Global Aid Network Mission Reports

July 16, 2008 - Central Program, Rehabilitation Center, Novokuznetsk

After visiting the drug and alcohol rehabilitation center being operated by Church on the Rock in Novokuznetsk, Dawna D. commented:

“Being at the rehab centre was so special to me – I had gone there years ago with Pastor Andrei (Church on the Rock, Novokuznetsk)  and saw this building that was not yet together and heard his vision for it to become a Christian rehab center.  Seeing it once again, up and running and the fruit that has come out of it, walking in, seeing the men and the light of Christ in their faces was great.  What impacted me the most was seeing Zhenia, operating as the director of the center.   I had met him 6 years ago in prison #16 as an inmate.  The next time I saw him, he was released, attending Church on the Rock and growing in his faith.  He eventually got married and now has 2 children.  I am telling you, that what you see in these few days is amazing - you might touch a life and come back later to see the progression of these people continuing to walk in Christ and deepening their walk with Him and multiply.  As Zhenia led a song, playing on the guitar and the men in the center stood up and sang to us, everyone had their eyes closed and fully worshipping God – we were seeing transformation right before our very eyes.”

July 16, 2008 - Children’s Hospital #3

On Wednesday, July 16th the team divided into two groups – one group visited a Juvenile Detention Center and the other group visited a rehabilitation center.  Our second ministry outreach location for the day was the Pediatric Department for Abandoned Children.  The site left a memorable impression on Emily W. who wrote:

“We arrived at the baby hospital about an hour behind the first group, and we were told we might not get to go in and see the babies.  By God’s grace we were given a gift of 15 minutes to visit.  The room that I went into had four babies, one of them was sleeping but Jeremy, my teammate, and I got to hold the other three – it really touched me to see how sweet and loving Jeremy was with them.  The hardest thing for me was wanting to hold all of them at the same time.  They soaked up the love we were giving them as if they were a sponge.  A very special moment for me was holding one of the baby girls, Mischa, and carrying her over to see her roommate – they were enamored with each other.  As I held one, the other held on to my finger.  I wish I were still there, they gave me such a huge gift in that moment.  I will cherish it forever!”

July 16, 2008 – Detention Facility for Juvenile Criminals

Twelve members of the team visited the Detention Facility for Juvenile Criminals on Wednesday, July 16th.  The facility holds approximately 60 juveniles awaiting trial for various crimes including murder and robbery.  The team met with 24 boys and 3 girls during the visit.  Aaron D. wrote:

“On Tuesday, we went to the Juvenile Detention Center and I had a really amazing time.  We went through security and went into a small room where they brought in some of the detainees – there were two groups.  We started out singing songs and did a drama depicting how man was created in harmony with God and is later distracted by the things of this world – money, alcohol, drugs.  It shows how God steps in to rescue us. It was really amazing how it paralleled the lives of some of the young men in the room – many of whom could have been my brother.  After the drama we used the bead bracelet to present the gospel - you could see some of them in deep thought as they contemplated what we were telling them. 

I am not sure how many accepted Christ that day, but for those who did not I believe they will in God’s timing.  It is incredible to see how things are here.  When we got done with the second group, we asked them specifically if we could pray for them and it was just remarkable how many hands went up – at least half of them wanted to be prayed for.  I praise God for what He is doing here - that new brothers and sisters are coming to Him.  I cannot wait to see what God will do in the next year!”