Bike trip – August 4 – Ulioty village, Chita region

Members of the Expedition were hurrying up to get in time to the worship service in the village with a strange name Ulioty. Bikers tried to go quickly and a new record of a moment speed was recorded – 75 km/h along mountain slopes.

Though Ulioty village is not smaller than other small towns along our route we felt the difference between the town and the village. We were met not by cars but a bike. And the biker was special. It was an elderly lady whom our bikers could hardy follow. It was perhaps because our sport bikes are not designed for village roads.

There is no ECB church in the village. But there is a group of 7 Christian sisters. They not only study the Bible and pray in the group, but they rent a room to invite other people to join them. One Christian sister said that unbelievers do not want to visit private flats or houses for Bible classes but are ready to attend a room in a public place to listen about God. As Pastors seldom come here Christian sisters hold worship services in turn. Sometimes they prepare a Bible lesson or read articles from Christian books.

Evangelistic service was held in the square near the Community Centre. A week ago a monument to Lenin was restored there in the square. They say local Communists are very active in this place. They held their meeting in the square the other day. Not many people attended the evangelistic service as it was Saturday and many people had rest. But still several dozens of people came to listen to the Good News and gladly took Christian books.

Members of the Expedition do enjoy Siberian hospitality. Despite a few Christians who live there they receive bikers very warmly. There is always a place to take a shower after a long trip. There is always a place to stay overnight and tasty meals. But the only shortage is the lack of time for fellowship with co-believers. After a difficult trip during a day and a short night rest members of the Expedition are always to wake up early and continue the trip to reach the next point.