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Dates: 8/12-8/26, 2008
Trip Report #1
Greetings from the team in Kazakhstan. We have had no phones or email access while at the orphanage, but we knew you were praying. It was an amazing time, following a totally unventful trip from the USA to get there. The driver has been great along with all other details. It couldn't have been better! Glory to Him. Our time with the children (3-7) was 5 days of Jesus, hugs and kisses, toys and treats. We have so many special things to report. We know that they know God loves them and that they can trust Jesus with their lives, no matter what. They are so precious, you can't imaging. Wish I could write all about Aynagool and her brother Alekim or the twins Samat and Samal or ..... ok you get the idea. The hard part is leaving. I was pretty messed up emotionally for a while. And, the children were crying with us as we left. This year we had much more interaction with the director, doctor and staff, all knowing that we love and represent Jesus. It does open doors for much more activity in the future if God directs and allows.
From the supercharged and blessed team of :
Joe Bunich, Irina Yurchenko, Mike Sprague + teammates here Zulfiya and Ayman
PS: Ask us about the meal at the camel farm later.
Trip Report #2
The executive summary, things are going wonderfully well, PTL!
- Have spent time with all but one of the pastors...Sergei says hello to everyone. They talk about how much it means to have people in America who know about and pray for them and their churches. Their jobs are tough.
- On the first day here, we had time with 6 of the 7 prayer focus people. The 7th will be here soon. Last night, we had a lengthy dinner with one of these folks and his wife with a tremendous time of witnessing. Joe hit him high and Irina shared quietly and effectly too while I prayed. I have each year and write to him about his need for salvation too. This was a good night.
- Today, we drove on some very challenging roads in Sergei's "new" car. Five of us were a tight fit. Spoke at two small church plants of Sergei's. One is in a home and one is in a barn. Yep! A dog passed out in the middle of the floor and 4 ducklings waddled through about 44 times. In sharing our testimony, it created lots of visiting afterward. A major Tootsie Pop enclave was created in good ol' Byelokamenka. (still sounds like Fiddler on the Roof)
- Tomorrow has another full schedule from early to late, but we're being so blessed, you can't believe it. Oh, sure you can!
Thanks to everyone for caring.
Mike for Irina and Joe
PS: Ask us about Joe and the pig...Irina and the grandmothers who love her...and me about the fall at the bazaar.
Trip Report #3
Our three components were Evangelism, Encouragement and personal spiritual growth. Pleased to report that all 3 are meshing so well. Major time with the pastors, each with major needs to visit and pray together. We're so blessed. While they say they are encouraged so much, we are the ones going away with more joy and awareness.
We've been in homes to pray for the sick and today will be having a time with a girl who has epilepsy very bad. God cares and we'll go to be used as He wishes. We also had great visits with Luba (the adulterer's wife) and her 8 kids; Oksana (the deserted wife) and her 4 incredible kids +++++
The team is feeling well, going full speed and feeling like we're making a difference. THINGS COULDN'T BE GOING BETTER! We know you're praying and are so glad.
Talked at length with Dr. Yevgennia (on our evangelism list) and she is coming back. Off to 2 church services today.
From the Kazakhstan Kids,
Joe, Irina and Mike + Zulfiya, Ayman
PS: Ask us about Joe and the guard dogs...Irina and her winning smile...Mike and the love from kids.
Pre-Trip Details for this trip with Mike S.:
To: Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country in the former Soviet Union, bordering China. Though it is becoming a bit more difficult for believers, the country is still open.
Purpose: Approximately half of the trip will be working and living with children in the orphanage in the village of Kara-Kastek. This will be like Vacation Bible School and tons of other interactions, lifting up Jesus despite the management being Muslim. The other half of the trip will involve more time with children in villages, and it will have the team encouraging lonely pastors and other believers, along with many natural evangelistic opportunities.
Overall: This will be the 8th trip to this country where about 47% of the people are nominally Muslim and 47% are Russian Orthodox. Only about 2% are evangelical Christians. There is some risk, but we've had no significant problems.There is no question that each team member will be “up close and personal” with Russian and Kazakh people, both redeemed and lost. We always have superb, believing interpreters to assist in communications.. God will put each of us where He wants us and with whom He wants us. We'll be ourselves
The travel is long, the weather will be just fine, the food will be different and good, the outhouses are outhouses, the friends & lives touched will be many, and the memories forever.
The team is meeting regularly, praying about and preparing for culture, food, travel, basic language, etc. |