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Ufa, Russia March 2007 |
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Upon arrival we instantly had to change gears as a bag was inadvertently brought back from the airport that did not belong to any of us. So, from square one we had to invoke the ministry mantra of Semper Gumby. The US Marine Corps’ motto is Semper Fidelis, or Semper Fi. That means always faithful. For missions, and ministry in general, we try to maintain an understanding that serving is a state of mind called Semper Gumby, or Always Flexible. |
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The most standout time was probably the blessing of attending the house church in Sterlitamak. Not one person came away from that blessed time without being changed, humbled and encouraged altogether. The team is still talking about it as a revered time in each life. |
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The entire time the team was there we were advertising for an ESL class that was happening the week after we left. The students were curious and excited. The team was also excited and it humored me to see that both the Ufa students and the Oklahoma students were all a bit disappointed that the Okies were not leading the workshop! |
 To date every member of the team has gotten some form of communication from individuals in Ufa and are working diligently at fostering and growing those relationships in hopes that the truth of Salvation through Christ alone will be discovered and embraced. Through the testimonies of the students in our church we already have interest building for next year, not only with students, but also with adults! |
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Scott Hume for the Emmanuel Baptist Church Collegiate Team, Weatherford, Oklahoma
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Before
departure there was a great sense that God was going to really be up to
something. Of all the trips and groups I have encountered on mission,
this one was different as they had no personal agenda nor did any have any
preconceived ideas as to what was going to happen. They were simply
ready to do whatever needed to be done to advance the Kingdom.
Once
we got back from the airport we went to our hotel, where we learned
immediately that flexibility was going to be THE primary thing for us.
Again, the team was prepared and ready to do whatever they had to in order
to see the Kingdom advanced. Bless the Carr family is all I can say.
They opened their home and had a bunch of stinky grown men sleeping in
their living room the whole week. They rescheduled their lives around us
and to be truthful that saddened us as we did not want to put them out.
We were hoping to make their lives easier that week and they ended up
having to work harder.
Once
we got to start ministry work in the universities and private classes, the
team was ready and excited. I saw them thrive in ways I had not seen
before. They built relationships almost immediately and were eager to
pray for the students with which they worked to know the truth of Christ’s
love and sacrifice. The university was a most gracious host and allowed
us a fair chance to just talk and establish what hopefully will be lasting
ties with the work that God is doing through the Carr family and other
believers there in Ufa.