Justin's Report

Russia was a completely life changing experience for me. Words fall short of the amount of work that the Holy Spirit did in my heart. I still feel as though I need more reflection time to look back and see what God has done in my life and the lives of the people that we served. The camp was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed the time that we had to teach the Word to those hungry for it. God opened my eyes and convicted me about how much I don't desire Him. Those kids loved God so much! The language barrier wasn't even an issue, which was a huge blessing from the Lord. Honestly, I was shocked at how easy it was to communicate with everybody there. I actually think that some of the translators spoke better English than some of us did! The personal assignment times with the kids were the sweetest times. I think that is when we bonded the most. It was incredible to see how they understood the gospel so deeply. I had a girl in my group that had hardly heard the name Jesus before camp. As time went on it was great to see a curiosity and a thirst for what we were discussing in the group times develop within her. I hope and pray that she continues to be curious about Jesus and his work on earth. I'm also thankful that she has a group of her peers that she can continue to converse with about the Lord, New Life Church.

I have always felt that the most important thing that missionaries can do is to equip the local people to do the bulk of the ministry. It was so exciting that we had that opportunity. Nobody understands the culture of an area better than the people who have lived there their whole lives. Therefore, the best people to minister to those areas are the locals. It was so exciting to see the birth of the New Life Church in Bryansk. The worship service that the Lord allowed us to be a part of on Wednesday night was incredibly powerful. To think that at least 200 people were there is mind blowing. We had the opportunity to pass out flyers all over the city the night before and I never expected that large of a turnout. It's overwhelming to know that half of those in attendance were not known by any of the church members. Thats almost 100 visitors for the kickoff service! I don't think I've ever heard of a church plant in the states with over 100 visitors at their first service. It is all evidence to the fact that the Lord is moving mightily in that region of Russia. I am so excited to hear from my new friends what the Lord continues to do there. I hope to go back and visit them at Christmas.

God is continuing to give me a passion for the people that we ministered to. I can't stop thinking about them and their city. I don't know what the Lord has in store for me, but I am excited about the idea of possibly ministering long term with them. I hope to make the trip at Christmas one of prayer and careful consideration about what the Lord wants me to do. I know that He wants me to be involved in Russia in some fashion, I'm just not sure just how yet.

As I said before, this trip was life chaning. I can't wait to see what the Lord has for the country of Russia and for the Church in Russia. I hope that He gives me the opportunity to continue to minister to the people there. This trip was incredible and I will always remember it.