Hey everyone! Sorry it has been so long since we last updated! We have had a hard time finding an internet connection. We have had an awesome trip! We have just 2 full days left in Russia. Since we last updated we have done so much. On Saturday we spent the day in downtown Chelyabinsk. We did a little shopping and site seeing. Later that night, we went to the Good News church for a baptisim service. There were 23 people getting baptized. It really made an impact on us. We were all so touched and moved by it. Catie sang and we finally got to see Dima in action. It was awesome. On Sunday we were back at the Good News Church for church. Pastor Randy preached and Donell sang. Heidi worked with the children in Sunday School. As always she was awesome. She sis magic tricks and also had a children's ministry seminar. Later that day Randy, Colby,Catie, Mary P. , Heidi, and Mike all went to the orphanage. We played games and Heidi did some more magic illutions. We had a busy day. Monday, Donell led the women's conference. We had a great turn out! She did a great job. Also, Randy, Mike, Dima, Igor, Mary S., Mary P., Lenny, and Bryan all traveled to Krugan to visit some church planters. They will be returning tonight very late. Please pray for their safety. Tuesday, we will be finishing the women's conference, and the same group will be traveling to Sim and Kigi. They truly do need your prayer. They have a big trip ahead of them. Then on Wendsday we will be preparing to come home. On Thurday, we will be flying home. Please continue to pray for us! We love all of you so much! See you soon!

We are still trying to get some picture on here...so please be patient with us :)

Rest Easy Heidi's been Found!

Hey guys! We are having a great trip so far. Yesterday was a very crazy and hectic day. We started out the day by sight seeing in Moscow. We went to the Savior Orthodox Cathedral, and Red Square. We ate at McDonald's for lunch, and it was great. After that , we headed to the subway and realized we were missing someone.....Heidi! In the chaos, Heidi did not see us leave. Luckily she knew we would come back for her! Then had a 4 hour bus ride to the airport. Traffic was to bad. We almost missed our flight! Thanks to your prayers, God gave us a miracle and we made it.....barely. Today we started the Pastor's Conference, and Lena took us for a ride around Chelyabinsk. We also went to Dima and Lena's apartment for tea. Very relaxing!

Updates soon!

From Russia With Love....

We made it to Moscow! We have had a crazy 30 hours! We have been going nonstop ever since arriving in Moscow yesterday. We went to the circus, and walked around Red Square. Today we are going back to Red Square, and then at 5:45 pm we will fly to Chelyabinsk. Please continue to keep us in your prayers! We love and miss you all! Here are a few pictures of our trip thus far....

One down.....one to go!

Well... we made it to Chicago safely. So far so good! We will be in Chicago for about 5 hours. We had our last "American" meal at Chili's, and had our fix of the famous Garrett's popcorn. Everyone is doing great and we are ready to go Moscow. We should arrive in Moscow at 12:30 pm (which is actually about 3:30 am in Oklahoma).  Please pray for us to get some rest on the flight, so we can hit the ground running when we land. We will be updating soon with pictures! We love you all!  

Only 3 days until we leave! That is so hard to believe. The team is so excited and ready to spread some Bethany Church love! Please remember to keep us in your prayers as we prepare to leave. Here is our trip itinerary:

Time Changes: Moscow- 9 hours ahead, Chelyabinsk- 11 hours ahead

Tuesday, June 9- Leave Tulsa for Chicago at 10:30 am; Leave Chicago for Moscow at 5:25 pm

Wednesday, June 10- Arrive in Moscow at 12:30 pm, once we arrive we will check into our hotel, then do a little sight seeing. We will also go to the circus that evening.

Thursday, June 11- We will finish any sighting (Red Square, Kremlin, etc.); We then leave Moscow for Chelyabinsk at 6:45 pm. We arrive in Chelyabinsk at 10:45 pm

Friday, June 12- Pastors Conference begins (led by Randy Wilson, and Leonard Pirtle)

Saturday, June 13- Pastors Conference ends; That evening we will go to Good News Church for a baptism (20 people are getting baptized!) 

Sunday, June 14- Good News Church service

Monday, June 15 - Women's Ministry Conference, Pastor's Wife's Conference, and Children's Conference begins. During this time some of the team members will be traveling to Sim, Kigi, and Kuryon to visit the Church planters that we support. The other team members will visit an orphanage in Chelyabinsk. 

Tuesday, June 16- Women's Ministry Conference, Pastor's Wife's Conference, and Children's Conference ends. 

Wednesday, June 17- Pack up, and prepare to come home

Thursday, June 18- Arrive in Tulsa at 10:23 pm

Welcome to the 2009 Team Russia Blog! We leave in less than a week! We are all so excited and ready to be in Russia. Thank you so much for taking the time to read about our trip, and for taking an interest in our team. The team really appreciates your prayers and support. We will be updating as often as we can with pictures, videos, God sightings, prayer requests, etc. While in Russia we may experience a few technical difficulties, but we will be doing the best we can to keep everyone informed. We will be updating soon with our trip itinerary so you will know what exactly will be taking place in Russia each day. Thanks Again! 

Here are some of the prayer requests that we have right now:

1. Safety of travel to Russia ,and while in Russia
   
2. For health while in Russia
3. That team members will be able to adjust to and appreciate cultural changes in Russia
4. For team to be flexible when changes and difficulties are encountered and to be able to see how God is in control of our agenda
5. For families of the team at home
6. For those we will be ministering to while in Russia

Updates soon!

Catie