Saturday, July 09, 2005
Final - from Gary
From: Gary Rodney
Date: July 9, 2005 10:56:45 AM CDT
Subject: Final
Hello from the good ole U.S.of A. ,
After 29 hours of travel, waiting, we (Debbie and I) finally made it home. I fully enjoyed getting home, after drinking a huge glass of cold and delicious milk, I got a much needed good nights rest.
The trip was awesome, thank you so much for all of your love, prayer, and financial support. I look forward to sharing more about the trip in the very near future.
The lives that were changed, both ours as well as theirs, unbelievable! God is certainly on HIS throne.
This year, more then in years past, I have seen evidance of spiritual growth in the local churches. (especially from the Essentuki Church) The people, both young and not so young, have taken positive steps towards reaching their city for our LORD JESUS CHRIST!
I hope to return some day, as we once heard from General MacAuther, To Russia that is, whether it's next year or perhaps the following, it all depends upon the LORD.
Carla and I have purchased a new home up in Dundee, Oregon. ( new to us anyway, built in 1928 ) We hope to begin moving up that way in early August. Actually, Carla and Mairi will move first, as I will need to attend to the selling of our home here in San Jose.
Again, thank you for everything, lives were impacted and changed, thanks to you.
In HIS GRIP
Gary
Date: July 9, 2005 10:56:45 AM CDT
Subject: Final
Hello from the good ole U.S.of A. ,
After 29 hours of travel, waiting, we (Debbie and I) finally made it home. I fully enjoyed getting home, after drinking a huge glass of cold and delicious milk, I got a much needed good nights rest.
The trip was awesome, thank you so much for all of your love, prayer, and financial support. I look forward to sharing more about the trip in the very near future.
The lives that were changed, both ours as well as theirs, unbelievable! God is certainly on HIS throne.
This year, more then in years past, I have seen evidance of spiritual growth in the local churches. (especially from the Essentuki Church) The people, both young and not so young, have taken positive steps towards reaching their city for our LORD JESUS CHRIST!
I hope to return some day, as we once heard from General MacAuther, To Russia that is, whether it's next year or perhaps the following, it all depends upon the LORD.
Carla and I have purchased a new home up in Dundee, Oregon. ( new to us anyway, built in 1928 ) We hope to begin moving up that way in early August. Actually, Carla and Mairi will move first, as I will need to attend to the selling of our home here in San Jose.
Again, thank you for everything, lives were impacted and changed, thanks to you.
In HIS GRIP
Gary
From the Field -- Final - from Ken
From: Ken
Sent: Saturday, July 09, 2005 4:12 AM
Subject: From the Field -- Final
Goodbyes are never good.
My gas tank is empty.
This is a very emotional time. You have no idea the feeling of putting a Bible in the hands, for the first time, of a Russian senior citizen who had no hope for a better tomorrow and absolutely no joy in his life. Art and I visited in the flat of this older couple this morning, him partially paralyzed from a stroke two years ago, and her barely able to get around and hardly able to say two sentences without crying over their circumstances.
What a joy to see the smiles on their faces after we told them about Jesus Christ and His promise for a lifetime in the riches of heaven for those who ask Him into their heart. We pointed out several verses of hope and encouragement for them as they marked the pages and underlined the verses so they could read them again later. This couple had been baptized as infants in the Orthodox Church and were "saved," but they knew nothing of the Bible. They didn't even own a Bible. The knew nothing of God's promises. Sure they had been baptized, they told us, but they hadn't lived a very good life. They felt they had no hope of ever seeing heaven.
Before we left, they prayed the prayer of repentance and asked Jesus into their hearts. The ladies' tears of hopelessness now turned into tears of gratitude. What a feeling of humility to see this dear lady change right in front of our eyes. What a feeling of joy to see the smiles on their faces as we talked about being in heaven together. What a feeling of thankfulness to have her empty several years worth of tears and frustrations on my shoulder when we were beginning to leave. I told them that we were going to do a dance together when we meet in heaven, but they probably won't recognize me there. When I get to heaven, I'm going to be skinny.
I relate this only because I want you to know how God works. When we are at our weakest, His strength is manifested. I didn't have the energy to go out this morning. I didn't want to go. I thought all my energy was spent. But God answers all prayers, and He answered my prayer for strength and energy.
And two more dear souls will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
There is such a hunger to hear the Word here. There is such a need. The Russian people want hope for a better tomorrow. They want to know about a Father in Heaven who loves them and promises them a place in Heaven if only they ask Him into their heart. They need someone to turn to who will lovingly and patiently explain to them the Gospel. Unfortunately, the Orthodox church doesn't do it.
We don't speak the same language. We don't have the same culture. We don't have the same music or the same holidays. But we do have the same Father, the same Jesus Christ, the same Holy Spirit, and the same Word of God. We also have the same needs -- the need to love and to be loved, the need for assurance of a hope for a better tomorrow.
While talking to the people, we prefer to concentrate on what we have in common. Oh sure, we were occasionally challenged: Why don't you cross yourself after you pray? Why do you not read your prayers? Why do you not pray to the Blessed Virgin? But most of the people respected our differences and focused on our similarities.
We tried to dispel some myths, and they listened to us. Many of the Orthodox feel their salvation can be inherited from their parents or grandparents. Many feel that because their parents had them baptized as infants then they are automatically saved. Many feel that because they wear a cross around their necks, then they are saved or at least protected from evil. Many feel that simply because they occasionally attend the Orthodox Chuch, then their soul will go to heaven when the time comes. Many feel they need to cross themselves after every prayer, or read their prayers, or have a priest pray for them, or light a candle in front of an icon as they pray. They don't know that God hears our prayers whether we are standing, sitting, kneeling, or even flat on our backs. Not many of they know about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
And they received the message in a positive way. Why? Perhaps it was because we were Americans. Perhaps it was because they were going to get some free food out of it. Perhaps it was just to be polite. Pernhaps it was because their priest had never taken the time or the initiative to explain the Gospel to them. Whatever the reason, they heard the message. They prayed the prayer of repentance.
Were they born again? Did they repent? Will their life change? I don't know. I am told to spread the seeds. The rest is up to God. I am convinced, though, that some of them are now born again Christians from the Orthodox tradition. Slava Bogu (Praise God).
It has been a blessed three weeks -- or has it been four? Who's counting?
Gary and Debbie left yesterday, so we end like we began with just Art and myself. I wanted to stay through Sunday so I would have one more opportunity to speak to my brothers and sisters at the Baptist Church. This is their home, and it is not easy being a Baptist Christian in Russia. They need encouragement to carry on. They need to know that they have brothers and sisters in America praying for them. I again pray for strength, for my emotional energy is spent. But I know that when I am weakest, then He is strongest.
Go to the store, dear, and buy a gallon of milk. I'm a-comin' home.
Thanks for all your e-mails of encouragement and all your prayers. You are loved and appreciated.
From the mission field,
Ken
Sent: Saturday, July 09, 2005 4:12 AM
Subject: From the Field -- Final
Goodbyes are never good.
My gas tank is empty.
This is a very emotional time. You have no idea the feeling of putting a Bible in the hands, for the first time, of a Russian senior citizen who had no hope for a better tomorrow and absolutely no joy in his life. Art and I visited in the flat of this older couple this morning, him partially paralyzed from a stroke two years ago, and her barely able to get around and hardly able to say two sentences without crying over their circumstances.
What a joy to see the smiles on their faces after we told them about Jesus Christ and His promise for a lifetime in the riches of heaven for those who ask Him into their heart. We pointed out several verses of hope and encouragement for them as they marked the pages and underlined the verses so they could read them again later. This couple had been baptized as infants in the Orthodox Church and were "saved," but they knew nothing of the Bible. They didn't even own a Bible. The knew nothing of God's promises. Sure they had been baptized, they told us, but they hadn't lived a very good life. They felt they had no hope of ever seeing heaven.
Before we left, they prayed the prayer of repentance and asked Jesus into their hearts. The ladies' tears of hopelessness now turned into tears of gratitude. What a feeling of humility to see this dear lady change right in front of our eyes. What a feeling of joy to see the smiles on their faces as we talked about being in heaven together. What a feeling of thankfulness to have her empty several years worth of tears and frustrations on my shoulder when we were beginning to leave. I told them that we were going to do a dance together when we meet in heaven, but they probably won't recognize me there. When I get to heaven, I'm going to be skinny.
I relate this only because I want you to know how God works. When we are at our weakest, His strength is manifested. I didn't have the energy to go out this morning. I didn't want to go. I thought all my energy was spent. But God answers all prayers, and He answered my prayer for strength and energy.
And two more dear souls will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
There is such a hunger to hear the Word here. There is such a need. The Russian people want hope for a better tomorrow. They want to know about a Father in Heaven who loves them and promises them a place in Heaven if only they ask Him into their heart. They need someone to turn to who will lovingly and patiently explain to them the Gospel. Unfortunately, the Orthodox church doesn't do it.
We don't speak the same language. We don't have the same culture. We don't have the same music or the same holidays. But we do have the same Father, the same Jesus Christ, the same Holy Spirit, and the same Word of God. We also have the same needs -- the need to love and to be loved, the need for assurance of a hope for a better tomorrow.
While talking to the people, we prefer to concentrate on what we have in common. Oh sure, we were occasionally challenged: Why don't you cross yourself after you pray? Why do you not read your prayers? Why do you not pray to the Blessed Virgin? But most of the people respected our differences and focused on our similarities.
We tried to dispel some myths, and they listened to us. Many of the Orthodox feel their salvation can be inherited from their parents or grandparents. Many feel that because their parents had them baptized as infants then they are automatically saved. Many feel that because they wear a cross around their necks, then they are saved or at least protected from evil. Many feel that simply because they occasionally attend the Orthodox Chuch, then their soul will go to heaven when the time comes. Many feel they need to cross themselves after every prayer, or read their prayers, or have a priest pray for them, or light a candle in front of an icon as they pray. They don't know that God hears our prayers whether we are standing, sitting, kneeling, or even flat on our backs. Not many of they know about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
And they received the message in a positive way. Why? Perhaps it was because we were Americans. Perhaps it was because they were going to get some free food out of it. Perhaps it was just to be polite. Pernhaps it was because their priest had never taken the time or the initiative to explain the Gospel to them. Whatever the reason, they heard the message. They prayed the prayer of repentance.
Were they born again? Did they repent? Will their life change? I don't know. I am told to spread the seeds. The rest is up to God. I am convinced, though, that some of them are now born again Christians from the Orthodox tradition. Slava Bogu (Praise God).
It has been a blessed three weeks -- or has it been four? Who's counting?
Gary and Debbie left yesterday, so we end like we began with just Art and myself. I wanted to stay through Sunday so I would have one more opportunity to speak to my brothers and sisters at the Baptist Church. This is their home, and it is not easy being a Baptist Christian in Russia. They need encouragement to carry on. They need to know that they have brothers and sisters in America praying for them. I again pray for strength, for my emotional energy is spent. But I know that when I am weakest, then He is strongest.
Go to the store, dear, and buy a gallon of milk. I'm a-comin' home.
Thanks for all your e-mails of encouragement and all your prayers. You are loved and appreciated.
From the mission field,
Ken
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Last E-Mail from Russia - from Gary
From: Gary Rodney
Date: July 6, 2005 4:22:14 AM CDT
Subject: Last E-Mail from Russia
Hey Everybody,
Well, in all likelyhood, this will be our last
E-mail from mother Russia. We finish up tomorrow morning and then have our farewell party tomorrow evening. We'll say our farewells and then Debbie and I are off the following morning, bright and early. Well, maybe not so bright, but certainly early. We get up at 3 AM and have to be at the airport at 5 AM our flight departs at 7:40 AM and we don't get into SFO til 9:35 PM July 8th. We have 2 hours in Munich and 4 hours in Boston. We will go through customs in Boston and will arrive in SFO, via UA-181 (United Airlines) {Domestic}
Tomorrow morning we will say our goodbyes (final prayer time) from on top of the hill behind the hospital. This has been the tradition since the beginning. We begin and end in this fashion.
We have seen many lives changed, both theirs and ours, we will never quite be the same. For the first time in 7 trips, I feel a confidance that the Russion people will be able to carry on in this vital ministry. Our Lord is so faithful.
In conclusion, I wish to express our appreciation and gratitude for the many prayers that have been lifted up in our names, and for the many of you who have been part of our financial support team.
May God bless each and every one of you
In HIS grip
G,D,A,& K
Date: July 6, 2005 4:22:14 AM CDT
Subject: Last E-Mail from Russia
Hey Everybody,
Well, in all likelyhood, this will be our last
E-mail from mother Russia. We finish up tomorrow morning and then have our farewell party tomorrow evening. We'll say our farewells and then Debbie and I are off the following morning, bright and early. Well, maybe not so bright, but certainly early. We get up at 3 AM and have to be at the airport at 5 AM our flight departs at 7:40 AM and we don't get into SFO til 9:35 PM July 8th. We have 2 hours in Munich and 4 hours in Boston. We will go through customs in Boston and will arrive in SFO, via UA-181 (United Airlines) {Domestic}
Tomorrow morning we will say our goodbyes (final prayer time) from on top of the hill behind the hospital. This has been the tradition since the beginning. We begin and end in this fashion.
We have seen many lives changed, both theirs and ours, we will never quite be the same. For the first time in 7 trips, I feel a confidance that the Russion people will be able to carry on in this vital ministry. Our Lord is so faithful.
In conclusion, I wish to express our appreciation and gratitude for the many prayers that have been lifted up in our names, and for the many of you who have been part of our financial support team.
May God bless each and every one of you
In HIS grip
G,D,A,& K
One more day - from Debbie
From: Debbie Zimmer
Date: July 6, 2005 4:24:56 AM CDT
Subject: one more day
This morning Gary was saying how he felt conflicted. He was anxious to get home but that would mean leaving many new friends, possibly never to see again. He took the words right out of my heart. You know the feeling, when you want to go but don't want to leave at the same time. I feel I've developed some good relationships especially with Luba and Natasha. We spend a lot of time laughing togeather. We had dinner at Natasha's. Cabbage rolls, better than the ones at the Kolos but Gary still wouldn't eat them. Her husband came home from a business trip and we all talked just like old friends. He said it felt like we were family.
As Ken keeps saying, "be flexible". We had discussed wheather we would go to camp Thurs or spend the day doing last minute things, aka shopping. After looking to me as to how much shopping time to allow for, we decided to spend one more day with the kids. Well I guess we forgot to inform Luba because she told the director that Weds. would be our last day and today when Tanya asked us we told her we would indeed be there and then when Luba came at noon with driver Sergei, she was a little put out that we had changed the plan. I think it's a case of too manys chiefs. So tomorrow we will go back up to hospital hill to pray again for the city, go to camp for a short while to say goodbye and bring any leftover craft supplies and encourage them to continue in their relationship with Jesus. Then shopping and farewell party with interpreters, drivers, etc. This may be my last e-mail depending on what tomorrow brings. I know that God is working in this country even tho' we see many problems. But we forget that they have been living in spiritual darkness for a long time. God is still on the throne as Ken said in one of his sermons and how arrogant it would be to think that the progress will stop just because we leave. We see great promise in Arkady, Tonnia, Pastor Victor and the Essentuki church. Patience I think is a key word here. As Reg said once, God is never late. So our prayers will continue for this part of the country that the message of the gospel will be spread bringing hope and joy to Kislovosk.
So da svidanya Alla, Stas, man in the red shirt, all the kids at camp and to all of our good friends. Hopefully we will meet again. If not here then in the sky with Jesus. Slava Bogu, (praise God)
Paka,
Debachka
Date: July 6, 2005 4:24:56 AM CDT
Subject: one more day
This morning Gary was saying how he felt conflicted. He was anxious to get home but that would mean leaving many new friends, possibly never to see again. He took the words right out of my heart. You know the feeling, when you want to go but don't want to leave at the same time. I feel I've developed some good relationships especially with Luba and Natasha. We spend a lot of time laughing togeather. We had dinner at Natasha's. Cabbage rolls, better than the ones at the Kolos but Gary still wouldn't eat them. Her husband came home from a business trip and we all talked just like old friends. He said it felt like we were family.
As Ken keeps saying, "be flexible". We had discussed wheather we would go to camp Thurs or spend the day doing last minute things, aka shopping. After looking to me as to how much shopping time to allow for, we decided to spend one more day with the kids. Well I guess we forgot to inform Luba because she told the director that Weds. would be our last day and today when Tanya asked us we told her we would indeed be there and then when Luba came at noon with driver Sergei, she was a little put out that we had changed the plan. I think it's a case of too manys chiefs. So tomorrow we will go back up to hospital hill to pray again for the city, go to camp for a short while to say goodbye and bring any leftover craft supplies and encourage them to continue in their relationship with Jesus. Then shopping and farewell party with interpreters, drivers, etc. This may be my last e-mail depending on what tomorrow brings. I know that God is working in this country even tho' we see many problems. But we forget that they have been living in spiritual darkness for a long time. God is still on the throne as Ken said in one of his sermons and how arrogant it would be to think that the progress will stop just because we leave. We see great promise in Arkady, Tonnia, Pastor Victor and the Essentuki church. Patience I think is a key word here. As Reg said once, God is never late. So our prayers will continue for this part of the country that the message of the gospel will be spread bringing hope and joy to Kislovosk.
So da svidanya Alla, Stas, man in the red shirt, all the kids at camp and to all of our good friends. Hopefully we will meet again. If not here then in the sky with Jesus. Slava Bogu, (praise God)
Paka,
Debachka
From the Field -- 7 - from Ken
From: Ken
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2005 3:30 AM
Subject: From the Field -- 7
It's funny what you think of when you've been away from home and everything familiar for awhile.
Art says his first evening home, he's going to buy him a gallon of ice cream, a bag of patato chips, and watch a movie on TV.
Debbie says she just wants to take a shower and not worry about whether her mouth is open or not.
Gary says he is dreaming about a big tall glass of cold milk and hugging his grandchild.
I say, "Amen to that, brother." Please, dear, no mashed potatoes for awhile -- say the next forty or fifty years. No meat patties of unknown origin either.
We are winding down to a precious few hours. We had our last opportunity to preach the message of salvation to the pensioners today. What a wonderful feeling of leaving with the memory of all the smiles and the many kind words. There were a few ladies who had been to hear the message three and four times. I wish I had a tape recorder to remember all the kind words they wanted me to pass along to our sponsors in America. One person wanted me to tell "everyone" in America that she loved them. I'll begin by passing the word on to you. I'll tell everyone else when I get back in the good old U.S.ofA.
We have two more Bible studies on Wednesday and Friday.
By the way, the 4th of July doesn't get a very big play here in Southern Russia. Thanks to Debbie remembering to bring napkins with the flag displayed prominently on one flap, we had a mini-celebration. She gave out the napkins to many of our friends in the dining room, and we received a few Happy Birthday America's and many smiles.
I understand from Vera that some of my e-mail from the Internet Cafe has not gotten through. Hope this one makes it.
All is well. No sickness. Spirits high (except around mashed potato time).
Love from where the sun shines while you sleep,
Ken
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2005 3:30 AM
Subject: From the Field -- 7
It's funny what you think of when you've been away from home and everything familiar for awhile.
Art says his first evening home, he's going to buy him a gallon of ice cream, a bag of patato chips, and watch a movie on TV.
Debbie says she just wants to take a shower and not worry about whether her mouth is open or not.
Gary says he is dreaming about a big tall glass of cold milk and hugging his grandchild.
I say, "Amen to that, brother." Please, dear, no mashed potatoes for awhile -- say the next forty or fifty years. No meat patties of unknown origin either.
We are winding down to a precious few hours. We had our last opportunity to preach the message of salvation to the pensioners today. What a wonderful feeling of leaving with the memory of all the smiles and the many kind words. There were a few ladies who had been to hear the message three and four times. I wish I had a tape recorder to remember all the kind words they wanted me to pass along to our sponsors in America. One person wanted me to tell "everyone" in America that she loved them. I'll begin by passing the word on to you. I'll tell everyone else when I get back in the good old U.S.ofA.
We have two more Bible studies on Wednesday and Friday.
By the way, the 4th of July doesn't get a very big play here in Southern Russia. Thanks to Debbie remembering to bring napkins with the flag displayed prominently on one flap, we had a mini-celebration. She gave out the napkins to many of our friends in the dining room, and we received a few Happy Birthday America's and many smiles.
I understand from Vera that some of my e-mail from the Internet Cafe has not gotten through. Hope this one makes it.
All is well. No sickness. Spirits high (except around mashed potato time).
Love from where the sun shines while you sleep,
Ken
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Tuesday noon report - from Debbie
From: Debbie Zimmer
Date: July 5, 2005 4:14:27 AM CDT
Subject: tues noon report
Preevyet y'all,
2nd day with the older kids. In the morning I'm feeling draggy like I can't do this again but once we get there and they start saying hello to us my outlook changes. Before I know it, the time with them is over. Only 2 days left. What a difference a few years make. Most of them are more attentive and cooperative especially at craft time. They really like making the lanyards and necklaces. They ask for more. Thurs. we'll bring what's left and let them make what they can. We learned a new game from them called "creek". kinda like london bridge but you grab someone on the way thru. Even grownups enjoy it. Some boys were playing with a skateboard. For a while I was thinking about trying it, maybe sitting down but then there was this little voice "remember the cartwheel?" Ok, well, maybe not. We play on a schoolyard and the principal told us to move because we might break the windows. With water balloons? Natasha (interpreter) said she was just trying to be important. So we moved about 10 feet and ignored her. There was someone watching us from the doorway to the school the whole time. Maybe she just wished she was playing instead of being 'watchdog'. Going to celebrate Tanya's birthday at lunchtime. Will bring the blouse that Luba and I picked out at the market. Luba sure has good taste. Ken gave me 1000 rubles (700 = $25) Luba wouldn' let me look at "cheap" things. Ended up with a knit top for 650. Dinner tonight at Natasha's. We're hoping for pizza. Our time here is drawing to a close. We're planning times of departure and last minute shopping (at least I am) Well, time for another trip up and down the 62 steps. What will I do for excercise when I get home?
Paka,
Debbie
Date: July 5, 2005 4:14:27 AM CDT
Subject: tues noon report
Preevyet y'all,
2nd day with the older kids. In the morning I'm feeling draggy like I can't do this again but once we get there and they start saying hello to us my outlook changes. Before I know it, the time with them is over. Only 2 days left. What a difference a few years make. Most of them are more attentive and cooperative especially at craft time. They really like making the lanyards and necklaces. They ask for more. Thurs. we'll bring what's left and let them make what they can. We learned a new game from them called "creek". kinda like london bridge but you grab someone on the way thru. Even grownups enjoy it. Some boys were playing with a skateboard. For a while I was thinking about trying it, maybe sitting down but then there was this little voice "remember the cartwheel?" Ok, well, maybe not. We play on a schoolyard and the principal told us to move because we might break the windows. With water balloons? Natasha (interpreter) said she was just trying to be important. So we moved about 10 feet and ignored her. There was someone watching us from the doorway to the school the whole time. Maybe she just wished she was playing instead of being 'watchdog'. Going to celebrate Tanya's birthday at lunchtime. Will bring the blouse that Luba and I picked out at the market. Luba sure has good taste. Ken gave me 1000 rubles (700 = $25) Luba wouldn' let me look at "cheap" things. Ended up with a knit top for 650. Dinner tonight at Natasha's. We're hoping for pizza. Our time here is drawing to a close. We're planning times of departure and last minute shopping (at least I am) Well, time for another trip up and down the 62 steps. What will I do for excercise when I get home?
Paka,
Debbie
Monday, July 04, 2005
Catch Up - from Debbie
From: Debbie Zimmer
Date: July 4, 2005 4:14:42 AM CDT
Subject: catch up
Preevyet,
First of all, Happy Independance Day! Arkady asked me yesterday if we had day of independance tomorow. I said "nyet, I don't think so". I thought he was asking if we had a day free. He had to remind me of my own holiday. This morning I brought flag napkins to breakfast and passed them out to people we had an aquaintace with. I pointed to the 4 on my watch and said "Happy Birthday America". They understood. The kids at camp wished us a happy independance day also. They know their history. Wish I could say the same for our kids.
Now to catch you up on the last couple of days. Art and I went on a visit to 2 homes. The first was a mother, Alla and 15yr. old son, Stas. After initial greetings and asking about church attendance, Art asked them if they knew where they would go when they die. With so little time, we get right to the point. Alla said it was hard to be sure. Just the opening we were waiting for. I told her it was very easy, actually. Would she like to know? Testimony and gospel presentation followed. Art brought his bible and looked up actual verses so she wouldn't take my word that the Bible said such things. He thought I repeated the part about 'works, like church attendance and baptism, being good things to do, but they don't get you to heaven' too much but in the end they prayed the prayer of salvation and as we left I asked if they were going to heaven. Alla said emphatically, "Da !" The second home was more difficult. A mother, Elena, with a 19 year old son, Boris, who has infantile paralysis. Natasha and Art sat down across the room but since I was the 'designated knee patter', I sat on the couch next to Boris and started talking to him. He knew some english and managed to talk slowly but understandably. He also smiled when talked to. They both talked about their difficult life but faith in God. Boris even talks to his neighbor about Jesus. I told him he was a missionary just like we were. We prayed for them before we left. We were all pretty quiet on the way down the stairs. Just breaks your heart. Dinner that evening with a couple of sisters who are helping at camp and their parents. We had homemade pizza. It wasn't Round Table but it was good. Church at Essentuki Sunday. Contemporary service. The young people probably outnumbered the older. They joined us in misnistry at the lake last night. We anticipated something like the park but when we got there it was like a small amusement park. We started singing but no one was paying much attention until a women came up and asked us not to sing too loud. How can you compete with a jumpy house and rides. Ken finally grabbed bunch of new testaments and took of with Natasha in tow. I thought what the heck, what's the worst that could happen except we get kicked out. Some accepted the bibles and tracks for the kids but only one man let me show him the evange-cube. He wasn't interested. Ken, Natasha, Art and myself left and Gary stayed behing with pastor Victor and the young people playing games and singing. Some people came up later and they had a chance to talk to them.
Gary felt like the evening was a failure in respect to ministry but I reminded him where that thought came from and it was God's job to direct the evening. Maybe it was suppose to be a time of fellowship with each other. In retrospect, things happened just the way our goal is for the trip. Their young people stepped up to the plate and were in control. So I think our prayers are answered in that respect. ok, i guess I've rambled on long enough.
Until our next adventure,
Debbie
Date: July 4, 2005 4:14:42 AM CDT
Subject: catch up
Preevyet,
First of all, Happy Independance Day! Arkady asked me yesterday if we had day of independance tomorow. I said "nyet, I don't think so". I thought he was asking if we had a day free. He had to remind me of my own holiday. This morning I brought flag napkins to breakfast and passed them out to people we had an aquaintace with. I pointed to the 4 on my watch and said "Happy Birthday America". They understood. The kids at camp wished us a happy independance day also. They know their history. Wish I could say the same for our kids.
Now to catch you up on the last couple of days. Art and I went on a visit to 2 homes. The first was a mother, Alla and 15yr. old son, Stas. After initial greetings and asking about church attendance, Art asked them if they knew where they would go when they die. With so little time, we get right to the point. Alla said it was hard to be sure. Just the opening we were waiting for. I told her it was very easy, actually. Would she like to know? Testimony and gospel presentation followed. Art brought his bible and looked up actual verses so she wouldn't take my word that the Bible said such things. He thought I repeated the part about 'works, like church attendance and baptism, being good things to do, but they don't get you to heaven' too much but in the end they prayed the prayer of salvation and as we left I asked if they were going to heaven. Alla said emphatically, "Da !" The second home was more difficult. A mother, Elena, with a 19 year old son, Boris, who has infantile paralysis. Natasha and Art sat down across the room but since I was the 'designated knee patter', I sat on the couch next to Boris and started talking to him. He knew some english and managed to talk slowly but understandably. He also smiled when talked to. They both talked about their difficult life but faith in God. Boris even talks to his neighbor about Jesus. I told him he was a missionary just like we were. We prayed for them before we left. We were all pretty quiet on the way down the stairs. Just breaks your heart. Dinner that evening with a couple of sisters who are helping at camp and their parents. We had homemade pizza. It wasn't Round Table but it was good. Church at Essentuki Sunday. Contemporary service. The young people probably outnumbered the older. They joined us in misnistry at the lake last night. We anticipated something like the park but when we got there it was like a small amusement park. We started singing but no one was paying much attention until a women came up and asked us not to sing too loud. How can you compete with a jumpy house and rides. Ken finally grabbed bunch of new testaments and took of with Natasha in tow. I thought what the heck, what's the worst that could happen except we get kicked out. Some accepted the bibles and tracks for the kids but only one man let me show him the evange-cube. He wasn't interested. Ken, Natasha, Art and myself left and Gary stayed behing with pastor Victor and the young people playing games and singing. Some people came up later and they had a chance to talk to them.
Gary felt like the evening was a failure in respect to ministry but I reminded him where that thought came from and it was God's job to direct the evening. Maybe it was suppose to be a time of fellowship with each other. In retrospect, things happened just the way our goal is for the trip. Their young people stepped up to the plate and were in control. So I think our prayers are answered in that respect. ok, i guess I've rambled on long enough.
Until our next adventure,
Debbie
Re: Day 1, week 2 - from Gary
From: Gary Rodney
Date: July 4, 2005 4:07:14 AM CDT
To: carla rodney
Subject: Re: Day 1, week 2
Hey everyone,
we began week 2 this morning, with a new group of youth. This group consists of 18 or so older youth, 12 through 18 maybe 20 ?????
We attempted to have a street ministry in Essentuki last evening, but we ran across huge barriers. The lake that we went to, was next to an amusement park. It's difficult to compete with amusement type rides compared to a frisbee and ball. It seemed to me, that the evening was a failure in comparason to our previous attempts. We sang alot of songs and they seemed to enjoy, but they wouldn't accept the literature or bibles from us. Ken, Art, and Debbie gave up and went back to the Kolos. I stayed a little while longer, although I felt like giving up as well.
Just before we sang our last song, I noticed 4 young women sittig off to the side, I motioned for Tanya and Olga (youth from the Essentuki church) to talk with them and to give out the literature. Others from our group started talking to people as well. WOW!
OK LORD, I get the picture, this is your ministry and not ours. Pastor Victor had planned on leaving early, but upon seeing the activity, decided to stay. I left shortly there after but the Essentuke Youth plus Pastor Victor stayed on.
While driving home, we saw Mt El Brus in the distance, with the sun shining off of the snow caps, WOW again! God is still on His throne, He is still in control. This is exactly what we have been praying for! For the Russian people to reach out to their neighbors and minister to them, instead of the Americans. Thank you Jesus.
Thank you for allowing us to come.
In HIS Strength
team 11 or maybe 12 (I lose track)
gary
Date: July 4, 2005 4:07:14 AM CDT
To: carla rodney
Subject: Re: Day 1, week 2
Hey everyone,
we began week 2 this morning, with a new group of youth. This group consists of 18 or so older youth, 12 through 18 maybe 20 ?????
We attempted to have a street ministry in Essentuki last evening, but we ran across huge barriers. The lake that we went to, was next to an amusement park. It's difficult to compete with amusement type rides compared to a frisbee and ball. It seemed to me, that the evening was a failure in comparason to our previous attempts. We sang alot of songs and they seemed to enjoy, but they wouldn't accept the literature or bibles from us. Ken, Art, and Debbie gave up and went back to the Kolos. I stayed a little while longer, although I felt like giving up as well.
Just before we sang our last song, I noticed 4 young women sittig off to the side, I motioned for Tanya and Olga (youth from the Essentuki church) to talk with them and to give out the literature. Others from our group started talking to people as well. WOW!
OK LORD, I get the picture, this is your ministry and not ours. Pastor Victor had planned on leaving early, but upon seeing the activity, decided to stay. I left shortly there after but the Essentuke Youth plus Pastor Victor stayed on.
While driving home, we saw Mt El Brus in the distance, with the sun shining off of the snow caps, WOW again! God is still on His throne, He is still in control. This is exactly what we have been praying for! For the Russian people to reach out to their neighbors and minister to them, instead of the Americans. Thank you Jesus.
Thank you for allowing us to come.
In HIS Strength
team 11 or maybe 12 (I lose track)
gary
Sunday, July 03, 2005
From the Field -- 6 - from Ken
From: Ken
Sent: Jul 3, 2005 3:03 PM
Subject: From the Field -- 6
Where has the time gone? I can't believe we have only one week left.
On the one hand, it seems like we have been here forever. And on the other hand, it seems like we just arrived.
When it concerns my family, friends, and all things familiar, it seems like we have been here a mighty long time -- forever and a day, as they say. I suppose we have been. We've been here long enough that I'm not even bothered by Sergei's driving anymore. For those of you not familiar with Sergei, we affectionately call him
"Geritol."
If your blood was tired when you got into his car, it will sure be pumping when you get out.
And I confess, I would sure like to give my wife and my grandkids a big hug. Oh -- and my kids, too. (That was said just for the benefit of my kids, so they will have something to fuss about.) But there is still much left to be done here.
On the other hand, we have been so busy that time seems to have flown by. Since our team is smaller this year, we do have a little more down time -- but certainly not enough to bring on boredom. I preach to the pensioners every morning and have a Bible study every other afternoon while taking food and comfort to shut-ins on the opposite afternoons. Gary, Art, and Debbie minister to the children every morning, and they also visit shut-ins in the afternoon.
This morning (Sunday) we fellowshipped with our brothers and sisters at the Gospel Church of Yessentuki, where we shared Communion with them. It was wonderful to sing "This Is the Day That the Lord Has Made" and a few other familiar praise songs with them. Their Russian words and our English words blended into a sound that was pleasant to hear, and I'm sure the Lord felt that way. We're going back to Yessentuki this evening to have a special service by the lake, to have an outreach program for those who are unchurched and possibly unbelievers.
We have also fellowshipped in different homes nearly every evening. We sometimes need to divide up in order to fill all the requests. Our hosts just want to chat with us, tell of their many problems and difficulties, as well as ask questions which they feel sure that we, being Americans, will have all the answers. We are honored to have so many friends here, and they always put much more food on the table than we can possibly consume in three meals. We are told that they will sacrifice food for themselves in order to serve us. It is touching. We leave a little gift of money in a gift bag to help pay for the meal. It's the least we can do.
I hit the wall along toward the end of last week. It seems like all my energy and emotion had been spent, but I've since gotten my second wind. Just pray that we, like the Apostle Paul says, can finish the race the way we began.
The police have really been out in force the last few days. It seems like there was a terrorist attack in Takestan, a country not far from here. It is in the Caucasus Mountains, but far enough that there is no real threat in Kislovodsk. In a Police State like Russia, whenever you see a lot of police, they are usually more of a harrassment than a protection. But when they learn that we are Americans, they usually let our driver pass through the barricades with little more than a cursory search of his trunk or a cautious appraisal of the passengers. No problem. Just part of living and serving in Russia. I'm sure happy I'm not dark complected, though.
So far, there has been no illness. Spirits are high, and God is in control.
I send my love from old Mother Russia,
Ken
Sent: Jul 3, 2005 3:03 PM
Subject: From the Field -- 6
Where has the time gone? I can't believe we have only one week left.
On the one hand, it seems like we have been here forever. And on the other hand, it seems like we just arrived.
When it concerns my family, friends, and all things familiar, it seems like we have been here a mighty long time -- forever and a day, as they say. I suppose we have been. We've been here long enough that I'm not even bothered by Sergei's driving anymore. For those of you not familiar with Sergei, we affectionately call him
"Geritol."
If your blood was tired when you got into his car, it will sure be pumping when you get out.
And I confess, I would sure like to give my wife and my grandkids a big hug. Oh -- and my kids, too. (That was said just for the benefit of my kids, so they will have something to fuss about.) But there is still much left to be done here.
On the other hand, we have been so busy that time seems to have flown by. Since our team is smaller this year, we do have a little more down time -- but certainly not enough to bring on boredom. I preach to the pensioners every morning and have a Bible study every other afternoon while taking food and comfort to shut-ins on the opposite afternoons. Gary, Art, and Debbie minister to the children every morning, and they also visit shut-ins in the afternoon.
This morning (Sunday) we fellowshipped with our brothers and sisters at the Gospel Church of Yessentuki, where we shared Communion with them. It was wonderful to sing "This Is the Day That the Lord Has Made" and a few other familiar praise songs with them. Their Russian words and our English words blended into a sound that was pleasant to hear, and I'm sure the Lord felt that way. We're going back to Yessentuki this evening to have a special service by the lake, to have an outreach program for those who are unchurched and possibly unbelievers.
We have also fellowshipped in different homes nearly every evening. We sometimes need to divide up in order to fill all the requests. Our hosts just want to chat with us, tell of their many problems and difficulties, as well as ask questions which they feel sure that we, being Americans, will have all the answers. We are honored to have so many friends here, and they always put much more food on the table than we can possibly consume in three meals. We are told that they will sacrifice food for themselves in order to serve us. It is touching. We leave a little gift of money in a gift bag to help pay for the meal. It's the least we can do.
I hit the wall along toward the end of last week. It seems like all my energy and emotion had been spent, but I've since gotten my second wind. Just pray that we, like the Apostle Paul says, can finish the race the way we began.
The police have really been out in force the last few days. It seems like there was a terrorist attack in Takestan, a country not far from here. It is in the Caucasus Mountains, but far enough that there is no real threat in Kislovodsk. In a Police State like Russia, whenever you see a lot of police, they are usually more of a harrassment than a protection. But when they learn that we are Americans, they usually let our driver pass through the barricades with little more than a cursory search of his trunk or a cautious appraisal of the passengers. No problem. Just part of living and serving in Russia. I'm sure happy I'm not dark complected, though.
So far, there has been no illness. Spirits are high, and God is in control.
I send my love from old Mother Russia,
Ken
Team stuff - from Gary
From: Gary Rodney
Date: July 3, 2005 5:00:20 AM CDT
To: Carla Rodney
Subject: team stuff
Hello everybody,
We serve an awesome God! He is ever faithful to our every need. We have been busy,(to say the very least) the first week of camp was successful, and tomorrow we begin the 2nd (week) we worked with the young children last week and with the older youth this week. The youth from the local churches are great, they assist us as well as leading themselves. We are going to a local lake this evening, where we will hold a varation of our street ministry. I'm not exactly sure what to expext, but I'm sure that GOD has a plan. More about that tomorrow,.
We are all doing well, We're looking forward to being with you all again real soon. We fly from Min Vodi on Friday, July 8th, to Munich, Germany. and then from there we fly to Boston, where we will go through customs. from there we will go to SFO (domestic flight)
We still have a full week ahead of us, so we can't let down just yet.
We want to thank each of you for remembering us in your prayers, we can certainly feel them. The team as a whole, sort of hit the wall on saturday, but this morning after a good nights rest (the first real restfull night that I've had anyway) We attended the church in Essentuki.
I'll write more later
Das-Vee Dan-Ya
gary
Date: July 3, 2005 5:00:20 AM CDT
To: Carla Rodney
Subject: team stuff
Hello everybody,
We serve an awesome God! He is ever faithful to our every need. We have been busy,(to say the very least) the first week of camp was successful, and tomorrow we begin the 2nd (week) we worked with the young children last week and with the older youth this week. The youth from the local churches are great, they assist us as well as leading themselves. We are going to a local lake this evening, where we will hold a varation of our street ministry. I'm not exactly sure what to expext, but I'm sure that GOD has a plan. More about that tomorrow,.
We are all doing well, We're looking forward to being with you all again real soon. We fly from Min Vodi on Friday, July 8th, to Munich, Germany. and then from there we fly to Boston, where we will go through customs. from there we will go to SFO (domestic flight)
We still have a full week ahead of us, so we can't let down just yet.
We want to thank each of you for remembering us in your prayers, we can certainly feel them. The team as a whole, sort of hit the wall on saturday, but this morning after a good nights rest (the first real restfull night that I've had anyway) We attended the church in Essentuki.
I'll write more later
Das-Vee Dan-Ya
gary
