The Team returned from Russia, flying into Tampa, Florida at about 12:15 AM on June 4. We had just completed nine days of hard work, extensive travel, and fellowship with the people in Zelenograd (a small city just outside of Moscow). We painted and helped with the landscaping at their new "House of Prayer"(as it is called), met with the people for Bible Study and prayer together, joined with them for great food and fellowship, and they graciously opened their homes providing places for us to rest. We found the people of Russia warm, hospitable, gracious, loving, and kind.

Team members visited two orphanages, one in Moscow and one in St. Petersburg, spending time playing games, telling Bible stories, passing out treats (especially popcorn which the children loved!), and distributing small gift packages filled with all types of small articles of clothing, art supplies, and hygiene products.

We traveled north to the city of St. Petersburg, Russia for one day and spent one day in the city of Moscow. We experienced sights, sounds, smells, and surroundings so different than what we are accustomed to, but in spite of the surroundings and the language barriers, we found there is precious common ground for those who are Believers in Jesus Christ ... we shared a common bond of love for Him and each other which made our fellowship sweet. We also share common ground with those who, as of yet, do not know of our Savior ... they are in desperate need of Him in their lives, just like we are.

We also learned that having a heart for missions and being involved in missions within our local church, as vital as that is, is insufficient, and a piece of that heart is missing until the reality of cross-cultural missions is experienced ... living life daily with people within another culture, sharing heartaches and joys with them, sharing testimonies to the grace and mercy of our Lord, and experiencing their lifestyle, gave us just a small taste of what our career missionaries face continually, and we are so grateful for this experience ... it will impact our hearts for a lifetime.