Andrew S.

Most know the story of the Good Samaritan, where one man gets roughed up by thieves and all passed by except for a man from Samaria.  God brought this story alive to us in many ways during our day.  In the morning, we went to Sanatorium #2, which is a two-month rehabilitation center for children from all across Russia.  Psychiatrists, Music Therapists, Speech Therapists, Relaxation Therapists, and many more, but some of the most touched in the building were the kitchen staff when Mickey S., Linda S., and Zoanna Z. went to hand out the gospel aprons.  One of the staff still had hers from last time a group went!  Everyone was very grateful when GAiN gave them new ones, and they were happy to hear the message again.   So happy, in fact, that they smothered the three ladies with kisses.

Another opportunity that we were able to demonstrate the Good Samaritan was in the Center of Social Rehabilitation for Children, the second place we went in the afternoon.  Here Mercy Ministries, along with the help of Tim B., Sacha T., Faith H., and Megan S., presented a play about the Good Samaritan.   Afterwards, we were able to get into our small groups and talk to the children in groups.  God worked miracles during this time, as Linda S., Jaye W., Kristen W., Megan S., helped to lead 9 out of 11 children asked Jesus into their hearts.   During tea, we noticed the girls pointing at their bracelets and trying to remember what each bead meant, and that opened another opportunity to share Christ.  

Dinner was at a great Azerbaijani restaurant, a complete 5 course meal, and after that some took the opportunity to explore Vladimir.  On the way back to the hotel, a man who was greatly inebriated staggered and fell directly in front of them and he hurt his leg.  The group took the opportunity to stop and call an ambulance.   While they were waiting, they were able to pray for him.

God brings about real life situations that through which we can see parables of the New Testament taking place.   In addition to what the group did, we were also greatly blessed by the hospitality of the Russian people.  In each of the places we went, we were offered food and drink.   They have really opened their arms to our group, and have been a great blessing to us as well!