A mixed crowd and some mixed feelings

The grace of God shows up in the strangest ways. When I came here, I knew no-one in the whole country (besides my hosts), and now I feel very close to my students and the people I work beside. I do not have to psyche myself up for teaching; I love these people in a way I would not have thought possible, and am thrilled to study the scriptures together. Let me introduce just a few of them.

Ileac possesses more passion for the truth than almost anyone I know. He seems about to explode. He was saved about six years ago out of a hard-drinking lifestyle, and now, still in his twenties, I would not be surprised to see him become an evangelist, pastor or Bible teacher. He certainly knows more than I did at that age.

Igor is not a Christian, but comes everyday to catch some native English. He is a physicist between jobs (I’m not sure how that works). Igor says he likes the Christians very much, but is not ready to become one himself.

Valentine is a university student who also comes just for the English. He’s getting a lot more.

Sveta is a doctor of around 45, and has very deep Bible knowledge.

Luda is a young woman of perhaps 30, who is a mother of six. She seems a very vibrant Christian.

Kitya looks 20, but she is the mother of a five year old. I’m not sure if she is a believer.

Valentina is one of my favorites. This woman is perhaps 70, yet takes a two hour bus trip each way for the bible classes. From what I understand, she has the entire book of Psalms memorized. Valentina’s face is as wrinkled as a crumpled-up paper bag, but it is beautiful to me. Her smile could light up a stadium.

This tableau shows what a mixed crowd we have. Some will quote Bible passages relevant to our study from the top of their heads, leaving me wishing I had thought of that one. Others could not find the book of Matthew if you held a pistol to their head. Budding theologians and confirmed atheists. But God has given me a great affection for them all.

I have only two more classes. This is the first mission trip where I felt such a wonderful melding of my gifts, the needs of the students, and my love for them. I miss my family and church greatly, but still it will be hard to part.