That's where we were on Sunday as we left Raleigh: on our way to Russia. Moscow, to be exact.
Now there is no simple way to Moscow. We went from Raleigh, to DC, to Geneva, to Moscow. Lots of flying, sitting, thinking, and for me, praying. Whenever you are responsible for a group, you pray a lot. Being a pastor, a trip leader, is a silent contract of sorts with the trip members and their families. The pastor's part of the contract is a promise to get everyone there and back safely. On a church-partnership mission trip, which this one is, it is the Holy Spirit's job to empower the changing of hearts and minds in the participants. Thanks be to God!
The flights were relatively uneventful. I share one picture of the French / Italian Alps. The camera does not do it justice. I am not a skiier, but I might be trying again after seeing this:
Last night during devotional time I asked each person to share with a neighbor at the table one thing they each were hoping to receive or learn the next twelve days. Then I charged them each to share that prayer for that one thing - share that one thing in prayer to God -- for a partner in the group.
As you read this, what one or two things would you hope to take with you from Russia? While we are here we'll do 5 days of touristy touring and 5 days of miniistry / social work / outreach. What would you hope to gain if you were with us?
Today was a Moscow day. Setting the context. To understand the historical and social setting of the livers of our church partners in Smolensk, it is necessary to know something about the long and complex history of Russia. This history setting is what we did today, on Day 2 in Moscow.
Please keep us in prayer as we serve and grow together.
Here are photos on day 1. I'll caption as best I can.
Waiting to go into Red Square and the Kremlin.
And while waiting we got to witness a Communist Party March and rally. It was very, very small. And it was fascinating.
Our group. Lenin mausoleum in the background. Note these particular Kremlin walls under refurbishment.
Red Square will never be the same again.
Inside St. Basil's.
Cathedral of the Annunciation. Main church on the Kremlin grounds.
Supposedly the largest cannon ever made. Never fired. Just look at the cannon balls!
Looking outside the Kremilin from inside the Kremlin -- overlooking St. Basil's and Red Square.
The foreground is a new construction project.
Presidential offices at the Kremlin. Tried to get an appointment to meet President Putin. It did not work out. Note no visitors across the white line. Not even nice Presbyterians from North Carolina.
Keep us in your prayers. Prayer requests:
Continued good weather...
Catch the train to Smolensk on time with all our bags - most of which are full of supplies and gifts for the ministry in Smolensk...
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