Many people think of "missions" as a project, a task, or an event. Over the years I have come to know missions as a relationship. Sure, I've done plenty of tasks and events in our 12 years in Russia, but it is the relationships built that ultimately carry out God's work in a lasting way. When the notebooks and materials from the classes you've taught have long since been used as scrap paper and the details forgotten; when the paint you used to cover the buildings on that mission trip have faded; when the tent you raised up for that evangelistic crusade is now tattered and worn out; it is the relationship that you might have built that lives on and is meaningful.
Monday evening Patty and I went to the small town of Seltso to have dinner with and visit with the Lisitsyn family. Now this family is our original door into Russia 12 years ago. It was Gregory's brothers who live in the states that asked to come work with him in hosting childrens camps. Gregory and his wife are in the flower business for a living. Currently he is the lead pastor in his Baptist Church in the town of Selto. They have 7 children, 4 grandkids (plus 1 on the way), 1 daughter in law and 2 sons in laws. They are also one of the most unusual households you would ever know. It is loud and alive. There is not a quiet member in that whole family! Loudness and laughter ring through the window and into the streets. Maybe that's why I always feel so at home here.
The dinner occassion Monday was the 1 year wedding anniversary of their son Andrey and his bride Genia. They made sushi of all things. It felt kind of strange eating dinner in a small town Russian home having really good homemade sushi with chopsticks. It brought out the modern reality that it is food that often connects cultures of the world. But we had a party. Their daughter Luba is really the only effective translator that connects Patty and I to the other 11 in attendance (the other 5 family members could not make it). Often everyone would talk at once and no one wanted to wait for translation from young Luba. At the same time young Luba who has 2 lively kids of her own, was trying to deal with her kid's request, her loud and talkative fathers request to speak to Patty or I, and the rest of the families stories for everyone. Her head was spinning. Mama Luba (as we call the mom of the house) and Patty were sitting together (they are very heartfelt dear friends) and both of them were yelling out, in english now less, "translate," when they had a funny story they wanted everyone to hear. Patty and I know enough Russian to follow some things, and some of the Lisitsyn's know a little english so they would follow small parts of our side. But in the end it made me realize that it just didn't matter, because the connecting language was family....and we were most definitely included in this family.
We have known this family and worked side by side with them for 12 years. We have hosted lots of camps with Gregory and Luba and all their children. We have preached and sang in their church many, many times. They have been in our home and spoken in our church as well. Gregory and I have had our disagreements and even extremely heated arguments about ministry issues, and honestly on one painful occassion a fiery dual. But we have also plowed the fields of work together for more than a decade. We actually now have relatives married to each other... Their nephew is married to our son in law's sister (if that makes any sense). So we often speak about how we really are family now... But the real family that we share comes from a joint love of Jesus Christ as the head of our homes. This is where we find lasting unity and become family members.
Gregory's church, the Seltso Baptist Church, will be hosting one of the children's camps in a couple of weeks. Gregory and Luba also are the directors of the campground Yolochka that we are working out of this summer. Pray for Seltso Church as they reach out to their needy city of 25,000 citizens. Pray for their son Illya as he enters the army this fall. Pray for their business. Pray that God would help this family continue to live out the love of Christ for their city and the world.
So how do you find family members that live on the other side of the globe from you? Its not language, food, a project, or a fun event. Its comes down to a shared Lord that you love and your readiness to lay it all down for Him....and time together in a shared journey with God.
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Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
21st Century Heroes who are transforming the Russian Church... Bezchitsa
The Bezchitsa Church in Bryansk, Russia is quite old and famous. They have a huge cathedral style building that sits at one of the busiest intersections in town. Thousands of people drive by every hour of every day. It also has a emotionally charged history of conflicts with the government during communist days, jailed church leaders, and persecution. Those are by gone days, and they like other Christian Churches in Russia are faced with the complacency of the general population toward spiritual things.
The Bezchitsa Church in Bryansk is in a "blood brother" relationship with LifeWay Church in Federal Way (my home church). And next week (July 4-10) we have a team from LifeWay here in Bryansk working with their childrens ministry leadership team hosting a childrens camp. The prayer is that 150 or so kids and workers will spend a great week at the campground in fun and building relationships with each other and God.
Last night (Sunday) Patty and I spent 3 hours in final planning with the 2 key Childrens ministry leaders from Bezchitsa, Oksana and Sergei, as well as our translator, a local english professor Irina, all of whom are active members of the church. They have also become really good friends. Its so nice to have a meeting where we get down to details, but there's lots of space for laughter. Sergei would break out into his stories at everyone's delight. Even though it was a planning session of lessons, crafts, schedules, etc, it is so obvious to us that God is doing something very special in Bryansk when we get a glimpse of the heart and vision of Sergei and Oksana, and Irina as well. These people are not only the salt of the earth, but they are sold out for cause of Christ and they truly get it! The old stories of persecutions from communist government are not part of the current reality, but they totally understand that the spiritual warfare against hopelessness away from God is as real now as ever, and they are just as dedicated as their former generation of Christian leaders to stand up for Christ. In their case, they are leading the charge by engaging their life in an ever growing ministry to children and youth. Churches can grow very complacent and sleepy over time, but they see their task as one that transforms the passion of ministry in their church from the youngest up. They see the need to address the mind set of the young Russian who are growing up in a totally different world than their grandparents and parents. They are not just leading a "program" of kids work, they see themselves as bringing Christ into a dark corner of the world.
Of the kids coming to camp next week, 60 percent of them I was told do not come from church attending families. There are several small mission churches in outlying areas that Bezchitsa is reaching out to and bringing kids. Bezchitsa is not only engaging their city, but they are being missionaries to others as well. Even this camp is not just used for a 1 week experience, but instead it is a platform to build a whole year of ministry to children and families.
Oksana is a single adult leader of childrens ministry in this church and an accountant by trade. Sergei is married with chidren and is the "Sunday School" and children's outreach director in this church and a computer programmer by trade. Irina is married and a mom and is by trade an english professor with a PHD at the local university by trade. These 3 are very special people who are living out their calling to serve the cause of Christ. They may not realize it, but they are transforming the vision and focus of Bezchitsa Church. There were heroes of the past for sure. But in my book these are the heroes of the faith for today.
Pray for the Bezchitsa Kids Camp that begins July 4.
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The Bezchitsa Church in Bryansk is in a "blood brother" relationship with LifeWay Church in Federal Way (my home church). And next week (July 4-10) we have a team from LifeWay here in Bryansk working with their childrens ministry leadership team hosting a childrens camp. The prayer is that 150 or so kids and workers will spend a great week at the campground in fun and building relationships with each other and God.
Last night (Sunday) Patty and I spent 3 hours in final planning with the 2 key Childrens ministry leaders from Bezchitsa, Oksana and Sergei, as well as our translator, a local english professor Irina, all of whom are active members of the church. They have also become really good friends. Its so nice to have a meeting where we get down to details, but there's lots of space for laughter. Sergei would break out into his stories at everyone's delight. Even though it was a planning session of lessons, crafts, schedules, etc, it is so obvious to us that God is doing something very special in Bryansk when we get a glimpse of the heart and vision of Sergei and Oksana, and Irina as well. These people are not only the salt of the earth, but they are sold out for cause of Christ and they truly get it! The old stories of persecutions from communist government are not part of the current reality, but they totally understand that the spiritual warfare against hopelessness away from God is as real now as ever, and they are just as dedicated as their former generation of Christian leaders to stand up for Christ. In their case, they are leading the charge by engaging their life in an ever growing ministry to children and youth. Churches can grow very complacent and sleepy over time, but they see their task as one that transforms the passion of ministry in their church from the youngest up. They see the need to address the mind set of the young Russian who are growing up in a totally different world than their grandparents and parents. They are not just leading a "program" of kids work, they see themselves as bringing Christ into a dark corner of the world.
Of the kids coming to camp next week, 60 percent of them I was told do not come from church attending families. There are several small mission churches in outlying areas that Bezchitsa is reaching out to and bringing kids. Bezchitsa is not only engaging their city, but they are being missionaries to others as well. Even this camp is not just used for a 1 week experience, but instead it is a platform to build a whole year of ministry to children and families.
Oksana is a single adult leader of childrens ministry in this church and an accountant by trade. Sergei is married with chidren and is the "Sunday School" and children's outreach director in this church and a computer programmer by trade. Irina is married and a mom and is by trade an english professor with a PHD at the local university by trade. These 3 are very special people who are living out their calling to serve the cause of Christ. They may not realize it, but they are transforming the vision and focus of Bezchitsa Church. There were heroes of the past for sure. But in my book these are the heroes of the faith for today.
Pray for the Bezchitsa Kids Camp that begins July 4.
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Saturday, June 25, 2011
The Awakening of a young generation in Bryansk. Saturday June 25
Patty and I had a travel day today. We left Moscow at noon and by train traveled the 6 hours to Bryansk. I want to share about 2 young couples we had a long visit with on both ends of the railroad tracks, and both inspired us greatly and give me great insight as to what God is doing in Bryansk.
Before we left Moscow we spent lunch time with a charming and distinctive young couple, Alex (his common nickname is Babs) and Marina. They are getting married July 17, and have asked me to do their wedding and of course I'm honored. They have been studying in Moscow, but after marriage they are coming home to Bryansk to work and live. I've known them now for years as they have been instrumental in the young History Maker Church. Neither of them come from Christian families, but they have both made serious commitments of their lives to following Christ and serving Him with their talents. Babs (Alex) is an artist at heart. He certainly walks to a different drum beat. I often call him my Russian "hippie" friend, as he is very free spirited. He looks and lives the part well. He loves people, he adores kids, he always looks for ways to help the down and out people of the world. Marina is his fiance of now 2 years. She is beautiful physically, very bright, talented, and has a heart of gold. I've seen few young people anywhere in the world that loved God more than her. She speaks several languages fluently (Russian, English, and French). They are extremely moral people in a highly immoral society. And they are sold out. When they return to Bryansk full time, they are part of the core of History Maker Church. They have dedicated their summer to working with us in all our camps, beginning with History Makers, then the 2 kids camps as well. They are natural leaders and delightful people. They told us they are dedicating themselves to Gods work for the rest of their lives. Its also assuring to me that even Christian leaders from very traditional churches that a few years ago shunned them because of the way they looked, have now learned to lean on them and respect them because they live out what they believe.
Once in Bryansk we spent the evening with Pasha and Luba. This couple started History Maker Church. They have matured in so many ways, as parents, savy business leaders, and leaders in Gods church. Pasha is a little over 30 now, and Luba is 26. God has instilled in them a passion and vision that is growing. They are such positive and fun people. Pasha spoke of how in his business he in charge of about 25 people, and a large number of them are coming to camp next week. Luba spoke of the relationships with so many in her English school, and how it leading to opportunities of witness. Luba told of how Pasha does such a great job of building relationships with young adult orphans, and how some of them are coming to camp. They spoke with great enthusiasm about their plans for the camp that start Wednesday. They talked about how they are having Baptisms near the end of the History Maker camp which will be a totally inspirational experience.
Years ago we began to pray for a movement of God in Bryansk. I see this coming about through the lives of these 2 young couples. Pray for Bryansk. Pray for History Maker Camp that is this week. Pray for Babs and Marina, and Pasha and Luba. May their tribe increase!
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Before we left Moscow we spent lunch time with a charming and distinctive young couple, Alex (his common nickname is Babs) and Marina. They are getting married July 17, and have asked me to do their wedding and of course I'm honored. They have been studying in Moscow, but after marriage they are coming home to Bryansk to work and live. I've known them now for years as they have been instrumental in the young History Maker Church. Neither of them come from Christian families, but they have both made serious commitments of their lives to following Christ and serving Him with their talents. Babs (Alex) is an artist at heart. He certainly walks to a different drum beat. I often call him my Russian "hippie" friend, as he is very free spirited. He looks and lives the part well. He loves people, he adores kids, he always looks for ways to help the down and out people of the world. Marina is his fiance of now 2 years. She is beautiful physically, very bright, talented, and has a heart of gold. I've seen few young people anywhere in the world that loved God more than her. She speaks several languages fluently (Russian, English, and French). They are extremely moral people in a highly immoral society. And they are sold out. When they return to Bryansk full time, they are part of the core of History Maker Church. They have dedicated their summer to working with us in all our camps, beginning with History Makers, then the 2 kids camps as well. They are natural leaders and delightful people. They told us they are dedicating themselves to Gods work for the rest of their lives. Its also assuring to me that even Christian leaders from very traditional churches that a few years ago shunned them because of the way they looked, have now learned to lean on them and respect them because they live out what they believe.
Once in Bryansk we spent the evening with Pasha and Luba. This couple started History Maker Church. They have matured in so many ways, as parents, savy business leaders, and leaders in Gods church. Pasha is a little over 30 now, and Luba is 26. God has instilled in them a passion and vision that is growing. They are such positive and fun people. Pasha spoke of how in his business he in charge of about 25 people, and a large number of them are coming to camp next week. Luba spoke of the relationships with so many in her English school, and how it leading to opportunities of witness. Luba told of how Pasha does such a great job of building relationships with young adult orphans, and how some of them are coming to camp. They spoke with great enthusiasm about their plans for the camp that start Wednesday. They talked about how they are having Baptisms near the end of the History Maker camp which will be a totally inspirational experience.
Years ago we began to pray for a movement of God in Bryansk. I see this coming about through the lives of these 2 young couples. Pray for Bryansk. Pray for History Maker Camp that is this week. Pray for Babs and Marina, and Pasha and Luba. May their tribe increase!
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Friday, June 24, 2011
Friday June 24
Patty and Billy Arnold spent the day Friday in Moscow and had a very long visit with Ed Tarlton, a good friend, but also the coordinator and director of Russian ministry for the International Mission Board. We spent almost 4 hours with him discussing Bryansk and ministry there. But he gave us some insights on ministry in the rest of Russia as well. There are about 120 major cities in this vast country that have almost no strong Christian witness. It also gets so complicated because of the size of this whole country. Here is a quote from Ed about one of these areas:
From Ed:
Sakha (Yakutia) Republic - Region
Population 950,000. Comprising half of the Far Eastern Federal District, it
is the largest subnational governing body by area in the world at
1,198,200 square miles, slightly smaller than India. If Sakha Republic were
an independent country, it would be the eighth largest in the world.
Yakutia's remoteness made it a place of exile for both Czarist and Communist
governments of Russia. Yakutia mainly consists of ethnic Yakuts, who are
reviving ancient shamanism, and Russians who are orthodox.
Pray for laborers to go to this vast land so that many will have the
opportunity to receive the saving love of God in Christ.
From Billy and Patty: our work is focused on the Bryansk region, but our prayer is that we will see missionaries come from Bryansk and move into areas all over Russia and beyond. Pray for the History Maker camp that starts wednesday.
Sent wirelessly via BlackBerry from T-Mobile.
From Ed:
Sakha (Yakutia) Republic - Region
Population 950,000. Comprising half of the Far Eastern Federal District, it
is the largest subnational governing body by area in the world at
1,198,200 square miles, slightly smaller than India. If Sakha Republic were
an independent country, it would be the eighth largest in the world.
Yakutia's remoteness made it a place of exile for both Czarist and Communist
governments of Russia. Yakutia mainly consists of ethnic Yakuts, who are
reviving ancient shamanism, and Russians who are orthodox.
Pray for laborers to go to this vast land so that many will have the
opportunity to receive the saving love of God in Christ.
From Billy and Patty: our work is focused on the Bryansk region, but our prayer is that we will see missionaries come from Bryansk and move into areas all over Russia and beyond. Pray for the History Maker camp that starts wednesday.
Sent wirelessly via BlackBerry from T-Mobile.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Billy and Patty Arnold off to Russia.
We are off today to get ready for a full summer of work in Bryansk. Pray for the History Maker Church Camp that begins next week, June 29.
Billy.
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Billy.
Sent wirelessly via BlackBerry from T-Mobile.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Russia Team One leaves tomorrow
Pray for our first Russia team as they leave tomorrow to begin their missions trip. Pray for a safe trip and for the camp to get set up successfully.
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