Missions Trip to Pigeon Forge, TN

Matt Picciotto just led a short-term trip to TN to assist Pastor Alexei. He was accompanied by Nicole, his wife, and the Tamplins.

Matt's summary before they departed:

Pastor Alexei Kotchan of our partner church in Russia is spending the summer in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. His mission field is the Russian, Ukrainian and Moldovan students participating in the Work and Travel Program. Through a partnership with the 1st Baptist Church of Pigeon Forge an International Student Center has been established providing free access to laundry machines, hosting "Borscht Parties" and other activities with foreign students for the purpose of evangelism.

In Russia evangelism is becoming increasingly difficult under government and Orthodox Church pressures. These students removed from the restrictions in their homelands are more open to receiving the Gospel and are then able to continue propagation in their home cities when they return in the fall.

We assisted them by the use of our own testimonies and personal experiences, coupled with the availability of a translator sending our messages in their native tongue. Persons who had traveled to Russia before on missions trips had the additional foothold or stepping stone of some understanding and shared experiences in Russia.

Alexei had suggested that we have a "meeting" where we can share testimonies with the students and if we have gifted speakers and/or a pastor who would like to do a sermon Alexei can translate the sermon into Russian for the students. He had also suggested an excursion such as hiking to give further time with the students to build relationships and open hearts for the Gospel.

Although the doors appear to be shutting in Russia on the Christian church, God has set in place the opportunity for Pastor Alexei to launch the Gospel into cities all over Russia. We have been invited to be a part of that opportunity.