Right now in Samara, Russia, over 50,000 people are known to be HIV infected. The battle for lives and souls rages, and the CrossRoads ministry is on the front lines. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood” but against the forces that keep young people blinded to the truth. Discouragement is a temptation. The results of our 15+ years of teaching, training, praying, serving are often hidden, nebulous, or just plain invisible. This recent letter on this very issue from Alla (my hostess and ministry partner) put a huge smile across my face. I hope it will yours. Alla says:…
Where in the world is Samara?
Admittedly, world geography is not a popular subject in the US public education system. Many people ask about exactly where I go on these adventures to Russia, and when I say SAMARA is about 500 miles east-southeast of Moscow, I often get that “eyes glaze over” response and an uncertain nod. So, for all of you inquiring minds who really want to know… (click on icon if your browser doesn’t show the map.) On this map of eastern Europe and Asia, between Moscow (red dot) and the Caspian Sea (lower left) you will see Samara – slightly to the east…
Taking Hold
Mission to Samara 2013 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me (Phil. 3:12 NIV) Yes, I’m off to Russia again soon. Leaving May 8 for another six-week stay. Some of you might be wondering what possesses me to return to such a mysterious, foreign place year after year. Some could possibly even be impressed. But I don’t think Jesus is impressed. Not long ago, I was challenged to examine what “success” looks like as a follower of Jesus. The gist…
Re-entry hunger pangs
It’s about the food!
Rough going in Rehab
Things got worse. A lot worse.