Russia

It does work!

In the beginning of May we had Connecting Course in Toliatti, one of the cities of Samara region, Russia. A month before, as the team of tutors took 3 days to pray and fast for the coming training, God told us that He was giving us 15 people for this course. How amazed we were when it did happen that way – 15 people from 3 cities and 7 local churches did this Connecting with Children Course! Praise be to our God Who is faithful in His promises!

How can I describe the atmosphere of this training so that you can feel what we felt? It’s very difficult to find such expressive words! Here are some of the words how students described it at the end of the course:

Tatiana Blinova, Toliatti: «This course was like a good broom that swept the dust away from my relationship with children. I was inspired, I took a new look at the whole process of connecting with kids. You let me breathe a fresh breath of air in my ministry to children».

Irina Sergiyenko, Toliatti: «This was the time for my inner healing. There very suppressive situations in my life. But here I was amidst so many compassionate people who accepted me and ministered to me. The Scriptures about generations touched my heart. I realized that in spite of the fact that so much damage is done in the inter-generational relationship, God can heal it and restore it.

As we played with children, I saw them from a different perspective, I reeveluated my attitude towards them. We were trained the skill to play in such a unique way! And, you know, it does work! It works for my children, it works for the kids from the orphanage, it will work for children around me. I’d like you to come and train us more! You helped me to move forward, you encouraged me in my ministry!».

Oxana Shubina, Kuznetsk: «Here God was healing my heart. I often couldn’t hold tears because of His presence and His work in my heart. I was also amazed what a great team we made when we went out to play with kids. The highlight of the course for me was story-telling. I have never thought stories can be such a powerful tool in connecting! And, of course, children! Children that we visited and played with during the course! Our time together was so special they’ll remember it all their lives».

Yulia Tolochkova, Toliatti: «This love for children much be spread all across Russia! This course made all of us one family. I received freedom from guilt, fear and shame. I have never thought I’ll be able to play, to become like a child again. My conviction “Children must be taught the Bible only, no games” was gone because I experienced the power of playing myself».

There are times for any children’s worker when it’s difficult to receive something new and encouraging personally and for the ministry. If you experience such difficulties, you are welcome to attend Children Mission trainings! We’ll walk together some unknown paths, renew and complement what you already have!

To wrap up we’d like to share the impression of one more participant, Yulia Panchikova, from Samara: «Every Children Mission training is such an enjoyment! I don’t remember even on seminar or conference that can be alike! This course was a good shake-up: one forgets about his/her “adulthood”, serious problems and receives renewal. Thanks for support to the CM team and to other students during our playing with children. Children Mission is a feast for me. I’m looking forward to each new meeting with you!»

Gulia Kartashova,
Regional coordinator for Samara, Russia

3 June 2011

All materials on the subject "Russia":

• The Moms from Balakovo City start influencing the educational system!
• It does work!
• I realized that I really want to be with children!