2006 Belarus Mission Trip -- 1st Update

Dear Oak Grove Church Family,

We have arrived at our destination in Belarus in good shape.  It has taken us a day or two to get over the jet lag, but everyone is so excited about the mission trip that we’ve overridden the “lag.”  The first day in Minsk was spent going to the Hateen War Memorial.  It was amazing how quiet everyone got when they viewed the human ovens and massacred towns that happened during the Second World War.  The group was very humbled by the stories of the horrible tragedies suffered by this “war-torn” country. 

Friday evening, June 30th we had dinner with Alexander Ferisuk, former President of sixteen Baptist Unions including that of Belarus.  In attendance was Alexander’s daughter, Mila Pekin, and Gennady Brutski and his family.  Our purpose for meeting with them was to discuss ways of partnering over the next three years, to increase the kingdom of God in both Belarus and in Missouri.  We are praying through this week some possibilities that could have significant impact on the Minsk region of Belarus.  Like everywhere, there are many people who do not know Christ. 

Saturday morning we rode a subway in Minsk to Artist’s Park, where we observed some of the local art heritage and shopped for personal items of interest.  We returned to the hotel where we met our four translators and Pastor Victor.  We then made our way to Molodechno.  After lunch provided by the church women,  We settled down in our host homes.  The next morning we all attended church.  Larry Schwaller gave his personal testimony and Devin Pritchard sang special music.  Several church members sang hymns and read poems. The message focused around the Lord’s Supper. 

Sunday evening was a special prayer service in which the church members prayed for the vacation bible school which started Monday morning.  As we are writing this, that first session has already taken place and has resulted in sixteen children praying the prayer of salvation.  The church anticipated fifteen to twenty-five children, however, the first day our total enrollment was seventy-two which included forty-three children, twelve workers from Molodechno church, and the FBC Oak Grove team.  Hallelujah...praise the Lord. Amen !

Tonight we are praying that God will increase our numbers tomorrow over and above what we experienced today.  Please continue to lift us up in prayer.   Attached are several pictures from the first few days.

FBC Oak Grove Belarus Mission Team

09/03/2008Send mail to mlrushing@myav.net or  rich@firstbaptistog.org with questions or comments about this web site.