One more sunset in Udmurtia. . .

As the train heads west once more and as I look out across this vast land called Russia, many questions still remain to be answered.  Will there actually be six Udmurt churches across this republic which will faithfully continue to proclaim the gospel til the Lord returns?  Will the Udmurt people who have responded so far to the gospel remain faithful and wait on the Lord to raise up such churches? And will I be able to see it?  That's what I'm asking of the Lord as I watch this sunset of July 23, 2013. I'm also looking for many more people to join me in that prayer that depends entirely on the grace of God and our Lord Jesus Christ....."now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask and think, to Him be honor, and glory forever".  Ephesians 3:20

So what is all this about UDMURTS......

"the people of the woods", is how their cultural heritage is referred to.  Many still hold to the beliefs of nature being their provider.  They still have songs of praise at their festivals about the ancient stories of the sun, the trees,and how their lives owe a debt of gratitude to these gods. But some Udmurts have turned to Jesus Christ and are preaching His message of salvation.  The prayer is for 6 self sustaining evangelical, Udmurt churches located throughout the whole republic.  

Here are some of my favorite Udmurts that have become dear friends over the past few years.  

Valodya and Valentina Kuznetsov and some of his children, and Olga Pislogova of the UdmurtArt Shop.

How do you say goodby...

...the way all our friends in Udmurtia do it is with lots of flowers, gifts, hugs, and themselves showing up at the train station to see us off.  Thanks you all for being so loving and gracious.
"beloved, let us love one another for love is of God and everyone who loveth is born of God and knows God...." I John 4:7-8

Youth camp, Russian style....

No one will ever accuse our team of girls of being 'spoiled Americans'....well at least they will be absolutely wrong if they do.  These girls are doing a great ministry in this Russian youth camp out by the lake at a little place called Babino.  At first it was was tough, sleeping in tents on the ground, eating Russian style and listening to everything in Russian language ( did I mention the bathroom is basically girl trees or boy trees, and of course the lake).  Now however, they have made many friends and are fitting in just fine.  Very proud of them.  Here are some photos of them in action today (Thursday).  

Please pray for Taylor Black, the 5th member who is down with an ear infection.  We're very thankful for some other members of our team living here to provide a safe place for her and trips to the doctor. The Lord is so faithful to provide for all our needs.  God bless!

Brad in Sergey's bread factory....

Pictures in Chur....

The ' sufferings and faith of Job' with some people who know a little about the subject themselves....

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I would someday be sitting in a public library, in the former Soviet Union, in a place where AK 47s are still being made helping in a Bible study on the book of Job and planting more gospel seeds that somehow, again greater than I can imagine, the Lord will use to multiply into more fruit to His glory!  Who knows how long such opportunities will be open, but for now, in spite of a world filling up with apathy towards God and His salvation, here He abides in a little Russian town called Chur.  

Blessings, and more.....

The apostle Paul found himself many times back at places he had visited before and had developed many close friendships.  I know how he felt.  And, the only way to explain it is that God did it.  This evening we celebrated the 30 th anniversary for Sergey and Tanya, (center)our dear friends in whose home we're staying this time and also the 9 th anniversary for their son Dima, and Katie(right).  Their daughter Olga, husband Rashad, and granddaughter, Alyssa also were there.  

To hear the testimonies of how God is working in this family's life is a blessing in itself, but to be part of the ongoing work of God in it and to see it grow in their lives and the little church in Chur is indescribable!  To God be the glory!  Great things He IS doing !

Some plant, some water, and some mow yards...

  The girls from the team are at the youth camp this week.  Aside from Allison missing 2 days with sore throat and Taylor battling allergies, they are doing good.  I'm very proud of this team for 'toughing'  it out even when they encounter the trials along the way.  Continue to pray for them as they overcome the large obstacle of language barriers and let the Lord use them to touch many hearts just by being available to Him.  Camps are a challenge anyway, but to do it in Russian can tax your brain cells.  

  So what are jack and Sara doing while the girls are at the camp... Mowing the grass at Sergey and Tanya's house.  

Hello to you from Nikita and Jack...

Two years ago I met a young man named Nikita here in the town of Chur.  I began asking people to pray for him and now I would like to introduce him to you.  Even though he is still skittish of the camera, he has definitely been touched in his heart by the Lord this past week.  He came most every day and on Thursday his mom was there also.  I don't know when he will respond to God's call on his life, but now I know he has heard God's voice and is at least listening.  Thank you for praying.  He is just one of millions.

Behind the scenes at Chur Church...

What happens before such wonderful turnouts as we had for vbs this week and people responding to Jesus?  How is it that a true love and friendship develops between people who are culturally and geographically so separated?  I think it is here in this place with this small group of people who are stepping out in faith and PRAYING to "the Lord of the harvest" and He is blessing.  They met this evening to bring their praise and petitions to the one whose power can 'calm the storms' and 'raise the dead'.  

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above you Heavenly hosts.  Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!  Amen!

...and more pictures of Chur vbs...

Pictures of VBS at Chur this week...

Last day of vbs...but new day for many! PTL

This is the final group for vbs at Chur this week!  The love of Jesus Christ was heard by all and many want to know Him and understand all that it means.  The gospel was proclaimed in word and in action.  One lady said "yes, I want that living water" and asked Jesus for it just as it happened to a woman at the well, 2000 years ago.  Our American team topped it off with Taylor, Rachel,Tessa, Allison, and Katie singing so beautifully "Holy, Holy, Lord God, Almighty".

Jesus was definitely "in the house"!!!

Very hot, but very blessed...

It has been a huge blessing to watch our team of girls from Bull Shoals and Benton grow in their love  for these children of Chur. Allison Backus is finding a whole new avenue for her giftedness in art. She's doing many drawings of the experiences here and being a blessing with that skill.  All the girls have been such a blessing to the ladies of the church in helping in preparing meals and clean up.....Jesus says these girls are GREAT in His Kingdom!

Tired bodies...revived hearts!

It's hot over here! Not only does it rain on the just and unjust, it is just as hot for all as well. Each day for games the older ones walk from the church to soccer field to play during their rec time. It's only 1/2 mile but very hot.  The 'heat' does not overcome the fun they have though, because each day they return with smiles and stories about various new observations that they have discovered about Brad's soccer playing.  In other words Brad is developing quite ministry here.  What a blessing
The girls on our team are just great.  They are making such connections with the children and each side growing ' in their love for each other'.  The gospel in action is certainly visible and breaking the language barrier.
The main prayer request is that the ministry and love will continue after the Americans are gone and God's will be done here in this part of the earth.

Great first day of VBS at Chur...

Today was a great start for our VBS...35 +kids showed up and the team of Russians and Americans working together did wonderful.  Some young people from Resurrection church shared the teaching duties and the American team helped with games and crafts as well as feeding. It all was a normal first day adjustment for us as everything is in Russian but our group did great.  It is very hot here, but it is raining  a little tonight so maybe it will cool down some for tomorrow.
Some of our young people will be sharing their testimonies about coming to faith in Christ.  Each day one or two will share. Pray for the Lord to use all of these things to touch hearts for him

Feeding the multitudes....

We only had 35 this morning for our first day of vbs at Chur... But in as small kitchen it seemed like more.  Praising the Lord for a great turnout,   The team did great overcoming language barriers and touching hearts.  Thanks for praying,

Finally....

After leaving on Wednesday, flying Thursday all day and night, hiking through Moscow Friday, arriving in Izhevsk Saturday by train, hotel with no Internet and FINALLY the little town of Chur tonight at our friends Sergey and Tanya's house....Sunday evening ....I'm finally getting to write in this blog post.....
Busy is not even close to what we've been doing.  But we praise the Lord everyone is safe , well, and ready for first day of Bible school tomorrow here in this little town.
We were privileged to be at a baptism with Resurrection church at the lake the morning...four men and one lady...really great!
Sorry, no pictures yet...maybe tomorrow.  Thanks for prayer...the Lord is blessing ....more later!

C'Bogum
Jack, Sara,  &Brad

Udmurtia, "the people of the woods"...

Even though we've made this trip many times since 2006, it's always a great mystery as well a store house of blessings as what will it be like.  This team is a mixture of some who have been there and some who have never been out of Arkansas. They are beginning to form as a team,  and it looks like a lot of blessings ahead.  They are'watching out for each other and getting to know our limitations.  Thanks for your prayers as we move on to Russia tonight then Udmurtia tomorrow.   ;