Written by Victoria Petrocelli After our last blog, yesterday, we were led by Frank to a dormitory to try and practice some evangelism that we saw in the Kirk Cameron video. We split up into groups, which usually consisted of one American, one Ukrainian, and one international student. We went around the campus and asked the people to join our group for music, testimonies, the Gospel, and some fun. We had a good turnout of at least 45 people, 25 that didn’t include our group and New Hope Church.
We started the night off with music led by Joel; then we had some others from New Hope Church lead some songs in Russian. Matthew, a man that lived in the dorm and attended a cell group bible study, was the first to share his testimony. Then Lucas got up and shared how God had worked through his life. Afterwards, Pastor James asked Joey to come up and present the Gospel. Once the “program” was finished, we met the people that were invited and encouraged them to attend a JAM meeting (Oasis) on Saturday night at six. We had a few people say they would come; the whole group felt the entire evening was great!
When we left the dormitory we started to gradually split apart, so it was just the American group at The Potato House for dinner (the chocolate crepes are delicious!). The Americans definitely made a name for ourselves last night! Well, over the speakers we could hear songs that we recognized from movies and different school dances. So Caleb, Tyler and Melissa started dancing in their seats and it pretty quickly got the other waiters and waitresses attention. We had some laughs and with the people helping us and when we get home you can see some videos and pictures that we took. But, Pastor James was able to talk to a waiter and invite him to JAM and gave him a Gospel bracelet. Altogether, dinner went a little long, and we were delayed getting home sooner than we had wanted. Pastor James was told that his luggage would be at the hotel by 10:00 pm and it was already 10:30. We were hustling to get home and hoped we could catch a trolley, but never found one. As soon as we made it to the stairs leading to the hotel, a car drove up and asked if James wanted three suitcases. We were so excited and amazed; it was almost eleven. It was such a God-thing! At our nightly debriefing, we rejoiced for the found luggage!
This morning, we woke up at 7:15 and were at breakfast by 8:00. We left the hotel by 9:15, which was an earlier start than usual. The metro was still crazy and busy but we all made it on the same train. Once we arrived at the church, things ran similar to yesterday. Joel led worship with “Blessed Be Your Name.” By 10:45 we were off to the same park. We played volleyball, football, American football, frisbee, and James brought balloon animals. I attempted at balloon animals, but when I handed a little girl a giraffe it unraveled in her hands…whoops! Pastor James definitely dominated in all sorts of hats and animals! We came back to the church by 1:00 and ate a wonderful lunch! We then watch the next two episodes of the evangelism videos. And now I’m sitting here at the computer, waiting to take off to another dormitory! We all feel like we’ve been here forever, but at the same time it’s going so fast! Thank you, Sunday school, family, and friends for your prayers! We are all doing splendid and having a marvelous time! We love you! Da svidaniya (see you soon)!!!!!
6 comments:
Sorry guys, there are no photos on this blog. We will try and get some up here very soon! Again, thank you for your prayers!
The group is going great and I am so proud of them. We had a student yesterday that wasn't feeling well but is now doing much better. The ministry is strong and relationships are being formed. Pray for us as we are tired and don't stop moving all day long. The group has also realized that we don't walk very much back home. We are walking a LOT HERE!!! Thanks for your prayer and support. To God be the Glory !!! Pastor James
I didn't know it took so long to get the last 3 bags!! We thought you had them on Sunday. That must have been tough.
It's so good to read your reports of interacting with the Ukrainian people. I bet you could name a dozen universal languages you're using: music, sports, balloon sculptures, and food, to name a few!
Sometimes after a few days the fatigue and relationship strains start to creep in. That's just another ploy of the enemy, so be prepared for it and don't let him win! "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Gal. 6:9
We are all praying for you a lot here.
Hey tori, glad to see your blog as well was the others. As more time passes, I miss you more but know you are in God's hands. I am not worried at all.
Make your life count today and forever!! Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for now they shall rest from all their toils and trials; for their good deeds follow them to heaven! Rel. 14:13
Hi Team, So glad to hear your reports and the joy that spills forth. You must have rejoiced when the luggagefinally arrived! :) Continuing to pray for strength and endurance. It is exciting to hear of the relationships being formed and the word of God being spread. Learning to trust in God daily. I love the spirit of adventure that this group has embraced. Chocolate crepes at the Potato House! WOW! have a great day and know you are loved and prayed for. mamajeske
I am so blessed to be able to track this trip via computer and your [all] blogs. I am Tori's gramma and am in tears of joy for all of you learning to reach out like this.
May you have a love for travel and a compassion for souls for the Kingdom that will never wane!
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