Seventeen members of BPC jumped out of their USA boat and spent 8 days in Vologda, Russia, serving orphans and the Christian Russian staff that nurture them. A 10 hour flight on Thursday, June 22 from Atlanta to Moscow for a Friday overnight stay, followed by a “steamy” 9 hour Saturday overnight train ride brought us to Vologda at 5am on a Sunday morning. Un-air conditioned train cars and hotel rooms in the midst of a heat wave throughout the week reminded us all of the conveniences we had left behind. But as our journey progressed we were awesomely blessed with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to break bread with fellow Christians in another part of the world, to encourage their work and come along side them to help fulfill God’s purpose in that place. The children were precious and tender spirited. Their smiling faces beamed with joy as they embraced us each day upon our arrival. The youngest children’s excitement was evident as we made our way down the hallway toward their room on the second floor and heard them giggling and squealing with excitement shouting “they’re coming, they’re coming” (in Russian). Their hugs and holding of our hands are eternal bonds with each of us. Crafts, games, singing, sports and fellowshipping were the activities through which God’s love was demonstrated to all during that week. In our time of staff togetherness, Russian and Americans shared testimonies and sang (simultaneously in Russian and English) hymns of praise to our Lord. God abundantly sustained the 17 of us “Goers” who were sent by another 360 “Senders” who stayed and prayed or financially supported this effort. So, when the children were touched by the 17 “Goers”, they were actually feeling almost 380 people that God had chosen to love them for a while that week. But maybe not for just this one time. Another trip to Vologda is in the planning stages and may occur in either March or June 2007. If you have an interest in being used by God in ways that you may have never imagined, think about a short term mission trip like this one. Trust Him and He will show you great and marvelous things – things you will never know any other way. For information about the Russia trip that just ended or the trip being planned, contact Barry or Suzy Gaeddert. The 17 “Goers” that were sent by the 360 “Senders” who stayed and prayed/supported were: Nancy Armstrong; Laura & Belinda Bing; Judy Bray; Kelly Erwin; Barry, Suzy, Zachary & Micah Gaeddert; Mary Gosney; Tamara (Tammy) Rice; John Riddle & Sherry LeMaster; and Paul, Jill, Rachel & Lizzie Schroeder. If you see them, ask them to tell you their story. The spark of the Holy Spirit may just set you on fire to be “Sent”.

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