"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways…"

Monday morning brought the team to the worksite at 8 a.m. We started with prayer, devotions by David, and songs. The benches from church were used and then they were the first work of the day. They all had to be moved out the windows to the basement for storage. On Sunday they will have to be brought back up. We started with sawing the boards for lathe behind the dry wall, scaffolding was assembled and moved, and work was started on the altar area. It was a very hot day. Having the younger men on the team was very helpful for the high work especially with the heat. They worked a long day up in the roof area. Lunch on day 1 was a typical Russian borscht soup, meat, bulgur and bread from a local workmen’s deli.

Translators Tonya, Lena, and Vitale worked along with us. Lena has been on the worksite every day helping Bob Ivins communicate with the Russian men. All of us were very tired, dirty, and satisfied with all that was accomplished on this day.

Tuesday started with devotions by Carla who included many fond memories of last year. This year’s team of 12 includes 10 returnees from last year. That says much for the value of the project and the impact it is making on the American team members.

The trusses had to be leveled, some dry wall was put in place, and more insulation was put up. This would not be an OSHA approved work site! We had people sawing, people moving boards, people measuring lumber, scaffold work being done, cords everywhere, and snacks or lunch being put out. Sometimes these are all happening at once.

Just before lunch we had our first accident. A support board on the wall snapped and about a 5 foot section of scaffolding fell with 3 men and a sawhorse going down with it. No serious injuries resulted, only a few scrapes and bruises. It caused a quick stop in all other work while we checked things out. It wasn’t long before they had the board replaced and the scaffolding ready for work again.

We are staying in several homes and enjoying our Russian host families and learning more of their customs. The food is part of that experience. Today we had lunch for almost 20 people for 800 rubles. That is about $30 American dollars. We had a fried bread stuffed with cabbage which was called a pie, beef tips with gravy over rice, cabbage salad and fresh warm bread. It was delicious!

Please keep all of the team in prayer. We have been safe so far, but need your continued prayer for safety, physical strength, and good health. A couple of team members are suffering from colds and congestion, but so far there are no stomach ailments. Also pray for the project and the people of the Reconciliation Church. This is an effort not only of the people working here in Lesosibirsk, but also of those who have contributed financially, those who have supported a family member coming to Russia, and those who have continued to pray.

Psalm 91:9-11 "If you make the most High your dwelling – even the Lord, who is my refuge – then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways…"