Running Towards the Battle
The fog smothering the DFW skies has lifted with the rising sun. Clear blue skies are beckoning the airplanes and passengers ready for take off. I would be counted in that number! I am not exactly running toward the battle, but the accelerated beats of my heart would make you think so. I am excited to return to Voronezh, Russia after a long three year absence.
When I first started in ministry, I typically made two, even three trips a year to the former Soviet Union. Today will be my 15th trip to the Red Zone. Three years has been three years too long. And while I don't feel that much older or different than I did my last visit, the teens associated with the Hope House and "You Are Not Alone Club" (orphans who have graduated out of the "system") are now, young men and women.
My prayer is for my spirit to remain like the warrior shepherd David. The spirit that sees the enemy standing taunting cruelly and yet knows God has given us this victory.
The children who are trapped in a system of institutional life, hear the Goliath voice saying, "You are not worthy. Nobody loves you. You were abandoned. You are alone. Where is your God?"
After serving state side as directors of orphan ministry at East West, Robert and Ann Fuqua realized the children they saw year after year would soon be "out" of the confines of the orphanage and "into" the world.
The statistics of what happens to these children is staggering. Hopelessness overwhelms them, many commit suicide. A large percentage are forced into criminal behavior, preyed upon by the opportunistic evil that awaits new victims. Very few become productive and contributing members of society.
I am sure Ann and Robert heard their own Goliath voice, taunting them with the odds of outsiders being able to effect or change the course of the battle. But like David, they knew who their God was. He was the same God who had traveled with them to places no American had ever seen. The God who helped them with thousands and thousands of pounds of luggage brought in through the years, filled with stickers, markers, Polaroid film, beanie babies, soccer balls and a whole lot of happy! He was the God who moved in the hearts of hundreds of willing short term volunteers to make the long journey to minister and practice "pure religion undefiled." He was the same God who called them out of their comfort zone to MOVE to Russia and open a transition home for orphans who were "aging out."
They ran toward the battle - against insurmountable odds
Certain of their God.
I am proud and pleased to have served alongside them for over twelve years. I have run towards the enemy under their leadership. I am off and running again today.
Reaching into the bag with a big smile,
Charlynn
Pray for travel mercies on both of our flights (Dallas to Houston, Houston direct to Moscow)
Pray for the LUGGAGE!
Pray for rest on the flights
Pray for good connections with the Fuquas in Moscow and the overnight train to Voronezh
Pray for the Russian leadership to be encouraged by our return
Pray for the young men and women to be ministered to in fresh and deeply powerful ways
Pray for the Director of the orphanage with disabled children to allow us to return
Pray for all the children we will see over the course of next week
Pray for the conference lead by our team member Lori
Pray for health
Pray for financial provision
Pray for boldness to proclaim the Good News and fulfillment of His promises
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