Global Aid Network Mission Reports

July 21, 2008 – Social Rehabilitation Center for Under-aged Children – Bank of Hope

The final ministry outreach location in Novokuznetsk was a center for children whose parents are deprived of parental rights as a result of drug or alcohol abuse.  More than 60 children, age ranging from 5 to 17 are being served by the facility.

The team conducted a brief program including illusion dramatizations, skit, singing and dancing.  “We heard about Global Aid Network through the church,” said Ivanova Nikolaevna, director of the facility.  She was excited that the team had come to share with the children and was willing to give as much time as the team needed for small group presentation and games.  “We are so grateful to you for the gifts that you have brought for us and the children.  We really needed the water heater” she said.  The team delivered CarePacks to the children and footballs, gospel aprons and a water heater to the director.

Later that evening, the team celebrated the end of the mission with interpreters, Pastor Andrei and members of the local church.  Charles D. expressed sincere gratitude to all who contributed in various ways in helping to make the mission trip a success.  Already, all involved are anticipating continued partnership as we work in Novokuznetsk.

Thank you for your many prayers for us.  Thank God with us for a wonderful week of ministry to hundreds in this area. Pray that God will watch over the team and guide them safely back home to Dallas, Atlanta and New Jersey!

July 20, 2008 – Local Church Visits

On Sunday, July 20th, the team divided into several teams to visit churches that are partnering with Global Aid Network during the mission to Novokuznetsk.  The team visited Church on the Rock (Novokuznetsk;  Kuibyshevsky District; Mezhdurechensk; Mundybash) and the Novoilyinskaya Church.  Kristie K. who attended a church being held in a home shared:

“Going to the home church in Mundybash was very special - meeting a group of about 15 people who were fire for the Lord. You could see in their eyes that the Love of God was in them. My favorite part of the day was when we were worshipping together with them in their small living room.  You could feel that God was there and that their church will continue to grow.”

After sharing in the various church services, mission participants visited the homes of members of the local churches for lunch.  Later, many participants expressed sincere gratitude to the families who served so much out of the very little that they had.

Please continue to pray for the churches in Novokuznetsk and specifically for God to provide a building for the church in Mundybash.

July 18, 2008 – Center of Social Service to People of Mezhdurechensk

The team visited the center for families with low income, single mothers and large families in Mezhdurechensk.  After sharing a brief program with more than 80 people, the team divided into six small groups to share pictures and the present the gospel of Christ.

In one group, the participants were eager to hear about Christ and asked several questions about heaven and hell and whether or not we believed it was real.  It was evident that they were searching for an answer to life and that they had pondered these matters in their hearts for some time.  As members of the team pointed out the reality of heaven and hell and our desire to see them all in heaven, we shared the gospel of Christ using the bead bracelet.

At least three people accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior in that small room that day.  We praise the Lord for allowing us to get a glimpse of what can happen in a person’s life when we share the love of Christ with them.

Members of the mission team were encouraged on Wednesday never to take their ministry lightly.  Dawna D. shared that she was a part of the team visiting a drug and alcohol rehabiliation center that day where they met the director Zhenia.  She had met him several years prior as an inmate at Prison #16.  Now he is impacting lives for Jesus Christ!   Please pray for the members of the team - several are ill but we are pressing on.

July 17, 2008 – Retirement Center, Mezhdurechensk

The team visited a retirement community – home to more than 60 people.  After sharing our program with approximately 30 of the residents, the team divided into two groups where some shared with the residents who were unaided and others visited those confined to bed.  Libby S. shared:

“I went in to visit with people who could not leave their rooms and I went into the room of a guy who had one leg.  He was from a different region of Russia – one of the Asian regions near Mongolia.  He was lying on his back and had a lot of junk on his chest.  He didn’t seem as if he was doing very well – he was very frail, only skin and bones.  He wasn’t very responsive until we walked up to him and shook his hands and introduced ourselves.  The moment we did that, he became very alert, hanging on to every word we said.  He had so much emotion in his face – he couldn’t believe we had come to visit him.  The more we spoke, the more he seemed so happy that we had come.  We showed him some pictures and explained our faith using the bead bracelet.  He was very attentive and said he would want to pray later.  He took the card and hung it on a handle he had over his bed.  We asked if we could pray over him and he said we could, so we did.  He was really appreciative of that.  Charles D. came into the room and massaged his hands and he was extremely grateful.  We went to another room and when we came back, he was still waiting for us to pass by so that he could wave goodbye to us.  He craved interaction and seemed so lonely.  I got his address so that we can maybe write to him later.

A second man had just arrived the day before we got there.  He was blind and he was really happy.  We handed him a Cowboy hat that Aaron had and he felt it and laughed.  We tried it on him and asked him questions.  We told him we had a gift for him – the bracelet.  He just held his hand out ready to put it on.  He followed down each bead with his finger as I was explaining the bead bracelet.  In the middle of sharing he asked me to ensure that he had his finger on the right bead – he insisted on it.  He was nodding his head and taking it all in.  When I got to the end, I said, “You can either pray with us right now to invite Jesus into your life or you can pray on your own later”.  He wanted to pray immediately.  The translator read the prayer and he prayed after every phrase she said – he did so quickly and boldly.  It was so good to hear him be so confident in his prayer.  That was a really exciting and blessed time for me.”

July 17, 2008 – Center of Social Assistance of Families and Children

The team visited the Center of Social Assistance of Families and Children in Mezhdurechensk to distribute humanitarian aid including CarePacks and share the gospel and love of Jesus Christ to the more than 40 children at the facility.

“We are extremely grateful that you came,” said the director Ivanovna, cherishing the gifts that the team brought for the facility and the children.  She later explained that their program caters for children from low income families and that they were currently hosting a one-month summer camp.

More aid is needed to assist this facility with the work they are doing for the more than 800 children they see each year.  Please continue to pray that God will provide for them, through us, local church partners and other donors. 

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!”

Monday,  July 14, 2008

Myski State Orphanage for Mentally Retarded Children

The team visited the Myski Orphanage, a home for more than 300 mentally disabled children, on Monday July 14, 2008.  As director of the home, greeted us, he said, “This is the first time the children will be seeing foreigners.  They have never seen so many kinds of people in one place.  You will be their mothers, brothers and sisters.  Please minister to them.”  This was exactly what the team was prepared to do.  After enjoying songs and dances that some of the children prepared for us, the team presented a program which included a Texas line dance and the Gospel Bead presentation.

“The things they planned for us, it impressed me how they gave out of the very little they have,”  said Libby, one member of our team.  “I got hugs and kisses and I really appreciated the connection I had with the children.” 

As the team toured the huge facility, it was evident that the children were loved and cared for by the staff – almost every physical need was cared for.  “The children needed to hear that Jesus loves them, and that is why we came,” said Dawna D. in sharing with the general group later that evening.  “I have never received such tight hugs before!  I was squeezed until my back cracked! “

We encourage you to pray for us as we face a great spiritual battle.  Not everyone appreciates the fact that we are Christians and sometimes we are not even allowed to pray – at least not audibly.  But, we know that God is able to break down every stronghold and principality of the enemy.  Continue to cover the team with the transforming power of prayer and the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Social Rehabilitation Department for children from risk group

This was the second visit of the Global Aid Network team to this facility.  The team visited in 2005 and it was evident that they were missed as both the staff and children were overjoyed at the team’s arrival. Forty children packed a very small room on the ground floor of the four storey building beaming with smiles, excitement and great anticipation.  They had worked hard on a program for us and were eager to share their songs, dance and piano recital.

It was evident that these children had very little.  “Our children are from families that do not have anything, many of them do not have sheets, pillows – some even sleep on the floor.  They wear trashy clothes, they have no televisions and radios and here they have that and can use it” said Irina, director of the facility.  Most of their parents cannot afford to feed them each day, so the facility gives them a warm meal and an opportunity to interact with other children.

The team had a blast sharing personal stories using photographs in their small groups and telling the children about Christ, using the gospel bead bracelet.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Prison #12 and #16

As the team prepared to visit the second venue for the day, we knew that this was not like any of the places we had been before.  We were on our way to the Abagur Lesnoy district to minister to more than 1,700 prisoners in a maximum security correctional facility.  The team divided into to two groups led by Charles D. and Dawna D. 

The team led by Charles D. went to the section of the prison reserved for murderers and rapists.  More than 150 men packed a small hall to listen to the team’s presentation.  One guard later commented that the prisoners did not deserve our time and effort to come so far to visit and share with them.  But, we know that God’s grace extends to all and we are His instrument of love.

There were moments when you could almost hear hardened hearts breaking as each member of the team told the men how Jesus Christ loves them despite whatever they had done.  “At the prison, I had prayed to ask God to use me,” said Kristen B.  “Today was the most fun place for me to sing in my life.”  The prisoners had tears in their eyes as Kristen sang a beautiful rendition of the Lord’s Prayer.  “ I am so grateful for being here and I am coming back,” she declared.

As a contrast, the team led by Dawna D. was taken to a vast quadrangle in the center of several prison blocks.  More than 250 prisoners formed a thick wall in front of the open stage.  Other prisoners watched from balconies and their cells as the team presented songs and a powerful drama showing the love that Jesus Christ has for us even though we do not deserve it.

As we continue our journey throughout this city, pray for God to provide divine appointments for us and that we will be bold to share his love and saving grace to the many that need Him.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

The Siberian Team - Novokuznetsk, Russia

After a challenging time of preparation for the mission trip to Novokuznetsk, the team is finally here and ready for ministry!  Twenty-nine enthusiastic Americans converged on Moscow yesterday, Saturday, July 12, 2008, jet-lagged but eager to get ready for the last leg of the trip to Siberia. It was not without the usual challenges of overweight luggage and coordinating with members of the team flying in from their various states and countries.  But, the Lord granted us favor and by 11:30pm (Russian time), the team boarded the flight to their final destination – Novokuznetsk.  For many, it was their fourth or fifth flight in 36 hours!

“This is my first mission trip,” said Emily M. from Texas.  “I have always wanted to go on a mission trip ever since I heard about it 4 years ago, but I was only able to raise support to come this year.”  Emily is one of the many young adults on the summer mission trip this year.  Though a bit apprehensive about how it will all turn out, she is confident that God will take charge of everything.  Her supporters praying for her and the team include more than 80 persons from her hometown and church who helped her financially or otherwise to be on the mission trip.  “I am really looking forward to meeting the children in the orphanages,” she said with excitement in her voice.  The team will visit homes for the elderly and disabled, prisons, camps and orphanages as they distribute humanitarian aid including CarePacks and share the love of Christ to hundreds in the far away land. 

We ask for your prayers as we put into action, plans that have been laid out months in advance.  Pray that God will give us multiple opportunities to share the gospel and that many will seek a personal relationship with Him.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Church on the Rock, Novokuznetsk, Russia

Today, the team visited Church on the Rock, a vibrant church with a unique ministry to alcoholics and drug abusers.  More than 150 persons packed the small church in Kuznetsk District to worship God in their third service for the day.  The team, bursting with God-given talent gave greetings and shared in the service – Kristen B. encouraged them with a rendition of How Great Thou Art in English and Russian, and Aaron D. played Amazing Grace on the bagpipe! 

God’s presence was truly felt when Jim P. shared his testimony of his alcoholic father and the emotional abuse inflicted on him from the early age of 6.  “He told me every day for 10 years that I will amount to nothing,” he said.  Though, he made a commitment to follow Christ at age 16, he struggled for a number of years to maintain his walk with God.  He prayed, trying to get an answer from God to the internal turmoil he felt from feeling inferior and wondered for many years if there was any good in him.  After reading the bible and seeking God, about 15 years ago, he was able to forgive his father and embrace the refreshing release that came from extending this forgiveness. “It took me 45 years,” he said as he encouraged the congregation, “but I know that Christ was with me and He will be with you too all the way.  You only need to listen to Him.” 

Many will share their testimonies during the next 10 days in Novokuznetsk to hundreds in orphanages, prisons, homes for the elderly and disabled.  Pray for the team, that God will use these testimonies to draw men, women and children to Him and into His kingdom.