REPORT ON THE TRIP TO EKATERINBURG, RUSSIA by Dr. Mark Martin
Over 15 years ago I remember hearing about everything that Broadmoor UMC was doing to help start a United Methodist Church in Russia. Like others in the conference, we helped by sending food and other support. I was fascinated with the stories and wanted to go there. Finally, I had the opportunity this month. Another great thing was that Rhonda was able to go with me. Let me share some of what we experienced.
Our group was led by James Gillespie and consisted of 13 others from 3 different churches: From Broadmoor were Mark & Rhonda Martin, Beth Matthews, Larry Cobb, Diana Watson, and Stephanie Braselton.
When we arrived in Ekaterinburg or Yekaterinburg, I found it to be like many other places throughout the world. This large city – the third largest in Russia (over 2 million people) - is very modern and more European than Soviet in style. The people looked like they could have been from anywhere in Europe or the U.S. The economy is picking up with many shoppers out buying. In fact many stores have names written in English and Russian.
Still the Russian alphabet was quite a challenge. A discrepancy still exists between those who have a great deal, and those who have little. The dominant building structures were rectangular shaped, multi-story buildings with small apartments or flats where most people live.
When we pulled into the church parking lot, I was impressed. The building is a beautiful brick structure, with a bell tower (modeled after Broadmoor UMC), situated on a strategic and attractive piece of property. First UMC Ekaterinburg is located on the corner of a busy traffic intersection. Even more important, it is located on the corner of a piece of property that opens to a city park. The wide sidewalks that crisscross the property lead to the entrance of the park. Everyday at least a couple of hundred people stroll along the sidewalks of the church and into the park – mothers with babies in baby carriages, families, and people of all backgrounds. Some enjoy the beautiful flowers in the church garden. Others allow their toddlers to climb the 2 steps and play on the porch of the church.
We were welcomed very graciously by Pastor Olga, Gallina, her translator, Willy, son of the associate pastor (all 3 who recently visited our church), Tatiana, the associate pastor, and others. We slept on beds that were placed in different Sunday School rooms throughout the church. (Fortunately the rooms had thick curtains we could close, because it was only dark for about 5 hours at night.) Sometimes we even had warm water for our showers! Our meals were prepared by church members – salads, chicken or beef, “little pillows” cereal, and always - freshly baked pastries!
Our purpose was to assist in the ministries of the church and do clean up and repair where needed, so we went right to work. Some held a 3 day Vacation Bible School where children learned about Jesus, and tried to teach us Russian words. Others worked on the grounds which were overgrown from the spring growth. They have at least 6 months of snow, so when green shows itself, they let it grow. Unfortunately, the city has expected the church to keep its grounds cut and neat – which is what we did. We had to cut grass and weeds on the expansive grounds up to three times with hand mowers to get it all down to a manageable level. Others scrapped and painted windows affected by the harsh winter conditions. Small repairs were made throughout the church, such as masonry work on the front porch.
We also spent time sharing in the spiritual life of the congregation. I was asked to preach with an interpreter on Pentecost Sunday morning. It was a great experience. I also led two Bible studies where we broke into groups for discussion – that was interesting. We were also invited to a concert of an ensemble group of several young ladies – all dressed in colorful outfits – and amazing in their presentation with beautiful voices, harmonies and expression. Then it was our turn to sing. Fortunately, they showed us grace. One incident that occurred while a church member sang at the piano was that someone from outside the church threw a piece of dirt through the open second story window, and it almost hit the pianist! It was a stark reminder of the not-so-subtle persecution that they sometimes face.
The highlight of our time there was our impromptu concert on the church porch. We felt that since so many people walked by the church to the park, maybe we could attract some folks with a concert. We had three guitars and a couple of singers. We set up chairs for anyone who wanted to sit down, and we just started playing. Little children and their parents started to gather. Families, couples and curious onlookers stopped to listen. Olga, church members, and some of our group visited those who gathered and gave out church fliers about the church. We did this for 2 nights and had about 40 or more people each night. We pray that God will use whatever we did to God’s greater glory as He works through Ekaterinburg United Methodist Church. Their future is literally at their doorstep.
Needless to say we had a great and rewarding experience. We were able to go sightseeing in St. Petersburg, go to the circus and the ballet, and of course shop for souvenirs. It was an honor and a privilege to represent Broadmoor UMC in Russia. I urge anyone to go on one of the mission trips to help our sister church there. When the hearts of Christians from here and the hearts of Christians there meet, God does some wonderful things in and through us all.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to go to Russia. I hope you were able to catch a glimpse of the exciting things I experienced.
In Christ’s Service,
Mark