SOCCER, PIZZA, AND A JEWISH WEDDING

Winston Churchill once described Russia as, ‘a mystery wrapped inside of a riddle placed inside of an enigma.’ This is still true today fifteen years after socialism has fallen, and over fifty since Churchill’s comment. Russia is difficult to understand, and at times to difficult to work within. With the fall of socialism came open doors into the country, and open windows into the hearts of the people. They were hungry for truth. Fifteen years later the political side has begun to reverse itself. Russia is not as open as it was several years ago. The people however are just as hungry as ever, and God is moving in their hearts.

This summer marked my seventh trip to Penza, Russia. Like every year, it was completely different than any other. Near the beginning of our trip, we went to Nizhni Lomov, an orphanage for children with disabilities. In Russia every orphan carries a stigma with them for life. They are looked down upon by the general population as useless and worthless. This stigma is even stronger with the kids of Nizhni. Other than a handful of workers there is no one who looks after them, or spends time with them. However, you would not know this when spending time with them. Their faces are bright with smiles. Many of them know Jesus, and He shines in them. They face difficulties that we could never imagine, yet it does not show. They are full of joy and love. We had an incredible time with the children of Nizhni as we used the backdrop of the Chronicles of Narnia for our camp with them.

Following Nizhni we visited Raduga, the summer home to Orphanage #3 and Spask, then Lapukhovka orphanage. Here we were not allowed to do our program, which turned into a blessing for many of us. It provided time to simply hang out with the children. For me, this meant a lot of soccer. Soccer in Russia, at an orphanage, during a World Cup summer is a beautiful thing! Over the last several years, soccer has provided me the opportunity to get to know some of the older, ‘tougher’ guys, who shy away from our programs. It softens their hearts and brings comradery. They begin to open up, allowing you into their lives. After a good game of soccer, the guys stay with you the rest of the camp, even during programs or games that they would otherwise avoid. Most important, they begin to talk, laugh, smile, and sometimes even give you a hug. They are longing for attention just as much as the younger children. They try to hide it, but once you break down the wall you find a little kid at heart wanting a friend, someone to love them.

Next we received a special treat, an afternoon to spend with some elderly people from the local churches. We gathered together at Revival Church for a day of song, prayer, testimonies, lunch (many of them had never had pizza before!), tea, and conversation. This was an incredible time for me; first as a student of Russian/Soviet history, to hear the stories of life under Socialism, even as far back as Stalin. But even more so, as a young believer to hear the stories of faithful brothers and sisters who endured under pressure and persecution that we could not even imagine. To hear stories of the underground church, Bible studies in the forest, and even life in the gulag, was an incredible gift of encouragement to continue the race faithfully in truth. I thank God for Tanya, whom Lori [Bond] and I had the chance to get to know. I know that if I do not see her again here on earth we will have a wonderful reunion together in heaven.

Lastly, we finished off the trip at the Fireworks/Youth camp. Youth from the local churches, along with the Fireworks youth (Spoken For college-age orphans) and some of the local pastors, gathered in the woods for a week-long campout. The campout consisted of devotionals, worship, teaching times, small groups, camp games, and of course swimming. Over the last few years this has become the highlight of my summers. This is the time when we can really go deep with the youth. It is a time of fellowship, and intimate discipleship. After a week of camping and being in the Word together, the youth begin to open up to us, and most of all to God. This year I was in a small group with a young man named Yuri. Yuri is from Orphanage #3. At the beginning of the week Yuri said that he believed in Christ, that he had accepted him several years ago. When Alexey, our other group leader, challenged Yuri about his life he replied that we did not understand how alone he was at the orphanage and how he could not live for God, but he believed. Each day Yuri opened up a little more and a little more, until the last day when he said he desired Christ, and wanted to begin to live for him. That night at our lesson Scott [Werntz] was teaching on the return of Christ. Using the illustration of a Jewish wedding ceremony, the marriage between the Church and Christ was presented culminating in a gospel presentation. Yuri walked forward making a decision to live for Christ. Alexey and I prayed with him, and welcomed him to the body. Afterwards, another Yuri who was also in our small group and is from Orphanage #3 congratulated him, telling him that he would help him, and pray with him. It was a beautiful moment of two young men getting it, and choosing Christ.

Scripture says that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Romans says, “How can they believe in the one they have not heard, and how can they hear if no one preaches to them?” God asked Isaiah, “Who shall I send, and who will go for us?” The time is now. Christ is coming back. People are longing to know Him. Pray for the Church in Russia. Pray for the ones who have not yet believed.

::Jason Hernandez

<<Back to newsletter