Bike trip – July 7 - Zavodoukovsk

Russia is a big country with vast territories. We, citizens of Russia, obtain lots of earthy riches. Yes, we are rich, but in most cases we are poor and poverty-stricken. There are lots of hobs and pits on the roads. Only some parts of the road can be called “European-like”. But they are «village» roads. The road signs which accompany us all our way were mainly «wave pitching track» and «speed limit». Dirt and garbage are on both sides of the road. Practically all houses lack basic modern conveniences. But all of us here are owners of unlimited resources. Usually one notices the contrast between Russian and German roads and living conditions. I was in usual moods and was not sick with depression. But I felt sorry for this country.

 

Now about pleasant things. Oh, nearly forgot - one of the wheels of our KAMAZ truck was punctured. Dmitry, the driver of the truck, donated to the Russian Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists by the charity organization «Dorcas», overcome the testing with humility.

 

Our Expedition arrived at Zavodoukovsk town, which has only one place of interest – an alcohol factory. The name of the town is derived from the name of the Uk River. I found out about it from the local citizens who attended the evangelistic meeting. Not many people responded to the invitation of the church, but we were not sorry about it. The heavens rejoice even about one repenting sinner and perhaps that sinner attended the meeting. More kids than adults came and we decided to organize evangelization for kids. A new team of the ministers, which was send to the Expedition by the Sunday school Department of the ECB worked excellently. The puppet play told kids about the foundation of real friendship. The story about Jonah called children for obedience. The relay race taught kids to play in the team. With sincere joy and readiness the kids took part in all games. At the end of the program all kids without exception (as friendship won) received prizes, sweets and children’s Christian books. A music team from Vladikavkaz sang for adults.

 

A small ECB church in Zavodoukovsk extended real Christian hospitality, as well as all other churches, who have received us. But Christians in Zavodoukovsk were special in organizing meal for us – it was 3 o’clock Moscow time and 5 o’clock local time. They combined breakfast, lunch and dinner. We are to go 200 km to the town Ishim.

 

Р.S. The team of bikers fulfilled the task – to cover 100 km – the mark for its work is 4+ (good and plus). One of the «beginners» upon arrival at Zavodoukovsk, was to go back to Tiumen town. All members of the Transcontinental Expedition have to have a good health in order to overcome extreme physical burdens.