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

Here I Go Again.....

Hi....I'm back.....


Full day today....just got back from Jar Pizza (fist pump again!!!!). Our team had dinner with Alla, Lera, Jenni, and Misha--okay, if I return....this place is a REPEAT!!! Totally ROCKS!!!!! Love, Love, Love!!!!


This place finally afforded me what I have been missing this entire trip--one on one quiet time, the ability to get to know people. I got a glimpse of Alla who is a rather delightful 24 year old girl whose occupation could rather be termed HAIR ART. We would call her a hairstylist in the states but I don't think that it does her trade justice. She truly has a talent weaving hair into incredible pieces of intricate artwork--amazing. I noticed her at camp and spoke to her only a couple of times. She eeks joy...she's full of expression....very vibrant...kinda radiates joy. She has been married to her husband Daniel for one year. Daniel is the artist who crafted our team flag for this year (he requested payment $25.00 play cash--and we gladly paid him). We have negotiated for yet another flag--it will cost the team part of our beef jerky stash(LOL). Alla loves to cook in her free time. What a joy it was to sit and look at her hair portfolio over dinner. She speaks very good English....the level that affords you a conversation without the need to look around desperately for a translator. She told me she remembered me from last year....IT WAS MY HAIRCUT (hee, hee, hee).


Lera is a 14 year old girl who Megan bonded to last year. She's the spunky one I talked about last year with the cool haircut who walked around drinking out of a camera lens cup. When we first arrived at camp this girl screamed when she saw Megan and came running to give her a hug!!! She made sure to tell Jenni she wanted time to sit and talk with Megan and alas here we have our dinner plans. For those of you who are not very familiar with Megan....she can talk a BLUE STREAK....she could make the phone book sound interesting. She is and incredible conversationalist. I'm not sure she has ever met anyone she couldn't talk to. I do not possess this skill and I am often in awe of her!!!!! I need to take a class---social skills 101! I guess this is why we get along so well.....so draws me out!!!! Love you Megan!!!


Megan has just completed her "pack job". I cannot believe we are leaving by train tomorrow?????? Shto??? (translation....WHAT????). It feels like we just got here and things are at least settled down enough (for RUSSIA standards)that I feel like I can THINK??? I have major whiplash! I don't have any idea what just happened to me.


I woke up this morning....EARLY....showered....then snuck downstairs with my BIBLE!!! What a sweet, sweet thing to sit with this book! I can't tell you how much that little black book RESTORES me.....

"In the quiet, in the stillness I know that you are GOD, in the secret of Your presence I know there I am restored!!!! When You call I won't refuse...each new day again I'll choose. There is no one else for me...none but JESUS. Crucified to set me FREE, now I live to bring HIM praise. In the choas, in confusion, I know You're sovereign still. In the moment of my weakness You'll give me grace to do YOUR WILL. When You call I won't delay. This, my song for all my days.......There is no one else for me.....no, none but Jesus. Crucified to set me free....now I live to bring Him praise. All my delight is in YOU Lord. All of my hope and all of my strength FOREVERMORE." These are words from a song that my sweet sister Stephanie sang to me during a time of extreme struggle this year...truth whispered by the Holy Spirit through a humble servant. This song has given me joy repeatedly this trip.

The questions I get brave enough to ask at the feet of Jesus.....OH GOD, where are You???? Right here between the pages child! This book is LIFE TO ME. I have been anchored in it and when I can't hold it and drink its truth in daily I feel an acute physical loss! I need it this MUCH. The pace and the noise of the last week has kept me from it until this morning but here I am hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!


The Lord knew Goreloye was coming and I needed the calm reassurance that my God was able to meet me at the point of my need, my anxiety.....and He did. I felt differently about this place--can't yet put it to words. I could SEE past the run down building.....I can see these faces a little clearer this time around. Thankful to get a second look--without MY RUNNING SHOES ON!!! Oh God thank you for taking them away from me for a short time this year--it was painful but necessary! You know what is best even when I am kicking and screaming and fighting You every step of the way. How patient You are with me! How incredibly patient! What LOVE....what LOVE...I don't understand it???? I am so incredibly thankful! I am blessed.....BROKEN!

One thing before I go....this morning I was reading about Caleb....how even in his old age he served....at 85 he was still doing some amazing things....

Joshua 14:11
I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so my strength is now, for war and for going out and coming in.

Where does my strength come from.....You and You alone Lord. Please help me be faithful when I am called. I want to be like Caleb...strong and built for the WAR we are all called to....going into battle....across enemy lines....into dangerous territory....to be a tool the Lord uses to rescue the lost, the wounded, the dead of this world--we have the truth of the gospel.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures....

I serve alongside some amazing people....I am thankful and blessed by the incredible teaching--Jim, I have the utmost respect for you! You have been gifted with MAD SKILLS...faithful to preach and teach the word of GOD even today in what felt like for me (for you) total chaos.....AMAZING that you could stay focused!!!!! I can see the benefits of walking with the Lord. A trip to Russia is NO SMALL THING...It's painful at 41 years old...wonder what it will wear like at 63....Lord willing I will know.

I'm coming home! Please pray for Megan and I! All the way My Savior leads me--oh, the fullness of His LOVE!
Jen

Success and Splat!

Hi!
The "success" part is that the orphanage trip was apparently a great success. The reception was very good, with kids hanging on Jenni (who recovered sufficiently to join us) every moment. We can only pray that the unknown rules of the test were such that the door will open. There was an encouraging report from someone who knows more than we do.

The "splat" part was on our way back from another trip to Jharr Pizza. A taxi dropped us off at the church. Crossing the small street covered with wet ice brought our first team fall. Jen got to see it; Todd and I only heard the unmistakable slip/splat sound. Megan was true to herself, already laughing before we helped her back to her feet. She may have what I call an "aching everything" but no serious injuries. Really weird to have had temperatures above freezing every day so far. That's due to change tomorrow.

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow by via Skype at church!

--Jim

Pray!

Merry Christmas Day! As we begin another day, you are getting ready for bed! Please go to sleep PRAYING! Today is the day that we go to the Goreloye orphanage. As you may remember, the Christians have been shut out from this orphanage by the new director. So, this is the first time in many months, that we will be able to go!
Pray for Jenni...this is her passion, and she is very sick. Pray that she will have the strength to go! Pray for the heart of the orphanage director...that she would see something in this Christmas program that would give her a desire to allow the Christians to resume their ministry at the orphanage. Jenni described this day like a test, but a test where we don't know the rules! The orphanage director will be watching and observing, but we don't know what she's watching for. She did ask Vadim to purchase a sofa and chair for the orphanage. (Another test!) This was good news to Vadim, because it meant that she is feeling around to possibly initiate a relationship with the church...anyway,this is a very sensitive situation. They are allowing us, the Americans, to go to the orphanage, but we will not take part in any of the program. We may not even get to take any pictures. The goal is just to blend in and take our cues from the Russians. Oh, Lord, open these doors! Thank you for praying with us! We will go to the orphanage at 3:00...which is about 2 AM your time. We will have a report for you when you wake up tomorrow!

Todd: Volume 1

Ok, so I’ve been instructed by “Mother Megan” to post something in this blog so here is the situation as I see it. I arrived at camp for the last day only both kids and staff absolutely love Megan and Jen, the two are a great team complimenting each other. Jim of course is Jim, he is the supreme preacher in hearts and minds of all in Tambov. Without giving him a big head I think we can all agree that he has a great gift in sharing God’s word and that is just as strong here in Russia as it is in Boise.
As others will be blogging on the ministry topics I’ll just say that the churches in Tambov are working very hard and have developed their ministry to levels far exceeding what I would have thought possible when Antioch was just getting started here. The Christmas outreach is growing by leaps and bounds as well. The events we have attended so far are very well done and very well attended. Those who support this ministry in any way can be thankful for how God is blessing that support.
Now, lets talk about this team. As I mentioned I arrived late so Jim, Jen, and Megan were already well into the bonding that occurs when a small group shares a unique experience like a mission trip. The team has had many laughs and many tears all wrapped up in events that happen rapid fire to the point of confusing what day any given situation actually happened. Gratefully the three original members have quickly integrated me as one of them. Megan carries the load when it comes to comic relief, some of you may know how she can find the fun in any situation. For example the occasional verbal or visual instance that may take her mind off track followed by laughter that brings everyone in. I’ll leave the exact distractions to your imagination. There has also been a lack of showering that has been the source of some fun, no shower buddy at camp so no shower, or possibly the toothbrush on the train story or the fashion statement of long dress and slippers to church tonight, or even the joy that comes from simply being out with people. All joking aside Megan is a tremendous asset to this team and she is so well liked by all.
Jen, the craft queen. Jen is the prayer warrior she, by example keeps us grounded. Getting to know Jen through our conversations has been a highlight for me so far on the trip. It’s funny how this is someone I’ve attended church with for probably 10 years and I really didn’t know, but just a few hours of sharing as a group and we know more about every team member than ever before. Jen also has offered some very funny personal commentaries, but again I’ll leave the details of those for later.
Me, I think I’m here just for the others to laugh at, for example when I fell asleep in Jim’s sermon at camp. Speaking of sleep depravation I was dozing at church today and noticed Megan holding the camera pointed at me trying to photograph the sleeping in church.
Future blogs will be more focused on the events and ministry but you first have to get a feel for the team dynamic and it is dynamic. Many laughs, much work and personal growth going on for all of us. What a joy to be serving in Russia again.

Broken

I’m sitting here……with orders from “headquarters” (you all KNOW who I’m talking about) to BLOG. Todd is directly in front of me (sitting on our couch) and Megan has just proceeded to wander over to him to check HIS screen she has given him similar instructions and now she is following up to make sure he is on task instead of answering one of his several hundred messages in his INBOX. What do I say….what do I tell you all….what information would you like reported? Well, let me tell you this……IT’S JUST NOT THE SAME.

Last year was such an intense experience for me that the challenge for this year rests somewhere within the realm of “expectations”. I’m going to be honest…..don’t judge me! I returned to Russia feeling like I had accomplished something of worth last year….forged bonds with people that I hoped to see again and can I tell you….I was surprised by the initial reaction……expectations.

So………………here is my report! I hope you all find some value in it…may it find you all well and resting in the peace the only Jesus Christ gives.

We arrived in Russia, we took the train (without incident Larry….NO STRANGERS for this girl IN THE NIGHT)----Jim practically stamped cabin 5 on my forehead!

The minute we set foot on Tambov soil…..everything changed! It continues to change every minute, every hour, of every day. One of the highlights of this trip was a visit to Jar Pizza…..SWEET….totally scored a “fist pump” on that one. Where in Boise can you order a cappuccino, veggie tray, pizza, fruit tray, soup, salad and ice cream I ask????? AWESOME!!!!

Change of plans…..no…..you will not relax after your 40 + solid hours of travel you will get your butts back into the car and get to CAMP! So, off we go……..2 more hours in a little green car, down a bumpy highway, where I caught such serious air in the back seat that I promptly BUCKLED UP in order to avoid a neck injury.

Well, we did arrive safely thanks to our fantastic American driver Jenni. This girl is AMAZING!!! Wow!! You cannot help but know that she has been called by the Master to this mission field and I have seen with my own eyes now how faithfully and effectively she serves. If you are among those who support her....know that the sacrifice you make to help her is well worth its weight in GOLD. The relationships she has forged with these campers and her ability to communicate with them simply amazes me! If you want the details we'll have to chat later.....or better yet.....come to Russia and see it for yourself!

How does one condense these past days.....best if I highlight.....
1.) A black cat! I am incredibly allergic to cats. I popped Zytec, prayed my BUTT OFF and huffed Albuterol trying simply to breath--funny oxygen is pretty important! Thank you LORD for HELPING ME!!!! You knew all along that Satan would show up to alarm and discourage me. My fellow teamates had my 6:00 the entire time...eventually satan was locked away somewhere else (heeheehee)...so sorry to you cat lovers out there....just simply not a fan!

2.) A sweet mattress! I dubbed it my metal hammock, well, because...yes it was METAL but it had the added benefit of a slight lift on both ends...super special to try and sleep on/in??? People my hips are BROKEN and my back is killing me! The last night of camp I cried out in pain as I tried to turn over on my side....BROKEN!!!!!! Megan offered to trade beds with me....yes (another FIST PUMP earned)....I drug my BROKEN self over and dropped down onto her wooden platform adorned with disgusting mattress (eweeee!!!!)people it was beautiful (at this point it felt like a featherbed...my standards being quite low at the moment) until I started wheezing and yes.....UP ALL NIGHT having an allergic reactions to SOMETHING...probably everything at this point. But, nevertheless, God is good! My friend was UP ALL NIGHT TOO...she was rolled into a ball, freezing cold on my metal bed without the willpower to get up and close the window that we had been leaving open every hour, every day, and every night so that I might obtain that SWEET OXYGEN I spoke of earlier! Good company Megan is! A ready laugh in times of hardship! I can't tell you how many times we have laughed ourselves stupid on this trip!

3.) Community SHOWERS!!!! This was a special treat. Nope, I will not elaborate!

4.) The camp building.....hmmmmmm.....it needs work. Vadim asked us at breakfast what we thought of having camp at TCC verses Truth Church. I preferred the church for purely selfish reasons. At Truth Church....I had a room away from all the noise and bustle to sit down and do crafts with campers. Yah, uh....NO...imagine this if you will....music playing constantly at a level that one might expect at any moment to rupture an ear drum....then, imagine trying to talk to people while you sit and do something that is suppose to be QUIET, RESTFUL, and encourage people to open up because their hands are busy doing something that distracts them from the discomfort of STARTING a conversation, add in a language barrier....RIGHT!.....expectations! But God is good, this is an opportunity to see what God wills for this place...much as I've said needs to be done....consider praying about the opportunities for growth this place might afford if the Russians were able to fund its completion.

This is not all I have to say but Jim has just rushed in to warn us that "we" are burning up our time quickly and and he is on the phone....que....get off....SEE YA! More to come! JEN