Gospel Expedition

Forest fires are not rare here in Russia’s Chita region during the summer. This summer, the emergency service workers are busy. The Expedition team also had to traverse the smoky parts of the route, but it was good that the wind blew away much of smoke, making it easier to cover this part of the road.

We were hurrying along to make it in time to the worship service in the village of Ulioty. A new record for our speed was recorded — 75 km/h along the mountain slopes.

Though Ulioty is not smaller than other small towns along our route, we felt a difference. We were met not by cars, but by a bike. And the cyclist was special. It was an elderly lady whom our cyclists could hardly follow. It was perhaps because our sport bikes are not designed for village roads.

There is no evangelical church in the village, but there is a group of seven Christian sisters. They not only study the Bible and pray in the group, but they rent a room so they can invite other people to join them. One Christian sister said that unbelievers do not want to visit private flats or houses for Bible classes, but are ready to attend a room in a public place to hear about God. As pastors seldom come here, these Christian sisters hold worship services in turn. Sometimes they prepare a Bible lesson or read articles from Christian books.

Competing With The Communists

We held an evangelistic service in the square near the Community Centre. A week ago, a monument to Lenin was restored in the square. They say local communists are very active in this place, and had held their own meeting in the square the other day. Not many people attended the evangelistic service as it was Saturday and many people had to rest. But still, several dozen people came to hear the Good News and gladly took Christian books.

The Expedition team does enjoy Siberian hospitality! Despite the few Christians who live there, they received our cyclists very warmly. There is always a place to take a shower after a long trip. There is always a place to stay overnight, and tasty meals. But the only shortage is the lack of time for fellowship with fellow believers. After a difficult trip during the day and a short night of rest, the members of the Expedition must wake up early and continue the trip to reach the next point.