Y teaching her class. The bracelet you see her wear are ones that we all wear and allow us to explain the gospel quickly and simply: White represents God. He is holy. Black represents man. In contrast to God we are sinful and have no relationship with Him because of our sin. Red speaks of the blood that Christ shed on the cross as the only acceptable penalty for our sin. Green represents new life freely available in Christ through faith in Him. Yellow is the glorious hope of eternity in heaven in the presence of God and our Savior.
Thomas and one of the students from his advanced class teaching the beginners class. Giving the most proficient students an opportunity to teach was part of today's theme around education.
Bill teaching basic questions and answers with the beginners.
Bill, Sam and their translator teaching the beginners about American currency
The beauty of camp: students deep in conversation.
Jonathan being interviewed during the Late Night Show. So far Kaitlin, Pete and Jonathan have been able to share how they became believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Wednesday night's theme meal: our Russian prepared version of Chick-fil-A
It is ALL true what they have said! The only requirement to go to English Camp and teach English is … you need to know English! If you have been considering coming on this trip, COME! You will be greatly blessed! How amazing this trip has been; I have truly fallen in love with the Russian people! In no other mission trip I’ve ever been on (this is my 9th one) have I ever experienced this opportunity of truly connecting with the people we have come to minister to enough to really see their hearts! I have had the privilege of teaching 7 adults (5 around my age and 2 young adults) and I think all but one are not saved. We have laughed a lot and hopefully learned some as well.
There are many things I could talk about, but I will share about our Reading (Bible) time. The over-all theme of the camp is “Careers”, and the first day’s focus was on jobs that require creativity. We read Genesis 1 so they could see God as the powerful creator of all. Tuesday the career theme was “Law”, so we read in Exodus where God is explaining the law and then in Luke where Jesus summarizes the Law to be 1) loving God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and 2) loving your neighbor as yourself. That took us to the question, “If we can’t keep the law, why would God give it to us?” Next we read Galatians 3:24 that explains that God gave us the law to lead us to Christ and 1 Corinthians 5:21, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” On Wednesday the theme was business, so we started with “The wages of sin is death...” (Romans 3:23) and went on to share all the gospel with verses and the bead bracelets.
Please pray for the beloved people in my group; one young man from Syria, two from the Orthodox church, three from no church, and one young lady who is possibly a young believer! And consider coming to Russia next year! Praise the Lord for His grace to me personally and please pray the power of the gospel will penetrate hearts!
- Shari
p.s. Another really cool thing is my translator for the teaching time is the former pastor’s oldest daughter who is a beautiful and sweet young woman who has been truly AMAZING!!! I have also gotten to really connect with a young lady who is 14 that Bill had in his class last year and grew quite attached to.