A mission team from Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church returned August 1 from a twon week stay in Russia that included work and play in a Russian Youth Camp and a brief visit to Moscow. The camp, near the Black Sea at Novorossiysk in Southern Russia, was established and is operated by the Novorossiysk Evangelical Christian Church. It covers about 20 wooded acres with cabins and the program attracted 126 kids and young adults from many cities in Russia. The program, designed to lead young folks to Christ, included daily worship, games and sports. It was the wish of the camp director to see the campers make a promise to God and keep it rather than give a conversion statement in an emotional moment that might be soon forgotten.
The program began each day at 7 am and ended at 11 pm and included worship, assigned jobs, singing, games, sports, and swimming which was very popular in the Black Sea with daily temperatures in the high 80s. Language was a bit of a problem and it was difficult at times. But the group was surrounded by young Russian campers who spoke English although they were unsuccessful in teaching the Americans Russian.
The Russians loved music and there was much singing - most of it praise songs familiar to the Americans but sung in Russian. The group gave testimony 36 times and were constantly being asked lots of questions: "Can you talk about God in school? How long have you gone to church? Why do Americans always smile? Do you like Russian people?" and on and on.
Many thanks for the contribution to our Russian Mision Team. It was much appreciated. The trip was an experience I am sure all of us will never forget. As one of our youth said, "A trip like this can be a life changing experience." A longer article can be read in our local paper, The Gettysburg Times.
