tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34572268734919270472024-03-05T10:15:07.212-08:00Connect UfaTeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-13094134719285075832015-09-02T20:22:00.001-07:002015-09-02T20:22:27.137-07:00Doing Nothing And Doing Too Much<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am sitting at the breakfast table in my apartment while
I write this blog, on this beautiful morning here in the city of Ufa. By this
time over 9 months have passed since my arrival into the country of Russia.
During my time here, the journey has been very interesting and it is good to
sit back and contemplate a bit on these past summer months. So if you would
like to, dive in with me, into my thoughts on all that has happened this
summer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Doing nothing and doing too much can have the same
consequences. I needed to take the time to slow down from so much that had
happened throughout the summer. To be refilled with a new energy, heart, and
passion for everything I was being a part of. Yet, I also saw how every time I
was busy with something, that at the same time I was being taught as well. It
is a beautiful exchange that takes place when we allow God to pour into us a
knowledge, which we find from being out and about in the world around us.
Whether I was still or moving, I realized that I must always be “still” and
allow God to act through me, seeing that He truly is in control.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The last few days of June and the beginning of July I found
myself staying very busy. For example:<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was out in the middle of the
Southern Urals with a group of 50 kids who all wanted to learn English. I
learned about different plants and different customs. Also, I ate raw cloves of
garlic before several different meals.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The next 7 days of July were spent
with a group of tourists from Virginia. I learned more about the differences in
interactions with the public. Also, I learned about the deeper heart for
friendship with locals who invited the group over for “banya”(Russian sauna)
and “shashlik”(Russian cookout).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Then, for approximately 11 days, I traveled
back to the Southern Urals, a small village called Aigir, for more time with
kids, from all over Bashkortostan, who all wanted to know the English language.
We shot off fireworks, wrote our own fairytales, and went on hikes to the top
of peaks!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, every weekend, until this very moment
of writing all of this down, was spent either in cities, such as Neftekamsk or
Moscow, or floating/camping along the Inzer River with friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wow…of all that time spent this summer, there was little
time for growing and learning for myself , right? Actually, quite the opposite
happened. Through every moment that was spent with new people and/or old
friends, I was also being taught, especially when it came to new vocabulary. “To
be Still” was to let go of everything I thought I needed to control and allow
God to “show me ropes” of life. And “To Love” is not something I could just
read about in a book and then live like nothing changed in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But love then compelled me to act, react,
learn, teach, speak, and listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I
am filled by this love, which truly only comes from God, I long to experience
its power and see the different capabilities it displays at work around me. I
was able to learn so much about culture, custom, and even different
personalities from every person I spent my time with this summer. This new
knowledge then enabled me to approach differently in certain situations or even
adapt to the conversation to allow better understanding for everyone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Every moment I spend out on the streets, in cafes, at the
university, at parks, and even simply in my apartment, I knew that God was with
me through it all. He is always teaching me and showing me what it looks like
to love people. Love, nothing I initially thought of on my own, is what compels
me forward into this different culture and lifestyle. I look forward to
continually learning and understanding more about this culture and language.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kevin S. </div>
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TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-89621520423336951382015-06-30T19:54:00.001-07:002015-06-30T19:54:23.324-07:00The Good Confession of Faith<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last month we witnessed eight new believers being baptized
by pastors of a local church.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A pool in a public sauna was rented for the event. Those of
us there to witness the baptism crowded around the pool on a narrow walkway
between the wall and the edge of the water.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Those who were baptized entered the pool two at a time. They
were asked to reaffirm their confession of faith before being immersed by one
of the pastors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As each newly-baptized believer was raised out of the water
we sang a song of praise around them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It wasn’t but a few weeks later that one of the recently-baptized
believers shared a testimony of how she had taken the opportunity to share her
faith. We praised God that her obedience in baptism was quickly followed by her
obedience in evangelism.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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These newly-baptized believers already serve with the
church. Give thanks with us for the conviction of the Holy Spirit in their
lives and for the obedience of other believers to be disciple-makers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We’re praying, too, that these eight new believers will be
the start of a movement of God across the city, a chain-reaction of evangelism
and discipleship.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">“Consequently,
you are no longer foreigners and strangers,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">but fellow citizens with
God’s people and also members of his household,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">built</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">on the foundation of the
apostles and prophets,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">with Christ Jesus himself</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">as the chief cornerstone.</span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black;">In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy
temple</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">in the Lord.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">And in him you too are being built
together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (Colossians
3:19-22)</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Shawn B. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
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TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-71496043855128170482015-06-23T20:17:00.000-07:002015-06-30T19:47:38.376-07:00Truth In The Light<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8pt; text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">Truth about the
Light<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">Ufa has
become a completely different world ever since the last of the snow melted and
was carried off, by the cascading streams from the rains of springtime. Not
only does the land </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">itself look completely different and inviting, but, also, the
people themselves have become </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">more pleasant and inviting to the world around
them. Children are no longer burdened by </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">heavy winter </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 107%;">clothing,
unless you are 5 years old, and have begun their adventures in the </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 107%;">streets,
parks, </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 107%;">and the rest
of the city. Even the adults have somewhat of a jubilant </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 107%;">perspective towards
life, as the nature around them begins to blossom and accept the </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 107%;">warmth from </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 107%;">the sun.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">What is it
about sunlight, or light in general, that is so appealing to the general
population? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">Since the
beginning of time, people groups' lives have revolved around light. Whether it
was <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">celebrations,
jobs, or even lifestyles, these all seem to revolve around light as their key </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">factor. Especially, in a country where the lack of light outweighs the presence
of light, there </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">seems tobe a large difference in how people live and function
on a daily basis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">One such
event that drew the people out of the shadows into the light was Sabantui. </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">Sabantui is a Bashkir holiday that celebrates the season of growth and life.
After the winter </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">season, the </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 107%;">time for
starting gardens, crops, and life outside begins. The Bashkirs like to </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 107%;">celebrate this </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 107%;">change in
seasons by having a festival after the first crop has been planted. </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 107%;">The word </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 107%;">"Sabantui"
is directly translated as, "Saban" being "plow" and
"tui" being "wedding celebration". This holiday is
traditionally celebrated to usher in the time for planting, growing, and
harvesting crops.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">On June 12,
2015, a few friends and I went out to a park to observe and even take part in <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">some of the
festivities. We watched as men wrestled with colored belts to receive bragging <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">rights, men
climbed telephone poles to receive a prize, women and children danced and </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">sang, </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 107%;">"Russian
barbecue" was served, and people of all ages took part in carnival rides
and horse </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 107%;">rides.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">I am looking
forward to more moments, such as this holiday, to take part in with my friends <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">here. Just to
know that the warmth brings the people out of their homes into the light, gives
me encouragement to not take this time lightly. With how much more open people
are to <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">ideas, conversations,
and activities, should give us all initiative to make connections with the <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">people around
us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">Light gives
meaning to what we do. Light gives direction to our lives. Light reveals truth
to </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">the </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 107%;">unanswerable
questions. Jesus is the Light. He is the Light of man, the Light in the
darkness, the Light that reflects the very glory of God. Nature reflects the
power and presence of God.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">Therefore,
sharing this information with people should shed light on the fact that what
they <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">worship (the
sun, the trees, the rain, or the earth...etc.) is not who they should worship.
The <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; word-break: break-all;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">Creator
desires for us to realize His presence and longs for us to worship Him. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 107%;">Truth in the
Light.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-62226396230386899272015-06-15T19:54:00.001-07:002015-06-15T19:55:53.735-07:00It’s A Story to Be Shared<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are more than 50,000 university students here in Ufa.
I’ve gotten the impression from spending time with students that they’re more
willing to craft their own worldview rather than accept one inherited from
their parents or grandparents. Even students who claim one of the two major
religions, Islam or Orthodox Christianity, only loosely follow the associated
teachings. Most students seem to have developed their own ideas regarding who
God is, if He exists, and how that should influence the way we live.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
like interacting with people and hearing their ideas and thoughts, learning how
they came to arrive at this or that answer to an important question. I recently
ate lunch with a few friends. We began talking about our beliefs, how they were
similar and how they were different. We shared different arguments and proofs
that had led us to our beliefs. I don’t like debate for its own sake; I like
entering into these conversations because I want to know what people believe,
what ideas guide their lives. These discussions are times when I’ve been able
to share the truths of the gospel and how they guide my own life.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Late
in the conversation, my friend Ruslan asked a different kind of question. He
said, “You know, these ideas are very good to hear, but what is your personal
experience with religion?” It was my favorite question to answer that day. I
shared with him my testimony of how God found me and how he continued to speak
to me and work in my life in the years following my salvation. And I think God
has given each of us a testimony of his work in our lives. It’s a story to be
shared. It’s a story about an encounter, an experience with love and
forgiveness. It’s a story that transcends an argument or proof because it’s an
encounter with a person, with God. I’m praying that I’ll value the story God
has given me and that He’ll use it to change and redeem the stories of students
who need to hear it.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Shawn B. </div>
</div>
TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-91391241657485544132015-05-23T19:50:00.000-07:002015-05-23T19:50:04.102-07:00Practice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I was recently asked to be a part of an ethnic festival with
the university I attend here in Ufa. When they asked me to be the host, I had
thought to myself that there was no way I would be able to speak Russian in
front of an audience. So it was to my relief when they assured me that my part
would be solely in English. They wanted me to announce for each performance
that would take place on the stage and then thank each participant as they
finished their performance. I was excited to have such a role in their
festival!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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However, what if they had needed me to announce in Russian?
What if they needed me to be at a certain level of knowing the language, so as
to aid them in speaking in the language I am learning? Would I have volunteered
to do such a daunting task?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly
am not at a level of knowing the language that would be fully prepared or even
capable to deliver whatever speech I would need to. But would this inquiry
actually push me to strive harder to know the language better? I think it would
have. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Even the apostles Paul and Peter both talked about being
prepared and ready with a defense for the faith of believing in Jesus Christ as
Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the book of Ephesians, Paul
talks about putting on the armor of God and becoming bold and full of courage
to join Christ in the fight against the Enemy, by having faith that it is God
who truly provides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But even here there
is still the level of actually doing and allowing God to provide and how this
idea must join the reality and belief that He will provide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, in the Old Testament, there are several
times when God asks someone specific, or even an entire nation, to join Him,
stand still, watch, and rejoice in the victory that would all take place, just
as He said it would. The people simply needed to believe and obey.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Should I be so different from any of these stories? What if
it is God Himself that is asking for me to step out and be a part of something
so much bigger than what I could imagine? What is it that stops us from leading
forth in obedience and ultimately puts in our minds that there could be no way
for us to accomplish the task at hand? Because, honestly, we cannot do anything
apart from Him, whom orchestrates the very fabric of space into His will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not about who we are, but who God is
and how He works through us to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks.
Therefore, come, be still, watch, and rejoice in the victory at hand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kevin S. </div>
</div>
TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-80584005584823079532015-05-17T02:18:00.000-07:002015-05-17T02:18:04.654-07:00I’m Not The Same As Before<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
After spending four months in Russia, I have three practical
“takeaways” that I will always carry around in my back pocket and use as a
resource whenever I can. I got these from rereading my journal entries this
semester and I feel like these particular topics came up multiple times:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God cares about the details. Principle numero
uno. I cannot tell you how many times I repeated this phrase to myself while
being here. Things that normally shouldn't be hard were so emotionally taxing.
For example, in America going to the store is second nature and normally takes
only one trip. In Russia, it’s stressful because everything is foreign. You
almost can never find what you want when you want it and when you do find it
you have to decipher the Russian to make sure it is exactly what you want. Or
walking. Walking is a hard task here, too. Every step is a risk of falling on
the slippery, cold ice (in the winter). I was even fearful of the airport
security upon my arrival. But through it all, the Lord reminded me that He
cares about the small things. The things that are out of my own control are
perfectly controlled by Him and in the palms of His hands. All he wants me to
do is come to Him. He delights in my helpless prayers of “help me get to the
store” or “help me walk to class” or even “help me to finish this Russian
homework.” The point is my dependence on Him is growing and He wants that for all
of our lives! In the Beatitudes, Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in Spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matt 5:3). Being dependent, or “poor in
Spirit,” was the first thing on Jesus’ list as He was talking to the disciples.
So it should be first on ours, too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Nothing is ever meaningless. Part of the
experience of living on the field is doing the day-to-day mundane things:
getting up, going grocery shopping, doing homework, using public
transportation. Getting through the “normal” tasks of life has been the hardest
part of the trip for me. Because in those things, I wasn't doing anything that
would make an outward difference in someone’s life like sharing the gospel or
hanging out with friends would. The result wasn't tangible. But looking back
now, I can see that doing those things had an effect on me. I learned
perseverance through difficult situations. I also learned that the seeming
small things, if done in obedience to the call of God, were never meaningless.
“This light, momentary affliction is producing for us a weight of glory far
beyond comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:16). The pain has a purpose and through the
providence of pain God perfects His plan in us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->At the times I felt like God wasn't around or
doing anything, He was always was. I would say this was my struggle for most of
March and April. There was a long stretch of time that nothing was happening. I
wasn't hanging out with my friends, there wasn't any bible groups going on, I
wasn't doing anything, or so it felt like. Many times things here get slow:
people cancel, team members go out of town, life happens. So I'd just go to
class, go to the grocery, maybe get some coffee at a café, and go home and hang
out with my roommate Jennifer. It’s pretty much exactly what I'd do in America
on any normal given day and that bothered me. Many times I'd think “why do I
even need to be here if I can do this all in America?” Jesus has been gracious
to me through the process of questioning. I had vacation time to take this semester
and my roomie and I went to London for a week at the end of April/beginning of
May. In London, the Lord answered my question. I realized that although I felt
like He didn’t hear me, or wasn't doing anything, He was there the whole time
preparing and changing people’s hearts in the matter of a few months. It’s like
I had new eyes and I could see so many changes in my friends here through the gospel
related conversations we have had. It was such a peaceful realization. Through
this revelation, this passage of Scripture came alive to me:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left;">
“Blessed
by the Lord, for He has made marvelous His lovingkindness to me in a besieged
city. As for me, I said in my alarm, ‘I am cut off from before Your eyes’;
nevertheless, You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried to you.”
Psalm 31:21-2</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">My semester ends in two weeks; 14
days. It’s overwhelming to think that I'll be coming home. I've been to Amsterdam,
Russia, and England on my trip and every place feels so different, so foreign.
It’s been a blessing to see all the places and people I have. God has given me
a new perspective for cultures, countries, and people in these 4 months that I'll never forget. I’m not the same as I was in January. And once I get back to
America, I'll still be progressing and reshaping my worldview. Just because the
semester is ending doesn't mean my understanding for the commission of God is.
It never will. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Looking back on my
semester, there were things I’ve done right, others I've done wrong,
opportunities I took, and others I wish I would have. But regardless of it all,
Jesus has been faithful to reveal to me exactly what He intended to.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left;">
Toni F. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-17556255854647144202015-05-11T01:03:00.001-07:002015-05-11T01:04:53.562-07:00It’s Not About How I Feel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">The past two weeks have been a whirlwind. Last week I was able to spend the week in London with friends. This week I’m back and going to classes again. London just felt like a time of restoration. I was able to spend time with some good friends from my university and talk about our ministries and just reminisce. Even getting lost in the city was fun—there’s so much history and so much to see that every corner you turn is a new adventure. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I’ll admit that it wasn’t easy coming back—I had a little less than a month left here when I flew out to London, and spending a week in an English speaking country only made it that much harder to return. (I accidentally forgot that most people don’t speak English here and I started to order in English while at a café. The poor waitress looked so confused.)</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">The Father is teaching me a lot. Ministry is hard. It’s really difficult. I have a lot of respect for people in full-time ministry, and I’m so grateful for the people I work alongside here. They’re just normal people following the call of God on their lives and that is a beautiful thing to see. Truthfully, I’m having trouble focusing on the work still to be done here instead of looking ahead to going home in three weeks. It’s hard to think about language homework and not what I need to pack or buy before I go home. It’s even more difficult to not think about what is going on back home while I’m still here. My little sister graduated from UCF last night and my best friend gets married next week. Missing events like these breaks my heart. I still want to be involved in life here, but missing important events for the people I love doesn’t make it easy.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Also, I am missing the Florida sunshine. I complain about the heat while I’m living in it, but oh my word do I miss it when I’m gone. It’s hard to want to go anywhere when it’s cold, windy, and dark. I’m fighting to not base my motivation on outside circumstances, but some days that easier than others. I want my time here to end well, and right now that means forcing myself to get out of bed and walk to class even on days when the weather is awful and I would rather stay home. I realize a little more every day that what I’m called to do isn’t really about me. It’s not about how I feel, it’s about more than that and something bigger than me. And that’s a difficult realization, but in a way, it’s also a really good one. God is bigger than my feelings or my (constant) failures, and in spite of how I feel or what I’m capable of, He is more. He gives grace and He gives strength and I trust Him. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Jennifer G. </span></div>
</div>
TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-32486270148381248162015-04-13T21:25:00.001-07:002015-04-13T21:27:38.798-07:00Being Wrong<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am continually learning. If I ever come to a place where I
think I have reached perfection, then I may have missed the point of the lesson
in that moment in my life. Growing up has never come without its struggles and
trials. When there is a bit of “growing pain” involved in the process of
learning, then I know that progress is being made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when I first go through this process
of learning it does not feel good, hence the word “pain”. So, my pride will
flare up and my defense is at its highest, prepared for any other attack that
could be on its way from the outside world. If more attacks come, then one of
two things will happen: fight or flight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I am studying or performing certain tasks, much of my
focus is centered on that task, especially when that task is necessary for one
reason or another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, many times during
class, for example, we will be reading through a text in Russian and I may
mispronounce a word (this happens often). I do not know the language well at
all and am still having a hard time with the grammar, but because of the” pain”
of growth and being told that I am wrong my defense and temper is ready for
action. Sometimes, I truly think my teacher realizes this and is ready to add
one extra comment, into the midst of my mind trying to grasp around the moment
of learning. This is where the character and power of God’s love comes over me
and he truly allows me to keep calm and composed, through the conflict within
my mind. Therefore, chaos is avoided along with avoidance of any unnecessary
pain for either side of the conversation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another example, comes from days as a young and very
imaginative boy having many adventures with my brothers and cousins. My cousin,
Jerod, has always been the leader of our little squad and being the first to
place imaginative instructions into our playing field. Once the first idea is
placed, we are then all free to add the filling to the structure that has been
set before us. However, this is a delicate situation, especially at young ages
and the inability to control emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If Jerod does not see the logic, he will correct that individual until
everyone’s thoughts are aligned with each others’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of us are close to the same age;
therefore, are both willing to fight for being correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is exactly what we have done many times
during our games. We would fight, but not only with words, because we didn’t
know many except for name-calling, but also with our fists. Soon, the
atmosphere would be filled with the dust being kicked up by our wrestling
selves and the words of our anger towards one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When all said and done, bruises, tears, and
hurt feelings were all that remained from our quick-acting pride.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is something I have been able to see time and time
again, while I have been here in Russia. “I do not like being wrong”, I
answered to one of my friends, “but I do not mind learning from those moments.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been wrong many times, but I have also
been right many times. However, it has never been my focus to point out someone
else’s mistake, except by use of God’s ultimate Word that proves to be the
ultimate corrector and truth for our lives. We must be slow to becoming angry
and using words that will only hurt or tear down another person. Yet, we must
be quick to listen and think in those instances how to help that person, or
even ourselves, through understanding and truly allow the love of God to cover
our lives, so as to be continually used as His witness.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Kevin S. </div>
</div>
TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-41814232846046378552015-04-05T05:20:00.000-07:002015-04-05T05:20:08.877-07:00We Carry Easter Everywhere We Go <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I realize I have been a poor
“blogger” lately and I apologize. So much has been happening in the last few
weeks that I didn’t even think about sitting at my computer to write about
what’s been happening in my life. I was just living it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ll start off by saying that I
have my bad days and, to my shame, more often than not I dwell on the moments
that make some days seem harder than others. But some days I really get how
much of an adventure I’m living. Trusting God is hard, but it’s so good.
Sometimes I think God smiles, throws adventure my way, and watches to see
whether I’ll act in faith or not. A lot of days I’m too scared to accept it.
Other days I’m too tired or selfish; but every once in a while, I trust him,
close my eyes, and just kind of jump. I like those times. I like them a lot—not
because of anything I do, but mostly because he gives me grace enough to land
on my feet when I do jump.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I spent this past week in the
mountains. I was invited there as an English teacher through a program
associated with the university I’m currently attending for language studies. I
was invited to go on a Wednesday night. I was told on Thursday that we’d be
leaving on Sunday. Initially, I wasn’t sure I wanted to go…. It was really
sudden, I was feeling sick, and my roommate had the flu and couldn’t go
with me. I’d be going into the mountains and living in a very small village
with (quite literally) no contact with the outside world. AND, I wouldn’t know
anyone there. I deliberated for the next four days on whether I would actually
go. Sunday afternoon, a few hours before I actually had to leave, I chose
adventure. So I threw some clothes in a backpack and walked out my door. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I don’t regret that decision. I
never will. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Although this trip wasn’t “spiritual”
in nature, I think God knew exactly what I needed to be reminded of His
goodness. I experienced so much there. The pictures I took of the mountains
don’t do their beauty any justice. I was enraptured by everything around me. I
couldn’t help but marvel. There were so many cultural experiences I was able to
live that I never would have known if I had stayed at home. The food was
different, the culture was different, and it was the first time in my life that
I was the only native English speaker around. I was the outsider, and I knew
it, but the people I shared life with that week were so gracious. I taught a
class to some students who barely understood English. I do not speak Russian.
It was difficult and strangely fun. We hiked up mountains in below-zero weather
and I rode a train through the mountains. (If you ever get the chance to take a
train ride through the mountains you should definitely say yes.) There’s just
something about being surrounded by imposing mountains that reminds me how
small I am and how much bigger than anything I know God is. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I sometimes limit God. My
imagination is pretty finite and I can only create so much, but God is so much
grander than I give him credit for. I’m constantly surprised by his creativity
and his love for his creation. All of it. He remains sole owner of this
spinning ball of dust and water we reside and squabble over. Easter season is
approaching (for us a week later than for anyone back home in the States) and I
love the reminder that the creator of the earth was victor over death. Take a
quiet minute to think about that—take a minute away from the Easter bunnies,
the baskets, chocolates, and even Easter play preparations.…it’s been nice to
not be bombarded by obnoxiously commercialized Easter decorations every time I
walk into a store here. Instead, I’m reminded that I carry Easter with me
everywhere I go. The hope of the Easter story is that Jesus is alive and living
at the right hand of the Father in glory. He conquered the grave. Please don’t
forget that Easter is more than just a weekend, or a basket full of gifts, or
even a production at church. I think it was part of God’s plans for me to visit
the mountains this past week, right before the Easter season, because I haven’t
stopped thinking about what his sacrifice meant. He bought us with his blood
and creation tells his story. We serve a risen Savior. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Death has died, love has won.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus Christ has overcome, He has
risen from the dead!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>--The
Mercy Tree</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
Jennifer G. </div>
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TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-69726068884815642462015-03-05T11:12:00.002-08:002015-03-05T11:12:58.805-08:00I May Not Understand It All, But He Does<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“For I know their works and
their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And
they shall see my glory…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span>Isaiah
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m
learning to appreciate that the God I serve speaks all languages and
understands all peoples and tongues. It’s especially beautiful to attend church
services in a language I don’t understand and see people who are my brothers
and sisters worshipping the God who created us all. I may not understand it
all, but He does. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This week we had a
miscommunication (which is the story of my life lately) about a Bible study
group which was supposed to meet at a different location than we were
accustomed to. As a result, only one student showed up. This student does not
speak English. We don’t speak Russian. Thankfully we live in an age when online
translators are easily accessible and we were able to somewhat communicate with
this student. It was a little awkward at first, but we were able to all laugh
about it and hang out for a few minutes while we tried to figured out what was
going on. I’m starting to think that God has a sense of humor—really and truly.
He’s compassionate and merciful, righteous and holy, but I also think he likes
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do is laugh; and I think He laughs with me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have to
try really hard not to be frustrated with myself for not speaking the language
here. How am I supposed to share? How is this fair? It’s difficult…. and then,
I make friends with people who are already questioning and already seeking and
I’m reminded that it’s not about how much I can give these people, because I
can’t give them anything. It’s all in God’s hands. And he’s moving…I just have
to follow and be willing to work the fields and sprinkle seed in the places
where he has already prepared the soil. Continue to pray and seek the Lord’s
mercy for the people of this city. God is drawing people to himself, and they
will see his glory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-48079700868713509132015-02-28T03:51:00.001-08:002015-02-28T03:51:40.124-08:00A Bag of Chips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
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February 28, 2015. What are you reading?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are you about to do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What have you been doing this past week?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How has your day been?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of these questions are drenched with the
effectiveness of curiosity in our lives and how addicting it truly is to draw
in information from sources around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As people continue to get to know one another, the curiosity increases
until the addiction has become a habit without any point or force of stopping
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People want to know “how”, “when”,
“what”, “where”, or even “why” people do/say/act upon in daily routine and in
general, life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A compulsion of being
curious is in everyone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Have you ever seen an open bag of salty, tangy, tasty, and
crispy potato chips on a kitchen counter, or maybe even an uncovered jar or
bowl of assorted nuts sitting out in the open?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What is it that draws us to reach in or reach over and grab a handful of
these delicacies and begin munching on them? But it doesn’t stop at just one
handful, we are then compelled to grab another and another and another, until
the bowl or bag is almost empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were we
really that hungry? Do I even like potato chips? Why am I not satisfied with
only one handful? These are questions we then use to analyze our own actions
after such a dramatic act of compulsion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, this example is not only for bags of chips…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I love coffee shops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can relax, have good conversations (no matter the language), and truly
talk to people in an environment where I don’t feel threatened by ambiguous
“getting to know you” questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also
love to read and to write, I would say arithmetic but unfortunately I have not
calculated anything recently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
made many good connections and have had many more good conversations at several
different coffee shops here in Ufa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
like an open bag of chips to the people full of curiosity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will ask questions and I will give them
answers, and I will also take part in asking questions and seeking
answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I only give them
enough, so as to not fully satisfy their curiosity, but instead to be able to
come back and have them ready for more questions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have seen this happen with my own personal life as I read
through the Word of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will read
through a passage in scripture and God will give me what I need for that moment,
but enough to have me coming back with a more urgent curiosity than
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has resulted in me being
left with an addiction of curiosity, of which, I don’t plant to try to curb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I seek and desire God on a daily basis
because of how good His Word tastes, as I read through moral enlightenments,
stories of grace, stories of mercy, stories of redemption, and pure truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God keeps me coming back for more and more…just
like a bag of chips.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kevin S. </div>
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TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-71151473927626874062015-02-20T09:14:00.002-08:002015-02-20T09:14:45.193-08:00Today I Celebrated My First Birthday Abroad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today is my birthday. While I
haven’t spent my last five birthdays with family because of my university
studies, this year is different. Today I celebrated my first birthday abroad.
In many ways it’s easier and more difficult than I expected. So far, this is
definitely a year of firsts….<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If you had told me a year ago—even
six months ago—that I would be celebrating my birthday away from my home
country, I would have disbelieved and/or laughed at you. I didn’t think it was
possible and I didn’t really see how it would ever fit into my plans. I’ve had
a lot of plans over the years, and I think God has laughed at, and changed,
almost every last one of them. Really. Ask my parents. But I’m learning that
the Lord is so merciful and His plans infinitely better than any I could have
come up with (it’s a work in progress, because I’m very stubborn). This morning
during my time with Jesus I read Isaiah 52 (Just go read it, it’s so good). In
churches we hear a lot about verse 7, which I love—“How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good
news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God
reigns,’ ” but I think we forget about the next few verses, especially verse 9.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Break forth together into singing,
you waste places of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people; he has
redeemed Jerusalem.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Lord has comforted his people…” You know,
I see reflections of myself in the people of Israel as I read through the Old
Testament and I can’t help but marvel that God can take “waste places” and
redeem them. I’ve seen it over, and over, and over again in my life and I
couldn’t help but think that today, on my birthday, this chapter was more
significant than before. I am constantly reminded that God can take my mess and
use it for glory. So today I’m just thankful. I’m thankful that I’m counted
among those whose feet bring good news. I’m thankful that God’s plans are
bigger and better than my own, even when I don’t understand them. I’m thankful
for the life and adventure I’ve experienced thus far. I’m thankful for new
cities and even newer friends, and being part of a family that spans continents
because of the blood of Jesus. I’m thankful for slightly broken, yet incredibly
sincere happy birthday wishes in English from fellow students. I have so much
to be thankful for. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Jennifer G. </div>
</div>
TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-10507351836753493212015-02-17T01:34:00.000-08:002015-02-17T01:34:38.835-08:00What, in life, is your fish?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">This week I started reading in Jonah and God used it to make some connections in my life that I was unsure of before. It's funny how that works. Being in a different country makes such a big difference in the way I hear from God. Here, I only can worry about the necessities. Based on my weekly allowance and the small amount of Russian I have learned, I can only build so much off of that foundation. And I think that has been so crucial in how the Lord is reaching me. I've been stripped bare essentially, and all I can do is survive. That's the mindset I have when buying groceries, taking a bus, getting ready in the morning, etc. So now, my options are fewer and my reliance upon God is greater. Although my circumstances are ever changing, my God is not. That has been the common thread throughout my journey as a believer and also my journey to Russia and in Russia.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I encourage you to read Jonah, particularly chapter 1, so that you will have some background to what I'm going to write about for the remainder of this post.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I will start my observations of chapter 1 out by saying I think it is funny how Jonah tried running away from God when he was called to go to Nineveh. How relatable is that? Time after time, it feels as though we all try to get away from a certain calling God has given us through the Holy Spirit. But how encouraging is it to know that God got Jonah exactly where He wanted him to be despite his disobedience? And even in the midst of Jonah's failures, the people on the boat that Jonah used to flee to Tarshish came to fear the Lord (v. 16). So God can definitely take personal failure and use it for the "praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:7). </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">It's crazy to think that God uses every circumstance for His glory. And it surprises us when we look in hindsight but it never surprises God. I see this in my life and how, for years, I have prayed about going to serve in Brazil and then it all changed and God's plan began. Although Brazil was necessary for me to put my "yes" on the table to God, it was not my final destination. And Jonah experienced the same thing. Him refusing to go to Nineveh was necessary for him to come to a point where his "yes" was on the table to God. Except he needed to be swallowed by a fish for a few days. Then, he realized that he needed to follow the Lord to Nineveh. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Sometimes we get swallowed by a fish, too. A metaphorical fish, that is. Something that is designed for us to realize our despair and cry out to God in our distress much like Jonah did while in the belly of the fish. My fish was probably moving out of my house in November. In the middle of my distress, I cried out to God and was dependent on His answer. And through that specific trial, my faith was refined (1 Peter 1:6) and I was being prepared to live alone here in Russia. And along the way, there were opportunities and times for me to make great the name of the Lord, just as God did to the men on the boat in Jonah 1.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Many of the pieces of my life are starting to fit together now. I can see a small blip of God's intentions for the many things I've experienced and had to go through in these last few months. And it is encouraging to know that even in the darkness, God was faithful to lead me to a place where I can see the light, if only for a moment. Life here in Ufa is so different than I would have expected or imagined. And at times, I have been like Jonah: running away from God's plan. But I'm thankful that even in my disobedience Jesus has showed me mercy and given me clarity to sustain me day by day, moment by moment.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">What, in your life, is your fish? Are you currently being swallowed by anything in order to show you your desperation for God? And if so, how are you dealing with that? I'd love to hear your answers.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Toni K. </span></div>
</div>
TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-20931954532658150992015-02-13T07:59:00.000-08:002015-02-13T07:59:45.775-08:00"It's All Part Of The Adventure"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">During my time in Amsterdam I met some really awesome girls who share the same passion as I do. One of the girls, Cydney, was talking about her journey and how she ended up in Amsterdam with us and during her story she said a particular phrase that stuck out to me: "it's all part of the adventure." That is her mentality for whatever comes her way. Whether good days or bad days, through culture shock and adjusting, homesickness, and much more- it's all part of the adventure; the adventure to which God has called her.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I have been so challenged by that phrase throughout the week and a half I have already been in Russia. When we first got off the plane in Moscow I was culture shocked completely, pretty much everything was in Russian (a language I currently do not know), no one talked or smiled, and I finally realized that I was a foreigner. On previous trips to Brazil and even going to Amsterdam I never felt fully foreign. Portuguese is understandable and most people in Holland speak English. So to be in a place where I literally cannot understand, read, or communicate with people is frustrating and, at times, discouraging. But it's all part of the adventure.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">One thing I am trying to do while in Russia is to memorize a few passages of Scripture that I can reference for encouragement when I need it. So far I am studying 1 Peter 1 and God is using it to teach me so many different things over this period of time. Even the first two verses are packed full of deep truth about the character of God:</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled by his blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure."</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Through the choosing of God and the sanctifying work of the Spirit in believers two things are produced:</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">1. Obedience to Christ</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">2. The sprinkling of his blood over His people</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">By being chosen by God, through the Holy Spirit, we receive the ability to be obedient to Jesus and be fully covered by his sacrifice, to have unmerited favor in all circumstances. The more obedience to Jesus is exercised, the more we'll grow in faith and become more like him. The Holy Spirit makes us more like Christ which leads us to obedience to Christ and obedience to Christ makes us more like him. These two things are mutually dependent upon each other. We can't experience sanctification without obeying Jesus and we won't have desires to obey Jesus unless the Holy Spirit dwells in us.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">With all this being said, Peter wishes the Christians grace and peace to them in the fullest measure. Grace is defined as having unmerited favor and peace is defined as having tranquility or calmness. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">These two things Peter wants his fellow brothers and sisters to experience because in them there is no need or want for anything else. By having grace, they are eternally pardoned and their sins have already been atoned for. They have a relationship with Christ. By having peace, they can face anything that comes their way knowing that the God of the universe has already taken care of them and is with them through it. It reminds me of a concept Paul wrote about in Philippians 4:4-7. Rejoice in the Lord! It's as simple as that. It is the only reasonable thing to do because He is always at hand! And we can pray to Him knowing that He holds the future, our future, and will be faithful to us no matter what because we are His.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">It's crazy how things written thousands of years ago to the early church members are applicable still now to us! The gospel is so relevant! And it doesn't need our updating or trying to make it seem cool. It transcends all cultures and all languages and it reaches everyone, just the way it was reaching people thousands of years ago. God is here in Russia, too. And it's not my job to make the gospel trendy. But it is my job to make the gospel culturally understandable to the people here (contextualization). That is a challenge. In American "church culture," we assume that everyone knows the basic foundations of Christianity. Here, there is no foundation (or very little) to build off of. But, I have been equipped with grace and peace by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ to reside as an alien here in Russia. And in that, I take heart and find encouragement.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">
</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">After all, it's all part of the adventure.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Toni F.</span></div>
</div>
TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-60781105305391282522015-02-08T18:55:00.001-08:002015-02-08T18:55:53.538-08:00Falling, Getting Up, and the strong hand of God<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I’d like to share some
things I’m learning during my time here, but it’s difficult to pinpoint one
thing I’ve learned so far, firstly, because I’ve only been here a week.
Secondly, because I’m learning a lot of little things along the way, as I do daily
life, rather than one unmistakable revelation. Truthfully, I used to think I
was humble until I had to rely on another person to help me order my coffee at
a coffee shop, or get on a tram, or tell the lady behind the counter that I
wanted the nail polish on the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">left</i>, <u>not</u>
the right. As someone who rejoices in her independence, it’s difficult to not feel
helpless when I can’t ask the bus driver for change or realize that I have
absolutely no control over when I start classes, or that I can’t read street
signs when I get lost. I can’t communicate with anybody except fellow English
speakers and I feel very strongly how much of an outsider—an alien—I really am
when I’m just walking down the street or trying to communicate with the cashier
at the grocery store. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
A few nights ago, before I fell
asleep, I had a “discussion” with God about how I felt like a foolish child
even walking down the street because I couldn’t walk more than a few steps
without slipping on ice (something this Florida girl is definitely not
accustomed to). Then, the next day while waiting at a bus stop I watched a
small child slip and fall, and then start playing in the snow and ice on the
sidewalk. Her father saw, walked over, and encouraged her to get up. But she
didn’t. And I knew why—because it’s easier to give up and stay on the ice than
get up and try again only to fall down again a few feet later. Why bother? It’s
embarrassing and infuriating to feel like you’re not getting anywhere. I
watched her father pick her up multiple times only to watch her refuse to go
any further and sit back down on the ice. Yet, her father never yelled, never
grew impatient, just kept picking her up, and finally, held her hand and walked
alongside her as he led her home. I didn’t understand that picture until later
on that day when I read Isaiah 41:13, which <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">says “<span style="background: white; color: #141823;">For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who
say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.' "<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span> I am</span> that small child
and my heavenly Father is holding my hand. I would rather play where I’ve
fallen than listen to my Father’s voice and move on to better things. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There are days when it’s a lot
harder to understand why I’m really here. I was reminded of the Lord’s
compassion the other day as a friend of mine and I were walking around our
neighborhood prayer walking and playing in the snow…the more I walked past
people and experienced true snowfall for the first time, the more I kept
hearing Isaiah 1:18 playing in my head: “Come now, let us reason together, says
the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow….”
White as snow. Oddly enough, the first comment I made to my teammate when we
stepped outside of our building was “It looks so <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">clean.</i>” The falling snow completely covered the dirt, grime, and
trash in the streets and transformed filth to purity. It was stunning. And
somehow it all made sense to me. <u>That</u> is why I’m here; to love people
and tell them that the Lord wants to reason with them and make their darkness
as pure as fresh-fallen snow. Not only does He want to take their impurities
and cleanse them, He’s the only one who can. I am astounded over and over again
by God’s compassion and His mercy, and I’m learning to feel that for these
people. I’m learning to let compassion trump my fears, and love cover my
failures, and somehow that’s enough. Because once I was filthy and someone
washed me clean—and how could I not share the best thing that’s ever happened
to me?</div>
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Jennifer G. </div>
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TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-67538740390768657352015-02-02T21:46:00.000-08:002015-02-02T21:46:05.199-08:00TIME<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Monday, February 2, 2015. I will be returning to my Russian classes today. I have not been in class since the 22nd of December. The time seemed to have gone by rather quickly, although it has been over a month since I have been inside the classroom. In fact, overall, my time here in the city of Ufa has been only what seems like a few days; however, I know I have now been living here for just over three months.<br />
<br />
The saying, "time flies when you are having fun", I think really applies to these past few months. I have been constantly out in the city amongst students, employees of coffee shops, and even individuals celebrating holidays, seeking new friendships and connections. One of the beautiful things about the Russian people is their intentionality towards relationships. I was sitting in my apartment with my roommate and a friend, when this conversation arose about friendships. This friend told me that we would not become actual good friends until he continues to learn and know who I am, vice versa. So I asked him if he considered me a friend and he replied, "I really don't know you, so how can we be recognized as friends?".<br />
<br />
This is something I want to pursue with those I meet. I know, honestly, I will not be able to be true friends with every person I meet, but I will seek to be true to those I meet by sharing, at the very least, the truth of the relationship I have with Christ. This Truth is such an important part of who I am to this day. Well, I am off to class! Time to go learn something new in Russian! Talk to you all later.<br />
<br />
K.S.S.</div>
TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-24037787781053633212015-01-15T03:54:00.001-08:002015-01-15T03:54:24.393-08:00Camp Conversations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Shortly after the New Year, I travelled back to Aigir, a small
village in the Southern Ural Mountains. The “camp” is open to tourists and
mountain-climbers as a type of lodge. I was neither a tourist nor
mountain-climber, but my university hosted another camp for high-school
students studying English. So, I spent the first week of January helping
students practice speaking English while we enjoyed the beauty of snow-covered
mountains and forests.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One
night I sat with a student, and we talked about our families and our plans for
the future. His name was Almaz; he was fifteen years old. He had only been
studying English for a few years, but he worked hard to communicate with me using
what he knew. After several exchanges that night he asked me if I believed in
God. He shared with me about the Koran, the Prophet Muhammed, and visiting the
mosque. I told him about Adam and Eve, sin, and Jesus’ death and resurrection. Then
he asked me if I believed in Judgment Day and confessed that he was afraid of
that day. I explained why God’s love for us and Jesus’ sacrifice gave me a
different perspective of Judgment Day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I
love the mountains, and they’re beautiful covered in snow. And I like interacting
with groups of students and helping them practice English. But what I desire is
to begin conversations like the one I had with Almaz. Thankfully, he lives in
my city and we’re planning to meet again. Would you pray for the Holy Spirit to
be working in Almaz’s heart?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shawn B. </div>
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TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-7120221124212731442015-01-04T02:57:00.000-08:002015-01-04T02:57:06.846-08:00Time Warp to the Future<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ever since I arrived in Ufa, there was something that
continued to bring questions to my mind in the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always had wondered what the crime rate was
here, especially leading on the side of homicide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Originally, I thought I was the only one who
heard such commotion; as possibly, the sound of a gunshot. However, this turned
out to be nothing more than fireworks being shot off late in the night.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Imagine that! Fireworks being lit, taking off with the sound
of a low scream, then suddenly bursting in mid-air; as if, an F-16 fighter jet
just blew past Mach I, with the sound barrier being torn in two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of this happening around zero dark thirty
in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There has been such
excitement from people all over the city of Ufa, all anxious for the
festivities to truly begin.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We now fast-forward to New Year’s Eve, where beautiful
streaming and sparkling explosions light up the night sky all over the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The buzz of adrenaline and anticipation for
the New Year’s approach is coming to its climax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon, the city will put on their own firework
show to entertain myself and the 3000+ people, who are all crowded around a
giant Christmas tree in a square where one can find a statue of Lenin.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My friends and I all waited for this very moment with eager
joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The moment has just about come for
when the city of Ufa will unleash their barrage of beautiful firepower from
their arsenal of display.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Midnight for
Ufa has come and gone by this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
New Year will not be fully celebrated until midnight strikes in downtown
Moscow. </div>
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<br /></div>
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After waiting in -10 F weather for four hours, we all were ready to see
the show and then leave as quickly as possible, so as, to avoid the traffic
that awaited the end of the Lenin’s Square celebration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all begin to count up to 12: odeen*, dva*,
tree*....Then finally…HAPPY NEW YEAR!! The fireworks were beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wait was well worth it and the city of
Ufa did not disappoint.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
K.S.</div>
</div>
TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-46130819491625806172014-12-23T01:55:00.002-08:002014-12-23T01:55:50.807-08:00Grace Church<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On Sunday mornings I worship with a local fellowship of
believers: Grace Church. Worshipping with Grace has been a bit different than
what I was used to in the U.S. One obvious difference is the language.
Straining to understand sermons or trying to piece together a word here or there
takes a lot of energy, and for a service that usually lasts more than two
hours, sometimes it’s just hard to concentrate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it’s exciting to worship with the believers at Grace.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the past month the head pastor has taken time out of the
beginning of each service to ask accountability questions of the church. The
questions aren’t a surprise; they refer to a challenge or teaching from the previous
week. Have you intentionally spent more time reading the Bible? What did that
look like? How has God spoken to you? Do you have a list of unbelievers for
whom you pray each day? Are you praying that God will arrange meeting s for you
with the unbelievers in your life?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Wow. The pastor is asking the believers to be accountable to
God’s word. It’s not a time to shame or condemn, but a time to share
testimonies of how God works in the lives of those who obey his word. It’s
exciting to listen to local believers share how God is speaking to them or
using them to be a witness. How would your life as a follower of Christ change
if your brothers and sisters asked you, “What has God commanded you to do?” and,
“Did you do it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
God has given believers a great gift: accountability in the
fellowship of the body of Christ. How much truer will worship be among those
who know their God is alive because they work with him in obedience to his
word?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shawn B. </div>
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TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-22857665167091659992014-12-07T05:39:00.001-08:002014-12-07T05:39:45.583-08:00Differences<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have now been in the beautiful city of Ufa for 6 weeks and
2 days. It is a weird feeling being gone this long in a completely different
country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On average, it takes 21 days to
condition an action into becoming a habit; however, it takes approximately 6
months of not doing something habitually to break the said habit. The point
being that I am beginning to feel at home through the conditioning of “doing”
some of the same things every day, for example: coming back to the same
apartment, going to the same university, going to coffee shops, grocery
shopping, etc. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Yet, there are things that will take quite a bit longer to get
used to “not doing”, for example: not hearing English as the main language, not
driving a car and instead taking a bus, the change in my pocket is not
necessarily like change back home, when someone answers the phone they may use
three different words for “hello” in procession before they begin a
conversation, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some things are just different
and may stay that way for a long time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
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However, there are things that are not different. Just over
a week ago, America celebrated Thanksgiving. My family gathered together this
day, without me, and did their normal routine of giving thanks to God, eating
wonderful food, and blessing the conversation with joy and thanksgiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Some of the Americans I have met here, all
decided to do the very same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
all gathered together on that day and pursued a normal routine of giving thanks
to God, eating wonderful food, and being blessed by the fact that whether we
were back in the states or here in Ufa or in any other part of the world we
still give thanks to the One who deserves it all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kevin S. </div>
</div>
TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-36734074309718658602014-11-25T22:16:00.002-08:002014-11-25T22:16:59.905-08:00The Balcony Window<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When I moved into my apartment I noticed that one balcony
window had a screen while the other didn’t. It soon became clear that there
might be a practical reason for this. Visiting my friend’s apartment confirmed
what I had already witnessed walking past the many other apartment buildings in
the city: people lean out of open windows to smoke.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On a handful of occasions I’ve found myself staring out of a
balcony window, enjoying whatever view of the city it offers, while one or two
friends finish smoking. I’m often the only student in the group without a
cigarette in my hand. The activity punctuates daily life, and I’ve never really
gotten used to it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alcohol and tobacco consumption can make me feel alienated
from my peers. Sometimes I wonder if cultural and communication barriers can
effectively be overcome. But lingering over doubts like this can be
immobilizing. Paul reminds us that God “has made us competent as ministers of a
new covenant.” I regularly need to be reminded of the confidence I can have
“through Christ before God.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One night a friend visited our weekly Bible-study group. We
read a story from the New Testament and answered discussion questions. After we
finished I stood with him on the balcony, staring outside. After he flicked his
cigarette out the window he said, “I think this is the first time I’ve ever read
the Bible.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Moments like that sweep away negative feelings. I’m left
reminded that as a jar of clay, my job is to bear witness to God’s
“all-surpassing power” to those for whom the gospel is veiled.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shawn B.</div>
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TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-35704975869337817442014-11-02T09:11:00.001-08:002014-11-02T09:11:49.266-08:00The Jump. The Shock. The Dark and Light.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #888888; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just over a week ago I found myself saying my goodbyes, to my
family at an airport, and continuing the render of my life to the call for
obedience, love, and adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next
moment I find myself sitting in a terminal, about to board a plane, hearing
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aromas. Even the flight attendants did not speak much English, though maybe
slightly broken English, as they asked if I would care for a beverage or snack,
during different hours of the 9 ½ hour flight. This next plane was about to
jump over the Atlantic Ocean with one American and 243 foreign speaking souls
on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #888888; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The unfamiliar voices were not because of a lack of knowing who
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grunts, and hand motions are all what initially helped this American
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #888888; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Slowly, step-by-step, I understand more and more about the
culture, the language, and the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Through the long, engaging conversations at a table drinking tea, the
delightful, cool walks around the city for hours, and the simple, tranquil
times sitting and enjoying each other’s company, I learn. As I continue my time
here as a student, I long for those moments when my life of following The Light
will be reflected; so that, those of whom I meet along the way may see who it
is I follow, through me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #888888; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">K.S.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-88354455188009736222014-08-28T22:33:00.001-07:002014-08-28T22:33:14.071-07:00Friends from the U.S.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A group of tourists from America recently spent a week here
in Ufa. For some, it was their first trip to Russia, but others have been to
Ufa before and love returning to the city. I spent the week with them when I
could, helping them find the right bus or purchase something to eat. Mostly, I
was happy to spend time with fellow Americans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They have good relationships with members of a Baptist
church here in Ufa. This mix of Russian and American believers spent time
together during the week doing a variety of activities, weather permitting. I
think one way a person manifests his love toward someone else is by
communicating. In the same way, the love that these brothers and sisters share
with one another was evident through the different ways they communicated. How?
With broken Russian or English, improvised hand signals, laughter, shared
meals, Uno, Frisbee, prayers for each other, and singing songs together to
praise God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It was encouraging week for those of us who live here. I met
some new friends, I heard testimonies of God’s work, I heard the stories of
those who want to know God, and by the end of the week I had used every Russian
word I knew. Thanks to my friends back in the U.S. I hope to see you next year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Shawn B. </span></div>
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TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-55379117494848706242014-08-22T21:40:00.000-07:002014-08-22T21:40:14.044-07:00Reflections: Four Months in Ufa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There’s a
lot that could be said about living in another country for four months. Any
move brings changes. A new environment, new people, new rules. Moving to
another country adds to that a new language and culture, and sometimes a
feeling of isolation, feeling especially far from all things familiar. For me,
I hope that such challenging circumstances will result in growth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As a
follower of Christ I’ve better learned how to live the truth that I am
dependent on him. Before I moved to Russia I knew that Christ offered peace and
stability to my spirit, but the comfort of familiar things often disguised how
greatly I needed what Christ offered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And what
peace does Christ offer? Most importantly we are offered peace with God.
Burdened by the guilt of sin and under the promise of judgment, Christ says to
each of us, “Turn from sin, follow me, be forgiven, I was punished for you.”
And after we have accepted this offer we must choose every day to meditate on
God’s truth. Because changing circumstances and feelings of isolation are
symptoms of being human, not culture shock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God’s word
remains true and constant; it’s stable when the world is not. I think today I’m
more dependent on it, I’m more thankful for it, and I hope even more for those
who don’t know the word that they will soon meet him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shawn B. </span></div>
</div>
TeamUfahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395944452140116483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3457226873491927047.post-37859350642601356962014-08-09T03:37:00.000-07:002014-08-15T22:34:28.792-07:00English Camp<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">For about 20 days in July I lived in a small village in the
southern Urals, Aigir. There are only a couple families who live there year-round.
The rest of the cottages are rented to anyone looking for a vacation in the
mountains.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Every year Bashkir State Pedagogical University hosts an
English camp in Aigir. For sessions of ten days students can come practice
their English and enjoy typical, camp activities. I was invited to participate
in the camp as a “native English-speaker.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It was a new experience for me to be surrounded by mountains
and to live a more rustic lifestyle. There was no internet access and limited
cell-phone service. The primary indication of civilization was the sound of the
many trains that passed through the village.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The camp’s administrator told us many legends of the
mountains and some of the village’s history. We were told to breathe deeply in
Aigir. Surrounded by pine trees, the air was much fresher and cleaner than that
of the city from which many of the students had come. It was intimidating for
some of the students to speak with an American. But after being defeated at a
few card games, I probably seemed a bit easier to talk to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I appreciated the chance to live in Aigir and participate in
the camp. I appreciated the opportunity to learn about the different cultures
represented in Russia: Ukrainian, Georgian, Bashkir, and Tatar. I’m thankful
for the many impromptu Russian language lessons from groups of students, though
I won’t be using all the words I learned. And looking back, I realize that
being surrounded by such natural beauty is a revelation of God that we don’t
witness here in the city.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Shawn B. </span><br />
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