The Sheep came home. . .

"What is it with you people? You pray for my lost sheep and they come back. You laugh when you sing, yet your not drinking." Later this Udmurt man prayed and became a lost sheep found after witnessing the Lord's answer to the prayer about his own sheep that had been lost for 4 days.
What a wonderful way to start and finish a Monday.
" I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene. . . " is still a great song, especially when you get to watch it!

blessings from the land of the 'people of the woods'
Jack

We're here. . . .

After an overnight in Moscow, a slight, nerve challenge of losing Brad for about 15 minutes while there, and the 18 hours of rock and roll ( that's the short description of a Russian train ride) we are blessed to be here finally in the land of Udmurts. . . the 'people of the woods'.
Getting to see our many friends that have been developed over the past few years, making new ones as we met up with some folks from America, and having a great time of fellowship with all is part of the blessing. Another blessing is watching Brad adapt to all the new stuff. . . in particular Russian language. . . he loves Russian pop music. He sings along as if he knows the songs?
The relationship that has developed over the past few years is now one of those 'treasures in Heaven' things. . . to see other friends of the King and watch how they've grown and what He's doing with them is great.
We'll have more news later with pictures next time. Thanks for praying.

Hello from Red Square in Moscow Russia. . .

We made it this far. Had a very smooth trip. Thanks for praying. It was good to see some of our friends here and spend some time with them. It seems they've gone through some American food 'deprivation' problems so where's the first place we ate. . . . . McDs. . . . yes, it's everywhere.
Now Brad is an official Russian tourist. . .He's been to Red Square.
We'll have more to tell tomorrow. Got to get rid of a little jet lag tonight. Keep praying!

Jack, Sara, and Brad

Brad is going to Udmurtia. . .

We practiced last year with Brad flying to Seattle to see the whales. But, three hour plane rides are short compared to the eleven hour jaunt from Atlanta to Moscow. Pray for us as we slide across the air currents of the Atlantic for another adventure with the Lord in Udmurtia.

This trip is especially for Brad because he will be ministering to a bunch of disabled young people and parents at a place I call "Hope House". It is a faith operated organization in Izhevsk, Udmurtia that helps such families. They are planning a special 'get together' for the clients and Brad will sing and play his harmonica for them. Yes, there will also be a Special Olympics photo showing. It always amazes me when we can watch the Lord take such simple things as a smile and an song from the heart and turn someone's world into a heavenly place.

"A Cup of Cold Water". . . .

As we return to Udmurtia again, it will involve meeting some new friends that have been made by the two young men sitting here with the man in the yellow shirt. They were helping him with some projects around his farm house. We look forward to watching how God is at work here in these people's lives and being there as He directs us in anything we might do to make a contribution.

If you've been praying please keep going. It is making a difference. You are as much a part of such work as those who are there.

Stay tuned and we will tell you some incredible stories about Acts 29.

Blessings

Jack & Sara

Surrender brings Freedom!

Onesimus was led by the Lord to surrender himself back to his 'master' Philemon. Not an easy thing to do when he had stolen from him and ran away. All through scripture the Lord leads people back to their place of fear. Abraham with Isaac the son of promise. Jacob with Esau. Me with speaking to groups of people ( I came very close to passing out as a junior in high school while making a speech ). But the Lord changes everything. He really does change us. Surrender to Him brings real freedom. When He challenges your faith this week with such trials as forgiving a wrong, holding your tongue, loving the unlovable, prayerfully surrender and watch the master reward you with His love and peace.

blessings
Jack

Rea Valley Baptist on the webb. . .

Rea Valley Baptist is now (for better or worse) on the internet. Cyberspace, high-tech, 21st century here we are. For now all that is available is who the pastor is ( me), Randy the youth pastor / outdoor ministry leader and a map on how to get to the church (sort of). You need to turn left after you come to the end of the 'google blue line' or you'll be sitting at the intersection looking at a sign that says "Rea Valley Baptist" to the left.
Anyway, pray for us as we learn how to use this; hopefully to God's glory and not just for another amusing site to visit on the internet ( although Randy's picture could fall into that catagory).
All of it will improve as we go along and make improvements.