Global Aid Network Mission Reports

Sunday Divnogorsk as reported by Mary K. 

What a glorious Lord’s day! We visited the church in Divnogorsk where we were warmly welcomed by some familiar faces. A visiting pastor playing a twelve-string guitar sang praise to God with a beautiful voice. Worship is awesome in any language! After the service we went to our interpreters home for lunch. We had a wonderful meal and talked for a long time with her family. Her Father is a wise and godly man. I could’ve listened to him for days. I’m sorry our time together couldn’t be longer. We also visited the pastors home for more dessert and conversation. Such wonderful families -all true warriors of the faith who had been through much in the name of God. We are reminded how good we have it when we hear of underground churches, and building a church on nothing more than on faith and trusting God to provide a miracle or two when needed. Praise the Lord!

31 January 2008 Krasnoyarsk as reported by Lise’ B.

One of the most exciting thing on this trip for me, is to watch the faces of the kitchen and wash (laundry) help as we hand them the Gospel Aprons made by so many of the women across the United States. As I tandem with my interpreter, Ksusha to the kitchen, the kitchen help can hardly believe they have a visitor, let alone someone from America! When we speak and let them know they are receiving a gift from someone in America, they can hardly believe it. Often I let them know that the woman who made these prayed for them. Their response many times are tears and huge, huge smiles; each grin displaying gold teeth.

I wish you could see their faces. I wish you could see the big soup pots and the kitchen facilities where they cook and labor until the beads of sweat roll down their faces. You see, in their world, the cooks and the wash (laundry help) are considered to hold one of the lowest job positions. They are flabber-ghasted when we come bearing gifts….truly. They cannot believe that some one in the America would even think of them. Receiving these small gifts, brighten their day, and bring great hope and much joy. And, of course, the Gospel explanation cards are in the pockets, are very important. So keep on sewing ladies, and any men brave enough to join in.

Each day we come back tired, but I think, so far, we have handed out around 60 aprons.

 Sunday Krasnoyarsk as reported by Cathy K.

On Sunday my group went to a small church that has only been in existence for one year. The pastor was so excited and he arranged for an interpreter to be there. Jenya, the pastor, introduced our group to Irina. Even though there was no possibility, I felt as if I knew her. As we walked to the pastor’s home for lunch, Irina said she had been praying to have someone to speak English with because she felt she was losing her skills. We talked all afternoon and in a few short hours, we developed a friendship that I believe will be a long one.

When it was time to leave, we walked outside toward her bus stop. It was cold and snowing and she grabbed my arm. We looked like many other Russian friends who walk arm in arm down the street. It was an amazing and somewhat surreal moment.

I plan to give Irina lots of opportunity to keep her fluent in her English with lots of email and hopefully we will even get to see each other in Russia again.

31 January 2008 Krasnoyarsk as reported by Lise’ B.

Today I was part of what was one of two “mobile units” at the eldery care center. After hauling supplies up two flights of stairs, we started visiting bedridden invalids. Each was in desperate need for companionship and seemed starved for love, for touching.

The sights, sounds and smell continue to pound against my head and heart like a scratched record skipping, grinding, playing old memories through the night. How can they find comfort with our quick fix visit? We danced from room to room like a game of hopscotch. Faster. Faster, we hurried, trying to beat the racing clock. The task of seeing 135 residents in 1 hour; an impossibility. And so, that was our challenge today. Trying to make old people feel loved and valued, when you don’t have enough time to even learn each others’ name.

In one room in particular, we had spent our time limit and the rest of the team had already pulled out, moved on. Yet, as I gathered the last of my stuff into my backpack, the woman with wool leggings was watching me. I felt the strength of her stare and had a hard time concentrating. Finally, everything was now in my bag so I could leave. When I looked up I caught the Babushka’s face, her eyes. Tears rolled down her face as her lip quivered away the soon coming dread…loneliness. In a minute her day would resume monotony of another lonely day. A day, that long long ago, lost zest to a frozen emptiness. To her, we had come in and been her fresh air, her lifeline, even though we know we truly cannot be. Only the Lord can be her hero. The clock continues to tick away time. An incredible task is to console each soul with the Truth, the Lord loves you but then time restraints dictate our good-byes! I’m so glad He is able to be deliberate, gentle, and loving. Our Lord is never in a hurry, never unable to extend Grace or Mercy to His Children.

This is one of the hardest things to deal with at each site. There is never enough time to make you feel like you really impacted the lives of those we visit so briefly.

29 January 2008 Krasnoyarsk - Tuesday as reported by Lise’ B.

The skillful bus driver quietly creeps through the frozen narrow street scraping only a minimal amount of tree branches along the sides of the bus. Curiosity and excitement crescendo as we, the American’s approach the Divnogorsky Children’s Home, now only moments away. As we approach sets of eyes stare beyond the walls and towards the bus. Beyond the boundary of the bus windows we perch forward trying to grasp sight of our destination. All are curious and wild with anticipation. We have waited along time for this day. All are anxious for this moment. What will we find? Are they excited to meet us? Scared? Some older boys are peeking around a corner and through a window near the front entrance. A little boy with a green shirt sticks his head out through a 12-inch window up on the second story. He waves. When he repeats the process, his brown hair sweeps into his eyes. Yes, he appears to be as excited as we are!

Inside, our makeshift room the director has arranged theater chairs for the team of Americans. We are instructed to find a seat. The orphans have prepared a play for us. Complete with costumes, hand –painted and handmade props, it is obvious many, many hours of work went into the preparation. My eyes search the room. I am looking for that “someone special” who needs my love. I noted a quiet young girl dressed in a pink outfit. Maybe she’s the one, I thought, but my attention then gets diverted with our singing.

Upstairs, the small groups were assembled with each group having teachers join their students. Because the of small facility size, our little group ended up being only two girls, ages 16, and one 14 year-old boy. When I came around the corner and walked into our room, there sat “my girl” in pink! Her brown eyes melted my heart as did, the eyes of the other girl who sat next to her. This day, even the teacher sat listening attentively to what we shared.

Knowing that Russian’s are very artistic, I had assembled a presentation of pencil sketches I received on the Internet 4 years prior. Quite popular, these sketches depict the love the Lord has for each and every one of His children from a slightly different perspective. Each portrait unique maybe a special twinkle in the child’s eyes of Christ’s as He suspends the baby overhead; the warmth and comfort of His tender embrace while He nestles a newborn; or maybe it’s the giggles you can hear during Christ’s playful wrestle, or how special you feel as He holds you dear, in another you feel only His patience as He help a toddler walk. Each sketch makes obvious His delight in His children.

In preparing for this trip, I purposed to give away more of my heart than on my earlier trips to the orphanages. That somehow, I would make myself more vulnerable, more available, more real. I must make these portraits personal for these kids. I shared with our group these sketches. Eventually, I put aside the typewritten script and opted to speak from my heart to our group. Gradually I felt the girls became more receptive, more vulnerable, almost as if they could possibly believe my words of truth might be true and for them as well.

By the end of the afternoon, our group handed out friendship gifts, and shared our love with them, and for them. I was pleased that while I was home, I had listened to the Lord, and took the time to make smaller copies of the pencil sketches for them to have. Now there would be a special reminder left behind for them, a reminder that Christ will never abandon them, even though we would no longer be around. And, because of His faithfulness, we now witnessed His love breaking down former walls of division into special bonds of friendship between us. At a glance, I think I saw one girl brush a tear from her eye. I know I did.

In the States, our expectations are such that we want things done a certain way. And, though there was no out loud confession done “American Style” of their new profound faith, I do know an impact was made in their lives today. I know that they will never be the same.

3 February 2008 Sunday Krasnoyarsk as reported by Lise’ B.

Today was a lot of fun. I wasn’t real thrilled about going to the BBC (Big Baptist Church) but, as it turned out, the service was quite enjoyable. In fact, it was better than “quite enjoyable.” In the pictures you can see the carved seats facing the congregation. This is where the choir sits. The tall ornate ceilings helped the acoustics I’m sure, yet the small choir was rehearsed. A visiting Pastor spoke on missions and used a clip from possibly Via Delorosa that was shown right before communion. Communion. That was really cool. They used the little cups, but the bread was freshly baked, round 20” tall loaves with a huge crown.

Before I forget, it was really cool during the church service worship. They started singing “There is Power in the Blood” in Russian and a little later, “Above All.” How fun is that…to be able to sing the same song in different tongues to the one and same God that only 23 hours before, were divided by time and distance! What a blessing. What an amazing moment, a gift from the Lord. My heart was truly blessed. I felt o.k. until we received communion together. They had shown the clip and it hit me once again “every tongue tribe and nation.” Here I was, living it out in my life because of His Grace. I wasn’t expecting it to yank my heartstrings, but I was struck anyway. The tears rolled down my cheeks freely, as I received a touch from the Lord and pondered His Goodness. The thought and magnitude of His Love for all and being there in that place to worship at that time, all together was more than I could fathom or take. I continued to weep as I pondered H is goodness, His favor, and Mercy and Grace in my life and that He would bless me so abundantly. Meanwhile, I had a little babushka sitting next to me patting my leg to comfort me. My God took the time to answer the desires of my heart and I was sitting with a people group I love, singing the God I love and live to serve. How cool is that?!?! Very Cool.

Since I didn’t have an interpreter sitting by me, I was unable to follow much of the two-hour service, yet, some things you do grasp. This visiting pastor was passionate about his God, the people love the Lord, they loved us visiting, and made us feel very welcomed into their church body. One thing different in the Russian Baptist church than the US church is the way they had a draped cloth over the communion elements. The cloth had a picture of a cross with the words meaning “slain and by His stripes we are healed.”

The afternoon was spent with our host family, Lena and Roshur. We were treated to a feast of borsch, bread, sweet pickles, a tray with meat and cheese, mashed potatoes, chicken “cubes,” meatballs, and a wonderful torte. I am pleased that I got the recipe for the dessert. It was absolutely scrumptious.

Roshur is a Pastor and has a ministry for former prison inmates which operates like a halfway house. They were all very nice and loved having us there.

Reporting on 2/1/2008 by Lise’ B. from Krasnoyarsk:

Today was an incredible day. The original sight cancelled and so we were called to a different site. When we arrived, the director of this deaf school was out ill. The young man in charge was never told of our visit, but didn’t seem to miss a beat. These were deaf little kids ages 3-8. We were instructed that we could only take pictures in the main area NOT in our small groups. Heartbroken, we honored their requests. These kids were an absolute joy. The workers took great pride in their facility. We were shown their new beds, pillows, coverings, and such. Then we were taken further back and taken to a really well supplied “activity” room. Each little “cubby hole” area had a specific use; mini-kitchen to pretend cook, a well-stocked library, a sink for grooming, complete with each child having a bright colored comb hook with their names written on the handle. In yet another room, there was hearing equipment set up where student had “one on one” instruction for Russian Sign Language.

We had an absolute ball, enjoying a play that they prepared for us. It was a little bit different because we had to have the Russian interpret and then the deaf interpret the Russian. But, we all had a ball. There was much laughter and it seemed no lack of communication. In fact, while we were handing out gifts I was amazed at their ability to communicate with the hearing. It was very clear the child was interested in the sticker still in my bag NOT the one I tried to give her. She handed back the “reject” but then proceeded to only take the one gift she wanted. During their presentation, “Santa” handed each child a bag containing fruit. I noted the children running around and eating the pairs as we played.

Also, through an interpreter, a grandmother stood up and personally thanked us for our visit.

One thing that stands out in my mind from this site. I was having my own private war in my mind, struggling with whether or not I should hand out to the kids these little finger puppets. (I had taken 2 -gallon Ziplocks made by a church near the warehouse.) After all, I thought, they’ve already been given a lot; we have many more children and sites yet to visit. So my own private discussion continued. I had decided to “pack ‘r up.” Time was drawing near to the end, and I had been watching my clock and I still had aprons to deliver. At the last minute, I decided to give them to the teacher. I wish you could’ve heard and seen her face! She squealed with delight and immediately proceeded to tell me how important these finger puppets were to their work there with the kids, how important they are to the teachers. She was ecstatic! I was so glad the Lord placed that in my heart to do. From that moment on, I knew I had a new friend….a friend in which I couldn’t speak her language, but we had an understanding . How good our God is.

As I handed out aprons in the kitchen, it was nice to have a little bit of “extra” time to visit. I found out this particular facility had a sauna and a swimming pool. As I shared with the cooks, I noted they had made a bread similar to pretzels. The cook handed me one and only after she assured me this was not going to slight the children’s meal, I humbly took it. All the cooks had such big grins that we, in America would send gifts, love and prayers to them. The dough was a little sweeter than pretzel dough but quite tasty. They told Ksusha our interpreter to let those at home know of their gratitude.

Reported 2/2/2008 by Chris H. from Krasnoyarsk:

Today we completed our third day of visiting sites in Krasnoyarsk. The first stop of the day was the Rodnichok Children’s Home. The children here are social orphans, with the parental rights have been severed by court decree. Though the site had been arranged in advance, it became questionable if we would be allowed access to the children, possibly due to outside influences.

The director had some reservations and was somewhat hesitant about granting permission for us to minister to these children. As we waited on the bus, small prayer groups began petitioning God to breakdown any barriers. Soon came word that the director was letting us in.

We entered into a long hallway where the children were gathered, sitting in kid size chairs. Their faces appeared serious, but the were obviously curious. Caleb strummed the opening cords of "Shake a Hand". The Americans began clapping their hands and suddenly all those little faces were beaming, as were those of all the staff. Some of the children were clapping to the music, or trying their very best.

There was no shortage of volunteers to assist Gerald with his magic act which consisted of turning a red, white and blue scarves into the Russian flag. Abra-cadabra.

After several more demonstrations of God’s love (i.e. mending a broken heart by Ann and Jesus reuniting God and man by dying on the cross by Mark), it was time for small group presentations. Our team consisted of Peggy, Lise’ and myself. We were assigned to seven 3-4 year olds. Being too young to grasp the gospel bead presentation, we elected to show God’s love by just getting on the floor and playing with them. Books, stickers and toys were brought out to the delight of the children. A beach ball brought much entertainment and many smiles to the children’s faces as they threw it, usually to no one in particular. Finger puppets were a hit especially for one little boy who went and gathered them all up into a pocket book when the other children laid them down to pursue other amusements.

One little girl, initially outgoing, enjoyed throwing the puppets at me and having me return them by throwing them back at her. She would make pouncing motions at me and would smile when I did the same. Using my hand and wiggling my fingers, we played a short game of looking at one another through a group of other children. All was fun and smiles until I began crawling toward her on my hands and knees. She suddenly started crying and ran around a couch. One of the staff shrugged and smiled as if she did not know why she reacted this way either. Though later little girl would approach me, she was wary and would jump back if I raised my hand to wiggle my fingers at her.

If I stood up she would cross the room coming nearer but never near arm’s reach, only when I got back down on the floor. I wonder what the pathology is? Had she been attacked or scared by a dog? I saw no scars to indicate previous injury so I guess her fear will remain a mystery. I pray that God will bless this little girl whose name I don’t know and erase any mental scars shar has and that we planted seeds that will one day begin to grow within her and that she will become a child of God. I would like to see her one day in heaven, as well as all the children here, and ask her why she was afraid.

Reported 2/3/2008 by Fred K. from Krasnoyarsk:

Today is Sunday and I want to share a special encounter we had.  Last summer we visited a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center.  It was an extra site that we added at the last moment.  The center is in Divnogorsk about 1 hour from Krasnoyarsk. During our visit this summer we heard some incredible testimonies and met some wonderful people.

Today we visited the Divnogorsk church for Sunday worship and had a great time with the church members. After the service to our amazement two of the young people from the drug and alcohol rehabilitation center came to the front of the church. We recognized them immediately and we greeted and hugged each other. I pulled their picture out of my wallet which I have been carrying since we left this past summer.

They shared some exciting news with us. They will be getting married in two months!  Katja had been in a previous abusive relationship and had to flee that city where she once lived.

It is great when two God loving people find each other after having seen each other at their worst.  They have straighten their lives out and can now support each other with God’s help.

During our summer visit to the center the groom to be, Alexi, never smiled. This time he was flashing a big grin.  His teeth which were missing had now been replaced and he was no longer self concious about smiling or speaking. He had new teeth and a beautiful new fiance.

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.