Nancy and Katya went to the warehouse district where there were many small stores all served by a central delivery point with many large trucks. They purchased gifts, supplies and other materials for our scheduled afternoon visit to the Homeless Shelter. Bob and Bert waited at the apartment. After a light lunch at Katya’s, we loaded up the car, picked up Olga Filipov and drove to the center. Olga has been with the church for several years, but has been away for a couple years on a ship with a Christian-based mission. Her English as become very fluent.
At the center, we visited with each of the residents, most of whom are older and have physical disabilities. Residents here need help with establishing residency, getting official documents and identification papers, and developing a plan for a permanent home. We had some personal items of comfort for them, but just our presence seemed to be what they really desired. Then we invited residents to join us in a small conference room where Katya introduced our team and we answered questions about American and older disabled adults in the U.S. There was Christian literature on the table, and a number of the people took some. One woman was particularly focused on a New Testament. Katya spoke and sang a number of Russian songs. We closed by taking prayer requests; 4 people asked for specific healing prayers. Bert prayed. One of the men had questioned early in the session why we had come to Russia. Bert explained that God loves us all and we are called to share this love. The man left during the rest of the time. However, he returned just before the closing prayer; then he met with Bert and asked for a prayer for his soul.
We then went to the Presbyterian Church which is in a building owned by the Cultural Center. We heard from Jim and Sally Foote who came to Russia on a short term mission in 1991. By 1996, they had made several trips and felt called to be in full time ministry in Tyumen. What a testimony they shared! They have been very helpful and supportive to Katya with her ministry. The ecumenical cooperation in this city is admirable.
As part of our visit, a delegation from NC and GA, led by Tommy Williams arrived. They had just come from the train station and will be here with a Bible Distribution Ministry. We had dinner together and had a chance to share our experiences in Russia.
Distributing gifts at the homeless shelter
Sharing gifts
Questions and discussion with shelter residents
Prayer for salvation and forgiveness
Jim and Sally Foote with staff members of the Tyumen Presbyterian Church
Tommy and Kate Williams travel to Russia twice a year to distribute Christian literature
Americans sharing a meal in Tyumen
