EASTER IN RUSSIA!
The time has come again to stuff my suitcases and prepare my heart (and my nerves) for another trek to the other side of the globe. If you are wondering, this is my 17th adventure to Russia. I’m so grateful I still have the health, energy, and funds to “GO.”
As the official ministry of CrossRoads Samara has closed, my time there will take on a slightly different flavor. Although I will miss the larger gatherings sponsored by the CrossRoads office, I will have more freedom to respond to invitations from churches, rehabilitation centers, Bible groups, and personal friends outside the city.
I’m leaving SOON! My departure date is April 24. I chose this earlier travel time because this year the Russian Easter celebration is May 1–and it’s always been my dream to participate in the Paskha in Samara. I’ve been practicing the traditional greeting: Kristos Voskres! (Christ is Risen!) and the response, Voistinu Voskres! (Indeed Risen!) I’m going to bake kulichi (the traditional Russian Easter bread) with my friend Marina, and attend the midnight service with Tanya at her church. Then we’re invited to Olga Starostina’s home for the Russian Easter feast. My heart is already beating with anticipation.
AFTER RUSSIAN EASTER
Then there will be more celebrations: my birthday on May 4; and then the Victory Day on May 9, which a group of us will spend in Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) the site of the tide-turning defeat of the Nazis in WWII. I’ve never been to Volgograd, and this particular trip (on a river cruise ship) will be something extra special.
In between all this excitement, I’ll be sharing some insights that God has put on my heart concerning Wholehearted Living, and what it means to be authentic as followers of Jesus. I’ll be ministering and encouraging and listening and soaking in the love for 5 wonderful weeks (returning May 31.) Will you pray for me?
I hope to keep you updated here on the blog – and on Facebook for those of you who hang out there. It’s my way of saying THANK YOU for your faithfulness to cheer me on and care about getting the message of hope in Christ to Russia. (And there might be some Russian chocolate involved too.)
KRISTOS VOSKRES!
I would be honored to pray for you!!! So thrilled you get to visit them again and to share the Love of the Lord Jesus ! keep me on the list for updates, Jeanette!
Thank you, Pati! Glad to have you on my team. Sure do miss you, friend.
I will surely pray for you. I’m going to Cambodia June 8-23 so you can return the favor 🙂 Sounds wonderful!
Absolutely!