After a long, tiring, yet very rewarding week of camp, everyone finally got a proper night of sleep! Each of us spent the evening with a host family from the church in Tambov. In the morning, we all met back together at church feeling recharged and excited to worship the Lord with our Russian brothers and sisters.
As we walked through the open doors we were greeted by a worship choir and many smiling faces. The service was filled with joy and unity as we sang songs, listened to sermons, took communion, watched baptisms, and enjoyed fellowship with each other. What a blessing and privilege to worship our great God and Savior alongside His people that before had been half a world away. Even though many of us had never met before, we we shared a deep bond and unity that only those in Christ can truly know. This is something we will all remember for a long time to come.
After Church, we decided to take a walk around Tambov with the team and more people from church. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and conversation as we said some final goodbyes to a couple campers who tagged along. Later we ate some dinner and spent time discussing how camp went as well as how we’ve grown from the experience. We finished the evening with a night walk around Tambov, seeing many beautiful sights and having many gospel conversations. We are thankful.
This will be our last post for this year’s trip as we are on the bus to Moscow airport; the beginning of our approximately 30 hour journey home.
- Kevin
The choir welcoming everyone as we arrived for church
Enjoying lunch together at the church following the service
The incredible gardens around the church where the neighbors grow fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Deborah demonstrating how to pose for the famous flower ball gown by the river in Tambov
The team enjoying a Sunday afternoon walk through the Tambov park and honey festival.
Olivia and Kevin on the walk along the river
Caleb and Erin enjoying the late night walk by the fountains