Coming together in the morning, we started the day by singing songs, sharing God’s word and enjoying the fellowship of one another.  Breaking into our perspective groups, we started to learn about one another.  People from Maryland to Texas, from grandpa’s to an 11 year old, a mix of people from different professions all coming together for one purpose, to share the love of Jesus Christ!  Excitement, anticipation and questions permeated.  What would we see?  Who would we talk to?  How could we communicate with the children in the orphanages?  How would God use me? 

So who are some of the people who are on this trip to Ryazan, Russia?  Let me introduce you to Janice B and LaRynn B.  Here is a little of their story:

 

Hi, my name is LaRynn, I am 11 years old.  This is my first time on a mission trip.  I had heard stories from my grandparents about Russia and also my father who is a pastor had given a sermon asking “what does God want you to do?”  This spoke to my heart and I thought what an awesome opportunity to share the Gospel.  I love to teach and tell other people about Jesus.  So I decided to come to Russia with my grandfather and grandmother.  However, God had other plans and my grandfather was not able to come.  My grandmother’s story comes next.  Anyway, this was my first time on an international flight.  I was so nervous on the flight, squeezing my grandmother’s hand, but it was a “God stop”.  What is a “God stop”?  Well, it is where God give you something good and then He tests you.  The trip to Russia was a good thing the flight was a test.  Other God stops I experienced…there was a delay in our departure, but it only took 5 minutes to take off (I had no idea it would be that quick, I thought we would have to wait another hour before taking off)  Then, we experienced turbulence in the air another “God stop” and then we got through passport control quickly.   

I have been asking for God to humble me on this trip.  I want God to show me how these kids live, the conditions, being an orphan with no parents and so cold.  You see, I complain at dinner about the food if I don’t like it and here I am wondering how people survive.   Just yesterday I saw a poor guy outside in the cold singing for money.  Where I live, I have never seen that before.  I just never knew how much I had so I am praying that I might be humbled through my time here. 

Just the other day, I was in the United States sitting in my class thinking, “ I am leaving for Russia tomorrow and I am going to a foreign country.  How did I get myself into this’?  What am I doing?  I must be crazy going to Russia? “  Fear was taking over and I remembered when God has a plan for you, stand firm.  I am bringing the best gift ever given, the Gospel, how cool is that!!  I am so excited to be here J

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I can’t believe I am here.  I am a very unlikely candidate for being here alone…I mean without my husband.  My name is Janice B.  I have been to Russia before, but always with my husband.  I couldn’t believe it when God changed the plans and my husband was no longer going.  My husband was even disappointed that he wasn’t going.  He has been the one who has the ongoing passion for these trips since he first went in 1996.  I have already seen God cover over all my fears thus far.  For example, certain things just make me nervous and I get fearful.  One of these was the paperwork at passport control.  I was amazed how we got through so quickly and without any problems.  When I go on a mission’s trip, I am so dependent on God.  However, my husband has always handled the details like the paperwork and now I have been moved to a new level of dependency on God.  I believe it is by God’s design that I am here without him and that HE is preparing my heart for something new.  If you read this, please pray that God will use me as I give my presentation and that God will show me what He wants me to do at the next stage of my life.  I know it all about Jesus, our Lord and our King!!!