CHITA REGION - In January last year, we made our first trip to the north of the Trans-Baikal Terrritory. Back then we reached only a few villages along the Vitim river. In the village Yumurchen the team assisted local residents and provided for their need financially. And also held a special service at a local convention center. People opened their hearts to the Lord and prayed the prayer of salvation. The same tyoe of ministry took place in villages of Krasny Yar and Ust-Karenga, where in addition we ministered to people in their homes.
On February 7th through 17th this year, we again went to those villages to visit the new converts. They were very excited about our arrival. And we were very pleased that they continued to read and study the Bible. We held services for them.
However, the main goal of our second trip to the North of the Trans-Baikal region was to preach the Gospel in the town of Sredniy Kalar. Last year we could not do an outreach there, because of the weather conditions and the lack of roads. This time we had to make our way, because the road finished in about 20 km from the place of the weather station, the last habitable place. From that place on – there was no road, only the taiga.
So, we drove on the ice of the river. We went about 30 km. In the evevning we found a hunter’s log cabin. Hunters were not in the house, they were gone before us, leaving a note “Come back tomorrow.” In this cozy house we spent our first night on the river Kalar.
The next day we were ready to get to the village of Sredniy Kalar before dark, but an unexpected accident stopped us: after having made a dozen kilometers, one of our cars went under the ice. But God has kept us – the car stayed on the move, and all the brothers were alive and well! However, to pull the car out of the water – took us about four hours. We moved on, but after a while got stuck again. Having problems with cars, we spent the night in another hunter’s cabin. It was the second day of our trip along the river Kalar.
On the third day we passed a remaining hundred kilometers although it was necessary to break the ice to make our way.
At around 4:30 PM we saw a small village hidden deeply in the taiga – Sredniy Kalar village. It was a home to 30 people – a total of 13 families – mostly Evenki and some Russians. We had an impression that all the inhabitants of this village lived as a large and happy family.
When we offered them help (food and other things), which was prepared by Salvation in Jesus Church, they were very happy and asked to thank everyone who participated in this action of charity!
We made friends with people and held an amazing service. Everyone in the village turned to the Lord in prayer, asking for forgiveness of sins! We gave them Bibles and Christian books. After the service, we had some time to pray for people, and talked some more about the Lord, answering their questions.
The next morning our new friends warmly saw us off. The way back was much easier, and we quickly got home.
We sincerely thank all who participated in preparation of this evangelistic trip to the village of Sredniy Kalar. Praise God!
Vladimir Vairakh
Team of the Salvation in Jesus Church, Chita
