Wednesday...only 2 more days left

There is so much to tell that I could never catch up in one short sitting but we have had some great times with the orphans.
We have spent a lot of time playing with them and also sharing the Gospel.

We went to see the kids at Camp Viktoria on Saturday and stayed late into the evening with them. We invited several kids to come to church with us for the next morning. One of our translators (19 year old Ksusha) goes to a church that speaks Russian and English and it is very close to the camp. The director gave us permission to take some kids with us. The next morning we had 17 very excited orphans with us and took them to church. We almost didn't even get to pull away from the camp though because there are strict laws about transporting kids on the bus and we were breaking all of them. Igor convinced our driver that we would pay the bribe that needed to be paid if we were stopped by police so he drove us to church. We were running a little late so they actually waited for us before they started their services. The church met in an apartment building inside one of the bigger rooms. It was packed. We had an awesome time of praise and worship and listened as they taught about baptism and the Lord's supper.
After church, we took the kids to McDonalds where they very happily chowed down on their hamburger, fries, and icecream. I can't wait to post those pictures!
Monday came and Satan attacked. We went to Fontanka (the boys detention orphanage) and had a great time teaching the boys and doing crafts. They were so excited to see us and even remembered the songs we taught them last year. Those of us who had been before were so excited to be reunited with some of the kids we have built a relationship with. I was extremely happy to see Viktor and he was just as happy to see me. He never left my side. The boy that Brian prayed with last year was with Brian every second as well.
After Fontanka we spent the afternoon at Camp Viktoria. We went to their program and then decided that since their program was over and they were free to do what ever they wanted, let's do OUR program! So....we did! It went great and the kids LOVED it...especially the crafts. Even the older teenagers and the summer teachers came and did the crafts.
On our way home Igor got a call from Fontanka. There was a huge misunderstanding that happened that morning that caused the director to have to tell us that we couldn't come back. They had several conversations through out the evening and we all prayed more that night than on the whole trip. Our hearts were sad and heavy and there was nothing else we could do to change the situation. That night, we decided we would have a praise and worship time because we know we are in a spiritual battle. We know satan doesn't want this message taught. We know he will continue to attack. BUT we know Who is in control. We know we are called. We know we are equipt through Him and we will praise Him because He is worthy.
Kim, one of the college students on the trip, lead us in song. Before she played the guitar she read Scripture and reminded us that Paul, who would have much rather have been preaching the Good News, was in jail. He didn't sit there wondering why God let this happen. He didn't sit there thinking "if only I did this different"...no, he sang praises to his God. So, we too will sing praises to our God just like Paul did.
Paul is the main character in all our stories with the Armor of God theme so it was a perfect reminder for us to praise Him.
Tuesday we went to see the kids at Camp Viktoria since we couldn't go to Fontanka. They were at the Memorial Park due to the cooler weather. While we were there, our teenagers did one of the skits that is set to music. It is a powerful skit that is very moving. That got in the middle of the park and turned on the music and we all sat there with the kids and watched them. This was a bit of a risk because they don't have the same freedom as we do. There is no freedom of speach or anything like that when you are out in a public place. You are not allowed to assemble and do a program in a public place. We took a risk and everything went great.
Later, at camp, we taught our story again and did our crafts. We never know from day to day if we will be able to teach so every time is so important. Today it is pouring down rain and we don't know if the kids will even be outside. As Bill and some of the others have been sharing Jesus with small groups around camp, they said they have never felt the spiritual battle so strongly. Satan doesn't like this but that only confirms to us that we are doing what God wants us to do. We are stepping out on faith, taking some big risks, and picking up our armor and going into battle.
Keep on praying! We know that without your prayers, there would even be more attacks.