October 31,Wednesday "Final Session"

Today was our final day of teaching. We (Alexi, Steve, and I) also had lunch with Sasha from Nhohodka at the Republic Restaurant near the FEFU campus. Afterwards, we went on a brief tour of Vladivostok with Sasha and her mom Zoya. Honestly, the aftermath from Hurricane Sandy in the US is on our minds. We have great sympathy for the difficulty many are experiencing from Monday night's hurricane on the eastern seaboard.

When we were leaving the restaurant, Farkhod (Uzbekistani who works at the restaurant) ran after us down the street imploring us to call him. He was rejected by the consulate for Russian citizenship, though I do not have the details. I have his phone number; Alexi has promised to call him for me and translate. May God give us compassion for immigrants who desire to immigrate legally.

Tonight we had our final teaching session at the Bible school. Serg (short for Sergei), Alexander, Ann, Dennis, and Natasha were our students. Olga could not make it, so we may not see her before we leave.  
I finished with the atonement of Christ (sacrifice, propitiation, reconciliation, and redemption). What a limitless subject! It is amazing to think God saved us in such an amazing way. Steve was excellent and succinct as usual as he covered the grammatical/historical approach to Scripture.

Ira was our faithful translator. We had dinner with her, her daughter, and two other women at Ira's apartment in Vlad. I chronicle this in my "First Tears" blog from yesterday. I gave Ira a 1,000 rubles ($ 30.00 US) for 2 1/2 hours of translation. She is a godly, capable woman. I will mention her in a blog tomorrow about the state of men in Russia from my brief time here.

October 30, Tuesday "First Tears"

October 30, Tuesday First Tears

Today our hearts, thoughts, and prayers have been with the US eastern seaboard with Hurricane Sandy making land fall around 9:00 AM our time. May God use this event to turn many hearts to Him.

I do not fully understand why I cried today. We were having dinner at Ira’s house. Ira is a godly single mom in her early 50’s who has a beautiful young 14 year old (15 on November 21st) daughter Sonja. Ira has served as one of Steve’s translators both on this trip and on previous trips to the Far East. We were joined by another Ira (a physician), and Luba (Sonja’s English teacher). We were listening to the ladies tell of their parents, where they were born, life’s difficulties under the communist regime’ – and I thought of Mr. Abarotin, gentle and godly father of my youngest sister’s (Ellen) husband, Victor. We were sitting and eating a beautiful and generous meal. I could not contain my emotions. I thought of Victor and Ellen and their two years in France during 2009-2011, how Victor’s dad passed away into glory early in 2011, and how Victor’s mom came over to visit them in France. They visited Mr. Abarotin’s birthplace in St. Petersburg, Russia, but without him. Russians are very proud of beautiful St. Petersburg. And I remember hearing how Mr. and Mrs. Abarotin traveled from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Russia with hands of charity for the people of Mr. A’s home country. I cried, because I have seen some of the sadness and poverty that would move a man in the autumn and winter of his life to return to this place called Russia. And I cried because I only wish Victor and his mom could have had Mr. Abarotin with them. I would give anything to return to the States, sit down with Mr. A and talk about his home country, the culture, and the cause of Christ in this place. 

Pictures from October 29 - Church in Pokrovka

Pastor Anatoly's house

Praise team: Sveta, friend, Paulina (Anatoly's daughter), and Larisa (Anatoly's wife)

Pastor Anatoly: Pastor of 11 years in Pokrovka, Russia in Primorsky Krai

The Church gathered in Pokrovka

Little "Genia"

Lunch like a fellowship meal in the first century...homemade chicken soup, and raw (but slated) bacon on the left. Yes, I ate it!

A non-Christian in their midst. This man struggles with alcoholism. We sat and talked next to each other. I spoke honestly to him about his soul.

Anatoly and Steve

Igor, Anatoly's fellow elder

Well worn hands or a rural pastor and his Russian Bible. Anatoly does whatever he needs to do to make a living.

October 27, Saturday

Saturday, October 27. This morning was another session at the Bible school. I feel I have finally connected with Dennis. He serves as a leader/facilitator. He meets with the students, lead music and prayer before our sessions. In his regular work he serves as a translator for the company building several Hyatt hotels here in Vladivostok. He is funny, enthusiastic, devout, musical, gregarious, talkative, etc. I will miss him and the students. You grow to love people in a 300 SF room as you explore God’s word with breaks of “chai” and caviar! Notice in my pictures the caviar that Olga brought from her husband’s fishing expeditions. Quite unique – I mustered up two pieces of breaded loaded with the Clemson orange fish eggs. J

One big lesson for me during this trip is to simplify the teaching. Steve and I have talked about that principle. Big words, overly technical terms, adverbial phrases (i.e. using words which end in –ly) don’t cut it here in the Far East. Steve asserts that the Bible was written on about a sixth grade level; our teaching should correspond.

Later in the day we fit in a surfing trip. Steve and Alexi surfed in 48-50 degree weather with sustained winds of 35 mph. I witnessed it and took pictures. I was certain they might both die due to hypothermia. 

Before I forget, on Friday night we took Luda out for a well-earned dinner break to a Chinese restaurant in Artem. The food was excellent but the service was fairly slow. However, to sit with Steve, Alexi, and Luda for several hours (without Luda) preparing everything was something we all appreciated.

Pictures from October 27, Saturday

Dennis leads in praise and worship

Steve with last minute preparation

Class underway: Alexander, Serge, Ann, and Olga

Ann the caviar lady

Caviar: Russian staple

Serge "inspecting" my notes on the Person of Christ

Alexander: former prisoner, current brother in Christ

Pastor Steven Graham: Missionary to the Far East

Steve and Alexi at the cafe by the sea. It feels like we have been on the move 24-7.

Alexi (29) and his mother Ludmilla ("Luda"). Alexi was 11 when his father died in Indonesia. Until Pastor Steve arrived to Vlad in 2004, no one had quite assumed the role of father for Alexi. This is a man I would join in any battle.

October 29, Monday

It is 12:00 Midnight Vladivostok on Monday. My memory is failing me so I will work backwards. Today (Monday) was very full. We had lunch with Helen and Irina from FEFU. I wrote of them earlier in the week. They are two administrators at the University where Alexi teaches. They treated us at a Chinese restaurant. We prayed before eating, five adults holding hands around the table. I do not believe the ladies are Christians, but God has given Steve and Alexi favor with them. Helen said, “If you told me forty years ago that I would be eating lunch with two Americans without being afraid of what to say, I would not have believed it.”

After lunch we bussed over to join Ira (translator friend of Steve’s) and speak in her daughter Sonja’s 8^th grade English class. We spoke to two 8^th grade classes and one 7^th grade class. They were very curious kids who had a fair number of questions for us. The 80/20 rule was in effect, as 20% of the kids asked 80% of the questions. The teacher could not have been more kind or hospitable. Ira is lining up dinner with the teacher and her husband for tomorrow night. She has an interest in the Christian faith; Ira has been witnessing to her.

We took a bus back with Ira to Uganay after the classes, as she would translate for our Bible school class tonight. We arrived at home at 4:45 PM for some soup with Luda. Pastor Anatoly from Prokovka drove two hours to come see Steve. He joined us for soup, but arrived with a gift of beautiful orange caviar. Steve gave him a gift from the church in Chicopee, Mass., which Anatoly received with such humility: “Spaseebah, spaseebah!!” I will tell his story tomorrow morning. He and Steve talked for almost 1 ½ hours as Ira translated and Luda sat in silence. She serves quietly, but rarely speaks though she has a sweet sense of humor. Today she did a whole load of laundry for me; it was on my bed when I returned from Vlad.

Tonight was Bible school time. I am learning to love the people: Alexander, Serge, Ann or Anya, Olga, Olga’s husband Genia, and Dennis. I taught on the humanity of Christ and His offices of prophet and priest. Discussing and teaching on the person and work of Christ is such holy ground. The mystery revealed is something I desire to teach about with real respect and humility. The incarnation should take our breath away when we consider that the Lord Jesus Christ assumed a human nature while never losing His divine nature. I hope the students are challenged to study the Word further about His incarnation. If they do, then I was somewhat successful.

October 27-28 Update

We have been running crazy, so I am behind on my blog. I teach at the Bible school in another hour, so I will put the finishing touches on my lesson/lecture on the Offices of Christ. Later tonight I will update the blog for Saturday through today. One technical challenge: I am currently unable to upload any more pictures from my camera, so I only have pictures through Saturday night, October 27. That was the night called "Twenty Seven." So, I will update pictures through that date, but unfortunately I have none for October 28th on. Forgive me for this as I seek to correct the situation.

For the team of two! Mark

October 27: Pictures of "Twenty Seven"

Alexander and Sveta; Eve and Artum

Inna and Olga prepare dinner

Daniel (7): Growing up in a family of love

Artum (6): He knows a father's love

Masha (8): A sweet young girl with hope!

Olga (12): Growing up fast

Four siblings: Sergei (13), Sasha (11), Eva (8), and Kolya (6)

Taras (12): A smile to kill!

Valya (15): Lady in Pink

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him" (Psalm 103: 13). Alexander with Eve and Masha.

Taras, Daniel, and Sasha

Nastia (21): On the verge of adulthood

Masha (8): Sitting with the cool young adults Masha (23) and our host Alexi (29)

October 27, Saturday "Twenty Seven"

October 27. There were twenty seven in all. Alexi asked me if I wanted to visit the “Windows Family.” They live in the town of Uganay. He said he didn’t know their last name, but they had around 20 children. Imagine visiting a house with 27 adults and children living there. Tonight we went to Alexander and Sveta’s four story house with their three biological daughters (Ella, Inna, and Olga), Ella and Inna’s husbands Victor and Sasha, a married couple named Kiara and Nikolai, and 18 children ranging in age from 6 to 23. Four of the children make up one family group; two others make a second. Steve had taught Inna in the Bible school in 2004. And Steve and I had become acquainted with Inna and Masha last Sunday night at a youth/young adult's time at the church.

The children were effusive, affectionate, mugging for pictures, etc. The house was full of energy, laughter and smiles. After introductions, “chai” and pancakes, we sat around and took a whole bunch of pictures. Then we got the tour of the bathrooms, bedrooms, class/music room, family room, and basement. Simply amazing to see and hear in person. The apostle James would call it “true religion.”

I asked Alexander when he and his wife had the vision to begin taking care of children. It was eleven years ago; Sveta was the driving force. Masha, now 23, was their first child. I am not sure how many children have come and gone, but it is so heartening to see how this selfless couple loves their children.

Steve and I prayed with the family before we left, asking for every child in the house to come to know the Lord Jesus Christ, to grow big and strong, to know the joy of marriage, to have children, to have meaningful work, to make a difference in Russia. What a joy to experience the Kingdom investment that Alexander and Sveta have made.

The good news? We got invited back next week. I didn't hesitate: “We accept!”

October 26, Friday Rest Time, Tea Time

October 26, Friday Rest Time, Tea Time

Today was our first day with no Bible school, no English class, and no lunches in Vladivostok. We needed the break. Alexi’s boss had offered to take us to the north of Primorsky Krai and fish for three days, but we politely declined. Alexi got off work at noon, so after he came home and we had some lunch, we took off for the Sea of Japan. You cannot imagine how challenging the roads are in the normal course of travel. No traffic lights or stop signs. Potholes, ungraded roads, utility cuts, unmarked roads, etc. The cost to upgrade the infrastructure and clean the environment to US standards is unimaginable. Yet when we arrived at the sea we found no waves. We eventually ended up at resort which was north of Vladivostok. We had a $ 1.00 cup of very good “chai” in a beautiful but empty café (only one other patron). I had offered to pay and Alexi had warned me it was very expensive. He was certain it would be 500 rubles apiece. It was only 30 rubles each. He likes to kid.

One bonus of the trip is to have the time with Pastor Steve Graham and Alexi (Losha). I think we men are quite inferior to women at building and keeping healthy Christian friendships. So our time together has really buoyed our spirits. Steve, Alexi, and I have had a joyful, edifying time together for three weeks. We keep each other laughing; Alexi’s mom Luda thinks we act like a bunch of goofy teenagers with our practical jokes. Four weeks with four of us together in a 2 bedroom apartment with one bathroom requires consideration and a healthy sense of humor. I have never lived with others in such a close sense of proximity. Every meal is shared together after Losha’s invitation: “Welcome to the kitchen!” We pray with six hands joined – sometimes in English, sometimes in Russian. Tea time is not a custom enjoyed in isolation; every cup of “chai” is enjoyed with elbows touching.

Tonight we took Luda out for dinner to a nice Chinese place in Artem. She has faithfully cooked, cleaned, ironed, and washed for three crazy men for three weeks now. She deserved a night out. Not surprisingly, she ordered “riba” or fish. 

October 25, Thursday

Today and Friday we have no Bible School. So we meet with as many people as possible. My pictures for October 22-25 tell part of the story. Today was warm and beautiful, though we had snow less than 48 hours ago. It is beautiful now as well. The wonderful sound of children at play rise up some one hundred feet from the playgrounds below to our humble apartment on the 9th floor of building 97.

First, we had lunch with Helen and Irina from FEFU. These women have been colleagues for 12 years. It was Helen who paved the way in 2004 for Steve to have free access in the classrooms. When Alexi first brought Steve into his classroom in 2004, Helen walked by in the hallway and heard an American speaking. She poked her head in, gave Alexi a look that could kill, and left. After class she called Alexi into her office and explained her embarrassment: "If I had known you had an American guest speaker, I would have arranged for a better classroom" (paraphrased). All is well now, however, and it is apparent the affection that Helen has for both Losha (Alexi) and Steve. The t-shirt that Steve is wearing is one that Helen sent to America last summer with Alexi. The door is open to speak the Gospel with these women; we have another lunch arranged next week. Helen lost her husband through death; Irina is divorced. As I mentioned earlier in a previous blog, Russia is full of either divorce women or women who have lost their husbands to premature death. This reality must shape ministry efforts and focus.

In the middle of the afternoon we met with Cristina (Novoshatsink), Kseniia (Nhohodka), Artum (Sakaland Islands), and Dasha (Vlad) for tea and dessert in the afternoon at the same Republic restaurant where I met  Marsha and Ann (two 7th grade students) earlier in the week. These are four first year dental students. Very bright, very personable. Only Cristina (featured in a previous blog) professes faith in Christ. But Cristina has real credibility with them. She assured us, "I talk to them about God." Kseniia's parents are divorced, Artum is Russian-Korean and from the Sakaland Islands (spelling?); Dasha's parents have both died in the last several years. We had such a great time with these four 18 year olds. They are intelligent, curious, and the future of their country. May God reveal Himself to them so they can be servants in His Church, not just professional healthcare professional.

Our 6:00 - 8:50 PM English class was excellent as usual. My blog pictures tell much of the story. We arrived early so I could help edit Kseniia's letter to several German universities where she seeks entrance into graduate chemistry studies. First Alice and Anastasia told stories in English - Alice about the Ford Model T and Anastasia about her lost keys in the middle of a deluge after work several weeks ago. In our class we discussed Johnny Lingo and his 8 Cow Wife, cross-cultural communication, differences in Russian-American speech/dress/customs, preferred majors in US universities, cost of a US university education, the difference between managing and leading, love as the primary motive for leading, the Christian faith as the primary reason for Steve and I making the trip to Russia, our hopes for Russia and our student's futures, etc. Do you know what it is like to earn favor with a group of people? I believe God has given that to us. A great time of building friendships. Next week we will bring family photos and snacks to eat. We will also speak on the Reformation. Pray for us!

Dear God, thank you for the joy of building friendships with those who bear your image, though we speak different languages. Teach us to love our new friends in such a way that we bridge our language differences. Help them to come to faith in Christ in days ahead. Help us to know how and when to wisely speak your Word into their lives. Amen.

Pictures from October 22-25

Finally - a 350 ruble haircut!

Steve on a snowy Tuesday at the Train Station

Alexi and Cristina (from Novoshahtsink): Christian friends through the Pogranichny church). I write about Cristina in my blog. We will meet her large family (14 children) on Sunday, October 28.

Alexi's Tuesday Night English Class:  __, Vicki, and Vicki

Helen and Irina from the Far Eastern Federal University. Without Helen, the door would not be open at FEFU. Steve met her in 2004.

Cristina (3rd from left) with Artum (Sakaland Islands), and Dasha. These three (plus Kseniia) are all first year dental students at the Far Eastern Medical School. 

Alexi and Steve at the front desk of the the luxurious Versailles Hotel in downtown Vlad. We confirmed  later that this is the "Tourist" Hotel where famed missionary Gladys Aylward stayed for five days in 1930 before fleeing for her life. She then gave 17 years of service in northeast inland China for Christ. Eighth grade students at Pioneer Valley Christian School in Springfield, Mass read this book annually as part of their curriculum.

Right before our English class, I help Kseniia Sergeev write her letter of interest to German universities to pursue graduate studies in physical chemistry. A very bright young lady!

My blogspot for the English students in the Thursday evening class. I make the point that Steve and I live around 2,500 KM apart.

Alice gives a presentation on Henry Ford and the Model T while speaking English. Well done!

Best friends Alice and Ann discuss the Johnny Lingo story (8 Cow Wife).

Steve depicts Johnny Lingo's wife Sarita while explaining the Johnny Lingo story.

The Thursday night English class (one of my favorite times of the trip). We meet every Thursday from 6:00 until 8:50. From left to right: Kate, Judith, Anastasia, Olga, Mitta, me, Steve, Natalia, Kseniia, Alice and Ann. Only Alice and Ann are still in high school.We have shared so much cross-culturally and about our Christian world view with this group. Next Thursday (November 1st) will be our last class with them. In honor of the date we will teach about the Reformation with them. 

October 24, Wednesday (The Longest Blog)

Ten days till we head home. We have a lot left to do. "Slava boga" (Praise God!) is the cry of the Christians here. We praise him for what we have been able to witness and accomplish so far. Let me tell you about four encounters today:

10:30 AM on the train to Vladivostok. Steve and I are talking about everything under the sun. A young woman is sitting next to him. Finally I ask her, "Do you speak English?" "So, so" is the reply. Tamila Gasanova is a 22 year-old travel agent from Uganay. She is a Christian (2 years) and attends a Baptist church in Vlad. She was on her way to the port in Vlad to take a three day cruise to Seoul, South Korea. We learned that Tamila lives with her mom and twin sister Camila. She lives in a high rise somewhere near the Pavlenkos (our hosts). Steve began to show her a book on Daniel which she had already read on line. Steve gave it to her as a keepsake. We traded my blog site for her phone number. We hope to see her with Alexi before we leave.

12:15 PM Republic Restaurant. We eat lunch with Valeira (sp?), a 31 year-old father of three (ages 2, 7, and 8). He had asked Sunday at church if he could catch lunch with Steve and me. He attends the church in Uganay. He works downtown as a self-employed tutor for high school students in music, mathematics, and physics. He lives with his wife, children, and brother in a two room flat in Vlad. His brother works as an electrician, but does not speak at work or at home. Put your self in Valeira's shoes. Privacy in his marriage is a huge issue. Time is an issue: tonight he will finish his last tutoring session at 10:00 PM and return home in the dark to his family in their shared apartment. We finished our lunch by Steve praying for Valeira, his family, enough work for a separate place, and for assurance for his salvation.

1:45 PM. Another Republic Restaurant. I am studying for my Bible school lecture tonight on the person of Christ (already completed). An Uzbekistan bus boy talks to me as I get a refill of my 15 ruble "chai." I motion him over to my table. His name for me is "Mr." :) He hopes to become a Russian citizen in January. He desires to move to the U.S. We trade names, email, phone numbers, and hope. His name is Farkhad Sadulloev. He is 23 years of age. Later his boss pulls him away as he tries to sneak another minute to talk with me. Contact, connect, conversation, relationship, and technology all create opportunities for the Gospel. I promise to call him (on Alexi's phone) and further the contact I've made. Who knows how God may break into Farkhad's life?

3:30 PM. Same Republic Restaurant. I have been studying since about 1:30 for my lecture, except for a few minutes speaking with Farkhad (above). The lunch crowd slowly clears out of the restaurant; I am left with two young girls (they look 12 or 13) in my section. I needed to use the restroom, so I went over and placed a 10 ruble bill on their table, pointed to my stuff on mine, and asked them to watch out for it while I went to the toilet. When I returned they excitedly came to my table, returned the 10 rubles and asked, "Where are you from?" Their smiles communicated that they were happy to meet an American. I explained that I lived in the S.E. United States (comparing Atlanta to Vlad). I introduced myself, gave them my blog name, described my family (4 children - to which they were like "Four?" with a wide-eyed expression), and explained why we were in Vladivostok. They had already asked the big "Why?" question.

Then they introduced themselves to me - Anna and Marsha (both 12), best 7th grade friends who go to different schools but live close to one another in Vlad. They both live with their fathers and mothers. I reminded them that they were very blessed to live with both their parents, as Russia has an 80% divorce rate. I also encouraged them to visit America. I assured them they could stay with us if they could only get to the States. They smiled with pleasure. :) I offered my email address. Marsha said, "Skype?" I indicated I would have to email the Skype information to her. As we were finishing our conversation I said I regretted not having my camera with me. Instantly one of them grabbed her IPhone - we promptly had two pictures - Mark and Anna, Mark and Marsha. They got right next to me as though I were their father. Too cute. They promised to email me the pictures, for which I clearly said "Spaseebah" or thank you. I made sure they promised me they would tell their parents about the strange American man whom they befriended in the Republic Restaurant. I, in turn, promised to tell their story on this blog. These are young ladies that would fill any parent's heart with gratitude and pride.

 An age of unprecedented technology opens doors for cross-cultural communication with young, post-Perestroika Russians. And open doors of communication are open doors for Gospel communication. My prayer: God give us the spirit of friendship to wisely enter doors you have opened for your Gospel. Help us be faithful to Your mission. In Christ, amen.

October 23, Tuesday

We woke up to 2” of snow on the ground and very cold, windy conditions. Left for the train station at 10:00 AM and almost slipped on the ice coming out of the building for the proverbial “face plant.” Disaster averted! We had a great conversation with a Russian as we stood on the platform waiting for the train. Let’s call him Leisha – see his photo on my blog. We understood him to say he has visited Tacoma, Washington in his Russian navy days. I am not sure how to corroborate the truth of his statement, but he could not have been warmer in speaking to us.

Our afternoon was fascinating. We spent from 12:30 PM until 4:45 PM with Cristina Kuzmenko. I want to tell you her story. Check out her pictures on the blog. Her story is about an 18 year-old Christian growing up in post-Perestroika in the Far East of Russia. Remember that Russia has around 125 million people, but only 6 million in the Far East region, an area with millions of square kilometers that are virtually uninhabited. Cristina is in her first two months of the medical university her in Vladivostok. She is from a small town (village) in the Primorsky Krai region named Novoshakhtinsk, located several hours from Vlad. She is on a 5 year track with a 5 year commitment to work as a dentist for the company that is providing her 95,000 rubles/year education (+/- $ 3,000). It was a miracle she got in to medical school, as her grades were not especially high. Yet she prayed earnestly about this during her high school years – and God graciously answered her prayers. Cristina had desired to be a dentist from the time she was 7 years of age. It was important she received financial aid. You see, she is one of three biological and ten adopted children raised in the house of her parents Sergei and Lena Kuzmenko. Apparently the children have been gathered from all over the Far East region. Her father is the pastor of a small “house church” which meets in her home. It was beyond cool to see a young lady committed to the Lord Jesus, His Gospel, and giving testimony to her roommates about our great God. My heart was so encouraged. She was even gracious enough to help me select some gifts for the children of GBC Taylors to bring home in another week.

We met her mom, Lena, at the wedding Friday night in Pogrinichny. While Cristina is the youngest of the three biological kids, the children range in age from 5 to 26. They have 26 pigs they raise to feed their family. And they raise the normal large amount of vegetables in their garden plot to feed the approx. 15 adults and children living in their home. The good news is that the government does provide the Kuzmenko family with financial assistance. The kids are the Kuzmenko family’s life work. We will be privileged to visit the family in their home this weekend. I’ll be sure to take plenty of pictures. Cristina frequently takes the bus home on weekends, so we hope she will be there on Sunday. Perhaps she will ride back with us. Stay tuned for more…got to get to bed!

Pictures from October 21, Sunday in Uganay

Uganay Praise Band - I am playing keyboard in the back

Alexander: a former prisoner and now our Bible student. A humble man.

Saib, Alexi, and Steve on Sunday afternoon at the Sea of Japan. It would snow two days later.

Eugene on his 17th birthday: the future of the church in Uganay

Yours truly with Alicia (9 months) and Arisha (3 years) in the family apartment

Katia and Alexi in their apartment: a young couple who serve in the Uganay church