Global Aid Network Mission Reports

Transformation Baptist Church     June 24, 2007 by Ann Y.

“Church in the Woods”

Transformation Baptist Church, a Siberian church of about 70 members, does not have its own building, so it rents a room at a college in Krasnoyarsk.  This particular Sunday, however, they learned at the last minute that they did not have access to this room.  So, as Pastor Dima put it, God had a surprise for us.  We would be meeting out in the woods. 

After waiting at the college building to communicate the change of plans to church members, we drove the woods.  Fortunately, it was a quiet, beautiful, sunny day with only the mosquitoes to bother us.  As we waited for the rest of the members to arrive, men pulled some tree stumps into a clearing while children played and climbed trees.  Some people brought blankets to sit upon, and others stood for the service. 

Sitting under a canopy of tall fir trees, we began the service with music.  Pastor Dima played the guitar, and two women led the singing.  After several songs, Pastor Dima taught from the book of Ecclesiastes.  Then he invited Jim, my team member to speak.  Jim extended a greeting from America and explained a bit about GAiN’s   mission in Krasnoyarsk.  Then I gave some testimony about the birth of my daughter, Alyssa, with Down syndrome.  The thrust of my message was the guiding principle from Matthew 6:33:  Seek first God’s kingdom in your life, and He will provide all of the other things that He knows are important and necessary for your life.

After I spoke, a young man shared his testimony about how God is freeing him from addiction to drugs and alcohol.  He had just finished rehab and asked for continued prayer.  Then we took a break from the service for water and snacks and to stretch our legs. 

About twenty minutes later, the service resumed with more singing.  One of the songs we sang was Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.  After the music, a visitor gave a sermon based on Ephesians 2:1-10.  What a joy it was to worship and learn God’s word with my Russian brothers and sisters in Christ!

Afterwards, during a time of socializing, one woman was eager to question me about teaching children with Down syndrome.  She has been visiting an orphanage for children with disabilities, or invalids, as they are called in Russia.  She has been helping with several children, and she wanted to learn about teaching reading, writing, and speech to these children.  We talked a bit about some teaching techniques that had worked for us and about therapies, and then she asked the most important question:  How can she teach these children about God?  I replied that I did not believe that God mad a single human being that was unable to have a relationship with Him.  He will make a way for every person, and sometimes the rest of us don’t understand or recognize His ways of communicating with them.  As for practical advice, I encouraged her to read Bible stories with illustrations to the children, to sing songs about God, and to pray with and for them. 

Another poignant question which she asked was about how she can help the parents of these children who are wondering why God did this terrible thing to them.  These parents are not believers and are bitter about having a child born with Down syndrome.  I suggested, most importantly, that she should demonstrate to the parents how to love their children by her words and deeds.  Her care, love, and affection would be an example to the parents.  If she can express joy about qualities and achievements in the children to the parents, then perhaps they will begin to feel more love towards them.  If she is enthusiastic and positive with the parents, then they can learn to see and appreciate the value in the children for themselves. 

In Romans 1:11-12, Paul describes the circle of encouragement that occurs when we visit believers to share with them how God is at work in our lives.  I believe that the “Church in the Woods” was a perfect example of the relationship that Paul described.

Romans 1:11-12:  “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”  

Irina’s Impressions  (KR4)  6.20.06 

I would like to share from my heart on a comment from a lady who was at the society of disabled people.  She has a disabled little girl who is in the society.   She was invited to come this day because of the guests from the USA.

When Fred shared the message of the Gospel with our small group, that lady listened to him attentively and with an open heart.  She said that she believed in God like all people around her and even asked God to help in times of need, but she had not thought about a personal relationship with God.  She was surprised at the simple way to come to Jesus and the simple words we could pray to Him at any time and place.  She said, “If you don’t here, I couldn’t know about all these things.”

What a joy to share the Truth and to make Him known!!

Our interpreter Olga’s impressions   6.26.07

“I think your ministry is very important.  It was a very depressing sight to see the children from the orphanages.  Of course, they need love so much that your coming and attention was a great gift for them.  I think that your love is maybe more important for them that the words you have said.  And I believe that one they will hear about God again and the love they received from you will help them to repent.  I also know that your support to the orphanages help us to continue working with kids here.  It was well seen in all sights that the directors of the orphanages were appreciated.  God Bless you!”

Yana’s Impressions as an Interpreter   6.26.07

I am a teacher of English and sometimes I also work as an interpreter.  I don’t know why, but God wanted me to be on this mission because He made all the circumstances change and here I am (my 2 regular jobs were over and the travel agency that gave me this assignment had found me, I had never worked for them before).

I have always believed in God.  I remember as a 5 year old girl praying to God, but can’t say I was a Christian.  I know I am a good person, but then what?  Thank you, Crystal, you taught me what a real Christian is.  Now I have a strong desire to become a Christian and I know I will.

The job which GAiN made for the orphanages is enormously important.  During this week, I have seen a lot of happy faces.  I hope that many souls were saved this week.  The way GAiN missionaries treated people taught me a lot.  The fact that we are of different nationality and have to talk through the interpreters made no barrier because how you talk through eyes and heart is beautiful.  Thank God, I got to know people who can be an example for me.  I got to know beautiful women, perfect loving mothers, intelligent partners and interesting personalities.  I got to know men, who showed me what is love and who are perfect examples of how a man should treat a woman and what a happy marriage is.

I thank our group and I thank God for the chance to be with you.  This experience is priceless and I will never forget you.

Our interpreter Zemfera’s impression 6.25.07

It was a great pleasure for me to have fellowship with your team.  All things you did and showed were of great importance, especially your performances.  They impressed the children very much and me too.  Especially the performances about the sins and the broken heart.

Trip planning was well organized.  All the members of the team are so kind and nice people and are real Christians.  They always smile and laugh and their faces are shining.  That is unusual for Russians.

You never waste time.  You used the short time while riding for devotions and testimonies.  It helped to strengthen me spiritually, also.  I love all the members of your team.  Ann’s smile is so brilliant.  Mike’s good singing and “the old red rooster he is going to kill” I will sing 10 times a day.  I give thanks to Jim for writing this song.  Stuart’s maturity in many ways is high for his age.  I knew the two Christian couple, they are really happy in Christ, they reflect God’s love.  Peggy is a cool grandmother indeed.  She is a good example for me and for other Russian people.  Crystal and Dale are such nice women.  Every one of you is so precious to me. This time from June 18-25 is unforgettable for me.  All things, talking, meetings with kids and people were pleasing.

 “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. (John 13:14)”

 “Lord, what does it mean to be like you?” I asked silently in my heart as I crossed 13 time zones into the often Forgotten Frontier of Novokuznetsk, Siberia. The answer would later come in the form of a 65 year old Babushka (grandmother).

During this trip I had the joy of performing a dance that I choreographed to a song called, “Knees to the Earth,” as a ministry to the fatherless, the weary, the sick, and the poor. The song goes, “Be blessed, be loved, be lifted high, be treasured here, be glorified. I owe my life to you my Lord. Here I am.” Often times the words were not understood, but the heart and message was.

On Sunday, I attended a small Protestant church in Novokuznetsk run by Pastor Pasha Perogova. The church was very small, with seating for no more than 30 people, no air conditioning, and no bathrooms, but more of the love of God than its humble walls could ever contain.

After the worship service came to an end, I was brought up to dance. When I was finished I sat back down sweaty, breathless, and dirty, but excited that I could use what I love doing the most. Shortly after I sat down, a little old Babushka gently took me by the hand and led me to a room outback. Not having any idea of where I was going, I wondered if she was going to try to feed me again, as hospitality is an enormous part of Russian culture. But she would not.

Instead she sat me down on a small wooden bench and took off my shoes. She placed an empty basin under my feet, and began to wash them with water she had spent time heating up. On her knees, this kind woman carefully washed away the dirt that had accumulated from dancing barefoot. When she was done, she took a clean towel and dried my feet, making sure she did not miss anything.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and all I could say was, “Spasiba, Spasiba Bolshoy,” which means “Thank you, Thank you so much.” She then kissed my feet and put my shoes back on, and said, “I love you,” in Russian.

I cannot express what an honor it was for me to have this happen. I really believe that God allowed her to serve me in this way that I might really see what it means to be like Jesus. This woman took me into a separate room that no one might know what she was doing. She served me out of a simple desire to please the Lord.

What a lesson this has been for me. She showed me what it is to follow Philippians 2:3 which says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves.” What a precious moment, and what a precious woman. Surely she will receive her reward for her act of kindness when one day she gets to see Jesus.

 June 19:
Today was the first day working with the children, and it really was a joy - especially going to the orphanage camp with the little ones!  As soon as the children got outside a little boy, Kiril, attached himself to me and he did not let go of my hand the entire time we were there except to play with the balloons we brought.  Kiril could not hear or speak.  Another little one, Anya, was also very attached to me (I’m attaching a picture with Kiril, Anya and me along with a little boy who reminded me of my brother David when he was little).

Heavenly Father, bless these children who have no earthly father. Call them to Yourself, using the ministry of the local church and the faithful women who care for them.  Let this afternoon’s time together with Kiril and Anya be an encouragement for them and not a source of sadness.  Amen

Another intensely meaningful time was at the women’s prison in Mariinsk (8 hours by bus north of Novokuznetsk).  I don’t have any pictures from there…but here is another journal excerpt.

June 21:
We were walked through security and it was very solemn.  At this point, our team was separated into two groups, and our group went into a cafeteria / auditorium filled with women in uniforms and scarves on their heads and very closed, blank looks on their faces — it was hard to see THEM when you looked in their eyes.  Not for long though!  Charles had them smiling with some of the opening games and songs.  Tears were in their eyes when Dawna mentioned that she could only imagine what it was like for them to be separated from their children.  Then, Rachel (American) and Lena (Russian) shared two very powerful testimonies.  I’m not sure how the women responded, but I was in tears, so when Dawna asked me to share the gospel, I didn’t think I could stand on a stage in front of all of those women and so much as speak.  I kept praying, “Lord, let me diminish so that You may increase in me.”  When I got up to speak, I’m not exactly sure what I said, but I looked into the eyes of those women and saw the first beginnings, perhaps of hope — I felt the power of the Holy Spirit.  God spoke His hope into our lives, and I had the privilege of speaking it to them.

Heavenly Father, these women are Your special creation.  They are the sick at heart who you sent Your Son to save.  Please work in the lives of these women and draw many to Yourself.  Use the women of the church to minister to and disciple them.  Bless these women and give them spiritual freedom and life.  Bring glory to Your great name in that dark place.  Bring Your peace and hope to these hopeless.  Thank you for the privilege to speak Your words of hope to these women.  Amen

We were able to bring gifts, our affection and the hope of the gospel every place we went, but we were there for such a short time.  It is a great encouragement to me that the local church in Siberia is strong and passionate for the Kingdom of God.  These people we visited will not be forgotten by God’s people.  Our brothers and sisters in Russia will continue to minister to them.  Praise God!

After days of travel and a brief weather delay in Moscow and a 4-hour night flight, the Novokuznetsk team was so thrilled to arrive in Siberia on Monday morning.  That afternoon the group went to our host church in Novokuznetsk where we unloaded items from storage containers and assembled more than 1,000 CarePacks school supplies, toiletry items, and Ty Beanie Babies as gifts for the children we’ll meet.  Each of the Beanie Babies included a gospel bead necklace with a printed gospel message attached.

Following all our preparations, travel, and prayer we finally began our ministry outreach visits on Tuesday morning. We started by visiting the Social Rehabilitation Center for Children of Limited Abilities. The children there were mostly affected by muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. We witnessed many of the children getting physical therapy as well as a variety of cutting-edge treatments to help the children stand, walk, or talk.  Also many parents were there with their children and we were able to minister to and give them and the staff workers Bibles and evangelistic books—this was an additional blessing for us. We were very impressed by the facilities and the quality care that the children received. Despite the physical problems afflicting the children, the atmosphere was one of courage and hope. We enjoyed the concert as well as meeting in small groups with the kids.   During the visit the American mission team was able to see a variety of humanitarian aid items that had been provided from a shipment received in February from Global Aid Network that included:  baby cribs, mattresses, fleece blankets, and walkers for disabled children. 

A special moment was when Austin J., 16 from Dallas, TX, shared his presentation and showed a picture of his baptism. He explained to the kids that Jesus had been his lifelong friend, and all of the kids looked very surprised. That was the perfect segue to ask the kids why they were surprised that Austin had said that Jesus was their friend. This gave an opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and many of the kids seemed engrossed by this new thought. 

                  Our next meeting, the summer camp for Orphanage #3 in Targai, was a fabulous ending to our day. We were greeted by a dozen little faces peering from the upper-story windows, waving and blowing kisses. About 70 children from ages 2-10, played with balloons, sang songs, received endless hugs, and bonded with our group in a marvelous summer play-time. The American team fully engaged with the kids to show and share the love of Jesus Christ to the children who were warm, energetic, and open.  Each member of our team took away the memory of at least one specific child and perhaps even that will be the memory that will be the mental picture we’ll take away from the trip. It was extremely hard to leave, but our excitement and anticipation about the rest of the trip spurs us on to continue to faithfully serve in other places during the mission.

30 March 2007

Dear friends!

I wish I could participate in your meeting in Moscow but it is not possible at the moment. But as a partner of many projects I would like to share some thoughts with you!

Groups of volunteers from your organization came to Novokuznetsk 10 times and a few times to Kemerovo.

As a Senior Presbyter, I witnessed a lot of fruit after your projects. I understand that such projects require significant financial resources and human resources. But please believe that the results are worth it! Such projects are so important for the Kingdom of God. Thousands of children and adults were blessed not only by individual gifts, food packages, gifts from the containers – clothes, shoes, blankets and many more items, but also blessed with the love of Christ that was shared generously by American volunteers. Over 100 institutions received significant aid in a category of special needs. But most important – people in those institutions heard Good News about Jesus and learned about “the way” – how they can come to God.

There are still so many needy people in our country:  poor, handicapped, hungry and ill – children and adults. Local churches have a real picture of what is happening in their towns and villages. Because these churches are in contact with local people, they are serving them and while doing that we are in a great need of your partnership with us. Such projects that involved American volunteers are a great support to local churches, inspiration and encouragement. For me personally each coming volunteer is a hero of the faith who is serving the Lord. And we constantly ask and try to persuade them to come back again and again, because we see the fruit and blessings and we see God at work during these projects and also after them. I think that this truly is the fulfillment of our main call for us – Christians and Christian Organizations – to proclaim the Gospel.

I ask God to grant you wisdom, strength, power and great love, my dear brothers, while you work to spread the gospel, in your planning and communications in Russia.

With blessings and brotherly love in Christ,

Pastor Andrei H.