Well, I returned last night at about 7:00pm and fell asleep at about 9:00pm (8am Russia time) thinking I was good to go-- I was mistaken... I woke up about 5 hours later at 2am and couldn't fall back to sleep. So I decided that I am going to kick this jet lag by going to work today! So I am writing this post from my office at work and boy am I tired!

I must stay up late... anyone want to go to the moveis or something... I don't want this jet lag to last 2 weeks again. NO NAPS ALLOWED!!!

By the way... if you are looking to shed a few pounds, I have found that the RUSSIA diet works wonders... I'm down 15 pounds after only 4 weeks!

So for my last day in Moscow, we went to Gorky Park... yes that Gorky park! The park has become known in the west as the title of a novel by Martin Cruz Smith, which was later made into a movie Gorky Park. It was Russia's version of Disneyland with many rollercoasters many of which I was scared to ride for fear of dying the day before I was going home (the rides didn't look like they were maintained very well). It was a fun day! I'm heading off to the airport in a few hours and will be home soon! See you guys!

I will be returning home on Wednesday after not being able to find reasonably priced train tickets to St. Petersburg that would allow us to stay in St. Pete for more than 1 day. So, one more night in Moscow and then back to the good ole US of A. See everyone soon!

Well, like I said in my post earlier, I am in Moscow for a couple of days and I am playing around with my Skype account and I have figured out a way to recieve incoming calls for free! I would love to say "Hi" to anyone who would like to give me a ring... its always good to hear a familiar voice. You can call me at 562-735-3503. Even if you just leave a message, It would be great to hear your voice! Remember, Russia is 11 hours ahead of you in California... when it is noon in Cali it is 11pm in Russia. I will be in Moscow until at least noon on Tuesday (I'll keep you posted)!

Click Here to find the Time of Day in Moscow!

Hello guys... it has been a while! I apologize for not updating you on what is happening in Russia as much as I would have liked to, but that is how it goes sometimes with limited Internet access. Since I last wrote you, we have done three more concerts and various other activities (discussion groups, bible studies, outdoor activities, etc.) to bring the people of Arkhangelsk closer to a relationship with God. I am really proud of the tireless work that the team has taken on. God really blessed us with a great team from the US and the Philippines.

The team left for home on July 17-- myself and two others stayed behind to follow up on relationships that we had developed. Our goal was to help connect the people who came to the music cafes into a church. It was great having some extra time in Arkhangelsk-- I do really love this place and the people there.

Over the last few days though, I have felt very homesick (in fact so homesick that I was contemplating coming back a little bit early)--- and maybe homesick is not the work I am looking for--- I just miss familiar faces and my routine back home. I left Arkhangelsk yesterday with the intention to fly right home on Monday and skip the St. Petersburg leg of my trip. Well... to say the least God has been working on me and my attitude.. He has renewed my desire to continue on after a few calls to friends with some prayer and encouragement.

So I am back on track... I'm in Moscow for two days and we will see what arrangements can be made for St. Petersburg. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for your continued prayer and support. I'll see all of you soon!

The trip is going well... we have organized several music cafes and the have been well attended (we have had two of the so far). Members of our team will be involved in a hard rock concert that is held here every year (which we were invited to participate in by the organizers). The weather has been very warm, we are hanging in there. We have also held discussion groups every day centered on the topics of new believers or those who might have questions on about God. We will hold our second worship night tonight and expect attendnace from all of the local churches. God is doing quite a lot to bring the churches in Arkhangelsk together as one body. Sorry it has been a while since the last post... we've been pretty busy.

Please pray for conversations with my friend Vasya who I met last year. We began talking about the differences between the orthodox church and the churches that we are working with. One on the main differences he tells me is that he brings his prayer needs to a preist who then prays them on his behalf. We are beginning to talk about having direct conversations with God. Please pray for Vasya and me for that matter as we continue to talk about this.

Well, after a successful week of planning, our team arrives today for a 10 days of ministry and concerts. Please pray for unity for our team and that God would begin to work in the hearts that we are supposed to minister to. Not much else to update you on... we've just been hard at work meeting with local pastors and making plans for the events. Thanks again for your prayers!

Well after a short stay in Moscow, I departed for Arkhangelsk. It is so good to be back here – where things are familiar. Fore some reason I am having a hard time sleeping... I seem to be waking up at 3:00am each night—which won’t work when the team gets here because our evenings go until 12 or 1 am! Planning for the team’s arrival is going well and I can’t wait for them to arrive. It is colder than normal for this time of the year… it is in the 60’s and surprise… I didn’t pack any warmer clothes. Not much else to report yet as we are just getting started with the logistics planning here. Tomorrow we meet with all of the pastors to go over our tentative schedule.

I will try to keep you updated of our progress. Please pray for our team and the incredibly quick connection in Moscow-- it will be tight.