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Stuff a Stocking Mission trip, Russia
January 4-12, 2005
Twenty-one people from different parts of American, representatives of various churches, together with 4 Russian people gathered from the 4th-12th of January in Moscow for a mission trip in Russia. On the first day American group packed 400 gifts and other 1200 was packed before, by Russia Inland workers. Russia Inland and SOAR Int'l. put together this trip to reach as many underprivileged children across Russia as possible through the distribution of Christmas gifts, telling every one about the Lord Jesus Christ.
The trip had as its main aims: to bring joy and happiness to the children who are unable to get enough attention, care and love; and also to support our sister churches in their ministry to the children – orphans, street children and children at risk.
Along with two big cities, Moscow and St, Petersburg, the team visited a few towns and some rural areas in Russia like Vyazma, Smolensk, Demidov, Velizh, Velikie Luki, Pskov, Rodovoye, Ostrov, Dedovsk.
During this trip, in partnership with local churches, the SAS team was able to visit 7 orphanages, 3 shelters, and 1 clinic for HIV infected kids. The whole team understood with broken hearts the destinies of these children. Despite the short time of this trip, 1600 children with bleak futures got a lot of joy along with hope for their future.
The trip was going very smoothly and fortunately this year the weather, unexpectedly, was very warm.
The international team was warmly greeted by the pastor and leadership team of each church on the route. Despite language barriers, the team was able to have fellowship with members of these churches. It was a great opportunity to get to know some of the sister churches of different confessions in Russia.
Towards the end of the trip the whole team became very close to each other. United in one spirit, one goal and doing one work together, sharing their spiritual experience during the entire trip – all of these made to build a very strong team spirit with each other. In addition to our main goals we reached one more – we have became a great team that made our trip very important. With a feeling of deep pleasure which overflows our hearts and causes tears, there comes a comprehension that with the great desire to bring a little joy to children through this short time we all have been deeply inspired, and our hearts are renewed.
Thus by our efforts and the experience of the trip our own lives were changed.
Russia Inland would like to thank all those who contributed to the success of this mission trip in particular the participants of the trip and their willingness to share their love with Russian children, including all the local churches and people who supported this trip by prayers and money, and the SOAR International leadership. And we would ask you to keep praying for all the children and their future.
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