Homeward Bound

Greetings everyone,

Just wanted to give you an update on where we are at. The campers left camp yesterday morning on bus and we left for Tambov that evening. We stayed last night in the church and today we have been able to walk around town. Tonight we will have dinner with the camp staff and we will say our goodbyes (we are not looking forward to that) and will get on the overnight train to Moscow. From what I know there were at least 4 people that repented, and one of them was the Anya that we asked you to pray for. Praise God!! It has been such an incredible thing to be a part of this ministry. I have been very encouraged as to the content of the camp. This camp pointed people towards Christ, both the campers and the staff. There are a lot of good people that God has placed in the region.

We were able to pass about Bible's Friday morning at camp and there were a lot of kids who got a Bible who never had access to one. Please pray that God would open their hearts to the truth of His Word.

Please pray for Olga. She was one of our campers who didn't repent, but she took a Bible home with her. She was encouraged to read John and Romans. Please pray that she would come to know Christ. Some of the kids came from places that did not have a church, please pray that God would make a way for them to hear His truth. One of the things that was encouraging to see is that Vadim (Pastor in Tambov and director of camp) wants each of the campers to be contacted within the next few days. The people here want to have a lasting impact on these kids and are doing everything they can to do that.

The last day (unfortunately after campers left) we were able to finish the zip line, and half of the staff was able to try it out. We built a wall for a rope course that was 13 feet tall. We were able to take around forty kids over the wall. It was incredible to see how at first they didn't think it could be done, but after they finished it they were so excited. One of the things that we have noticed is that a lot of of Russia are quick to say that things are "impossible" and give up without even trying. We hope that the experience with this wall, in some way, would challenge them to look at things differently. This wall was just one of the ways that we were able to challenge the kids and build relationships. One exciting things was to see Staus on the 13 foot wall. This is a young man who's life was changed drasticly over the last year. This kid listened very carefully and took it upon himself to make sure his team was safe. He wouldn't have done this a year ago. He give's the credit for the changes to God and we rejoice with him.

When we get back into town we will post pictures for you all and each one of us will write about our personal experience with camp and the campers. Hopefully you will be able to understand why, as we head for home, there is a large part of our heart that will always be here in Russia. We love these people dearly and pray that God would use them in a mighty way here in Russia.

In His love,

The Tambov Team

Just for Fun

Kelsey is sad to leave Russia, but is craving a hazelnut latte. (Make sure you ask Kesley about Andre's special tea made with socks)

Mike C. says "ditto" to the first part and is craving a Bacon Cheeseburger (with crunchy bacon).

Jess is craving Pepsi, Bacon Cheeseburger, and pizza.

This is what Mike C, Jess, and Kelsey think our team is craving:

Luke is craving a bubble bath.

Mike H is missing Ali (go figure) and craving "oreo salad" (you will have to ask him about it)

Amber is craving hotdogs

Nicole is craving a cucumbers and tomato salad. (She didn't get enough at camp)

Kathryn is craving anything "granola"

This is what the team claims they are craving:

Kathryn is craving a "beefy" salad.

Mike H. is craving "I don't care, probably pizza". Which translates to "I want to see Ali".

Nicole is craving ice cream.

Amber is craving pizza.

Luke is craving hotdogs. (he really did say this)

Note's to family:

Nicole's note:

I hope you had a great time at fair and that everything went well.

Kathryn's note:

"I having a great time here"

Mike H.'s note:

"Mom, my knee is doing well"

Mike C. note:

"10 hot dogs (once for breakfast) and still counting"

Kelsey's note:

"Keenan, I can't wait to see your dorm room."

"Kaylee, I am really looking forward to seeing you."