Russia Update

After touring St. Petersburg and eating a traditional six course meal at a restaurant, the team has now officially arrived at the orphanage, which is about one and a half hours from St. Petersburg. The orphanage sits among beautiful, lush woods. Their first meal at the orphanage was liver and fresh vegetables from their garden. Welcome to missions!! They have had a great time playing with the children who are there. Susan Ripley reported that some of the men are a bit sore from playing soccer with the children.

They will begin their Vacation Bible School tomorrow instead of Monday. The children have already enjoyed trying out their English and our folks are relieved to have four amazing interpreters. In fact, all four interpreters are part of the Buckner follow-up staff. After our team departs, these staff will return to the orphanage on a weekly basis to continue to teach the children about Jesus. Two of the interpreters are originally from Turkey and were formerly Muslim before becoming followers of Jesus Christ.

Susan asked that we pray for them as they begin Vacation Bible School. Also pray for good rest as they adjust to the timechange. They are 9 hours ahead of us, so you can pray for them while they're sleeping. She also said to be praying for the language barrier. Pray that God would help them all learn to communicate with each other, with and without words. She reported that the whole team is doing great and really glad to finally be with the children.

Let's do our part in missions and pray for our missionaries.

"Russia Bound" has arrived!

The Russia team has just arrived safely in in St Petersburg! Please continue to pray for smooth and safe travel, fruitful time and the furthering of God's word in unexpected ways!