Take me out of the box!!!

About 1/3 of the team stopped for a photo on the right.... Left is a grouping of youth after one of the concerts....

We were talking with George Bryson, who founded CCCPM and has been doing outreaches like this for nearly 30 years in Russia. Most of all the local Russians that serve at the dorm came to Christ through a concert like the ones we were part of. George shared his own powerful testimony one of the nights. I was moved.

It comes down to this that the "tools" that we are ministering with are never more important than the message of hope and redemption found in Jesus Christ! Whether those tools are buildings, voices, instruments, cars, trains, videos..........etc... They are just means of communicating the message that our "best" efforts are filthy rags in relation to the Righteousness found in a personal relationship with Jesus.

After the concerts were over, I had a chance to just reflect on a lot of personal things that have caused me to fret. The Lord encouraged me again... one of those times when the Lord is really pressing on you.... "You have no idea what I am doing Andon; just trust Me!"

Yes Lord.

Concerts in a box

A local Russian band (plus 2 americans) put together a 5 song set with about 2 days worth of practice. They shined for Jesus! They opened up for the headliner, Pierced; which is the worhsip team that same from Fayetteville, North Carolina.

I learned several valuable lessons and feel greatful to be part of the Sound Ministry at Calvary Chapel Corvallis. Ryan Smith, our worship leader, genuinely stretches us to be part of how God is leading him. Thank you Jesus for using broken vessels for Your Glory!!!

We, or at least I, tend to script things out in life as to what a move of God would look like. I can tend to put God in a box and wind up disappointed when the reality of God's sovereignty doesn't match the picture I have created. I felt encouraged by the Lord to not put Him in a box, but I still struggle with it.

I put my picture of what the concerts and outreach look like next to God's and found myself in a dilema: do I trust what my eyes see, or do I trust in the Lord, who is sovereign.

I choose Jesus!!!!

BTW.... The "in a box" phrase is a play on words as well. The concert hall has concrete walls on four sides...literally.....a box..... :)

Andon....

Pressing our comfort zone

We passed out several invitations Sunday through Thursday. There were a total of about 3 teams each with a dozen or so people. Our team spent two days in this open square and the parks surrounding it passing out Gospels of John in Russian and invitations to the concert.

The guy in the yellow shirt is the pastor at Calvary Chapel Fernley in Nevada who sent out a team of 4 people to help with the effort.

It certainly was pressing my comfort zone as well as Hannah's to interact with so many people in a foreign land where we don't know the language.

To know that the people of Russia have brokenness, trials, and challenges just like we do is comforting. It was common ground to know that although we don't speak the language, we all need a savior....

The comfort zone thing was like working out (it's a bit painful at times, but God develops character in us through it and makes us stronger in Him.) That I cannot only be thankful, but greatful for trials that God sovereignly allows into my life. He is working something in me to glorify Him...... Amen.

Andon

Invitations! Gospels of John... anyone?

Pastor Page gave us instructions on where we were going, when to be back. Most of our days Monday through Thursday will look like this as we get the word out.

Lots of Stretching, but God has met us every step of the way. Hannah has built-up some endurance and is doing well. The responses on the street have generally been positive, even when someone says "No" they say thank you.....(some even in english!!!!)

Praying for fruit..... A good bunch of kids showed up the first night. They were encouraged to bring back friends....


We love all of you guys....

Church in Russia

We got to be at Calvary Chapel Dedovosk this Sunday. Worship was in english (actually quite a few songs that we normally sing) which was great. Page's teaching was great.... Translation was interesting. He has to break up his entire message into bite-sized chunks so the tranlator is not overwhelmed. Hannah and I both got to meet his church. We were so blessed getting to be a part of it all.

God is good.

Orphanage was awesome

Our group went to an orphange/ children's home in Tver on Saturday the 18th. The language barrier was tough, but kickball, red rover, and basketball are universal. The kids were so excited to have us take an interest in them.

Broken-hearted that so many Dad's (many by their own choice) wouldn't want to be Daddy.

The kids have been consistently getting told bible stories and seeing teams for the past 2-1/2 years. This is not a Christian orphanage so the fact that CCCPM and their teams have been allowed in is an incredible testimony to God's faithfulness.

Blessings.....

Andon and Hannah

We are in Russia

18 hours of travel....not much sleep. Ross and McKenna blessed us by taking us up to the airport on Wednesday am and Page blessed us by picking us up in Moscow. Hannah and I are both excited and a shower really hit the spot. This country is beautiful and is very steeped in honor.... SUnny and 75 today.....

Are you Religious?

That was the thought for the day prior to our departure. Completely stressed at work trying to finish strong. I've had to ask for forgiveness from Hannah especially in the last week. Then the thought... "Are you Religious?"

Am I a lover of the King of Kings, yearning to reflect His character, loving others as He has loved me, glorifying my Father in Heaven?????

Or am I religious guy who just knows the right things to say and just speaking Christian-ese to the people I come in contact with????

Lord, let me the first one and not the last.......Please break my heart for what breaks yours!!!

Andon....

PS... Maddy my youngest is not with us during the trip. That just hit me like a train on Saturday. How I love both of these gifts that God has trusted me with..

Blessings in upexpected places

Even the hill of the race leading up to our departure God is faithful. He has provided over and beyond what I had expected for work. So busy in fact I've found myself whining! His provision comes from some of the most unexpected places.

I was pressing though the day trying to get as much done as possible today at work...then I got a call on my personal phone..."unavailable" which usually translates to Blockbuster reminding me that I need to bring the movies back..... I answered, "this is Andon." "Hey bro"...it was Page calling all the way from Russia!!!! What encouragement! Perfect timing as he poured into me for a few minutes, told me I wasn't insane for undertaking this trip, and that a lot of the emotions we are experiencing are normal for this kind of journey. A breath of fresh air!


The other end of my day involved a customer of mine (a rough-around-the-edges type of guy, quite the potty mouth, but has told me he is a believer) He asked if it was too late to contribute to the trip and offered to help. Wow! (And he bought 4 complete sets of cabinets from me too!)

I guess we should not be surprised when God moves, but it seems that defining what His next move is going to be is probably better off left just Him doing it, that us defining it.

His ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not ours.


Andon

Visas!!!!

Our visas arrived today. Hannah and I both are excited to see God's faithfulness in the little things. That faithfulness also demands our trust. We are greatful to get to see Page, Prom, and the kids. Looking forward to sharing God's love, seeing the work He is doing in Russia, and walking in the good works that He prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Please pray for safe travel, our eyes to be fixed on Jesus, and being continually filled with the Holy Spirit.


Andon and Hannah....

A little less than 2 weeks and counting

Here we go..... Feeling under-prepared and over-stressed, but trusting that God will use us all the same.