Friday, July 01, 2005

good-byes - from Debbie


From: Debbie Zimmer
Date: July 1, 2005 3:53:30 AM CDT
To: Carla
Subject: good-byes


Well, today was the last day of camp for one group of youngters. they were about 6 - 12 years old. Lots of quick hugs but no tearful goodbyes like at the orphanage. They all have families and are well taken care of but I will miss seeing their little faces. Next week we expect around 15. They will be young teenagers. Many will be unchurched we are told so the stories may be new to them. Hopefully the craft time will be less hectic.

Poor Art. Trying to get a 6yr. old to tie a lanyard about did him in. The noise level may be more to his liking as well.
During our devotion time today a pretty brunette came up to Ken and asked to see him in her room later. He said "ok". I raised an eyebrow at him. Turns out she's the doctor. I told him that would make my e-mail.

We went to a cell group bible study last night. About 13 of us crowded around a table filled with food. Made me feel right at home. I can't quite find the right words to describe how it felt to read God's word together in different languages but still feel a real unity. People of course asked if we were coming back. All I could say is that I would like to but we would see how God leads and I would tell them the story of how I came to be on this team. I quess that's the hardest part. The not knowing if we will ever see these new friends again this side of heaven. Lunch is near and my stomach is getting used to 3 course meals.
Paka,
Debechka

Thursday, June 30, 2005

From the Field -- 5 - from Ken

From: pochta
To: Kenneth Briden
Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2005 9:19 AM
Subject: From the Field -- 5

The Bible says we have not because we ask not. It also tells to ask and we will receive.

Before we left the States, I prayed that we would have a harvest here like we've never seen before.

I'm happy to tell you that prayer is being answered. I stand amazed at God's power We still have a little over a week to go, and if the next week is anything like this week, I might just float home on the clouds. I wish you could be here and be a witness. Thanks for your prayers. Keep them coming.

Every day Luba is so excited when we leave the Senior Center after presenting the message of salvation. "Oy, Ken. Thees was the best ever. It was just the right words."

"Luba, that's what you said yesterday."

"Oh, reely. Well, thees was the best since yesterday."

The room is filled to capacity every day, and the people don't want the sermon to stop. As I said before, I wish you could be here, for you are a vital part of this ministry.

The Church camp is also going well, as well as the street ministry. It's nice to have our full team together now. We have come to be known as the "Four States Team," since we have one from Oregon (Gary is moving there as soon as he returns to the States, one from California, one from Texas, and one from Missouri -- although we all have roots in California.

I found a Diet Coke in a kiosk downtown a few days ago. Things are looking up. I marvel at the changes that have taken place in Kislovodsk since we first came in 1993. The place used to be so dark, but it is really lit at night now. There used to be very few cars, and now traffic is almost as thick as back home in Bolivar. And to top it off, many Russians are walking around with a phone dangling from their ear. Not all progress is beneficial.

We send our love from the other side of the world,

Ken for the Four States Team

Hips ok - from Debbie

On Jun 30, 2005, at 7:54 AM, Debbie Zimmer wrote:

Tom,

thanks for negotiating around my typing error. I was starting to wonder what happened to you. It's been quite a trip so far. Not much success with the vbs. they've seemed to have heard it all before. but leading 7 girls to Christ last night was worth the trip alone. went shopping today at the porcelin? factory. didn't get too carried away. Gary kept reminding me that I had to carry it. Luba kept showing me 'pretty things'. My hip is ok, but sitting a long time gets uncomfortable. Please clean the kitchen before your mom comes. Could you call my mom and let her know I'm ok, since she doesn't have e-mail. Say hello to everyone for me.
Love you too. Thank you for your sacrifice in letting me trek all over the world.

me.

Re: day 4 - from Gary


From: Gary Rodney
Date: June 30, 2005 7:48:40 AM CDT
To: carla rodney
Subject: Re: day 4


Hello Everybody,

Greetings from the other side of the world.

Last evening was our first opportunity for street ministry. We had close to 90 or so young people of various ages.
We played games, sang songs, shared testimonies, and told the gospel message.

Debbie was awesome, she had the opportunity to share the gospel with 7 young ladies, all 7 asked CHRIST into their hearts! Way to go Deb.
We had another 15 0r so, pray within the large group, and another 2 after the main thrust. Praise God!!
Debbie has finally received her first E-mail, way to go Tom. What about you Pam? you can route your letters through Carla if you would like.

Just mark for Debbie or for ART or for Ken or for ???????
We had a little down time this afternoon, we had the chance to do alittle shopping at the porcelon factory.
You can be very proud of this team, you can be assured, that your prayers are being heard.
May the love of Christ be with all of you.

From the field
gary, Debbie, Art, & Ken

Let it rain - from Debbie

From: Debbie Zimmer
Date: June 30, 2005 7:46:11 AM CDT
To: Carla
Subject: let it rain


Last night we went to do street ministry in a park by Vera's apartment building. Gary had warned us that we might be surrounded by youth asking questions about America. Sounded rather intimidating. I was hoping for rain so we wouldn't go. Turns out so was Gary and Art. No rain. We went.


Gary was giving his testimony to a large group and I noticed some young girls come up behind me. I went to them to say hello and pretty soon I was doing the evangecube to about 7 plus one old woman. I had an interpreter. One girl in particular, Christina, seemed anxious for me to finish and ask the question. When I asked if anyone wanted to ask Jesus into their lives and be friends with God, she quickly and enthusiastically said yes. I even tried to discourage them from answering if they were not sincere. One girl seemed to be dragging her friend along. But Christina seemed anxious to 'get on with it.' So after some discussion we prayed and I had them all tell me out loud that they believed in Jesus for forgivenes of their sin. It was as if nothing else was going on. Pretty soon Gary came up behind me and let me know it was time to go. I now have 7 new sisters in Russia and they have one in Texas. I took names and gave Christina my address. She speaks english fairly well. This morning we were discussing how good it was that God didn't have it rain even though we wished for it. "Oh yes it did" I said. "His Spirit was raining down on that park that night." We got back to town and celebrated with ice cream. I bought. Although I had to ask for a loan from Ken, cause I didn't bring any money.
By the way, you can send messages to the team or me personally at
xxxxx@xxx.xxx (Editor's Note: Removed email address)
ps.
I don't know if Carla or Vera has the address for rfunburk, but they would like to be removed from the list. Thanks. Doing a bible study tonight at Yessentuki church. I hope they don't want to discuss predestination or anything to heavy.
God is Good.
Debbie

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

from Debbie

From: Debbie Zimmer
Date: June 29, 2005 4:29:55 AM CDT
To: Carla
Subject: from Debbie


There are so many things I'd like to take pictures of and show you but I'd probably get in trouble. Like the man taking off his pants to wash them in the fountain, the policemen with the funny hats etc. 3rd day with the kids today. I think the newness is wearing off. Although we are still well received, they are acting more like normal children. Crowd control is an issue sometimes. Did some home visits the last couple of days. Met some nice older women who were very appreciative of our visit and the food we brought. Ken and I went together and Gary and Art did the same.

Yesterday, Gary and I went to see Maxim. He is crippled because of back surgery gone bad. But he is a Christian and has a great attitude. He loves America, especially rock & roll and cowboy stuff. Gary brought him a vest and sherrif badge. He'll probably sleep in it. He was a great encouragement to us. Everyone we visit wishes us good health and success. Gary presented the gospel at the kids camp today. Several kids stood up but you're not sure if it is sincere or just to please us. One of the boys, 10 yrs.old?, is our coworker's brother and as far as he knows has never prayed to receive Christ before. Slava Bogu! Gary and I wandered around the open air market looking for crayons and paperclips. We found one box of clips. It was dusty and kind of beaten up, but it's what we needed. Thanks God.
Pam, did I leave my SD card there? I think I remember puttng it in a safe place, but trying to remember what I did with it is driving me crazy. It's almost time for another 3 course meal. I don't think I'll be losing weight here. Gotta go

Time's up.

Paka,Debbie

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Day # 2 - from Gary

From: Gary Rodney
Date: June 28, 2005 3:57:39 AM CDT
To: Carla Rodney
Subject: day # 2

Hi Everybody,

We are doing well and so far, no one has heard from Mr Lenin (as in Lenin's revenge)

Today we completed our 2nd day of camp. Wow, what a pleasure. We arrived at 9:45 to hear the children singing with Arkady and friends. Debbie did an awesome job with the lesson, as well as the craft. The small group leaders assisted with the craft, we made bead crosses. The children loved them. I was prepared to run the games, but instead, Valya, Marina, and Arkady headed up that time. hmmmmmmmmmm? maybe I wasn't need after all! smile

Last night, we all went over to Laressa and Hussains for chickin shosleak (bar - B - Q) we went up into the hills overlooking K - town. it was beautiful. the food was very tasty. We even had chocolate cake made by Brad Hansons wife Karen. Brad is the pastor of the local penecostal church. for those of you who remember Daniel, Brad is his father.

Tonight, we are going to have dinner at Veras home. Vera has been one of our co-workers since forever. We only need a small number of interpreters this year, so we are only using Luba, Natasha, and Arkady. Ira is too busy with school. (yes Carla, I did give out all of your letters.

Debbie and I are scheduled to visit with my friend Maxim this afternoon, I look forward to the time with him.

I'll attempt to E-mail on somewhat of a regular basis from here on out. There is a new internet cafe right across the street from the Kolos. ( the building by the bus stop)

For those of you who know Art Swanson, please do me a favor and Drop him an E-mail, encouraging him, it's always nice to hear from back home.

Tom Zimmer, are you hearing that????

til later, pa-ka

gary

From the Field -- 4 - from Ken

Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2005 3:50 AM
Subject: From the Field -- 4

Ministering in Russia is both very easy and very challenging.

On the one hand, the Russian people are no different from anywhere else in the world. They want and need what everyone wants and needs. They want to love and to be loved. They want to be able to feed their families. They want to talk and to be listened to. They want to be understood. They want to be accepted and encouraged. As we take food into their humble apartments, they welcome us with open arms and warm hearts. They are so very grateful (and even humbled) to have American visitors in their homes and in their lives, if even for a short time. They are so very thankful that we are there to listen to them and to sympathize with them. One trip to Russia, and one visit into a Russian apartment, makes most Americans realize just how much God has blessed those who live in America.

The challenging part comes in the communication, and I'm not talking about English to Russian and vice versa. For 70 years, they lived under a communist government that told them there was no God. However, during that time the Grandmothers and Grandfathers did what they could to keep God alive in the hearts of the young people. It was dangerous to own a Bible during this time, so the elder generation did what they could and told stories from the Bible. Consequently, the older generation of Russians learned from the stories, traditions, and myths. Their religious knowledge does not come from the Bible, but from what they have been told.

Russians have always been under the control of an authority figure, and that authority figure, when it concerns their spiritual life, is either their priest or their pastor. Unfortunately, as I have been told by many people, Russian Orthodox priests do not encourage their people to read the Bible. They tell them what they want them to know. Even in the Baptist church here, the people are fairly well controlled and dominated by the pastor.

Some of the myths can be listed as follows:

There is a belief that if a person is baptized as an infant, they are saved.

There is a belief that if a person wears a cross around his neck, then he is saved and protected from all evil.

There is no assurance of salvation. When you cross death's door, your good deeds had better outweigh your sins.

There is no personal relationship with Jesus. The Russsian Orthodox people do not know how to pray. All of their prayers are read or recited.

Orthodox believers feel you must make the sign of the cross after a prayer. If you don't, then you must not be a Christian.

I walk a thin line in talking to the Seniors here. On the one hand, I don't want to offend anyone and be critical of the ROC (Russian Orthodox Church), and yet I want to speak with truth and clarity. Probably 95% of the people listen with rapt attention, apparantly grateful that someone is taking the time to explain various things to them. There are a few others who challenge what I either said or did not say. I welcome the questions. I didn't come here to argue or to spread confusion. I came here in Christian love, and they respect that.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) we begin a Bible study. We are never sure how many will respond to this invitation. The room where we meet will hold no more than 40 people, maybe 50 if they are very good friends, and we are prepared for the maximum. We will talk tomorrow about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus and how to pray to Him without having to read the prayers. I will also answer whatever question may be asked. Please keep these Bible studies in your prayers.

It's good to have our team altogether now that Debbie and Gary have arrived. They are doing a great work with the youth, and I will let their e-mails describe their work. In the meantime, I send my love from the other side of the world. Thanks for supporting us through your prayer, gifts, and e-mail.

Ken

Monday, June 27, 2005

Preevyet from Kislovodsk - from Debbie


From: Debbie Zimmer
Date: June 27, 2005 4:06:02 AM CDT
To: goffybysea@yahoo.com
Subject: preevyet from Kislovodsk


Gary and I are in the Internet Cafe. This is the first chance we've had to write. Tom, Ken does not have his computer here. The trip over was long but broken up by a stop in Wash. DC and Munich. We spent the day there at the Sheraton. At least 3 stars. Wandered thru the village and with what little German I know managed to get something to eat. A prayer was answered already. We were walking down the street and what did I see in a parking lot, but motorcycles. And Harleys, at that! The owner was from Maine. Has been there since '98. He showed us around. That was totally cool. But alas, he didn't have t-shirts, so a picture will have to do. As I was sitting around my second helping at the breakfast buffet, I'm thinking, "now this is a mission trip!" In Kislovodsk, Gary and I are in the new building of the sanatorium. It is pretty nice. I especially like the fact that I have a seperate shower pan and curtain so I don't have to put the t.p. and towels outside the door to take a shower. The toilet paper is not as corse and I have a fridge in my room. I could start to feel guilty about this. But we still can't drink the water and I do have the hardship of walking up 4 flights of stairs. Gary is on the 2nd. I guess he thought I could use the excersise. Kislovodsk seems to be more cheerful in general. More people walking and smiling and generally friendly. There is new and refurbishing of buildings. Everyone has a cell phone. Definate Western and European influence. Today was our first with the kids. We have a couple, Arkady and his wife Tonnya doing music since we don't know too many Russian songs. We hope to learn some tho'. They look like fun. Gary did the story and things were going along pretty smoothly until he said "and now for craft time. Debbie will show you how to do lanyards" I'm sure I had the 'deer in the headlights'look. After the initial onslaught of kids trying to hand you theirs to start for them, they were catching on. Better than the adults. Our driver came to pick us up at 11:50. And that gives Gary and me time to write home. Not sure when the next opportunity will be. Home visits ths afternoon with a dinner at someone's house tonight. Yesterday we went to two different churches. The first was traditional Baptist and the evening one was actually a youth service, run by their young people. We took part in the games. Luba and I are quite a team. They fed us pastries and tea. Gary was telling them about street ministry and they were excited to help. So we are arranging to do that in their city as well. They are a very energetic and spiritually alive group of young people. We got excited just talking to them. Arkady found out about my motorcycle exploits and thinks it's funny for a "beautiful woman", his words, to have such a different side. He had me show my pictures to the youth. They had lots of questions. I'm trying to keep a journal so I can share stories with you all when I get back. I wish several of you could be here with me and experience all this. Maybe another time, who knows.
Lunch time. Remember, you can e-mail us through Luba's address.
Paka,
Debbie

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