Global Aid Network Mission Reports

       The Belarus team has now completed two full ministry days here in Leeda and God is certainly doing amazing things!  At our first ministry site, an orphanage [far outside the city limits], we were met by the director who told us that she had just received a call from a government official who said that she could not allow us to visit.  At great risk to herself, she allowed us in to share with the children and distribute the gifts that we had brought.  The time with the children and staff was incredible.
      We then found out that afternoon that she was called down to a government office for an interview and questioning about her actions and our visit.  Our team is in prayer for her situation, and would ask for additional prayers for her as well.
      That afternoon, just as we were arriving at the second site a team of three government officials showed up to see what we were doing.  They asked to see what we were handing out and to know what program we were going to do.  We should them and they allowed us to continue.  By the end of the day, the one government official who stayed with us the entire time was smiling and appreciative of what we were doing for the children. 
     The second day was just as amazing as we were also greeted at the first site with three government officials.  The initial meeting was more cordial and by the end of the day the two officials who stayed with us were also smiling and talking about the wonderful partnership that we had in serving the children at the orphanage.
      All the team remains well, with spirits lifted high, because we know that it is God who is opening these doors [for our team].  Please remain in prayer for us, and we are confident the God will allow the name of Jesus to shine throughout the land.

January 31 -

Had a good day at the orphanage in for children with speech defects.
People loved it, as well as children did. Lots of joy and laughter!

In the afternoon were at AG Grace church, same reaction! Children from needy families and families with many children have been extremely blessed alongside with their parents!

———-

January 30 -

Had a wonderful trip to the city of Leeda, moved in the hotel, unpacked, re-packed supplies and extra special needs and requests sites had, met 3 pastors and their wives, had a wonderful dinner together, and discussed plans for the Projects with the pastors.

Looking forward to the first tomorrow’s day of ministry!

———

January 29 -

Had orientation in Minsk at the Orbita hotel, met interpreters, refreshed past projects memories, had great time together, practiced small groups presentations!

Rick here on behalf of the Seaford Belarus Team. Sandra called me today and gave me a brief update. All the team members are healthy with luggage in tow. Rick S. says he’s “way out of his comfort zone,” but he is also being blessed with ministry opportunities. The group’s training ended today in Minsk, and they are driving tomorrow (Tuesday) to the city of Lida (Leeda), Belarus where they will spend the next week and a half in ministry and outreach to orphanages and social homes and other locations that God will provide. They are excited because they will be meeting not only with pastors tomorrow, but also government officials in that area. They will start into their planned ministry visits to an orphanage and other locations on Wednesday. They are expecting to minister the Love of Jesus through tangible outreach and aid to over 300 children and “village kids” (from very needy home situations) per day through the end of this week. The team actually found a McDonald’s in Minsk near the hotel and had ice cream—even though it was freezing outside! Sandra was able to meet up with one of the interpreters she worked with last year, and Sandra gave her a copy of a very powerful journal that one of our friends had written about her spiritual journey to healing and forgiveness (Julie—thanks and God is using your work around the world!). The team drove past the actual location of the Minsk Web Cam that Rick S. had been checking out on line before they arrived. They are hoping to go to that site and get a live picture on the Web Cam! Hope we can work out the timing to see it. Currently the team has no Internet access, so plz check out the blog site below. The team completed training today on ministering in this culture and they are all excited about stepping out of their comfort zone. Rick is busy with all his “toys” and Amy is playing Twister. Karen S (from Albuquerque) is fully involved and Sandra says that her alter ego “Sunny Girl” (puppet) is a little tired from the trip, but she’ll recover tomorrow.

Thanks again for all your prayer support, and God is doing a great work in a very needy country through these willing servants of the Gospel.

On behalf of GAiN’s Team Belarus,

Rick Burgess

Greetings from Minsk, Belarus. The Blue Bus has arrived in Minsk safely and with all of our luggage. Praise God!! We were blessed with a wonderful meal here at the hotel and are all ready ready to call it a night. The day has been wonderful meeting up with old friends and making new ones. Thank you all so much for your prayers. Keep ‘em coming!

The Belarus team arrived in Minsk Sunday afternoon with the entire team in good spirits and all of the luggage in our possession.  Tomorrow is a training day with our interpreters and then it is off to our ministry city of Leeda.