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One of the hardest thing for me about being home is how much I miss the girls I worked with. The girls I worked with were a group of nine and ten year-olds that, other than my team, were the biggest encouragement to me and always had a way of keeping my spirits up. They were a group of sweet girls that were always coming up to me with big hugs and smiles. Several of them tried hard to teach me Russian but it mostly turned in to many rounds of “repeat after me” and I’m still left with knowing very little Russian. (more…)

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We’ve been home for a week and a half now and things definitely haven’t been the same. I keep thinking about the kids that we worked with and how they have blessed my life. Most of the kids that we worked with have a hard home life, so many of the kids we’re difficult to work with because they act out, though some of it is a cultural thing with a lack of loving discipline. But over all the kids were truly a pleasure to work with. Each of us had a group of kids that we worked with and there were few kids that several of us worked with. But there was one of the boys that we all got the joy of loving up on. He got the camp name of Nubbly from Katie after a round of the “repeat after me” game. His real name is Vasili. Nubbly was one of the trouble making kids, there were several times that he got in to fist fights and broke one of the cabin windows, though no one was hurt. (more…)

God did so many marvelous things and taught each one of us on the team so much! We made great lasting friendships with our Russian brothers and sisters and fell in love with the children in Ufa, Bashkortistan.

Altough the journey was difficult at times through spiritual attack before the trip, sickness, and condtions of the camp such as no electricity nor running water, unpredictable weather, disobedient children and massive flesh eating bugs, it was the greatest camp I have ever been to. There is something unique and beautiful about the Russian children, family and culture there. I miss it terribly and want to be there now. It felt like home in a new way with family I never knew I had. (more…)

Thank you soooo much for sending us the team to work in the Christian camp. I know that words will never be able to express our feelings and thoughts. But we are impressed so much with their faithfulness to the Lord. Anything we asked them to do, they were ready to do. The team was a real light and example not only for the kids but also for us and our Russian camp workers. The team was the shot in the arm for our brothers and sisters. They brought us much joy And we are so grateful to the Lord that He blessed us with the brothers and sisters from America. This year we had so many gaps in staffing and the smallest Russian team this year with the worst living conditions. But American team showed their humble spirit and patience and never complained. Praise the Lord for this! Only He can do this work!

Dan was a great leader. We could see how he took care of the team’s spiritual and physical needs. He organized them well, and the work between both teams went smoothly. We heard kids say very often that they noticed the love and care between the friends from America. I am sure you set a good example for them.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>1. <!–[endif]–>Dan did wonderful job in sports, playing drama, crafts and other hundred of duties.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>2. <!–[endif]–>Jake (our Pharaoh) was a wonderful counselor and leader and a musician, actor in dramas, always filled with joy and patience (Jake was a counselor in a boys’ group).

<!–[if !supportLists]–>3. <!–[endif]–>We enjoyed watching James playing with kids, he was quiet, but devoted all his time to the kids. This is very difficult when you don’t know the language but communicate with kids so well.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>4. <!–[endif]–>Ilya was a good helper, did everything he was asked and his language skills were especially needed as he helped in communication a lot.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>5. <!–[endif]–>Micah – super! Suffered from the bugs and mosquitoes most of all probably but despite that he was an excellent actor, counselor and lots of fun and humor!

<!–[if !supportLists]–>6. <!–[endif]–>Jamie has such a kind soul and is so positive, always smiling and ready to serve, excellent counselor.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>7. <!–[endif]–>Bettie was sweet heart, special, loving camp-mother for her small boys.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>8. <!–[endif]–>Kelsey was great with boys, lots of humor, wonderful servant and patient. (Teenagers were so disobedient, thanks so much for her patience.)

<!–[if !supportLists]–>9. <!–[endif]–>Tiffany has a very humble and loving spirit. Girls loooved her so much. We could see this easily. Her testimony was wonderful and I am glad that the girls of almost her age were able to see her love for the Word.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>10. <!–[endif]–>Melinda – awesome servant, willing to learn Russian, I think she learned even how to read Russian this shows her real interest in communicating with girls. She made good friends with them.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>11. <!–[endif]–>Kettie – cool girl! Lots of fun! And Boldness! Always friendly despite unfriendly sun (She fainted several times!) She could easily communicate with people without knowing language!

Unfortunately the translators were not able to be a big help with the language barrier, but the Lord sent us to Camp to take care of kids. We wish we could help more and spend more time with our American brothers and sisters, but we are so thankful that the team were so flexible and communicated to well without even asking us.

Guys, thank you sooo much for your hard work, diligence, for your time that you sacrificed and we want to say “thank you” to your families for allowing us to borrow you for couple of weeks here in our wild camp. Praise the Lord for this! We do know that He is the one who provided everything! We thank Him that He touched your hearts and gave your this passion for camp!

Love, Victor & Natasha Slobodyan, translated by Emilia

There was much difficulty throughout the camp with sickness, relational struggles, disobedient children and some harsh living conditions, but as we left there was sadness that something so wonderful was about to end, something we loved to hate at times. You know, Americans have camp for a week in the most beautiful of places with amazing weather and no bugs and extra things like paintball and rock climbing walls, etc., with “Church kids.”

For Russian summer camp, everything opposite is true: It smells, it rains frequently, the bugs are the ruling race, its filled with disobedient children, there is no electricity or running water, and there are no frills or extras, and yet I loved this camp more than all others I’ve been to. Something about just spending time with children who are desperate for love and affection and giving them the love of God through the gospel repetitiously is what makes it worth while. I’ve got hundreds of pictures and hopefully these can suffice for now.

I’ll try to get more details in and hopefully the other team members can contribute to this as well.

Sorry for the shortness of the letter. I’m off to Sterlitamak to visit Sergei Loshak for a while. I don’t know how long it will be.
I’m feeling like I’m coming down with a little cold. Pray for God’s healing. Otherwise everything is good. I’ll keep you up to speed in the next few days.

God’s grace to you all,
Jake

Victor and Natasha Slobodyan say that our team are very good guys and faithful slaves of God. They are always optimistic. The camp kids like the crafts our team brought. They time to play with the children and still work in the kitchen. Please don’t worry about them. They have already become accustomed to the sand fly (mosquito) and don’t notice them. When they fall into their tents, they go right to sleep. They are awake at 7:30 a.m. and go to bed after midnight. But they still have a vigorous spirit.

The competition yesterday was a water fight. There were two teams. It was the Americans against the Russian children and young people. The Russians won because there was more of them, but everyone was sopping wet. This competition was needed because the water system for showers is not working yet. (Money is needed to complete this.) They have been going to the river which is quite near to wash. Today it rained all morning bringing much joy.

Today is the last day for Camp. Tommorrow our team will be going home. There will be sadness because they need to bid farewell to new friends. But there will be joy because they are heading home.

Victor and Natasha Slobodyan the camp directors have received much joy serving with our team and would like another team to come again. Sergei says maybe we only need to send Jake Schwarz. He is a good worker and can speak a little Russian. (Remember Sergei likes to joke.)

Sergei completes his report by praising God for the great blessings of our partnership and cooperation. He is thankful for the children who were saved. He asks God to bless those who prayed and gave money for the team.

Sergei continues, I called Emilia on her cell phone. She related that they were very tired. There has been much work, many children, not much comfort, and little sleep. The Americans are assistant leaders for the kids teams, help with music, lead the sports time, and run the crafts. Also, they do the dishes and other work. She calls them “Slaves for God” in Russia. They need our prayers. But they have a vigorous attitude and work without murmuring. They are looking forward to coming home. Money is still needed to complete the renovation for the camp site and pay for camp for these under privileged children.

Sergei also, asks for prayer for his health, the repair of his van, and the funds to build the church in Ishimbai. Thanks for praying.

Baptism 

Sunday, July 1, 2007

We attended a baptism service on the River Ufa for all those who have committed their lives to Christ within the last year. It was a joint meeting time together with all the churches from Ufa representing and supporting their own members being baptized. There was a time of singing and preaching messages from Revelation 7 and Romans 6 on the baptism of God and the meaning of their white garments, which they were wearing. Banners of Scripture also decorated the beach to witness to the community all of God’s power and grace in coming to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. After this baptism there was a joint service at the main church (International House of Prayer or affectionately named IHOP). There was another special time of rejoicing. God was multiplying their churches as a new church was formed and commissioned. This church was a small Bible study a few months ago and now had over 30 members so they launched a new congregation. We also had the priveledge to take the Lord’s Supper together. After this extra special service, our team got packed up and left for the summer camp. Located in a remote area of the region, we drove about 1 ½ hours through very difficult roads.   When we arrived, we were greeted warmly by the most loving and excited…..INSECTS!!! We thought we would die of bites. Our sister in the Lord and Camp director Natasha told us that the bugs did not want to eat us, they only wanted a taste. Unfortunately we have been very tasty as the biting has made us a little crazy. They ate us alive until the children came, then we were happy to share them with us.

Dinner

Monday, July 2, 2007

We helped to prepare the camp for all last minute sprucing up and I can’t tell you how difficult it is to be here to help in this way. The camp is literally the most rustic conditions I’ve ever known although Dan says that if he can get through Survival Training from the Navy, he can do anything. This will be a great test for all of us. There is no electricity, running water or plumbing. Pray for our stamina both to live and to display the love of Christ to the children. Most of the day was getting acquainted with the children (ages 7-12) in playing games and swimming. One boy almost drowned, so pray for the safety of all the kids. They are excited and their hearts are ready to hear of the truth.

The Gospel

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

I had to go into Ufa today so that I could buy some additional supplies, so me, a translator Marina, the director Natasha and a boy named Igor drove into town. Along the way I asked about the testimony of Igor and they informed me that he had not repented and that he was a street kid (18 years old) and that he has wanted to repent but finds it hard to turn from his old way of living. He had been involved with orphans and began to steal and then sell drugs. He sold Heroine because no one would give him a job because of his criminal record. A couple months ago he was caught by the Police and now will serve 5 years in the strictest prison. He was on his way to check in with the Ufa police until his sentence comes (probation), so he may not return to camp, but have to start his sentence today. I was shocked at the openness of his sharing. This is something that I wish Americans would be better at. I was able to share my testimony with him and explained that God makes all things new (2 Cor. 5:17) and that today is the day of salvation. He should not put it off, for tomorrow may not come. Just hearing him speak of this difficulty brought tears to my eyes as my heart wept for him too. I am tearing up right now in writing and thinking of his future. Please pray for him that he will come to repentance and love the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. There are plans for building a home for these street children so that they will have a place to live and be taught the Word of God. Also they will be able to work as the building will have a storefront and auto shop so they will be able to work and support themselves when the local government will not. Pray for the plans of bringing this work together. It is desperately needed. Well, I need to finish my activities here in town and then head back to the camp. I will not be writing for some time so please continue to lift up each member of the team for strength, health, rest, and the ability to love those we have difficulty communicating with.

God’s grace to you,

Jake Schwarze