The service was two hours long
and in Russian, but the group members were caught up in it and
didn't even notice the time. There was much music, which needs
no translation. For the rest, two of us tried to translate, but
it was difficult. They experienced a great deal from the heart
they heard in the voices. After the morning service, we had lunch
in an upstairs room and the partners chatted through a young translator.
It was a time for questions and sharing. After lunch, there was
another, more informal service. A highlight for the day was a
spontaneous song of farewell at the end. The song was of love
and thanksgiving that they could be together, with the hope that
they might come together again soon.
On Monday, we spent the morning buying sports equipment for the
orphanages. After lunch with the pastor’s family, we loaded
ourselves into a van and drove an hour and a half over washboard
roads to the first orphanage. Located in the town of Demidov,
this was a large orphanage with close to 300 children. Many of
the children suffer from learning disabilities—all of the
children are without parents. The director gave us a tour of the
aging facility. He shared what they have been able to accomplish
in terms of renovation (often with the help of the Smolensk church),
but more work is still needed. Then we gathered with the children
in a large gymnasium. Two of the group members were former elementary
school principals. When asked what American games they could teach,
it didn’t take them long to line up two rows and start a
round of “over and under.” The children loved it.
Then the ministry team took over, singing songs and staging mini-competitions.
On most of their visits, they teach Bible lessons as well. It
was a privilege to take part as this team reached out with love.
With our third day in Smolensk, we began with a tour of the city.
It is magnificent and very important historically. Located on
the western border of Russia, it has held off invaders again and
again. We were able to climb into the city’s ancient wall
and explore.
After another luncheon, we headed off to a second orphanage.
We had hoped to visit two orphanages this day, but decided that
it was better to have quality time with one than rush through
two. We spent an extraordinary afternoon on a hillside having
a picnic with the fourth-graders of Kardymovo Orphanage School.
The children roasted hot dogs over a fire. We played games, went
for walks, and just enjoyed the fellowship. One of our principals
taught a group of children how to play jacks. No one was ready
to say good-bye.
The last day was a day for fellowship—the fellowship of
volleyball and a barbecue at the church’s camp facility
(something that White Memorial has helped to support for the last
two years) and the fellowship of a group dinner—the White
Memorial / Covenant Presbyterian Church / Smolensk Baptist group.
White Memorial has connected with several of the Smolensk church’s
ministries, and has brought the Russian pastor to visit them in
the States. There is a lot that is accomplished through the partnerships,
especially when the relationship is strong. Through relationship
we are strengthened as individuals and Christ’s reach through
us is extended. We glean ideas from one another and inspire one
another. The Twinning Program gives churches the opportunity to
be with Christ’s people in need in another part of the world,
to touch individuals like these orphans, and to be touched. It
goes in both directions. The Russian pastor cherishes the memory
of his visit to a women’s prison while in the United States—a
moment when he could reach out to the suffering in our country.
The group from White Memorial Presbyterian is home now. We treasure
the bonds we have made with new friends and all that we learned
from their visit. Now we look forward to the next group. Please
pray for our family and all our visiting groups, that through
all the challenges of travel we will find the moments of joy and
understanding and be enriched as brothers and sisters in Christ.
“Blest be the tie that binds.”
May the peace and blessings of our Lord be with each of you!
Ellen & Al Smith
The 2003 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
94 |
