Evangelistic trip to Russia’s Far North

“and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”

(Acts 1:8).

In total, 6500 km were covered during this time, of which 2000 km. passed along the winter snow-covered roads of rivers, lakes and tundra on a tried and true KAMAZ vehicle. Before making this expedition to the Far North of our vast Russia, a group of brothers from different Russian regions prayed for a long time. The team pursued the following goals:

• The first goal was to fulfill the Great Commission.

“ Go therefore, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you all the days to the end of the age. Amen." (Heb. Matthew 28:19-20).

Moving north, the expedition members met with the indigenous people of these lands, who fish, breed deer and worship the creation, instead of the Creator. Most of them have not heard the Good News of salvation through the sacrifice of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

The expedition members carried the Good News to these people and prayed for their repentance. They also communicated while visiting the area of Chumy, where hospitable folks always treated them to tea, fresh fish and venison.

• The second goal was to inspire and encourage those dear brothers and sisters who confess Jesus Christ as their Savior.

In some villages, the expedition members visited local churches and groups. These were joyful meetings with joint worship of our great God and Savior. Afterwards, there was always tea drinking and joyful fellowship.

• The third goal was to build up and create unity for our fraternal team.

In this journey, everyone had one goal - to glorify the name of God. But each participant had their own duties and responsibilities. Sergey was responsible for the car. Oleg was responsible for leading music in worship, he sang psalms beautifully, and played the guitar. Igor was responsible for the spiritual side of the expedition. Stepan helped to communicate with the locals, as he knew their language.

Everyone supported each other, for example, in cooking, and also helped in unforeseen circumstances. There were difficult moments on the way, once a tire fell into disrepair, and it was necessary to replace it with joint efforts. Also, our KAMAZ was repeatedly drifted off the road and the whole team had to dig it out. There were cases when help was needed for people whose cars were also in a ditch on the side of the road. Pulling their vehicles out, the team always tried to share the gospel with them.

On this trip, everyone became closer and dearer, because unity in Christ gives peace, joy, hope and love. And joint teamwork strengthens and enriches everyone.

• The fourth goal is to inform the local churches and involve them in this trip.

The expedition members thank all the brothers and sisters who took part in this project, supporting in need and standing in prayer.

To make it easier to travel on a snow-covered road in the tundra, the pressure in the tires was reduced. During one of the evening crossings, a tire was seriously damaged. In the morning, when all this was discovered, the question arose: how to go further? The expedition members began to pray intensely and asked everyone who supported them to join this prayer. In just three hours, there was an answer to the prayers. In the village where the breakdown was discovered, there was a man who had a brand new tire with a tube. Everything was successfully replaced. and the expedition moved on.

The Lord wants His Church to participate in every good work.

• The fifth goal was to see the beauty and majesty of God's creation.

Passing the snow-covered roads of the tundra, the participants of the trip had the opportunity to see the northern lights, as well as the "halo" - a bright miraculous phenomenon, which is also called the "gateway to heaven". They also watched sunsets and sunrises, saw the beauty of rivers and lakes, snow-covered hills and peaks. How wonderful and beautiful is everything created by the Lord!

“For all things come from Him, by Him and to Him. To him be glory forever, amen.” ( Romans 11:36).