Global Aid Network Mission Reports

Reported 2/2/2008 by Fred K. from Krasnoyarsk:

During this past week we’ve encountered many new directors of facilities who’ve gone the extra mile to open the doors to their facilities. What a blessing this first Winter trip to Krasnoyarsk had been! Many of the directors have indicated that we are always welcome at their facility. God had truly paved the way for the ministry in this city. He had opened the doors to a previously closed city. Up until 1992, no foreigners had been allowed in this once close military city. Little did we know that one day groups from Global Aid Network would be ministering to hurting people so far east into the Russian Federation.

Our visit to an elder home today presented several challenges. First our bus broke down and we needed to wait for a replacement. The replacement bus took us to the site but we arrived at the elder home later than expected. What would they think, would we be welcome, had we missed a chance to meet with those inside?

To our amazement we were greeted by a warm smiling director who understood that we were late. His facility’s residents and staff were anxiously waiting to meet us. Lunch time had come and gone for them, but they were willing to wait until later to eat.

Our group was met by smiling faces, given an official greeting at the door and asked to break bread and dip in salt as is the custom. We were treated to sandwiches, sweets, juice and beverages. The director spoke to our small group and then invited us upstairs for a performance. We got to hear traditional Russian instruments, music and singing.  They were warming, welcoming and talented.

We then broke into small groups. My small group was assigned to the bedroom of six elderly women. One woman immediately broke into tears and told us how alone she was and that she had no one. Mary, Julia and I took turns sitting with her and comforting her.

We personalized our presentations by sitting with them individually and sharing our photos. The one on one ‘conversations’ were more personal. They listened to the Gospel Bead presentation and my discussion of Josh McDowell and the work of Global Aid Network. They thanked us for all the gifts that we brought, the time that we spent with them and the prayers that we shared with them. We had five elderly women and one who was not so old but missing legs and hands due to frostbite. Her name was Svieta and she pulled out her bible after we spoke. She was not yet a believer, but she was clearly seeking God. She had a book by Josh McDowell and we added More Than a Carpenter to her collection. I pray that our visit brings her closer to choosing Christ as her Savior. Please pray for her.