Global Aid Network Mission Reports

Parting Reflections from Three Participants on the MCA Mission Trip to Russia. These were written on the return flight from Russia.

Reflections from Alec O. (Freshman at MCA):

In Russia I went on a home visit to some run down and older apartments. The woman that we visited was in her thirties and had two children.  Both had different fathers. Her apartment was very small, about the size of a standard bedroom. Everything was compact and organized into this tiny space. When we were talking to her, she said that her mother went to Kenya. What amazed me was that her mother said that they were so wealthy compared to the people in Kenya.  This was similar to what we thought of them. Hearing this made me realize that all the material things we have will perish, but the things that matter most like God, faith, and family last forever. That woman we visited was content with how she was living although her apartment was tiny and her son’s father doesn’t take care of her.  On this trip, I really realized that if you have nothing of material things but have faith, you will be better off than if you have everything in the world but no faith. I am so glad that I was able to have this awesome experience!

Scotty Z. (Junior at MCA):  I really enjoyed serving God with my friends and two of the staff at my school. One of the unique opportunities that we had was to put on a basketball clinic at a school for middle school aged kids. This worked out really well because one of my basketball coaches came along on the trip. We also had about eight students who played on our varsity school team to assist in the clinic. This gave us a special opportunity to tell them of Christ’s love for them. Please pray for the students who heard the gospel that day as well as the coach who has heard the Gospel but has not accepted Christ as his personal Savior. 

Another unique opportunity that I had was to travel to a family’s apartment with one of my friends. Most of our time with them was spent talking with the grandmother who was a Christian.  This family is going through a difficult time because they have an eight year old boy and an eleven month old girl who has a serious heart condition. She has had several surgeries and is going back to Moscow in April for a check-up.  Please pray for this family since the most of their funds are going toward the medical care of the young girl.  Pray too that the report will be positive and that the doctor would tell them the girl is free of all diseases.

Thank you so much for your support and prayers for us.

As reported by Jim W.:

We just completed our first day of ministry with team 3. We are conducting a modified vision clinic and are distributing aid.  It is a very good team.   Please pray that we have strength to finish strong and that the hearts and minds of people we talk to will be open to the Good News.

Report from Michael N (Freshman at MCA):  “This trip to Russia has been amazing. I felt like God is working in all of the people here to try to make life easier for the orphans. The Christians we worked with (evangelists and interpreters) have such a heart for spreading the good news of Christ and I am amazed how they are so on fire for God. Andre D is a 19 year old interpreter that I became very close with. He has made an impact on my life and I will never forget him. I hope to come back to Russia many times.”

Report from Emmie Z (Junior at Texas A&M University):  “I have been to Russia before and I always love coming. I love Russian culture. I love the Russian people and I love the Russian way of life. Something that has especially struck me this trip has been the Christians I’ve met. They are really living radically for Jesus. A group of believers is currently building a home for a couple and their two sons. But this house is no ordinary house. It is being built to accommodate 16 people so that this family can care for 12 orphans and up to 2 or 3 unwed girls who are pregnant. This whole project is completely unheard of and the Russian Christians hope it can be a “beacon of light” to the children as well as the surrounding communities. It has been so fun to work in ministry with these Christians and I love knowing that the work we as Americans did in the orphanages, sanatoriums, schools and homes will be continued and followed up by the Russian believers.”

Reflections by Rebekah J (Freshman at MCA): “I have seen a parable. I did not read it to learn it. I did not hear it to learn it. I saw it and learned it. Jesus told us the story of the woman who had two coins. Even though she had nothing else to live on, she gave those two coins as an expression of love to the one who had given it to her in the first place. Last Tuesday, our first place of outreach was an orphanage. It was my first ever try to connect with Russian kids. Marina, our interpreter and I went and chatted with the kids. We sang songs I haven’t heard since I was eight. We made crafts in their classrooms and played with various stuffed animals. Then came my favorite part of every visit - passing out the Care Packs. All the kids, even the ones who were shy, oohed and ahhed and smiled so big I thought their teeth would fall out. The first thing opened invariably was the prized Snickers bar. One kid saved his though, and I didn’t know why. Later on, as we went to their dorms, a boy I had talked to named Arthakeesha came to me. He held out his Snickers bar to me. I totally was not expecting it - he had seemed indifferent to our visit. I told him I could get those at home and that he should keep his. He nodded his head yes and pushed it back to me. ‘Thank you, Thank you so much,’ I said. He walked away with nothing but a straight face. Arthakeesha had done it like it was not something out of the ordinary. When you have been given to, give away. He didn’t care he didn’t have hardly anything. He just gave what he had. Americans have been given so much. Learn from the Russian orphan and give to the One who has given us everything. He is worthy of every praise as our merciful Savior and Lord!”

Reflections from Jeff aka Coach A (Coach at MCA): “Immediately upon arrival in Vladimir it became clear that this was a city in need of the love of Christ. From utilitarian architecture to the nearly universal drabness of clothing to the complete lack of smiles on the street, this seemed like a place under a cloud of sorrow. Common courtesy, laughter, and even color seemed almost out of place in Vladimir. I believed I would be carrying a light and joy to the Russians, something they had not experienced before. I was wrong … they were the ones who brought a light and joy to me. A group of young men at an addiction rehabilitation center sang for joy about Christ. Single moms living in slums prepared welcomes and delicious meals. Van drivers carried crucial supplies to those struggling spiritually and economically. But, most of all, Maxim smiled and laughed and hugged. He is four years old, blond haired and blue-eyed. He lives in an orphanage because of abandonment and parental drug addiction. He was withdrawn and afraid until, suddenly, he ran into my arms. He wanted to play, draw, put stickers on paper, and use his new comb. Whatever he wanted to do was fine with me. I came to Russia to share the love of Christ, I received it, instead. Maxim brought me light and joy in a way I’d never experienced before. I just wish I didn’t have to put him down. 

Reflections from Duane regarding activities on the last 2 days of mission trip:  “Saturday morning gave each of us mixed emotions since it was our last day in Vladimir. We had made many wonderful friends, seen many sights, visited and helped many children, visited homes, and fellowshipped with some dear brothers and sisters. On the one hand we didn’t like the thought of leaving yet we also were looking forward to getting back with friends and families.  It was very appropriate that we were reminded by Emily C (Sophmore at MCA) at our morning devotions after breakfast of the importance of trusting the Lord in all things as she shared from Proverbs 3:5-6.  

After breakfast we loaded up all of our luggage into the bus and 8 people visited 8 homes in Vladimir in teams of two. Each team took a bag of food and some other gifts for the family. Each family was a very poor and needy family identified by our partner ministries in Vladimir and the purpose was to encourage those who were believers and to share God’s love with those who were not believers. Some of the families visited were contacts from an abortion clinic or a recent evangelistic campaign called “Power to Change”.

The rest of the group went to Lunovo where an orphanage/foster home is being built to house 12 orphans.  One of our team bought and brought a chain saw to be used at the orphanage. The guys on our team helped clean up outside and chopped a lot of wood which is used to keep the house warm. The ladies on the team helped sweep and clean the inside of the house and the joined the guys to try their hand at using an axe. While our team was working, our hosts were cooking chicken and pork shashlik over an outside fire for lunch. What an incredible feast we had with our interpreters and the Christians we worked with during our time in Vladimir.

After lunch we all boarded the bus for a three hour ride back to Moscow. Upon arrival back in Moscow we checked into our hotel before taking the subway to downtown Moscow to have dinner at the first McDonalds that was built in Russia. Everyone had enjoyed the experience of eating Russian food throughout the week but at this point cheeseburgers, hamburgers and milkshakes were the items most ordered. From there we walked to Red Square
and had a wonderful night time view of St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin. By the time we took the subway back to the hotel it was late and time for a good night’s rest.

Sunday began with a breakfast buffet followed by shopping at Izmailova souvenir market. In the afternoon the group took a tour inside the Kremlin and after dinner enjoyed a wonderful evening performance of the Moscow Circus.

As I reflect over the past week, I picture the 400+ children we visited at six orphanages, one public school, one shelter for runaway children, and one youth detention center. In addition, I reflect on the midweek church service, the youth group meeting, the 35 homes visited and the basketball clinic at a village school. I see the face of the head doctor at the Baby Orphanage who was so grateful for the diapers and desperately needed medicines they needed. I see the MCA students
as they interacted with English students at a Teacher’s College. I hear MCA students saying things like: “Russia is the coolest place ever” and “I hope I can come back”. I see the tears of several who were moved with compassion and love for the children at the baby orphanage. And finally I remember of Pastor Anton who challenged us to “burn for the Lord”.

It’s been a great trip. The Lord was good! And it was great fun. Thanks to all you parents and friends who supported us and prayed for us.”

Greetings. We just returned from the Baby House. What a time.  On the one hand we were impressed with the caregivers and the attention the children were receiving. On the other hand our eyes were moist as we realized that all 103 children were there because they were there because their parents could not or would not care for them.  As we visited one room, Scott Z. put out his arms and one little boy literally ran into his arms.  What precious children they were. As I walked through some rooms and had some time to play with the children, I felt helpless in many ways but I was impressed to pray for each child - that the Lord would bless them and provide a family for them and that they would grow up and decide to follow Jesus. Our team was able to bless them with some sugar, diapers and some much needed medicines.  They thanked us over and over again especially for the diapers and medicines.  What a joy it was to be the arms of Jesus.

Report from Savannah B. (Junior at MCA) from reflections on Wednesday, March 13:  Russia is so much more than I could have ever imagined it to be.  I am having such an awesome time here. This morning we went to a center for Children with disabilities.  We were given a tour of the facilities and the children sang and danced for us.  They were adorable!  They even invited us to come up and dance with them.  We split into smaller groups and Mrs. Z. shared a Bible story with the kids. They were so excited to receive their care packages and their faces lit up as they dug through their new crayons, stickers, and pencils. I am still amazed at how open and loving the children were.  They were not at all hesitant to jump up in laps, give hugs, and pose for pictures.  I can definitely understand why Christ had such a love for children. Their faces, their laughter, their hearts reflect the beauty of the Lord.

Russia is awesome and the week is going way too fast!

Report from Duane regarding our visit to a village school where we hosted a basketball clinic:

One Wednesday, most of our group went to a village school about 40 minutes outside of Vladimir.  Our main purpose in going there was to host a basketball clinic for their basketball players. Several of the MCA varsity basketball players participated along with Coach Anderson.  Coach Anderson ran basketball skills for the first hour. The Americans would demonstrate the drill and then the Russian players would run the drills as the students helped coach them and guide them. It was a great spirit of cooperation.  Before the scrimmages began, Coach Anderson shared a few words with everyone about the importance of developing good basketball skills but also how there are life and character skills and qualities that equally need to be developed.  Then the games began!  We played four on four and had equal number of Russians and Americans on the teams.  The girls played first and then the guys played while trying to apply the skills they had learned.  While the guys played, Emmie Z. and Savannah B. took all the girls to a different room and had the opportunity to share with the girls.  They shared about themselves using pictures they had brought but then shared the gospel also.

At the end the Russian boys challenged the American boys to a four on four game that lasted 7 minutes.  The Russians won 6 to 4. 

The Russian coach thanked us over and over again and invited Coach Anderson and all the players to come back again to help them.  Unfortunately our time did not allow this. Maybe this can happen on a future trip.

Andrew L. (Senior) wrote on Thursday morning, March 13: We have all been to the airport and participated in the chaos that proceeds. We have also been on 2 hour and 3 hour bus rides, flights and handled those with no problem. But 10 hour flights are a little more challenging, whether it be the delicious food, the company and roomy space the airline provides for your legs, or the wonderful movie selection. As grueling as the journey over here was, I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we would have traveled twice this long to do what we are doing. We got the opportunity of a life time to tour the Red Square, which is in fact neither red or square. The Red Square contained several beautiful pieces of architecture. For example, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin which we had the wonderful opportunity to tour.
The first missions day, we were thrown into the heart of Russian culture. We were given a task, russian rubles, and an interpreter. Our tasks ranged from buying 25 pounds of fish (with no heads) to buying vacuum cleaners. That afternoon, we delivered care packages to an orphanage for children in the morning. Later that day we visited a Christian Rehab Center where we had food, singing and devotions.
The second day, groups visited another orphanage where we played with the children and handed out CarePacks. Then we visited a teacher’s college where we visited with some english speaking students. That evening we went to one of our interpreter’s church where we participated in the service. Our third day of ministry has not happened yet but I am sure it will be as exciting as the first two.

Report submitted by Allison H. (senior) on March 13:  Yesterday we went to an orphanage for children with learning disabilities. It was so incredible!  The children were so loving and kind. They were grateful that we were there and they loved their gifts!  We could all definitely learn from their lovely spirits. Even with the language barrier, we were able to show God’s love to these children. After we left we alked around the town of Suzdal. We got to see the beautiful architecture of the Russian orthodox churches. It was so beautiful. I wish we had buildings like those in America. I have seen so much and have learned so much from the people of Russia. I love it here!

Report submitted by Thomas L. (sophmore) on March 13:  Yesterday (March 12) was amazing! We went to a disability orphanage and a teacher’s college. The teacher’s college was mainly girls but there were 2 guys in our group of about 8 people. After I “broke the ice” with them, they started asking questions about how I liked Russia but hey were more interested in America. Everyone of these young women (ages 17-20) wanted to go to America. They know just about everything about the American media nd movies. It was a great experience other than the part of the girls asking me to go on a walk and the movies with then. It made me realize how lucky I am and how another country’s people want to be in America. God has blessed me and every American is blessed. Since we are blessed also as Christians I am impressed how important it is to spread our love and God’s love around the world.

Lastly from Duane Z.: we were privileged to hear from Pastor Anton at breakfast this morning. He is the pastor of the Wesleyan Church in Vladimir. He shared how he was brought up as an atheist but as a 15 year old he was invited to a summer camp that was hosted by some Christians. As he listened to the Christians speak that week, he set out to prove to himself and them that God does not exist. When he asked them to prove it, he was looking for scietific proof but they couldn’t provide that. Everytime he brought up questions, they kept pointing him back to the scriptures. They told him that he was a sinner. He admitted that he had no problem with that fact. They spoke of Jesus. Anton agreed that Jesus was a nice person. But what impressed him the most was that these Christians talked of a personal God and that they knew Him personally. This really made him stop and consider that if there is a God, and if he was a sinner, then he had no problem with asking God for forgiveness. He figured he had nothing to lose. So he prayed his thoughts to God. Anton shared how he woke up the next morning feeling different and he couldn’t explain it. But as he talked with the Christians they helped him understand and then grow as a Christian. He was discipled by a pastor and now Anton is a pastor himself.  Anton the proceeded to challenge us to have a “fire for God”. He shared from the scriptures where this fire comes from and he challenged us of the importance of reading God’s word and how that has a direct affect on our passion for the things of God.
We closed in agreeing that we have seen much this week that must grieve amd touch the heart of God. Our prayer is that we would see people the way He sees them and that we would be touched with compassion the way God is as we visit the children in the orphanage. And then our prayer is that we would burn with the “fire of God” as we return back to America.

As reported by Jim W.:

We are just completing week two. The McKinney Christian Academy kids were fantastic.  The week was a great success in all ways and we give all the praise and thanks to God.  The kids travel home tomorrow afternoon.  And then on Saturday, week three folks arrive.  Please be praying as we conduct our scaled down vision clinic. We have added aid distribution and we are excited to see how God will use this team.

Report from Vladimir – March 12, 2008

Report submitted by Winston R. (Freshman at MCA) from experiences on March 11: Today I felt that I really progressed in my walk with God and drew closer to Him. We spent time with orphans and taught them the message of Christ and gave them supplies. We also visited an Alcohol and and Drug Abuse Recovery Center and had a time of fellowship, worship and good food. I have also drawn closer to my friends who attended this mission trip and I look forward to helping all I can in the upcoming days and serving others to the best of my ability.

Report submitted by Amanda D. (Senior at MCA) after a home visit – March 12, 2008: I went on a home visit and met a mother with a sick child. He was a normal child until he was one year old, when his eyes started crossing and he was having epileptic seizures. They went on Russian TV to raise funds to go to Germany because doctors here were not willing or able to help him here. Once they went to Germany, they were given the tragic news that surgery would have helped earlier, but now it was too late, and he did not have long to live. The mother held her child as we tried to comfort her and give her hope. I had empathy for the child’s mother, because I know the deep pain that goes along with sickness. It hurt my soul to see this child so ill and helpless. My mother was able to relate to the mother because she knows how heartbreaking it is to see a healthy child become ill and suffer as she has watched me suffer through immense pain.

We prayed for the woman to have peace and hope, and to give the doctors wisdom. It had a huge impact on me to see two mothers that don’t even speak the same language look into each other’s eyes, crying because they knew each other’s pain. I spoke to the mother about the role of suffering in a Christian’s life. I explained that the Lord uses pain to bring us closer to Him. It’s hard because we are used to relying on ourselves, but through times of suffering we learn to rely on Him. We are too weak to keep going on our own. I told her she must never lose hope. The Lord spoke through me to that mother. I began weeping because since I have felt chronic pain, I intensely feel the pain of other sick people. I laid hands on the child and spoke with authority that was not my own but the Holy Spirit speaking through me. I asked God to heal him completely and that he would be able to live a normal life, and walk and run again. I will go home changed because I have seen how the Lord uses our situations to encourage others and bring them to Him. Please join me in prayer for this family.

As reported by Duane Z.:

Greetings from Vladimir. What an incredible day we had! Our day began at 8am with breakfast and we looked at the story of Peter walking on the water and were reminded of the importance of taking steps of faith. We asked God to give us opportunities to take those small steps of faith even today. Our first activity was to meet our Russian interpreters and then go out in groups of four on a shopping trip to the market. Each group was given a list and our mission was to buy things like 250 kg of sugar, 25 kg of fish, bread, oranges, a vacuum cleaner and many other items. It was a fun exercise of sudden immersion in the culture. The items bought included gifts that we will be delivering to the sights we visit this week. Included were items for our lunch. Back at the hotel we prepared our own sandwiches for lunch and the departed for the Barskoe Orphanage.

Barskoe Orphanage was about an hour out of town and upon arrival we were greeted by about 30 children. The children had special needs but were wonderful kids. Our group gave a short program and then we split into three groups where we did crafts, shared our stories through pictures and visited the rooms they lived in. The MCA kids had a great time loving on these special children. Lots of hugs and smiles were exchanged. It was hard to pull away and waves and tears were part of the good byes. From there we traveled another 45 minutes to a Christian Rehabilitation Center. About 35 men and women are at this center for recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Our group presented a program which included music, a testimony from Allie H. and a short message from Coach Anderson. We were told later that the men and women were touched by the message and our time with them. We also had the privilege of eating dinner with them and the staff. It was fun to see several of the students take the initiative to show their pictures as they chatted with the residents. We arrived back at the hotel around 10 pm and after assembling about 200 CarePacks, everyone went off to get a good night’s rest. In closing, everyone is well. We are rejoicing at God’s goodness and are looking forward to another great day tomorrow. Please continue to pray for us.

As reported by Jim W.:

We just completed day two of our mission trip with the high school students fom McKinney Christian Academy.  They painted the inside of a church today. Tomorrow we visit an orphanage. Thanks for your prayers.  Everything is going so well.

As reported by Jim W.:

(Sunday, March 9)

We completed our first week in Jamaica.  Our medical team saw over 400 patients in Kingston and had so many opportunities to share Christ.  We are now in Montego Bay with the students from McKinney Christian Academy. We have our first ministry day tomorrow.

(Thursday, March 6)

We just completed the last day of our medical clinic in Kingston Jamaica. It went so very well.  We were able to treat and bless just around 400 patients.  And we are donating a large supply of medications to the Mona Baptist Church in Kingston.  They work with a number of local doctors to conduct a medical clinic two days every week. The medications will be a huge blessings.

Thank you so much for your prayers.  Our next team comes into Montego Bay on Saturday. We have a group of high school students coming from McKinney Christian Academy near Dallas, Texas.

(Tuesday, March 4)

We just finished the second day of our medical mission in Jamaica. Over the first two days we have seen 180 patients. It has been a blessing to them and to our team members. Many touching stories have been told.

The first two days we worked out of Mona Baptist Church in Kingston. This church is near a very poor neighborhood.  Wednesday and Thursday we will be working out of a church plant in Mammee River. This is a very poor community just outside the city limits of Kingston.  Please pray that we can help them physically and that they will be open to the love of God and the Good News of Jesus.

(Monday, March 3)

We just completed our first day of medical clinic in Jamaica. It went very well. We say 80 patients with only our doctor. Tomorrow we have a Jamaican doctor working alongside Dr. Weston.  They tell us that more will come tomorrow. We are grateful to the Lord.

First a praise. The signatures were secured early this morning so our medical staff was working all day.  We are grateful.

Now the prayer. The prescription meds have not arrived from the Netherlands. This is unfortunate. However, the doctor is writing prescriptions and the folks will have to stop by later to pick up their meds.

Many lives were touched today, including many on the team. They are wonderful.