Linda Myhre is one of the leaders of the team that comes every year from Minnesota. I asked her for permission to post her letter here, because it gives such a good summary of what is going on now with the camp ministry here. Many of you are praying and deeply interested in all these developments, so here’s an update:
Hello Everyone,
I arrived home tired and sick late on Tuesday, July 12th! I left Moscow as the last American. Lilly and Zoya were staying for a few more days before going home to the Ukraine. Nathan, an American living in Moscow, was going to start job hunting in Moscow!
As expected we had problems with the Russian officials. They are starting to recognize us and visa versa. We were told 2 days before camp was to start that we could not use Tourist Camp unless we had HIV status reports on each camper, installed a complete fire alarm system and got rid of all the mosquitoes on the camp property. Ivan, our wonderful camp director, had been anticipating a problem like this. Although he had gone to all the correct governmental departments and asked what had to be done to have a camp weeks before this time! He called all the pastors in the two regions that were sending children to camp and set up days for day camps in these towns.
The first week was difficult, but we did it and soon got into a routine. The Russian and Ukrainian staff would stay as long as needed for that city (3-5 days). The Americans, because of our registration situation, had to return to Viazniki every two days and spend a night in the hotel. We would regroup and pack for the next city's Day Camp. We were able to visit many churches and meet the pastors and people at each city. The pastors soon saw how much work and money went into to orchestrating a camp. I think they all gained a new appreciation for Ivan.
The group from Galilee, as well as several of the interpreters and a few other staff left for Moscow on June 25th. That left myself, Anna, Abby and Adam--from North Carolina--and Nathan (as our main interpreter). We also had the Russian and Ukrainian main staff. We moved all our supplies and people out of Tourist by July 2nd. It was sad to say "good-bye" to the place we had been at for three years. Alexander, the camp caretaker, is leaving his job at Tourist this fall. That basically means that if the camp is not purchased or a good caretaker is not found, the camp will be stripped of everything of value and basically left in ruin.
Our last city was the five day Day Camp right at Ivan's church in Viazniki! It went very well. By this time we were a well managed Day Camp team. Everyone had their job and we knew had such little time with each child. We definitely made the most of every moment!
This is a pivotal year for the Russian camping ministry. The laws in Russia continue to change and will be coming down hard on non-orthodox religions. Time is short and we are fully relying on God's direction to make the next move. There is a slight possibility that a camp may be purchased. Other ideas have been thrown on the table for discussion. We, the Russia Ministry Team at Galilee, are very sensitive to the fact that many of you have given money for the purchase of a Russian Christian camp. When we have made a decision you will be contacted as to what to do with your money.
The last Sunday at the church in Viazniki Ivan read from Ephesians 3:14-21. The best part is verse 20, 'Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory....' We know we are on the winning team. Children in Russia WILL be won to Christ through the camping ministry in whatever form that takes on. I asked Ivan if he was ready to give up and I got a hearty "nyet" in reply. The Americans are not giving up either and stand with Ivan 100%.
Please pray! God knows what you are praying for even if you don't seen to have
the right words.
In His Service,
Linda Myhre
Hello Everyone,
I arrived home tired and sick late on Tuesday, July 12th! I left Moscow as the last American. Lilly and Zoya were staying for a few more days before going home to the Ukraine. Nathan, an American living in Moscow, was going to start job hunting in Moscow!
As expected we had problems with the Russian officials. They are starting to recognize us and visa versa. We were told 2 days before camp was to start that we could not use Tourist Camp unless we had HIV status reports on each camper, installed a complete fire alarm system and got rid of all the mosquitoes on the camp property. Ivan, our wonderful camp director, had been anticipating a problem like this. Although he had gone to all the correct governmental departments and asked what had to be done to have a camp weeks before this time! He called all the pastors in the two regions that were sending children to camp and set up days for day camps in these towns.
The first week was difficult, but we did it and soon got into a routine. The Russian and Ukrainian staff would stay as long as needed for that city (3-5 days). The Americans, because of our registration situation, had to return to Viazniki every two days and spend a night in the hotel. We would regroup and pack for the next city's Day Camp. We were able to visit many churches and meet the pastors and people at each city. The pastors soon saw how much work and money went into to orchestrating a camp. I think they all gained a new appreciation for Ivan.
The group from Galilee, as well as several of the interpreters and a few other staff left for Moscow on June 25th. That left myself, Anna, Abby and Adam--from North Carolina--and Nathan (as our main interpreter). We also had the Russian and Ukrainian main staff. We moved all our supplies and people out of Tourist by July 2nd. It was sad to say "good-bye" to the place we had been at for three years. Alexander, the camp caretaker, is leaving his job at Tourist this fall. That basically means that if the camp is not purchased or a good caretaker is not found, the camp will be stripped of everything of value and basically left in ruin.
Our last city was the five day Day Camp right at Ivan's church in Viazniki! It went very well. By this time we were a well managed Day Camp team. Everyone had their job and we knew had such little time with each child. We definitely made the most of every moment!
This is a pivotal year for the Russian camping ministry. The laws in Russia continue to change and will be coming down hard on non-orthodox religions. Time is short and we are fully relying on God's direction to make the next move. There is a slight possibility that a camp may be purchased. Other ideas have been thrown on the table for discussion. We, the Russia Ministry Team at Galilee, are very sensitive to the fact that many of you have given money for the purchase of a Russian Christian camp. When we have made a decision you will be contacted as to what to do with your money.
The last Sunday at the church in Viazniki Ivan read from Ephesians 3:14-21. The best part is verse 20, 'Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory....' We know we are on the winning team. Children in Russia WILL be won to Christ through the camping ministry in whatever form that takes on. I asked Ivan if he was ready to give up and I got a hearty "nyet" in reply. The Americans are not giving up either and stand with Ivan 100%.
Please pray! God knows what you are praying for even if you don't seen to have
the right words.
In His Service,
Linda Myhre