Student Venture to Russia '08

Chapel today

2008-04-23T13:48:00.001-04:00

The Whitefield students talked about their experiences during the Russia trip in chapel today. Of course photos are required! (Thanks Joshua for taking pix!)

Pictures: Friday Apr 11

2008-04-11T23:02:00.006-04:00

One more day of bouncing around Moscow before we head home!

Changing money so we can buy some souvenirs with rubles:

Pulling a Von Trap family on the longest single escalator in the world:

Sara-Elizabeth seated outside the WWII memorial, with 1945 cut into the grass behind:
Holocaust survivors lay flowers at the foot of a monument:
Mr. McKinley speaks with a holocaust survivor/WWII veteran:
Steps leading to the hall of glory:
Ceiling of the hall of glory:

A class of Russian students hears Sara-Elizabeth speaking English and wants to interact and take photos:

SHOPPING!!

Group shot after dinner at Mu-mu's:
At night in Red Square:

Almost time to go home.....

Pictures Thursday Apr 10

2008-04-10T12:28:00.004-04:00

Nathan evaluates the trip for Donna and Daryl:

Everyone loading up the bus for the trip to the airport in Rostov. It's time to head back to Moscow!

Rachel and Ashley goof off while waiting for the rest of the team to check in for the flight to Moscow:
Prayer before leaving our friends in Rostov:

Sergei's teary goodbye, LOL:

A covert photo of the Russian plane:

Natalie waits for our bus in Moscow:

Let's dig into some Papa Johns!
Leesha listens to Ashley share a testimony on our last night with the California team:

Goodbyes

2008-04-10T10:11:00.002-04:00

OFF TO MOSCOW AND HOME!

Well, it's Thursday April 10 and time to leave Rostov. We're debriefing today and flying to Moscow. The California team leaves Moscow tomorrow and the Kentucky team leaves on Saturday. We don't have internet access in Moscow (that we know of), so this should be our last post from Russia, aside from one by proxy to let you know we've arrived safely.

A health update: Canaan's much better. Ashley's feeling a bit iffy but isn't letting it keep her down. Emily has a nasty cold and is a bit miserable but she's thankful it didn't happen earlier in the trip. Everyone else is just tired.

Our hearts are a bit tender from all the goodbyes. We've become attached to our new Russian friends.

Please keep in your prayers Sergei, Oxana, and the rest of the Russian team who run the Student Venture club here in Rostov. Many of them became Christians through the English camps, visits to the schools, and connection to the Student Venture club, and they've got a vision to reach the Russian youth for God's glory.

Thanks for your prayers and support. DASVEDANYA!!

Pictures Wednesday Apr 9

2008-04-10T09:47:00.011-04:00

Visiting the schools...

Girls who are friends often walk hand in hand.

Young students offer Amy gifts at Rosvitie:

Teaching 3-year-olds Head, Shoulders, Knees, & Toes is a lot of fun:

Another crazy camp game:

(A game of baby shark:)

They don't like stickers, what?

2008-04-10T09:30:00.009-04:00

So, yesterday in answer to the question about differences in culture (see below), this is what I (Sara-Elizabeth) wrote:

Their personal receptiveness has been very different for me from Latin America. For example, here if I give a sticker to a child, they'll smile shyly and take it and proudly show off their ability to say "Thank you" in English. But that's about it. They certainly don't mob you and beg for more like in Latin America. It seems like even the children here know that Russians know what it means to suffer and aren't sure the future is going to be much different.

HA! Well, they showed us! Yesterday afternoon we went to a school in Rostov and discovered what fourth-grade Russian girls can REALLY do when they get wind of Disney princess stickers. See pictures below to see how Jackie progressively disappears under the mountain of Russian children. She practically had to throw me the bag of stickers so I could put it in my backpack so she could tell them she didn't have anymore! It was hysterical.

Differences in culture

2008-04-10T09:29:00.000-04:00

WHAT HAVE YOU NOTICED DURING THIS TRIP ABOUT THE RUSSIAN CULTURE THAT’S VERY DIFFERENT FROM AMERICAN CULTURE?

Sara-Elizabeth: Their sense of politeness. If you want to exit a plane/train/bus seat, you have to jump in because usually they’re not going to let you out. And a car’s not going to let you walk in front of it. Also, if you’re in a line, you’d better make sure you stand really close to the person in front of you and make it really obvious you’re in line. If not, the next time you turn around, five people will have stepped in front of you.

Rachel: I’ve noticed that they have A LOT of PDA (public display of affection). Everywhere you look, people are hugging and kissing, (and I don’t just mean kissing, I mean practically eating each other’s faces off.) It’s really quite awkward. But, that’s just how they are. One gets used to it.
‘
Sarah: Um I think that the fact that they don’t smile like at all. It’s kind of weird sometimes.
Kendall: They drive like crazy! They are extremely aggressive. They go really fast because they don’t enforce the speed limit.

Natalie's Testimony

2008-04-10T09:26:00.004-04:00

NATALIE, WHAT WAS IT LIKE SHARING YOUR TESTIMONY AT THE ASSEMBLY AT SCHOOL 6 IN ROSTOV?

At first, I was absolutely terrified. I had been thinking about what I was going to say all day but when I got up out of my seat to walk on stage, my mind went blank. My heart was pounding a mile-a-minute and couldn’t seem to swallow the lump in my throat. I was so scared about giving my testimony to so many strangers, and more than half of them didn’t speak English! But when Daryl asked me to share, the words just poured out of my mouth. And when I was done, it was like I was thrusted back into reality and walked nervously back to my seat. But I know God gave me the strength and courage I had prayed for. What I thought was amazing was that when the meeting was over, I asked my friends how I did and everyone I asked said the same thing. They said that when I got on and off the stage I looked terrified, but while I was speaking I looked confident and “professional.” Although I was scared at first, God gave me the courage and I feel that I have done what He had planned for me from the very beginning. Bottomline: GOD IS GOOD.

Pictures Tuesday April 8

2008-04-10T09:02:00.010-04:00

Assembling...

For a game of...

Tying yourselves together with string?

Escape, quickly...

Success!

and other assembly pictures...

What we're up to in Rostov, as we understand it

2008-04-08T06:05:00.002-04:00

So, the English camp is over, and now we've taken the train to Rostov-on-Don, where most of our students were from. Tonight we have a sort of kick-off rally at a central school. Tomorrow, our team will split up and tour several of the schools that were represented at the camp. We're not sure how it will go, but God knows, and He'll present us with the opportunities He wants us to have. Pray that we'll be placed in English classes with students who will understand a lot of what we have to say. Pray that we'll be able to connect with them. Pray that we'll be able to share our testimonies in ways that are brief and culturally meaningful. Pray that we won't become weary in doing well and our tempers won't be short. This is our last chance to minister to these kids.

Most of all, we'll be talking to these kids about the group Student Venture, the high school arm of Campus Crusade, that has an awesome group of Russian teens and twenty-somethings ministering here in Rostov. We've been watching these guys and girls work for the last several days and they have amazing energy and a heart for reaching young Russians. Many of them came to Christ through these same English camps and visits by American students and Russian Christians to the schools. The Lord of the harvest has sent his workers here... pray that He'll use us to produce abundant fruit!

Breakfast in Rostov

2008-04-08T06:04:00.000-04:00

Some things don't change, and we're lovin' it:

Arriving in Rostov

2008-04-08T06:01:00.003-04:00

The train's arriving in Rostov, and Kendall's awake:Jackie's getting off the train safely:
Rostov on Don:
Leesha in our hotel:
Hotel hallway:

Called to Russia?

2008-04-08T06:00:00.001-04:00

Question:

WHAT IF YOU WERE LIKE Vladimir (not his real name) AND GOD CALLED YOU TO MINISTER IN THIS COUNTRY FOR AN INDEFINITE AMOUNT OF TIME? HOW WOULD YOU FEEL?

Chris Kyle: I am definitely partial to living in America, but a call to minister in any country would be exciting although certainly challenging. The language barrier would take time to overcome, however, culturally, although there are distinctions, I suspect that there would be fewer difficulties than one might anticipate. It was weird to walk around Moscow and see movies for sale that I recognize or to hear a song playing and recognize it, or at least hear English words. Russia is a surprising mix between the old and the new. Recent buildings with modern architecture stand next to dilapidated, minimalistic apartments constructed during the Soviet era. People in Russia are very intentional about the way they dress, and, as we rode the buses, we saw people wearing many of the current styles we see in America as well as a few in garb reminiscent of an historic Russia. From the short time I have spent in Russia, it seems that cultural distinctions are divided as much as, if not more, by age than by nationality. Because of this, it is easier to feel excited about communicating with a different country because there is enough distinction to allow us to learn something entirely new and enough similarity to allow us to access them. They also seem to think similarly. When we asked them where they got their sense of style, their values, their thoughts on religion, what they read, etc…, at least in my group, they responded overwhelmingly, “My own ideas,” which when compared to potential answers like “God” might indicate a lack of interest in Church, is still an honest one. In one sense, it is easy to view this as a competing philosophy, and certainly, the Church probably needs to better address on a philosophical level the charges of post-modern thought, but it is also exciting to me because it shouts hope for vibrancy in faith if only it could be tapped. They seem afraid (and rightly so) of having their selves made for them. While this might initially cause them to reject institutions and establishments like the church, it also practically yells out for a personal religion, which is precisely where Christianity excels, as a lifestyle that has established doctrinal beliefs, but a fundamental sense that God’s spirit works through his people and individuals more than a hierarchy. Young Russia (and much of Young America too, it would seem) presents a wonderful challenge for Christianity. In early Christian history, much of the philosophy of the day (Platonism, Neo-Platonism, Stoicism) were used as vehicles to describe the Gospel, both by early apologists and the gospel writers themselves (The “Word” or Logos in John 1 is terminology stolen straight from a Greek philosophy textbook.) The main reason I would be so excited to work in Russia is because it offers a similar challenge: to use the ideas of the day (although we also need to refute some of the flaws) to further Jesus’ work. Particularly in Russia, in a country where the Orthodox church is sound in Theology but struggling to reach and vitalize the new generation, the emphasis on individualism and personal expression have great potential for Christianity if the church can meet the challenge.

Amy Leavell: Although it would definitely be a challenge if God called me to a foreign country long-term, I would try to remember that God knows exactly what He is doing and will take care of everything that we need. It would be a scary task, especially since I don’t know the Russian language… I certainly hope that I would have the courage to do as Vladimir (not his real name) has done and follow God’s will, even when I don’t understand His reasoning, as I know that He will always reveal His purposes in the end.

Natalie Gassman: Honestly, my first reaction to a long-term ministry in a foreign country would probably be of fear and trembling. I mean think about it: leaving my watered-down yet comfortable American lifestyle that I’ve been accustomed to for so long for a life of servitude in a place that is way out of my comfort zone. But if I were to hear God calling me to such a ministry, I would respond and serve in a foreign country.
God knows the plan and purpose for my life, and I know that He would never give me anything I couldn’t handle. I will follow Him, wherever He may want me to go.

Train ride to Rostov

2008-04-08T05:57:00.002-04:00

Waiting to board:
California guys Chris & Nathan are settled in, kind of:

Ashley, Rachel, & Matt are roaming the corridor:

Amy's blogging at Mrs. Cottrell's request:

Steve's playing Uno back in the Russian students' car:

We've arrived safely in Rostov. What a crazy ride! Thank God for second class tickets in a car with four bunks though!

Marshmallows and Uno

2008-04-08T05:53:00.003-04:00

We hope we’ve shed abroad the hope of Christ during our stay here in Russia. One thing is for certain—we’ve brought Uno and marshmallows!

One night during English camp, we roasted marshmallows. They don’t have marshmallows in Russia, and so they don’t have a word for it. The kids were fascinated with the word, so that night there were dozens of Russian students wandering around trying out this gooey white roasted burnt sugar stuff, and trying out this weird English word, calling out, “Marsh MAL low. Marsh MAL low.” LOL.

Three hours of English classes is a bit much so we have 10-minute breaks every so often. The students are always clamoring to fill that time with a round of Uno. They LOVE the game. What’s really wild and intense is when you get 10 or 12 people playing with two decks and some crazy new Russian rules!

Russia will never be the same. :oD

Prayer request: Our health & energy

2008-04-08T05:50:00.002-04:00

There have been a few of us who have been feeling a little queasy throughout the trip, and we're all very tired and running low on energy, but please pray specifically today for Canaan. He's feeling quite ill today. Pray especially that he'll be able to go to the school tomorrow. It's our last day of ministry to the students, and he's become quite attached to them. He'll be very disappointed if his health keeps him away from this last opportunity.

Thanks!

Learning Russian

2008-04-08T05:49:00.000-04:00

Question:

WHAT WERE THE FIRST WORDS YOU LEARNED IN RUSSIAN? WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE LANGUAGE?

Canaan: Spasiba (spah-SEE-bah) – Thank you; pazhalsta (pah-ZHAL-stah) – Please/You’re welcome; zdrastvuytye (zdrahst-vyoot-yeh) – Hello; dasvidanya (dah-svee-dahn-ya) – Good bye. Those are pretty much the first words that I learned in the Russian language. The language is very weird and hard to understand, as it is spoken quite speedily. But it sounds really cool when spoken by a native or fluent person.

Amy Leavell: I learned the word for thank you (spah-SEE-bah) and the word for hello (pri-vi-et) first. These two words definitely came in handy throughout the week. The Russian language is hard to understand, but I actually really like it. It is so much different than any language that I have studied before, (Spanish, French, and Latin) as they are all romance languages and have common root words, but Russian is completely different, with a strange alphabet and everything!

Pictures: Monday April 7

2008-04-07T07:18:00.001-04:00

Tonight we're headed to Rostov on an overnight train. This morning we went to a tea factory and a place called the Lakes of Love, so that's where these pix are from.

We're thankful for all your prayers and support!!

Pictures: Sunday April 6

2008-04-07T07:13:00.003-04:00

Tango at the talent show
Nika did a ballet at the talent show. SUCH a nice girl and her English is very good!
Rachel sang Cherry Tree at the talent show.
Wild dancing fun at the disco!!!

Natalie and Kendall doing their skit: " Dancing with the Stars "
Kendall heading up the bead craft
Canaan's quite popular with the Russian girls and has gotten a lot of gifts
This young student won the English Olympiad for her mad English skills

Three words: Wild Camp Games. This was the 100% man contest, if you can believe that! LOL.

Some plant, Some harvest

2008-04-07T07:12:00.001-04:00

This morning (Sunday, 4/6) at our daily team meeting, Annika, one of the California teens, said that she was able to lead one of the Russian teachers to Christ last night! This teacher has been coming to this camp for about the last four years. She’s a perfect example of how people often come to know Christ in this culture… someone plants the seed, and God works over time and sends someone else to water, and someone else to reap the harvest. A few years ago, this teacher received the booklet on the Four Spiritual Laws. She told Annika that she’s kept it all this time, and she reads it anytime she feels sad or depressed. She went to Annika’s room last night to talk about something that was brought up in the class, and asked Annika to tell her about Christ. We praise God that He prepared this heart to receive Him and he sent Annika as a worker and used her for His glory!

Pictures: Saturday April 5

2008-04-07T07:05:00.003-04:00

Leesha & Jerry at our morning prayer meeting
Jackie & my (Sara-Elizabeth's) class--we got to share testimonies & the gospel with them that day!
Sara-Elizabeth in downtown Sochi
Leesha, Natalie, and one of our awesome Russian Christian translators getting into a song in an assembly
Russian kids are FASCINATED with marshmallows.

Pictures: Friday Apr 4

2008-04-05T07:30:00.003-04:00

Playing "Fort Bayard" (Think Amazing Race, but without the traveling.)

Emily and Ashley leading worship with the Russian team

Rachel in the American Idol skit
Sara-Elizabeth NOT eating caviar
Matt & Sarah playing Hangman with their class

Pictures: Wednesday Apr 2

2008-04-05T07:25:00.002-04:00

Please pray for our students

2008-04-05T07:21:00.002-04:00

Sara-Elizabeth: Pray for Mari, who seems very open and friendly, but without a basis for her values. Pray for Dima and Vova, who seem closed and uninterested in talking about God.

Sarah- Pray for our small group of Russian kids because we have a very tough group. They speak very little English. Our translator, Sergey (not his real name) is very good and a solid Christian. We have made some progress with them, but are pretty sure as of right now they will not be able to understand our testimony’s. However, our translator is willing to translate. So just pray that they will be able to open up to us and be understanding of what we have to say.

Kendall: Pray that the Russian student’s and teacher’s hearts will be softened. They have been opening up a lot. They are a great group of kids, but they all have their struggles. Pray for Kate who struggles with extreme depression. She is a great girl. She’s just confused. 

Canaan: Pray for our group that their hearts and minds would be open to Natalie and mine’s testimonies tomorrow and that God would do a great work in their lives, that they may come to a relationship with him because I’m really getting attached to them. 

Jackie: pray for Veronica (“Nica”) she is a very smart, sweet, outgoing 16 year old, however, she is definitely not a Christian. I met her the first day as soon as they got to the hotel and we instantly clicked, I believe God brought us together for a reason and I hope that the opportunity will arise for us to at least talk about God and ultimately that she would be saved.

Anecdotes from our interactions

2008-04-05T07:20:00.001-04:00

Rachel: The kids in my class didn’t know what “enthusiastic” meant, so I decided to kind of act it out for them. So I waved my arms and said “woo hoo!” Well, when it came time for saying the answers (it was multiple choice), all of them had chosen B) Strange, unusual. …Yeah…

Sara-Elizabeth: My story is about our Fort Bayard game, which was kind of like Amazing Race, only without the traveling. We had to complete a task at each of ten stations. The judge at each station gave us a score, up to a perfect 10. Jackie and I were part of a team of 9, with 7 awesome Russian kids. We had so much fun, cheering together and trying to communicate. One task involved two teams of four balancing on a low stone wall and trying to pass each other on the wall. We almost completed it, but not quite. Our team, for some reason, ended up singing Old MacDonald Had a Farm. The judge thought it was so funny he had us do it again, and he liked it so much he gave us a 10!

Sarah: Lol…um I haven’t been able to communicate with my kids like at all. The first day I was sooooo upset because there was nothing I could do. Today, however was a lot better. And they really opened up to us more. They also started talking in some English so it is getting better. Please prepare their hearts for our message.

Sara-Elizabeth (again): Today (Saturday) our theme was Values. We had a “Values” auction and we auctioned off things that reveal what people’s values are. I had purchased some cheap fake coins at the Dollar Tree in Louisville and we used those as “rubles.” The things we auctioned were, for example, ‘peace in your family,’ ‘a trip anywhere you want to go,’ ‘good health,’ ‘know the future,’ and ‘forget bad things in the past.’ That last one was the last one to be auctioned. We had three teams of two people: two girls, two girls, two boys. At the end, the boys still had most of their money. The two teams of girls pooled their money because they wanted the ‘forget bad things in the past’ so badly. I told them that was against the rules and they couldn’t do it. Mari said, “But we all want to forget bad things in the past.” I said, “The problem is, I can sell you this paper for fake money, but all the money in the world won’t help you forget bad things in the past.”

Pray that something we say will help them realize that they’re looking for answers in all the wrong places.

2008-04-04T15:10:00.000-04:00

This is Leesha trying to do charades for a Russian song she never heard of. Too funny!!

Pictures: Thursday Apr 3

2008-04-03T07:27:00.000-04:00

Sunset over the Black Sea (this is the view from our hotel room)
Toilet paper game at the assembly

Teaching Russian students some Kentucky slang...

Jackie's and Sara-Elizabeth's students, and our translator Yulia
Beautiful view of the Caucusus and the Black Sea

Prayer Apr1

2008-04-02T09:35:00.001-04:00

Emily: For the readiness of the Russian students' hearts to accept the gospel!

Sara-Elizabeth: For opportunities to share our faith in ways that are meaningful to these students. For peace inside regardless of any circumstance because my Best Friend Jesus is right here with me!

Kendall: For courage to reach out and love the Russian students.

Jackie: For our minds to stay focused on the main task and not get so caught up on the details

Canaan: For those of us who have never taught before and have never come up with a lesson plan in their life and are terrified of teaching kids English.

Leesha: Pray that all of us would have the words to say and the courage to say them as we begin English camp on Thursday.

FavThings Apr1

2008-04-02T09:21:00.002-04:00

Emily: My favorite thing so far was definitely Christ the Savior Cathedral! I absolutely understand how people can say that art is spiritual. It physically took my breath away to look at all the amazing artwork in the Cathedral! (I took pictures, even though I wasn't supposed to!)

Sara-Elizabeth: So hard to choose a favorite thing! I have to say I've really enjoyed the food, and that's been surprising. I loved the borsch. I've enjoyed giving stickers to kids. I've really enjoyed watching our Kentucky kids drink in this experience.

Kendall: I think my favorite thing has been the people. It's fun trying to talk to them even though they don't speak English. Their clothing style is really neat. They all wear boots. I feel like I need to wear boots now.

Jackie: My favorite thing is borsch (however you spell it) It was tasty also by the church there was a monkey! I got to pet it, it was so cute! :D

Canaan: I'd have to say that my favorite part of this trip has been just walking around Red Square and the Kremlin, which is basically downtown Moscow. Outside of downtown Moscow is a little underwhelming but it's still pretty cool…and dusty. That's pretty much my favorite part so far.

Matt's favorite thing is meeting up with old friends.

Leesha: My favorite part has to be just being here. I am so excited that I think everyone might be getting annoyed with me but I just can't help it! I am so happy that God made all this come through for me! I truly thought that I wouldn't be able to come. It is so amazing that words won't even explain it. I'll just have to show you all my pictures when I come home.

Sarah: My favorite thing about the trip so far would probably be the different things that we saw in Moscow and also getting to know everyone better. That everyone was able to come up with the money and that we have not had that many complications! I am having a great time and can't wait for the camp!

Rachel: I think my favorite thing so far has been getting to meet all the new people! Everyone is so awesome and I'm loving the chance to get to know all of them better. I can't wait for the Russian kids to get here and for camp to start! I'll see you guys when I get back and I am excited to show you all my pictures!! :-)

Ashley Elizabeth: Agh! It is so hard to pick what my favorite thing has been so far! I guess I have to say…experiencing a new country. I have really loved learning about the people of Russia. Finding out how they are different from us, but especially, seeing how they are very much the same has been very intriguing. I can't wait for camp to start so I can meet all the kids!!!!!! I'll see you all when I get back! Miss ya lots and love ya bunches! :-)

DON’T LISTEN—THEY’RE A CULT

2008-04-02T09:14:00.003-04:00

Last night we met John, the leader of Student Venture in Russia. (Student Venture is the high school branch of Campus Crusade.) John told us that 86 students will be coming to the camp in Sochi on Thursday. He said that most of them come from homes that, although they likely do not practice any faith, are told that anyone outside of the Russian Orthodox church is of a cult. He said, “These kids parents told them, ‘Learn all the English you can, but when they talk about God, don’t believe them. They’re cultists.”

About 40% of the kids who will come to the camp have been here before, and they’ve seen the love shown to them by God’s children. The Truth of God’s Word says that love covers a multitude of sins, and speaking lies about God and His people is a sin. Pray that the love we strive to show will overcome the lies that have been spoken to these students about us, about God, about His love, and about His plan to save men from their sins.

The third and fourth days of the English camp (Saturday and Sunday), the English lessons are about values and dreams, and the family whose story contextualizes the English lessons discusses their values and dreams. The grandfather tells the children a story about two men who build two houses, one on the sand and one on the rock (sound familiar?). At that point we’ll have the opportunity to use the Four Spiritual Laws (printed for them in Russian) to talk about how we’ve been building our lives on the one Foundation that is the Rock. Pray for the Spirit to shed understanding and light on their hearts, to move in their lives and call them to faith. Pray that the Light will shine on a people walking in darkness because of God using our mouths to speak His words.

New Pictures!

2008-04-02T09:13:00.000-04:00

Our day in Moscow

2008-03-31T13:38:00.004-04:00

Sara-Elizabeth just called to have me post this. She should be able to post some pictures on Wednesday. Here's a quick summary of the team's day:

We went touring Moscow today. We had an interesting time on the Metro. We didn't lose anyone, at least not permanently. Canaan got the hat he wanted. We went to Christ the Savior cathedral. Almost everyone loves borsht. Everyone's healthy but tired. Our feet hurt. Stopped at Starbucks. Jackie got pick-pocketed but all they got was Starbucks menus.

[Editor's note, I deeply apologize for any misspellings, especially names. There's not a lot of time in a 2 minute phone call.]

In Moscow

2008-03-31T08:30:00.003-04:00

The team arrived safely in Moscow on Sunday Morning. Everyone's luggage made it there on time too. Their first visit was to a local mall where some ate from Sbarro, a familiar pizza place!

Today they will go through orientation and tour Moscow. They'd like you to pray for love.

Philippians 1:9-11 (HCSB),

And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that [comes] through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Leaving... on an jet plane

2008-03-29T12:48:00.007-04:00

The team was up early today, making it to the airport by 5:30am.

Old and new friends met up...

And after a few more instructions...

They were off to Russia! (and none of this "don't know when I'll be back again" - they'll be back late Saturday 4/12)

Prayer Schedule

2008-03-29T11:37:00.008-04:00

This is an e-version of the prayer sheet the team is asking people to use.

Dates	Activities	Prayer Suggestion
Pray for - Student Venture Russia Project 2008
3/29 Saturday	Depart for Russia	Psalm 91:1-12 Safe Travel
3/30 Sunday	Arrive in Russia	Phil. 2:1-5 Unity
3/31 Monday	Orientation Tour Moscow	Phil. 1:9-11 Love
4/1 Tuesday	Fly to Sochi Prep English Camp	Colossians 4:2-5 Proclamation
4/3 - 4/5	English Camp	Is. 40:29-31 Strength
4/6 Sunday	English camp ends Train to Rostov	Ephesians 6:10-20 Protection
4/7 Monday	Rest School prep	Hebrews 10:23-25 Encourage
4/8 Tuesday	Visit Schools Follow-up meeting	Colossians 1:28-29 Perserverance
4/9 Wednesday	Visit Schools Final meeting	2 Tim. 1:6-12 Boldness
4/10 Thursday	Debriefing Return to Moscow	2 Cor. 9:6-15 Thanks
4/11 Friday	Project team returns to USA	Psalm 145:1-12

All Pictures

2008-03-29T11:36:00.001-04:00

Here are all the pictures I have so far. I/We will be updating this as frequently as possible with new pictures. Feel free to email me with any you may want posted: joshuafightingjericho at yahoo dot com

Thursday meeting with parents

2008-03-28T13:15:00.006-04:00

Four words will sum it up: Announcements. Questions. Prayer. DESSERT!!!!

<--Leesha & her mom hanging out

<--Sara-Elizabeth & Jackie about ready to go home

Jerry's listening like he hasn't done this three times already...

Emily's got scarves for the girls to wear in Russian Orthodox churches, should the need arise:

Five days!

2008-03-24T15:40:00.001-04:00

Well, the money's almost in, the packing has started, the butterflies are in our stomachs, and we're FIVE DAYS AWAY!

So exciting!!!!!

Welcome!

2008-02-18T12:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to our blog! The Student Venture Russia team from Louisville, Kentucky (and hopefully California!) will be blogging here to keep our friends, family, and prayer partners updated on the status of our mission.

My name is Sara-Elizabeth, and I'm one of the "chaperones" for the trip.

Nice to meet you!