Andrew L. (Senior) wrote on Thursday morning, March 13: We have all been to the airport and participated in the chaos that proceeds. We have also been on 2 hour and 3 hour bus rides, flights and handled those with no problem. But 10 hour flights are a little more challenging, whether it be the delicious food, the company and roomy space the airline provides for your legs, or the wonderful movie selection. As grueling as the journey over here was, I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we would have traveled twice this long to do what we are doing. We got the opportunity of a life time to tour the Red Square, which is in fact neither red or square. The Red Square contained several beautiful pieces of architecture. For example, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin which we had the wonderful opportunity to tour.
The first missions day, we were thrown into the heart of Russian culture. We were given a task, russian rubles, and an interpreter. Our tasks ranged from buying 25 pounds of fish (with no heads) to buying vacuum cleaners. That afternoon, we delivered care packages to an orphanage for children in the morning. Later that day we visited a Christian Rehab Center where we had food, singing and devotions.
The second day, groups visited another orphanage where we played with the children and handed out CarePacks. Then we visited a teacher’s college where we visited with some english speaking students. That evening we went to one of our interpreter’s church where we participated in the service. Our third day of ministry has not happened yet but I am sure it will be as exciting as the first two.

Report submitted by Allison H. (senior) on March 13:  Yesterday we went to an orphanage for children with learning disabilities. It was so incredible!  The children were so loving and kind. They were grateful that we were there and they loved their gifts!  We could all definitely learn from their lovely spirits. Even with the language barrier, we were able to show God’s love to these children. After we left we alked around the town of Suzdal. We got to see the beautiful architecture of the Russian orthodox churches. It was so beautiful. I wish we had buildings like those in America. I have seen so much and have learned so much from the people of Russia. I love it here!

Report submitted by Thomas L. (sophmore) on March 13:  Yesterday (March 12) was amazing! We went to a disability orphanage and a teacher’s college. The teacher’s college was mainly girls but there were 2 guys in our group of about 8 people. After I “broke the ice” with them, they started asking questions about how I liked Russia but hey were more interested in America. Everyone of these young women (ages 17-20) wanted to go to America. They know just about everything about the American media nd movies. It was a great experience other than the part of the girls asking me to go on a walk and the movies with then. It made me realize how lucky I am and how another country’s people want to be in America. God has blessed me and every American is blessed. Since we are blessed also as Christians I am impressed how important it is to spread our love and God’s love around the world.

Lastly from Duane Z.: we were privileged to hear from Pastor Anton at breakfast this morning. He is the pastor of the Wesleyan Church in Vladimir. He shared how he was brought up as an atheist but as a 15 year old he was invited to a summer camp that was hosted by some Christians. As he listened to the Christians speak that week, he set out to prove to himself and them that God does not exist. When he asked them to prove it, he was looking for scietific proof but they couldn’t provide that. Everytime he brought up questions, they kept pointing him back to the scriptures. They told him that he was a sinner. He admitted that he had no problem with that fact. They spoke of Jesus. Anton agreed that Jesus was a nice person. But what impressed him the most was that these Christians talked of a personal God and that they knew Him personally. This really made him stop and consider that if there is a God, and if he was a sinner, then he had no problem with asking God for forgiveness. He figured he had nothing to lose. So he prayed his thoughts to God. Anton shared how he woke up the next morning feeling different and he couldn’t explain it. But as he talked with the Christians they helped him understand and then grow as a Christian. He was discipled by a pastor and now Anton is a pastor himself.  Anton the proceeded to challenge us to have a “fire for God”. He shared from the scriptures where this fire comes from and he challenged us of the importance of reading God’s word and how that has a direct affect on our passion for the things of God.
We closed in agreeing that we have seen much this week that must grieve amd touch the heart of God. Our prayer is that we would see people the way He sees them and that we would be touched with compassion the way God is as we visit the children in the orphanage. And then our prayer is that we would burn with the “fire of God” as we return back to America.