A day in the life...

Warning: This one may be a little long! I was wanting to give you a snapshot of what our days have been like since we’ve been here. Today was busier than most, but you’ll get the picture...

overlooking Kavalerovo

As I write this, it is just after 11pm on our third night in Kavalerova. We have one more full day here, and then we will travel back to where we started in Vladovostok. Each day here has been an adventure!

This morning Carl and I were picked up at 8am from the home we are being hosted in. We went directly to an orphanage in town. They have students from 1st grade through 11th. At 8:30 we were allowed to address the class of 11th graders. Because the orphanage’s director appreciates Christians, he allowed us to share freely about our faith. So, Carl and I were both able to share our testimonies. Then, as usual, I was able to share a couple of songs on the guitar. We were also able to give Bibles to all the students in that class (thank you Gideons!)

Carl teaching (with Jenya translating)

We went from there back to the church to have breakfast. On the drive back, the pastor and I stopped at the Police station, where we were able to give a Bible to the Chief Police officer in town! (The pastor here is an inspiration. I have never met a man who is so eager to stop and talk to anyone and everyone about Jesus. Plus, he does it in such a way that is non threatening and full of love. Just the other day, we saw two ladies on the main road selling Mary Kay products, of all things. So, the pastor says, lets go say hi! We ended up giving them Bibles. One of the ladies said she was praying for a Bible, and we “just  happened” to be there to give her one!)

Anyways back to today...After breakfast, we had a long conversation regarding ministry with a couple of the pastors. Carl and I were able to encourage them and even give them some direction regarding philosophy of ministry, etc. 

Then, Pastor Roslan (sp?), our interpreters, and I set out on an adventure. We climbed up to  the top of this huge Rock that sits behind their city. It is was crazy because we had to cross some pretty fast moving steams and hike through the mud just to get to the trail. Then, it really started to rain on us! However, we made it to the top and you could see the whole valley! We spent some time praying for the city, and made our way down.

Then... we went back to the orphanage, where we were able to share our testimonies again. This time, we were able to speak to all the kids (maybe 150?). It was cool, because a couple of the teachers were really touched and asked about coming to church. 

Me and Pastor Roselan (sp?) at lunch

After that, we went BACK to the church and got ready for our teaching time. We had a great turn out (approx 60 people). We had worship, two Bible studies, more worship,and prayer! Those people are HUNGRY for the Word. They would probably listen all night if we asked them to. After the meeting we had dinner (about 9:30pm). And after dinner Carl and I split up to do some counseling  with different people. 

Back to the house where we are staying, a quick banya (sauna), and now off to bed! Tomorrow we get to visit a music school, and who knows what else! 

I want to say that we are so very grateful for those of you who are praying. I believe with all my heart it is the prayers of the saints that is making this such a fruitful trip. Please continue to remember us and we will continue to remember you in prayer as well.

One last thought... never before in my life have I seen such a need for the gospel of grace! Many, many, many of these precious  folks just haven’t really heard the a message of God’s grace! I am so blessed to point them to Jesus and encourage them in their walk with Him. So much more to say, not enough time....