Two Services

Inga and Inarz (a longtime CTO home group leader) picked up Jordan. The Methodist Pastor Jannis and his son picked up Nathanael and myself. Jannis and I chatted, and Jacob (pronounced “Yakob”) translated from the back seat. That was the morning I saw the portable wooden sauna with a chimney going down the road on the back of a truck. The service was more traditional than the two previous, but the Spirit was so reverent and sweet. 

I told my father’s story with a PowerPoint. At first someone tried to run the PowerPoint, but without knowing English it didn’t go well, so Nathanael took over and ran it like a champ. It was difficult telling the story at first. This was partly because working through a translator requires a separate set of skills. And partly because it suddenly hit me that this audience was taking my story about war and the brutality of the Russians very personally. They fear the Russians every day. That began to scramble my brain and I wondered if I should be telling the story at all! But I quickly moved to the inspiring and positive parts and the room lightened up and faces began to shine. Nathanael also had the courage to sing two duets with me. It wasn’t too many weeks ago he didn’t care to sing in front of people. I was so proud and also thankful for his help.

Afterwards we sat at the table with them. They asked if I wanted my coffee strong or weak. I said strong. I got it. Coffee grounds were floating in my thick black coffee. I got through about 2/3rds of it. The language barrier slows down conversation so I found it fun to show them some videos of Charles playing the violin. They loved hearing about his work with the Fulani and they laughed in incredulous amazement at his creativity.

The Lord anointed Jordan at the other church service. He had met the pastor and his family nine years ago. They foster several children and Jordan was able to encourage them and enjoyed renewing the friendship.