Into High Gear at Krasnoyarsk

After a few adjustments and some much needed rest, we got into high gear at the Krasnoyarsk module today (Tuesday). It is being sponsored by Grace Church of Krasnoyarsk, a church of several hundred and the “mother church” of the region. For those of you who like geography, Krasnoyarsk is a relatively large city (nearly 900,000 according to the 1995 census) located in southern Siberia in the Krasnoyarsk region (which stretches from the Arctic circle in the north to Mongolia in the south). As I mentioned briefly in the previous blog, it is a beautiful area. Just south of the city is a mountain range that reminds me of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. We spent some time in the mountains yesterday just relaxing and enjoy God’s “natural revelation”. We hiked about 5 km (uphill!!) to some spectacular rock formations or pillars as the locals call them. We also (on Sunday evening) drove to some stunning overlooks of a large river that flows through the area. With a couple of days off, coupled with strenuous exercise, I have finally rediscovered sleep. Thank you for your prayers as we are all feeling better and stronger. Slava Bogu.

We completed our first day with the Krasnoyarsk students, many of whom are locals involved in churches and various Christian ministries—and others who traveled hundreds of miles to attend. A bright group with lots of questions. Their hunger and insights (gained from the first module conducted back in March which Wayne taught alone) is a confirmation that God is at work here. There is a definite sense that the teaching going on is a good investment in the future here. Again I thank God for His kindness and mercy in allowing me to be a part of what God is doing.

Concerning the above-mentioned adjustments, the house where we all were originally staying was a bit cramped. A family of five suddenly invaded by four guests was a bit of a stretch for a small apartment with one bathroom. In order to spread out things, I agreed to move in with a family of three: Vadim, Ira, and their 14 year old son, Artyom. They know almost no English. Since I have a limited Russian vocabulary, I am getting stretched. But we are having a good time. Ira is a world class cook. Everything is really good. Her pancakes are legendary—especially when you pour sweetened condensed milk on top of them. At first, I thought they had killed the fatted calf for me. Now I realize that they are going to make me into a fatted calf if I keep this up. They are really spoiling me. They won’t even let me make my bed!! Vadim is a handy man who has done a nice job remodeling their tiny condominium. It looks a little more like an American home than most because it is so beautifully finished—and immaculately clean. Vadim loves to talk—so between my limited Russian and his pantomime, we are having some interesting conversations. Artyom (their son) is a bright young man with a good sense of humor. He loved the Trunk Monkey commercials on my computer. He desires one day to be a lawyer. They all seem to love the Lord and are quick to deflect praise to Him. Living standards in this part of the world are quite different from the USA. The typical home (i.e. condo or apartment) is around 500 sq. feet. But being here reminds me that we can learn to adapt and be content with less than the “wide open spaces” to which we Americans have become all too accustomed. It is good preparation for Ukraine. All in all, it has been a good day. Thank you again for your prayers. I feel that our time here has been well spent.

Finding strength through Christ and the prayers of my brothers and sisters,

Jerry