Mallory's Report

Bryansk is a city that is in the works of being on fire for God. There are many people who are already on fire and who want others to join them. Building a church and bringing people together as one in Christ was such a blessing for me to see and be a part of. I would have never imagined I would be going to Russia to serve the Lord. I fell in love with the people of Bryansk and the city itself was an experience of a lifetime. As soon as I arrived at the camp was when I realized that I was actually in Russia. The camp ground itself was not much different than something here in the United States. The first morning kids began to show up and that was when the Lord began to do his work in me. The only thing separating myself and the campers was the language barrier, but that soon broke as I began to just smile and play with those who were willing to do the same. It got easier and easier to communicate with those who spoke Russian and especially with the help of the translators. In our small group sessions I lead with Justin and Tyler. Our time with our six students were so precious and such a blessing. All but one were Christians and they knew so much about the Lord. They showed me that no matter where you live, how you live or what language you speak, you can know and understand the true love and joy of Christ in your life. I had known this already but it became more clear to me through spending all my time with these teenagers. There were some hard times that went on through music but the Lord had His hand in the middle of it all and calmed everyone from anger and fear of what might happen in the future. The camp aspect was one of the most treasured times in my life that I wish I can experience in many years to come. Tuesday night we stayed with a translator from camp. I stayed with Marina who was my very own group translator. They lived in the city of Bryansk just a few minutes from Linen Square in an apartment like house. There were two bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen; very comfortable and had the at home feeling. My time with Marina while walking around Bryansk and Linen Square showed me how she lived and that God was working in her life showing her what He has in store for her. Marina will be attending a university this fall in Moscow and she is very excited. She has a passion to learn English and many other languages. That really encouraged me to want to have a passion of learning other languages in order to communicate the gospel in words rather than only in actions. During camp, staying with Marina, and touring Bryansk and Moscow I could feel God moving in me and those who were involved in any way. This trip meant a lot to me and gave me insight to what is in the future for my life. It became clearer to me that I can make an impact on anyone anywhere in the world no matter what language I speak or what my life style is like. Like I said earlier, I never would have imagined that I would serve in Russia. I found out during my time at camp that there was going to be a children's camp the following week. I found myself thinking about it constantly every day. In spending time with the campers I realized that I fell in love with everything about the camp and wanting to return in the future. If I can afford it and the Lord confirms in my heart that this is where I need to serve, I will return to Bryansk to serve along side others during kids camp next summer. This trip to Russia confirmed many things in my heart and opened my mind to different types of people and languages. I would love to learn Russian and be able to return in the future knowing I can communicate with those who I have met and have grown to love.