the churches here. Please pray for what could be the most significant class yet, or the biggest bust I've achieved on a different continent.

Tonight (Monday) Todd has been in meetings with Russian brothers who are involved in or want to be involved in small businesses to support their families, their pastors, their churches, and the evangelistic work in the oblast. It's been three hours now, so a lot must be happening. Watch for him to post about it later.

Breaking news . . . Todd just walked in. Sounds like our prayers are being answered for helping the business desires of our brothers. Several more meetings are planned for the rest of the week.

--Jim

Todd: Volume 4

Class is officially in session. The students have been arriving from all over the Oblast of Tambov this morning after a change in the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been enjoying. Temperatures have dropped and a light snow has fallen overnight creating slippery driving conditions for the pastors and missionaries to traverse as they come to Truth Church today. Please hold teacher, translator and students all in prayer as they embark on a week long discussion and exposition of the book of Titus and all it teaches on unity and leadership within the Body of Christ.

Teamwork

(Sorry, I began composing this morning before class, but got interrupted. This is "stale" by 12 hours.)--Jim

The picture is from a home we visited outside Morshansk yesterday on our way to the final I.C. event. A family in the church there invited the Americans to come for a meal. It was a delightful time with 8 people around a table just right for two. Home-made pelmwni (meat filled dumplings), sweets, home-made jam and bread, and the ubiquitous tea. With us is Misha our translator and SEND missionaries Gabe (whose last name escapes me) who drove one of the vehicles, and Jenni Myers.

Jen and Megan's train is in Moscow by now. They're on the way to the airport to hurry up and wait for a flight to Frankfurt where they'll scurry to catch a flight for Chicago. There it's customs and several hours of the joys only a busy airport can afford before they leave for Boise. Their return began at 9:15 AM MST Sunday and they are due to touch down at 11:00 PM Monday. How else would you want to spend 38 hours?

Todd's right, it's already a whole lot quieter without the ladies and obviously the dynamics are radically different now that we shift to class mode from the bedlam of Immanuel's Child and camp. Those first two phases of this visit were huge successes. Thanks for praying for us as we represent you and the rest of our American partners. And that leads to my point: Teamwork.

I could have come to Winter Camp as the speaker and done just fine. But it was very different and immeasurably better to have Jen and Megan do what they did. I shower people with God's word and the ladies are hands-on with them through crafts and games. When you add the parts together the result is far more than the sum of the individual components. By working as a team we connected with the kids beyond anything we could have done without each other. The Russian kids and the Russian camp staff connected to us as a group. I'm amazed at how we can work together in spite of culture and language difference. Same with all the Immanuel's Child events. The Russians have said the same thing several times.

Now Todd and I get to work side by side, teaching and training. Todd will be tilling new soil in areas we hope will turn into more and more ways for the Russian believers to support themselves and their pastors and their ministries. As I edit this during the evening, he has been meeting with Russian brothers about small business opportunities for nearly three hours--and still going.

Beyond the actual ministries that take place, one of the best things about a short-term mission trip like this is that it magnifies lessons about being a member of the body of Christ. You can't function without the translator. You can't get around without a local who can drive or navigate public transportation. You get to see how each member of the team is crucial to the plan. You're forced to live in close quarters with people other than your own family (say good-bye to personal space and phoniness). You laugh a lot as you navigate strange situations together--often while you're rummy from travel and tired from activity.

If you don't check your ego and selfishness at the door when you leave home, you're in for a really rough road. You share food, something you packed is what someone else needs. You do things you've never done before. All your familiar routines are gone. You have to sort out the things that are Biblical (and cling to them) from the things that are cultural (and let them go). You find out that the greatest blessings come from serving, not from being served.

By God's grace, the things you came to do get done. The results of your activities are sometimes dramatic (like 10 kids repenting at camp), but the rest won't be known for eternity. Every day you walk with Christ in this world, you will take a step toward being more like Him. He's faithful to make sure that happens. A trip like this usually has the effect of being like a physical exam--it shows how you're doing and exposes what needs more work. Or it's like a boot camp which forces you to exceed what you think are your limits. Or it's like solving a puzzle in which many pieces (team members) have to fit together for the picture of Christ to come out right.

You don't need to come to Russia to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He'll bring the lessons to you every day, but I know I speak for the four of us that we yearn to share the lessons and blessings we have from being here. May you grow more like Christ every day by doing your part in the team which is the Body of Christ.

--Jim

Todd: Volume 3

So today we wrapped up our activities around the Immanuel ‘s Child work and begin the Antioch class tomorrow. The ladies left this evening by train to Moscow, we were able to share with each other observations, feelings and wishes while 8 of us were huddled in their train cabin. Eight because the send off was attended by of course Jim and I but also Jenni, Misha(our translator) , Olya, and Lera (2 girls from the Tambov church who are particularly attached to Jen and Megan). It was a nice time of reflection on where the ministry is here and how it’s impact affects not only the Russians, but all of us involved with the Antioch Initiative.
On a more micro level I’m happy to have 2 very close friends that I did not have only a week ago and for that I am already grateful. On a macro level, connections and understanding continued to be improved. The Oblast youth director even made a specific invitation to Megan and Jen to please come back and help with other camps in the future. These invitations are not taken lightly, this is sincere, he can see clearly that the work being done enhances what the Russians themselves can do in their position as the lead, when an American team comes along side and fills a strong supporting role.
That will be all for now, It’s already a whole lot quieter around here. BTW, I was instructed by “Mother Megan” to continue posting or else………, so Jim and I will do our best.

Waking up!

Ugh! As predicted at 1:40 AM last night...PAINFUL to wake up this morning! But we're on the road again, and it's our last hectic day of Immanuel's Child events...first to Raskazavo (bad spelling) and then to Morshansk...we'll make it back tonight just in time for Megan and Jen to eat dinner and get on the train, and for Todd and Jim to travel to Jenni's house for a Skype call with HBC!!!

Our one good chance of WAKING UP is the Russian driving! To answer Rader's question, Jenni DOES drive like a Russian. I told her, "I'm surprised that you tailgate just like the Russians." To which she replied, "It's tailgate or DIE!" Jenni is good, but she isn't NEARLY as practiced as Anatoly, who has training as a professional driver. Even in his 50s, he prides himself in competing with the youngsters in what Jen calls "mad driving skills." Off we go, on another set of adventures! Thank you Lord for STRONG coffee...it's going to be a LONG day!

:) Megan

Paul & Jane

From around the world.....just wanted you to know....Pastor Jim read us your e-mail and now....again, my thoughts and prayers return for you both for comfort, peace and strength!

Jen

The One

So, I'm in this LOUD sea of children, just trying to take in the scene. This little boy sees that I'm taking photos and he stands right in front of me for his photo. Another boy runs up, to get in the picture too. Then, this boy turns around and with a mean curse and SHOVE! He pushes the other kid out of the photo! Then he turns back to me for his moment in the spotlight. I'm kind of taken aback by the angry response to the other child, and then I realize that this little boy has had to FIGHT for attention for his whole life. There's not a moment of his life where he's had a mom's lap all to himself, or a dad's focused attention. He wants his OWN photo!
He wants to feel special!

Todd and I were talking about how these kids have been "warehoused." They've been discarded and rejected because in Russian culture, they have nothing to offer. It's painful to see, and there's really nothing we can do to change it.

For this one afternoon, this one little while, these kids had the focused attention that says, "You matter. We care about you." And we pray that it's not just on Christmas day, but that the orphanage doors would be open to continued ministry. It really just feels like a drop in the bucket compared to the life these kids live every day, and yet, we serve a God who knows each and every child! A God who is in the business of transforming lives, one heart at a time! A God who cares about the orphan. May this child be the one. The one who finds hope in Jesus Christ!

Really, we can't know the impact of this one day, this one gift, this one mission trip. God knows. May we be counted faithful to continue reaching out one by one. To faithfully share His love, hope, and truth to those He places near us.

Todd: Volume 2

Today’s trip to the orphanage was a chance to reopen a door that has been closed for a time. The work has been nurtured by many including Vadim, Jenni, and Anya who started to build this connection.
The challenge for me today is reconciling the situation with an experience I’ve had this last year. The children at this orphanage have been classified as special needs. The classification includes everything from mild learning disabilities to more serious Downs syndrome type cases. During the last year my George Fox MBA consulting project was with the ARC in Boise. The ARC provides much more than just a curbside pickup service for your used items. The mission of the ARC revolves around serving the same group of people that this orphanage does when they are adults.
The ARC provides job training, life skills training, and real jobs for the special needs community, but most of all, the ARC provides their clients with dignity. The basic human desire to feel dignified needed and loved.
What I saw today was, our partners in Russian ministry doing these basic things for the kids at the orphanage. These kids are not in a great situation by any means, but when I saw Jenni, Vadim and others become the center of these kids world, it was overwhelming. The kids absolutely love the team from Tambov. The team shows these kids that they are important, loved and truly dignified. Hugging, listening, eye to eye contact, talking, and just loving them. We may not be able to change the entire world but this ministry is doing all within it’s power to impact the lives of the young people we met today.

This may not be a very complete or coherent thought, but allow me the liberty to process out loud and be thankful for all that God is doing, while holding out hope for more.

Faithful God!

Last day! Wow! When we were at camp, it felt like we were trapped in a Russian time warp where the days crept by...now, it's hard to believe that I'm packing to leave!

Another crazy day! It's almost midnight, and we're tired! But the weird thing is that we spend all day propping our eyes open, struggling to have energy for the hectic pace, and then somehow, after all the craziness of the day, we wake up in the evening! Must still be on Boise time...I KNOW I should be asleep right now, but instead I'm drinking tea and having a blog fest with Todd and Jen.

Jim already described my cartoon-style fall outside the church...feet slip-sliding on the ice and landing smack on my back! Awesome! "That's going to leave a mark!"

Thank you for praying for our time at the Goreloye orphanage. One year ago, I had a young orphan boy clinging to my waist, and I promised this boy that I would return. Today, it was almost surreal to be back at the orphanage. I found myself quietly praising the Lord for His faithful provision in allowing me to return. I was scanning the faces and looking for this little face that has been such a recurrent thought in the past year. Then I saw him...attached to Jenni! Laying his head on her shoulder and playing with her hair! It was the BEST moment! Jenni is an absolute celebrity at the orphanage, and it was a beautiful gift to see her tender care for the many orphans who came running to her. I got to be a fly on the wall and just watch! It was like God was giving me the gift of knowing that HE is in control! It was like I was watching HIS hands and feet caring for these orphans. All around me, Russian believers (David, Vadim, Jenni, Gabe, Edward, and others) were visiting with the kids, looking them in the eye, laughing with them, speaking to them in their language! It was the COOLEST to see God's people caring for the orphans. Of course, we Americans were a part of the action: handing out Christmas gifts, taking photos, smiling...but we are the supporting actors...supporting these faithful Russian believers and missionaries in this ongoing ministry. Pray! Pray for the Word of God to spread in this place! Pray for the doors to be open for future visits!

As we were driving back to Tambov after our orphanage visit, Anatoly Pavlovich was thanking our team (and our church family) for our support of the orphanage ministry. We in turn expressed our gratitude for the humbling privilege that it is to watch the Russians so faithfully serve! Anatoly asked that we pray for more workers! In a state the size of Idaho, there are only 550 church members in only nine total churches! That is a number that's almost impossible to comprehend! Everywhere we look, on every street corner, there is such spiritual poverty...entire towns with no gospel witness.

"Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.'" Matthew 9:36-38

Thank you for providing the gifts that lit up the eyes of these children! I'm astonished at the cost of living in Russia. Jenni was explaining that most people live on only a few hundred dollars a month. The pastors do not even receive paychecks and have to find ways to support themselves. (The Russians are very excited about the small business coaching that Todd will be doing this week!) The resources are few, but their zeal is great! We are so blessed to be able to partner with our friends! I am again inspired by these brothers and sisters in Christ!--Megan