Our plane touched down at 2:00 AM Tuesday after all going smoothly except a 3 hour delay in Chicago.
Thank you so much for praying for our team in Russia. I was extremely proud of our coalition and especially of Heritage Bible Church for the service to our Lord on this trip.
In just over 24 hours home (a lot it sleeping!) I've heard from many who have enjoyed the blog, and we look forward to seeing you in person.
- Jim
HBC Summer Missions Team in Russia!
Summer Camp Team!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Home Again, Home Again
Our last night here. Wow! Almost seems like a dream now.
Larry, Jim and I spent this Lord's day at a small but very alive church. Sweet people, who love the Lord. Right after our service today I was tackled by a woman named Kate--I got a hug and an adament request. "I must hear you sing." I looked at her and laughed. But she was dead serious. She returned my look with her bright, piercing, steel blue eyes and said... "Now!" Church was over, however, the congregation stood in the very small worship room chatting with one another. Seemed a little awkward to me and "NO" didn't seem like and option so...Ok.....the only song that came to mind was Wonderful, Merciful, Savior...so I belted it out. Her blue eyes were locked on mine the entire time (I sang only one verse--I felt bad because people were trying to visit). She loved it.
During the service I had heard her singing. I didn't have a face to match the voice earlier but when she approached me I knew it was her. Her voice is husky and beautiful--full of emotion.
After the service came lunch. After lunch, came a special treat!!! I got to use their facilities--special! Slavabogo for plumbing people. Twice today I had this special privilege--really???? I thought I was going to make it out of Russia without this honor but alas--rotten bladder, I did not. Let me tell you, it is a lot to manage in a dress, tights, full SQUAT, and a cold draft. Did I mention--at the gas station this morning there was Ice on the floor--one wrong move people and OH MAN--unthinkable.
Anyway, I am so excited to be coming home I just about can't stand it. Please pray for our return adventure--smooth and safe!
Jen
Larry, Jim and I spent this Lord's day at a small but very alive church. Sweet people, who love the Lord. Right after our service today I was tackled by a woman named Kate--I got a hug and an adament request. "I must hear you sing." I looked at her and laughed. But she was dead serious. She returned my look with her bright, piercing, steel blue eyes and said... "Now!" Church was over, however, the congregation stood in the very small worship room chatting with one another. Seemed a little awkward to me and "NO" didn't seem like and option so...Ok.....the only song that came to mind was Wonderful, Merciful, Savior...so I belted it out. Her blue eyes were locked on mine the entire time (I sang only one verse--I felt bad because people were trying to visit). She loved it.
During the service I had heard her singing. I didn't have a face to match the voice earlier but when she approached me I knew it was her. Her voice is husky and beautiful--full of emotion.
After the service came lunch. After lunch, came a special treat!!! I got to use their facilities--special! Slavabogo for plumbing people. Twice today I had this special privilege--really???? I thought I was going to make it out of Russia without this honor but alas--rotten bladder, I did not. Let me tell you, it is a lot to manage in a dress, tights, full SQUAT, and a cold draft. Did I mention--at the gas station this morning there was Ice on the floor--one wrong move people and OH MAN--unthinkable.
Anyway, I am so excited to be coming home I just about can't stand it. Please pray for our return adventure--smooth and safe!
Jen
The Pneumatic Tube
Larry, Jen and I just returned from a delightful day of worship and fellowship with the church in Kirsanov. Young Pastor Anatoly Alipichev is a superstar among the brothers here. He just finished preaching through the entire Gospel of John, which he accomplished in a year and a half. Anatoly has taken the crown as the youngest ordained pastor in the Baptist Union of Russia.
Scott Freeman, Dick Shaw and Marsha Harris: Greetings from Kate, the dear sister who teaches English there. As soon as I regained my breath after her bear hug she told me to greet you. Dick, she's the lady with which you sang "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." I'm pretty sure she now understands that Scott is not my son.
Heritage Bible Church: Greetings from Alexander and Luda, the couple who adopted all the kids when the orphanage closed. They're the ones HBC raised money for, so they could get gas heat in their two houses. Several of the kids are out of the house and the "little" ones are growing up fast.
Coalition Leaders: The money we designated to start the well-drilling business in Kirsanov has been multiplied incredibly. Our $2000 investment has grossed $20,000, provided employment for 4 brothers, drilled 75 wells so far, provided similar equipment for three other places to start the same business, and provided money to start the business (in the renovated space next to the church) of cell phone repair. They get the concept of doing business to enable the church members to support the pastor, and they show no signs of letting up. As soon as I get home we'll release the $500 (from Praise International) we have been keeping on hand for starting the phone repair business. We thought we needed $2000 for it to start, but they did it on their own. The money we send will allow them to purchase more equipment and parts.
For Larry, Jen and me the only remaining portion of our trip is the journey home. Before the Eberhardts left I suggested they think of themselves as entering a bottle that goes into a pneumatic tube to be sucked to its destination. The good news is that this tube averages over 200 miles per hour. The bad news is that the trip is over 7000 miles. Lord willing we'll leave the church between 4 and 5 AM (6-7 PM Sunday in Idaho) and we're due in Boise just after 11 PM Monday night. Our "bottle" has several stops and some connections to make . . . please pray that it goes smoothly.
One of the brothers from the church who has a good car will drive us straight to the airport, saving a lot of money and bypassing the overnight train ride. We get to have Anya with us all the way through check-in at Domodedovo Airport and she will watch to make sure we clear passport control without snags.
There's no doubt in my mind this has been the most eventful of my 10 visits to Russia. What a joy to bring a team from HBC and to do so much! They want us back for camp next year :)
I'll pray for your worship and fellowship to honor our precious Lord this morning, and expect to see you next Sunday at the latest.
Слава Богу!
(slava bogu, Praise God!)
Спасибо за молитву!
(spacebo za moleetvu, Thanks for praying!)
- Jim
Scott Freeman, Dick Shaw and Marsha Harris: Greetings from Kate, the dear sister who teaches English there. As soon as I regained my breath after her bear hug she told me to greet you. Dick, she's the lady with which you sang "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." I'm pretty sure she now understands that Scott is not my son.
Heritage Bible Church: Greetings from Alexander and Luda, the couple who adopted all the kids when the orphanage closed. They're the ones HBC raised money for, so they could get gas heat in their two houses. Several of the kids are out of the house and the "little" ones are growing up fast.
Coalition Leaders: The money we designated to start the well-drilling business in Kirsanov has been multiplied incredibly. Our $2000 investment has grossed $20,000, provided employment for 4 brothers, drilled 75 wells so far, provided similar equipment for three other places to start the same business, and provided money to start the business (in the renovated space next to the church) of cell phone repair. They get the concept of doing business to enable the church members to support the pastor, and they show no signs of letting up. As soon as I get home we'll release the $500 (from Praise International) we have been keeping on hand for starting the phone repair business. We thought we needed $2000 for it to start, but they did it on their own. The money we send will allow them to purchase more equipment and parts.
For Larry, Jen and me the only remaining portion of our trip is the journey home. Before the Eberhardts left I suggested they think of themselves as entering a bottle that goes into a pneumatic tube to be sucked to its destination. The good news is that this tube averages over 200 miles per hour. The bad news is that the trip is over 7000 miles. Lord willing we'll leave the church between 4 and 5 AM (6-7 PM Sunday in Idaho) and we're due in Boise just after 11 PM Monday night. Our "bottle" has several stops and some connections to make . . . please pray that it goes smoothly.
One of the brothers from the church who has a good car will drive us straight to the airport, saving a lot of money and bypassing the overnight train ride. We get to have Anya with us all the way through check-in at Domodedovo Airport and she will watch to make sure we clear passport control without snags.
There's no doubt in my mind this has been the most eventful of my 10 visits to Russia. What a joy to bring a team from HBC and to do so much! They want us back for camp next year :)
I'll pray for your worship and fellowship to honor our precious Lord this morning, and expect to see you next Sunday at the latest.
Слава Богу!
(slava bogu, Praise God!)
Спасибо за молитву!
(spacebo za moleetvu, Thanks for praying!)
- Jim
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Rehab
Yesterday I was imprisoned briefly. Today Larry and I were in Rehab while Jen rested. We traveled to Lipetsk (1.5 hours each way) to the facility where 12 people at a time live in a full-time in-patient drug and alcohol recovery program. This is the same facility where summer camp is held.
Dick Shaw (pastor of First Baptist in Caldwell) and I visited this place 21 months ago. The leaders of the Tambov churches liked what they saw, but there were some struggles with the director of the progarm over the philosophy of the rehab ministry. At that time there was a dream to have such a place for the Tambov region and for it to be 100% devoted to Bible study, prayer and fellowship. We prayed it would be so.
The answer to the prayer was much different than expected. The leader of the rehab facility abandoned the faith and turned to the Orthodox Church. He was excommunicated from his church and the ministry stopped. A lot of progress had been made on renovating the extensive facility, but the future was uncertain.
In the fall the doors opened again. This time the ministry is led by Vasiliy, who is totally committed to doing it without any medications or worldly psychology. He himself is a former addict. To get into the program (which requires 2-3 months to complete) a person has to interview with one of the pastors in the Tambov region and his or her commitment to change is assessed. Only those approved by a pastor can enter. Now in the best of hands, this ministry is changing lives one at a time. Not all become believers, but the vast majority kick their drug and alcohol habits permanently. The ministry is being supported by the churches of Tambov.
One of the graduates of the program was in our class this week, clean and sober and saved and reunited with his wife and daughter. He went with us today to visit the place, and brought his wife who has not yet become a believer. Please pray for her to be saved; she is attending Vadim's church with her husband. Wish I could remember their names.
Without Rader and Megan here, our I.T. department is absent, so you'll have to wait to see photos of this place. It's another example of how much ministry our Russian partners accomplish with so few resources by our standards.
Tomorrow we're off to church in Kirsanov, then back to pack and be ready to leave early (4 AM'ish) Monday. God provided us with a skilled driver who will take us directly to the airport and save us a lot of money we won't spend on a train ride. Monday is that 34-hour long day when we cross 10 time zones. Please pray it goes smoothly for us as it did for Rader and Megan. The connection in Munich is a little tight, and the Eberhardts had just 5 minutes to spare.
- Jim
Dick Shaw (pastor of First Baptist in Caldwell) and I visited this place 21 months ago. The leaders of the Tambov churches liked what they saw, but there were some struggles with the director of the progarm over the philosophy of the rehab ministry. At that time there was a dream to have such a place for the Tambov region and for it to be 100% devoted to Bible study, prayer and fellowship. We prayed it would be so.
The answer to the prayer was much different than expected. The leader of the rehab facility abandoned the faith and turned to the Orthodox Church. He was excommunicated from his church and the ministry stopped. A lot of progress had been made on renovating the extensive facility, but the future was uncertain.
In the fall the doors opened again. This time the ministry is led by Vasiliy, who is totally committed to doing it without any medications or worldly psychology. He himself is a former addict. To get into the program (which requires 2-3 months to complete) a person has to interview with one of the pastors in the Tambov region and his or her commitment to change is assessed. Only those approved by a pastor can enter. Now in the best of hands, this ministry is changing lives one at a time. Not all become believers, but the vast majority kick their drug and alcohol habits permanently. The ministry is being supported by the churches of Tambov.
One of the graduates of the program was in our class this week, clean and sober and saved and reunited with his wife and daughter. He went with us today to visit the place, and brought his wife who has not yet become a believer. Please pray for her to be saved; she is attending Vadim's church with her husband. Wish I could remember their names.
Without Rader and Megan here, our I.T. department is absent, so you'll have to wait to see photos of this place. It's another example of how much ministry our Russian partners accomplish with so few resources by our standards.
Tomorrow we're off to church in Kirsanov, then back to pack and be ready to leave early (4 AM'ish) Monday. God provided us with a skilled driver who will take us directly to the airport and save us a lot of money we won't spend on a train ride. Monday is that 34-hour long day when we cross 10 time zones. Please pray it goes smoothly for us as it did for Rader and Megan. The connection in Munich is a little tight, and the Eberhardts had just 5 minutes to spare.
- Jim
A Quiet Day
So very tired this morning. I couldn't even drag myself out for my usual 7am run. In fact, it is about 3pm right now and I haven't even showered yet. I can't believe that we have only two days left. I wonder what re-entry will feel like. I am still not 100%--this suped up virus I received here in Russia hangs on like the Black Plague.
Life has been non-stop since we got here. Go here, go there, and there, and there, and there. I am not at all used to this pace nor do I care for it. I am an introvert. Though I love the company of friends and meeting new people, my battery doesn't recharge in non-stop noise and constant bussle. Today, I elected to withdraw myself from the planned activities. Not because I am not interested in all that is being accomplished here in Russia--but I have a very acute understanding that I can't get it ALL or do it ALL the first time. My brain is on overload and I know my limits. Today is my limit--I need a break. The quiet this morning has been absolutely GLORIOUS--thank you Lord! I am alone--my battery is on orange--but I feel the green coming. I am stitching because this work is medicine to me. I am processing. I am thinking about all that has been said and done here. My mind wanders wherever it wills--there are no boundaries today--no interruptions. Occasionally I find myself singing.
This has been an incredible trip on so many levels--I am not in the slightest bit capable of articulating much of it either by word or by type. I have been on an emotional roller coaster. The kind of ride that scares the crap out of you--but when you get off you find yourself looking at your friends, panting, wide-eyed, smiling and saying--wanna go again? I don't know what the Lord plans but lets just say--If He wills it--I will!!
Class this week was amazing. We are so blessed to sit under faithful teaching--slavabogo. Can I tell you all something???? I cried only once this week. Only once. Election people--this is the concept that brought tears to my eyes this week. Election. I don't even pretend to fully grasp this part of the Doctrine of Salvation. The bible says it. I believe it. It just hurts to think about sometimes in my human understanding. I need to learn to just hand it up to Him who CARES FOR ME. Maybe this only makes sense in my mind and I guess that's ok. The struggle is for those of us who have people we LOVE who do not know the Lord or are not walking with Him. People we aren't sure of in terms of where they stand on the matter of salvation. It's only LIFE or death hanging in the balance. Yikes. I mean this. Where they will spend eternity hangs in the balance. That weighs on my heart for so many people. The thought of even one person that I love spending eternity in hell sucks the air from my lungs--I pray to God that is not the case. I plead with Him often over them--calling them out to Him by name. Oh friends and family, if you are reading this and you have not yet repented--now is the time. Every single time you resist the truth of the gospel you are hardening your own heart--just like Pharaoh. How many more, God loving you and calling you, opportunities will you decline before God himself ceases to knock at the door of your hard heart (or worse--read Pharaoh's account). I beg you, repent and be reconcilled today! Admit your status--you are a sinner! Understand you can't clean your mess up on your own--you bring nothing but your sin to the table (failure at any level with regards to complete holiness puts you in the class of sinner). Recognize He already provided THE WAY, Jesus Christ (God's only Son) who can (because He lived the perfect life we can't) and did make atonement for you! Ask Him to come into your heart and into your life as SAVIOR AND LORD and begin the process of making you into the person He created you to be! Redeemed--go and tell others the good news.
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures...
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
If you don't know Him this is my prayer for you all! I don't know anything else of importance, except this, this will matter for eternity. FOR - E - VER. God bless.
Behold, I am coming HOME soon (heeheehee). I can't wait for the cozy Temper pedic bed and pillows. I can't wait for an hour long, smokin hot shower. I can't wait for a BIG salad with all the trimmings. I can't wait for a long stretch of pavement and a new pair of running shoes. I can't wait for a clothes dryer. I can't wait for the quiet of home. I can't wait for a cup of coffee from a Keurig coffee pot doused with Vanilla-Caramel CoffeeMate Creamer (ooohlala) - THANKYOU MIKE and CASIE (I love you both and miss you like CRAZY). I can't wait to stop living out of a suitcase (NICOLE--holy crap, I feel your PAIN--this is no small thing). God has blessed me beyond measure and I am unworthy of it all. Lord, let me live my life in a way that honors YOU. In a way that reveals that I am not the ultimate owner of anything you allow me to possess---but oh GOD, I am so greatful for it all!!!!
Now, I am ready for my RUN!
Love to all! Jen
Life has been non-stop since we got here. Go here, go there, and there, and there, and there. I am not at all used to this pace nor do I care for it. I am an introvert. Though I love the company of friends and meeting new people, my battery doesn't recharge in non-stop noise and constant bussle. Today, I elected to withdraw myself from the planned activities. Not because I am not interested in all that is being accomplished here in Russia--but I have a very acute understanding that I can't get it ALL or do it ALL the first time. My brain is on overload and I know my limits. Today is my limit--I need a break. The quiet this morning has been absolutely GLORIOUS--thank you Lord! I am alone--my battery is on orange--but I feel the green coming. I am stitching because this work is medicine to me. I am processing. I am thinking about all that has been said and done here. My mind wanders wherever it wills--there are no boundaries today--no interruptions. Occasionally I find myself singing.
This has been an incredible trip on so many levels--I am not in the slightest bit capable of articulating much of it either by word or by type. I have been on an emotional roller coaster. The kind of ride that scares the crap out of you--but when you get off you find yourself looking at your friends, panting, wide-eyed, smiling and saying--wanna go again? I don't know what the Lord plans but lets just say--If He wills it--I will!!
Class this week was amazing. We are so blessed to sit under faithful teaching--slavabogo. Can I tell you all something???? I cried only once this week. Only once. Election people--this is the concept that brought tears to my eyes this week. Election. I don't even pretend to fully grasp this part of the Doctrine of Salvation. The bible says it. I believe it. It just hurts to think about sometimes in my human understanding. I need to learn to just hand it up to Him who CARES FOR ME. Maybe this only makes sense in my mind and I guess that's ok. The struggle is for those of us who have people we LOVE who do not know the Lord or are not walking with Him. People we aren't sure of in terms of where they stand on the matter of salvation. It's only LIFE or death hanging in the balance. Yikes. I mean this. Where they will spend eternity hangs in the balance. That weighs on my heart for so many people. The thought of even one person that I love spending eternity in hell sucks the air from my lungs--I pray to God that is not the case. I plead with Him often over them--calling them out to Him by name. Oh friends and family, if you are reading this and you have not yet repented--now is the time. Every single time you resist the truth of the gospel you are hardening your own heart--just like Pharaoh. How many more, God loving you and calling you, opportunities will you decline before God himself ceases to knock at the door of your hard heart (or worse--read Pharaoh's account). I beg you, repent and be reconcilled today! Admit your status--you are a sinner! Understand you can't clean your mess up on your own--you bring nothing but your sin to the table (failure at any level with regards to complete holiness puts you in the class of sinner). Recognize He already provided THE WAY, Jesus Christ (God's only Son) who can (because He lived the perfect life we can't) and did make atonement for you! Ask Him to come into your heart and into your life as SAVIOR AND LORD and begin the process of making you into the person He created you to be! Redeemed--go and tell others the good news.
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures...
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
If you don't know Him this is my prayer for you all! I don't know anything else of importance, except this, this will matter for eternity. FOR - E - VER. God bless.
Behold, I am coming HOME soon (heeheehee). I can't wait for the cozy Temper pedic bed and pillows. I can't wait for an hour long, smokin hot shower. I can't wait for a BIG salad with all the trimmings. I can't wait for a long stretch of pavement and a new pair of running shoes. I can't wait for a clothes dryer. I can't wait for the quiet of home. I can't wait for a cup of coffee from a Keurig coffee pot doused with Vanilla-Caramel CoffeeMate Creamer (ooohlala) - THANKYOU MIKE and CASIE (I love you both and miss you like CRAZY). I can't wait to stop living out of a suitcase (NICOLE--holy crap, I feel your PAIN--this is no small thing). God has blessed me beyond measure and I am unworthy of it all. Lord, let me live my life in a way that honors YOU. In a way that reveals that I am not the ultimate owner of anything you allow me to possess---but oh GOD, I am so greatful for it all!!!!
Now, I am ready for my RUN!
Love to all! Jen
Friday, January 14, 2011
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord . . .
Class was a success. Then came the tough part, which Jen apparently found quite amusing. You know if you've read the previous post.
The real story of the imprisonment . . .
We're playing cards and relaxing and get called to dinner. I had just thrown on a shirt after our shopping trip. It wasn't fully buttoned and the shirt tail was not tucked in. Anya was standing in the door of the guys' room talking to me, so I ducked into the restroom to tuck in my shirt tail. I doubt I was in there more than 15 seconds.
I came out to find the room empty and the door locked. I could hear the voices of my "friends" reverberating as they were starting down the stairs (we live on the 4th floor). They couldn't hear me yell or the pounding on the door over their banter. Time: 5:58 PM.
6:02 PM. I start my computer and wait for it to boot up. I plug in MagicJack and wait for it to boot up.
6:04 PM. I call Anya and get no answer. I try again in case she didn't feel it vibrate in her pocket.
6:05 PM. I remember noticing that Anya left her phone in her room when we were called to dinner. Surely they've noticed by now that I'm not at dinner. Shouldn't be long.
6:06 PM. Waxing brilliant, I place a call to Jenni Myers who is in Ohio. I know she will have Vadim's cell number on her phone and I know Vadim is at dinner with my "friends." Three rings, then a cheery voice answers: "The person you are calling has a voice mail box that has not been set up."
6:07, 6:08, 6:09, 6:10, etc. I entertain myself by calling Jenni over and over. Same result. Did I mention that the only chair in our room is in the other room where we were using it during our card game? Being on my knees at the computer table is getting a little old.
6:15 PM. I hear some voices and figure my "friends" are coming for me. Wrong. Someone too far away to hear the pounding or my voice.
6:20 PM. I redeem the time by copying sermon notes to my thumb drive so that if I'm released from prison I can print them to use Sunday in Kirsanov. Doesn't kill much time.
6:25 PM. I notice we have oranges, apples, bananas, grapes, some candy, milk, bottled water and tea bags in the room. Looks like I can survive here for a few days if necessary.
6:30 PM. More voices, and these are closer. I pound, and female voices reply in Russian. I don't know what they're saying, so I call out in my pig-Russian what I think means "Where are Anya and my American "friends? I need a key!" One of the voices replies in English (praise God for a dear sister in Christ who is from Aurstralia) "What do you need?" I explain and hear the wonderful words "We have a key!"
"Click," and the door opens. I'm greeted by two very amused ladies. Rick Kirschmann is just walking down the hallway toward my room. My "friends" sent Rick instead of facing me themselves!
6:35 PM. I arrive downstairs where all but one person in the room is truly amused. The stone cold plate of food at my usual place is the only thing left on the table after the whole group finished dinner and cleaned up. My food is warmed by the gracious cook who would have been home with her family by now if weren't for my "friends." I'm sure glad I gave her some of Marsha's toffee as a thank-you gift this afternoon!
By the time I finish a nice talk with Vadim, get my notes printed and get back to my room my "friends" are guffawing in front of my computer which they have helped themselves to in order to post their twisted view of the event on the blog .
First time I've been imprisoned in the cause of serving Christ.
- Jim
The real story of the imprisonment . . .
We're playing cards and relaxing and get called to dinner. I had just thrown on a shirt after our shopping trip. It wasn't fully buttoned and the shirt tail was not tucked in. Anya was standing in the door of the guys' room talking to me, so I ducked into the restroom to tuck in my shirt tail. I doubt I was in there more than 15 seconds.
I came out to find the room empty and the door locked. I could hear the voices of my "friends" reverberating as they were starting down the stairs (we live on the 4th floor). They couldn't hear me yell or the pounding on the door over their banter. Time: 5:58 PM.
6:02 PM. I start my computer and wait for it to boot up. I plug in MagicJack and wait for it to boot up.
6:04 PM. I call Anya and get no answer. I try again in case she didn't feel it vibrate in her pocket.
6:05 PM. I remember noticing that Anya left her phone in her room when we were called to dinner. Surely they've noticed by now that I'm not at dinner. Shouldn't be long.
6:06 PM. Waxing brilliant, I place a call to Jenni Myers who is in Ohio. I know she will have Vadim's cell number on her phone and I know Vadim is at dinner with my "friends." Three rings, then a cheery voice answers: "The person you are calling has a voice mail box that has not been set up."
6:07, 6:08, 6:09, 6:10, etc. I entertain myself by calling Jenni over and over. Same result. Did I mention that the only chair in our room is in the other room where we were using it during our card game? Being on my knees at the computer table is getting a little old.
6:15 PM. I hear some voices and figure my "friends" are coming for me. Wrong. Someone too far away to hear the pounding or my voice.
6:20 PM. I redeem the time by copying sermon notes to my thumb drive so that if I'm released from prison I can print them to use Sunday in Kirsanov. Doesn't kill much time.
6:25 PM. I notice we have oranges, apples, bananas, grapes, some candy, milk, bottled water and tea bags in the room. Looks like I can survive here for a few days if necessary.
6:30 PM. More voices, and these are closer. I pound, and female voices reply in Russian. I don't know what they're saying, so I call out in my pig-Russian what I think means "Where are Anya and my American "friends? I need a key!" One of the voices replies in English (praise God for a dear sister in Christ who is from Aurstralia) "What do you need?" I explain and hear the wonderful words "We have a key!"
"Click," and the door opens. I'm greeted by two very amused ladies. Rick Kirschmann is just walking down the hallway toward my room. My "friends" sent Rick instead of facing me themselves!
6:35 PM. I arrive downstairs where all but one person in the room is truly amused. The stone cold plate of food at my usual place is the only thing left on the table after the whole group finished dinner and cleaned up. My food is warmed by the gracious cook who would have been home with her family by now if weren't for my "friends." I'm sure glad I gave her some of Marsha's toffee as a thank-you gift this afternoon!
By the time I finish a nice talk with Vadim, get my notes printed and get back to my room my "friends" are guffawing in front of my computer which they have helped themselves to in order to post their twisted view of the event on the blog .
First time I've been imprisoned in the cause of serving Christ.
- Jim
A Locked Door (hee,hee,hee,hee,hee)
I can't help but laugh hystarically while I type this. This is a funny story guys. Anya, Larry, Jim and I were playing Phase 10 when we got the call -- time for dinner. We had just dealt another hand (I don't mind telling you I was getting trounced--total sewage for cards--and dinner seemed like the perfect relief). All the cards went face down and we decided to return after dinner to finish the game (much to my distain). Off we all went.
Side note people---our rooms lock from outside with a key. Larry is the keymaster (appointed by Jim). I'll say it again Larry is the Keymaster. Did you guys get it??? Okay. Hold on to your shorts---here we go...........
Dinner plates flying...Oh the pasta tonight is delicious (minus the meat--not a fan), veges, bread, and cookies wooohooo my favorite. Jim's taking a while so we pray and get on with---yum. Dinner is done now and more people have arrived---hmmmm where is Jim???? Larry said he's on "his throne". Taking a while.....Hmmmm???? More people come and we are engaged in serious conversation. Where is Jim??? What on earth is taking so long???? We have finished out meal, our dessert, and our tea. Still, NO JIM????? Others continue to arrive---more conversation. Where is JIM????
Finally Jim-----what the heck? Come to find out. Keymaster had locked Jim in their room. He tried to call Anya (she was with us...no phone). He tried to call Jenny in the USA (no answer). Finally he heard someone in the hall.... KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK--HELP ME!!!!!! The faceless rescuer went for a key.
Jim gave "SKIPPER"/Keymaster quite the look upon entry. Told his story and laughter erupted around the table...dinner was served---to JIM.
The funniest part about all this is we all had this conversation about 2 weeks ago....what if?....Jim talked about tying sheets together and pulling a Rapunzel if need be. Dang it!
Larry and I are still laughing!!!! At this time, we do not know where Jim is.
Jen
P.S. MISS YOU MEGAN!!!!!!!
Side note people---our rooms lock from outside with a key. Larry is the keymaster (appointed by Jim). I'll say it again Larry is the Keymaster. Did you guys get it??? Okay. Hold on to your shorts---here we go...........
Dinner plates flying...Oh the pasta tonight is delicious (minus the meat--not a fan), veges, bread, and cookies wooohooo my favorite. Jim's taking a while so we pray and get on with---yum. Dinner is done now and more people have arrived---hmmmm where is Jim???? Larry said he's on "his throne". Taking a while.....Hmmmm???? More people come and we are engaged in serious conversation. Where is Jim??? What on earth is taking so long???? We have finished out meal, our dessert, and our tea. Still, NO JIM????? Others continue to arrive---more conversation. Where is JIM????
Finally Jim-----what the heck? Come to find out. Keymaster had locked Jim in their room. He tried to call Anya (she was with us...no phone). He tried to call Jenny in the USA (no answer). Finally he heard someone in the hall.... KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK--HELP ME!!!!!! The faceless rescuer went for a key.
Jim gave "SKIPPER"/Keymaster quite the look upon entry. Told his story and laughter erupted around the table...dinner was served---to JIM.
The funniest part about all this is we all had this conversation about 2 weeks ago....what if?....Jim talked about tying sheets together and pulling a Rapunzel if need be. Dang it!
Larry and I are still laughing!!!! At this time, we do not know where Jim is.
Jen
P.S. MISS YOU MEGAN!!!!!!!
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