Summer Camp Team Report July 4, 2009 Edition

Happy Fourth of July! This is a very significant date to an American. It’s the celebration of the birth of our country, but here it’s a normal day. That leaves me kind of a flat, however, the celebration is in my mind. I am proud to be an American and have the freedom to minister in other countries. When we are obedient to God to obey the Great Commission to go and preach the Gospel, this sometimes trends on our own celebrations. They have to be laid aside to follow God’s will, but that doesn’t keep me from seeing fireworks in my head.

I have not heard from the Camp Team today. This afternoon Emilia told me that the Bible teachers are taking more time preparing for the lessons. Our team has a secondary but very important role due to the language barrier. They are to show affection to these love starved children and serve the camp in any capacity possible. They are in charge of the crafts as well. Today, they have been preparing their craft projects. Matt has been practicing friendship bracelets since he arrived in Ufa. He’s pretty handy with twine and rope as well.

My quick trip over the Ural Mountains into Asia was very profitable. I have more pictures for the Napa construction team of the church building in Uchali. They have come along way from that garage I saw a few years ago. The heating unit is there and will be installed the week we leave Ufa (sometime during July 20-25). The well has been installed, and the water is being used to irrigate Nadir and Lena’s garden. They had to bring in fertile soil for this project. It will serve them for years to come. The wall board has been installed in the sanctuary. They have new front doors, and the yard has a temporary fence. I was reminded again of the Lord’s provision for their paved road. It was installed for the new Orthodox Church and the new Mosque down the street. The Baptist cult had to be included by God’s providence.

I was fighting the effects of jet lag still last night. I had to surrender to its power since I was nodding off to the children’s movie. Just as I closed my eyes for the last time, I heard an unusual sound outside. It was the Muezzin’s final call to prayer for the day from the Mosque. I was reminded again of the great spiritual battle taking place here. So many have had their eyes darkened by religion. They need the Savior to forgive their sins and cleanse them with His righteousness.

By the way, I observed several Bashkir cowboys at work as we traveled to and from Uchali. They use whips and horses to get the job done. Their saddles don’t look to comfortable. For the cowboys in the group it appeared to be a wooden framework with a pad over it. There didn’t seem to have much leather on it. I still prefer the old western saddle any day. I think the horse would too if he or she knew better.

On the way back we stopped at Alexei Bikov’s home for lunch. He’s a quiet sort who intently loves the Lord and desires to serve Him. We talked about their ministry, their goals, and their children. Also, we sampled their honey. One of their son’s is doing this business. We visited David out in the field as we drove to Ufa. It is great honey. I ate a lot of it. Their second son is in the army for his required year of enlistment. The oldest has an embroidery business. Yes, I saw the machine he uses and his finished product. It looked great. All their children are involved in the ministry at Beloresk. They humbly serve the Lord. Alexei is discipling their future church by working with the teenagers. He should me the book they are using.

Another highlight of my trip involves my translator. Mark Slobodyn went with me while Emilia, Indira, Nastia, and Marina were at Camp preparing for the children coming next week. I have watched this young man mature over the six years I’ve been to Ufa. He was an awkward twelve year old the first time. But God has been preparing him for ministry. He has a heart for God. There is still much work to do in his life. God is not finished, but it great to watch the Lord work in his life. Mark is not ready to translate preaching but handled conversation very well. I will have more experienced translators as I preach in the pulpit and when I visit the other pastors. Mark will be at camp working with our young people. He is very excited about this prospect.

Well it’s nearing midnight and I want to be ready for the Baptismal Service at 8 am tomorrow morning. This is bye-bye for now. I hope to write another tomorrow night. I am supposed to have Indira as my translator tomorrow. She will keep me posted on the happenings at Camp.

Submitted by Bud Haskell