This morning we had our first cell-church experiences, meeting with Kazakh believers in homes. Our team split into 2 groups of 4 and visited home cell churches. The format of these is a little bit different than how we are used to "church", so it was a neat experience in that way. But even more so, it was awesome to worship our great God with believers in this foreign land! We started gathering at about 11, and played a game to get to know each other. Following this game, we sang worship songs in English, and then one in Russian. Lastly we spent time in the scriptures together in Romans 8:14-17 and ended with a time of prayer together.
This was followed by a meal, which was a cold Central Asian soup, and as with all the dishes we have had here, it was very tasty! This all lasted until about 2:30, and then we broke for naps and some needed time of rest for our team with whom jet-lag had finally caught up!
At 4:30 we made our way to the training center where we played volleyball and frisbee with students until about 8:00. Even though lunch had been wonderful for us, we were starting to get hungry! So we made our way about 1.5 miles to "The Mega", a seemingly out of place, up-to-date mall, fully equipped with an ice-rink, climbing wall, and movie theater. (None of which I was under the impression they had in Kazakhstan, and up until about 4 years ago, I'm pretty sure they didn't have). We ate at an imitation burger place, with as yet unidentified imitation meat, and then made the walk back to the guys apartment, which is functioning as our central headquarters.
We ended the night with a great time of much needed re-gaining of focus, and most importantly prayer. I (Joel L.) never cease to be amazed at the wonderful people God has invited into this trip! He has very big plans for them, and they are eager, and willing to be used by Him! What a great group of people to be partnering with for the sake of the Gospel!
I would like to leave you with a picture of one of the cell churches we met with, and ask you to be praying for these believers.
These are:Front row: Katia, Deena; Second row: Anya, Nurlyzhan, Neegora, Back row: Valic, Sergey. (not pictured - Maxim, Gauhar, Ira.)
4 comments:
Joel and Tori,
What a great Sunday! And how encouraging to hear about your great team members. Dad says to send us some pictures of "the mega" :) One of the things I am praying about is that you all keep getting adequate sleep and keep healthy. Love you both, Mom and Dad
Mothers think alike. I've been praying for sleep and health as well. :)
Love, Mom (Sheila Van Wyhe)
So good to hear things are going well. We (Anna and I) will try to remember to pray for you all. I look forward to hearing more about what God is doing. Talk to you soon.
Happy Anniversary Joel & Victoria! How great to be able to spend it in Kazakhstan serving the Lord.
Love you,
Mom (Sheila Van Wyhe)
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