Today was a day spent at one of the well known parks in Orlando. We boarded the busses early this morning to be at the park when it opened to take in the whole day. Our group had the choice to visit the “movie” side or the “amusement” side of Universal Studios, and it tended to be evenly split with the group meeting at the Hard Rock Cafe this evening for dinner. The youth are having an awesome time and are prime examples of Christians Chosen to Celebrate. On the “movie” side of Universal Studios the group had the opportunity to experience an 8.3 earthquake to an F5 tornado. They helped ET return to his home planet and found out the rest of the second Shrek movie (on the honeymoon). They felt tarantulas crawl over their feet, a donkey spit in their faces, and conversed with the “non-communicating” pharoah on stilts. On the “amusement” side it was one roller coaster after another. They stood in line for nearly 2 hours to ride the HULK but all seem to agree it was worth it. The spiderman ride was reported as ‘awesome’ by one, and they were enthused by the dualing dragons. Shopping was also a big hit with some; while others were thankful they didn’t have to participate in the shopping excursion.  We all ate together at Hard Rock Cafe with other churches from across the US. The hostess said they had served over 600 people today who are in town for the Gathering – that was at 6pm and included only the ones they knew of. We have begun to network with churches and youth from all over, and the youth are building up excitement for the big event starting tomorrow. Thanks again for your continued prayers and support!  Â
July 27, 2007
July 26, 2007
Orlando or Bust
We have arrived safely in Orlando after 1507 miles on a fun-filled bus adventure with 97 of our new closest friends, 5 in transit movies, 4 food stops, 3 exhausted adult chaperones (apparently you don’t sleep well on a bus after the age of 18), 2 lovely overnight rest areas, and 1 amazing God who got us here safely. We spent the afternoon at Fort DeSoto Beach where the mighty ocean washed our weary bodies. Sand Dollars were abundant and very fascinating for our youth. Our hotel location is ideal and very convenient to the convention center. Our only flaw on check in was a shattered window in one of the rooms from an apparent ”bird” accident. We were able to watch the fireworks from Universal Studios this evening from our hotel windows and are planning on a very restful recuperative evening. We are thankful for very well behaved kids who have proved so far to NOT be a challenge. Tomorrow will be spent at Universal Studios where the kids will have a choice of the Universal side or the Islands of Adventure side, so we will keep in touch after another busy day. Thank you for your prayers and continued support.
July 25, 2007
Gathering Group Has Departed
Following a period of milling about, eager anticipation, luggage loading, farewells, and a brief Sending ceremony led by Pastor Henry Biar, the Rochester/Austin Gathering Group boarded two busses and departed for Florida this morning. Follow along with their trip at the GYM web site.
There you can find links to pictures and information as it becomes available.
July 13, 2007
Suchanoy update
Dear Everyone,
I just got back from the village of Suchanoy. When Russians say “villageâ€? they mean there are no services available and no indoor plumbing. As terrible as the conditions were, the people were extra warm. They are very alert to the things of the world and to their faith. This village is mostly people of Latvian decent. That is kind of how the mission got started. Pastor Sobolev’s wife is Latvian and some from Suchanoy were in Krasnoyarsk for a Latvian festival and so the connection to go and preach there was made. I am the first pastor to stay over night however–two nights in fact. There is a lot to do here as far as the church is concerned. There are at least three more places that congregations could start but Pastor Sobolev is the only pastor. I am certainly encouraging the young men here to think about the ministry. By the way, the young men from our congregation also need to consider the ministry. There is always a need for pastors and teachers.
This will probably be the last update before I get home since I will be in the pulpit next Saturday night and Sunday morning. The experience here has been priceless although there were times I have not wanted to pay the cost. There are several projects which we could be involved in that I will give details for and each congregation I have spoken in has blessed you. At the end of the service when prayer time happens they always pray for you in my absence. The church is certainly universal in all of its aspects. Thank you for your prayers and for the time away. Thank my family mostly because this has been hard for them especially.
I can’t wait to see you next weekend.
In Christ,
Pastor
July 10, 2007
Tuesday note from Lagovik
Hi everyone, We didn’t leave for Suchanoy this morning as planned. It will be tomorrow at 7AM. It is about a three hour ride. if I can I will e-mail from there. Otherwise it will be on Saturday or something.
One of the things I have noticed is that I carry my camera around but do not take as many pictures as I did at the beginning. I think that is because things are looking ‘normal’ instead of different. I am still taking them but not as many. I want to thank the people who have written notes during the trip. I hope I have answered them all although I can’t tell which age new and which are old on the way I retrieve my mail here verses in the office.
The thing that strikes one most here are two very contrasting things: The absolute mess that is all over the ground, in the parks, etc. and the wonderful people that I have met. Some of the nicest people live in the filthiest conditions. You will see more when I give the presentation in September, but trust me, there is nothing this messy anywhere in our town.
this trip[ has also taught me much patience. There are only certain things I can do on my own and when I need to I can venture out but mostly I have to wait for someone or something before I can do what it was that is planned. Anyway, that is probably a good thing too.
I am ready to get back to work with you. It is the little things that are taken for granted that you miss the most when they are not there.
I’ll write again at the end of the week.
In Christ,
Pastor