Key Takeaways from Russia, pt. 2
I walked away from Russia with some key takeaways. Some are weird and some are real. Ok, the weird ones first.
Scarves. The Russians thought it was hilarious that I had never worn a scarf before this trip. Texans never really need scarves. I am big on the scarf and even wore it today in this “cold” Houston weather. There is something about keeping the neck warm that keeps the whole body warm. I heart scarves.
Tea. I loved teatime in England largely because it forced everyone to stop and visit, great community happened over tea. The Russians also love hot tea. I know it is pretty effeminate, but I have a bunch of tea options in my desk now. Feel free to join me for teatime!
Ok, now the real takeaways. First is a more intentional, earnest, and confident prayer life. This was one of my primary goals in 2011, and I was given vision for it after Saint Petersburg. The Russian Christians pray and I mean pray. They pray before long trips like we do, but also before short car trips (maybe that says more about travel in Russia 
). I typically close my sermons in prayer and said such to conclude my sermon at Central Church. To my surprise, people started shouting prayers from the congregation! I looked at my interpreter confused about what to do. It was powerful to see people kneeling in the aisles boldly lifting up their praise and supplications to the Lord.
Finally, is a renewed vision for holistic ministry, especially church planting. Close to 3% of Russia is addicted to drugs or alcohol! This reality has led the Russian Baptist to start Rehab Centers. They have gone from a handful of centers to nearly 200 in five years! Now these men are becoming pastors and starting an exciting church planting movement. One day I asked Pavel if they are only starting churches with rehab guys or with other men as well. He was confused by the question. They are Christians so of course they are starting churches and doing so with other men. I felt embarrassed because my church hasn’t reproduced it self in a least 30 years! I long to be part of a group of men whose hearts are knit together with the same vision to reach the lost.
