Loki and the therapist

Our dachshund, Loki, had back surgery over Memorial Day weekend. He had improved slowly, but was not walking or standing at all. A pet physical therapist was recommended. I was skeptical to say the least. When the therapist walked into the room, Loki instantly took to her and was wagging his tail and kissing her (not his usual behavior at the vet). By the end of the session, Loki was standing for a short time and had walked in a shallow pool. The therapist has an obvious love for all living creatures and a true desire to make them healthy and happy. Bonnie Knudson

Russia Mission 2010

This blog serves three purposes: Principally, I am recording details to help next year’s Russia mission team. Secondarily, I am reporting to our Mission’s Committee at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, in Sandy, Utah. And then there a few friends and family who are curious about what I am doing in Russia. The first purpose means I am recording rather more than most people will want to read, and so I am including a very brief daily summary, and then a long report on “Details.” Thanks for reading, but most of all, thanks for praying!

June 9, 2010

Summary: All but the last flight was late. We arrived on time with all our bags.

Details: Kelsey and her roommate picked me up at o’dark thirty (4:30 AM). We were at the airport and in line by 5am. United's ticket counter opens at 5:00, and so there was already a long line. An hour later we had our bags checked and made it through security. United Flight 6608 to Denver was supposed to leave at 7:07. Our Canadair Regional Jet left at 7:45. We still had plenty of time for our long walk down Concourse B. United Flight 902 to Dulles International Airport also left 25 minutes late. Our Boeing 777 arrived at 4:10 PM -- almost 40 minutes late -- and this meant we had to push hard through the airport in Washington DC. Our flight to Germany was scheduled to leave at 5:15 PM. Of course the big question was about our checked bags.

United Flight 916 left at 5:30pm. We were flying on another Boeing 777 and the economy seating is 2-5-2. Kelsey was seated next to an older gentleman and seemed to be having a good conversation. I was seated next to a five year old boy from Ghana who had much too much energy and simply couldn’t stop moving. His dad serves in the US Army and the whole family was traveling together to Italy for vacation. Dad was exhausted by the time the flight began, and spent most of the flight sleeping with a blanket over his face. Need I say I didn’t get much sleep? As I write this I feel bad I didn’t even ask and use the child’s name.

One should mention the food was minimal, and there was no complementary wine with dinner. Aargh! I settled for soda water with lime. The stewardess must have sympathized with my situation next to the five year old, because she returned a moment later with some red wine. Glancing around she whispered, “Don’t tell anyone!” I think I can report her kindness here without breaking the intent of my promise. It was a long night. I watched the in-flight movie “Valentine’s Day” twice. Breakfast consisted of a small roll, 6 ounces of yogurt, and coffee.

June 10, 2010

Summary: Jet-lagged, we settled into our dorm rooms at the Lutheran Seminary in Koltushe, Russia

Details: Our flight arrived in Frankfurt at 7:25 (15 minutes late), and this meant the transfer to our 8:45 AM Lufthansa Flight 3216 to St. Petersburg, Russia was going to be tight. Frankfurt International Airport had been operating at more than full capacity for many years. Our 777 parked several hundred yards from a gate. We deplaned on very tall stairs and were bussed to the terminal. We asked our gate number, and tried to hurry to our next flight. We didn’t have to go through a Passport Control Station. We did have to go through another Security screening. The agent had given us the wrong Gate number, and Kelsey and I kidded each other about what we would have done in Istanbul, Turkey. Another hurried hike brought us to our gate. We had about 10 minutes to catch our breath, use the restroom, decide we didn’t have time to eat, and wonder about the number of dogs flying with us in people’s carry-on luggage. They called us to board, and we waited in line as Russian agents checked our visas and asked several questions about any previous visits to Russia. We were bussed to our Airbus A320, climbed another set of stairs, and took our seats. We were so late arriving at our Gate that we had to take the last seats on the plane. I don’t know where Kelsey sat. I had a window seat and a 65ish French woman -- one does not ask women of a certain age how old they are in France! -- with her grandson sat next to me. She spoke little English. I couldn’t find much of my French. We did manage to tell where we were from, that none of us had been to St Petersburg before, and that they were on a month long holiday in St. Petersburg and Moscow. I asked about the economy in Paris. She said it was awful and that especially young people like her grandson could not find work. I’m guessing he was in his early 20s. I sympathized with her and mentioned we had the same difficulties in Salt Lake City. Lunch consisted of 2 small rolls, two slices of cold cuts, a slice of brie, and orange juice.

The Polkovo Airport in St. Petersburg is small but recently modernized. The Passport Control Station was efficient. We were very glad to find our bags waiting for us. Well-done, United and Lufthansa! We passed through customs unquestioned. We were very glad to see Bill and Sally Moberly waiting outside the custom’s station. They told us we had to wait for two other team members. There is a small and expensive coffee bar in the airport. We decided to eat a granola bar and wait for dinner.

Greetings from Russia! Pat, a woman from near Isle, MN, arrived about 45 minutes later. We wondered where the other team member was. I checked for free wi-fi in the airport, and yes, if you make the right guesses on an all Russian screen, you can a pretty quick connection. Bill checked his email, nothing from Michael. Sally checked hers and learned Michael didn’t make his flight in Chicago. He would arrive a day late. Kelsey wanted to update her status on Facebook. When she tried, Facebook recognized she was not logging in from the USA, and made her type a twisted security phrase. She failed, and was locked out for an hour. It took both of us to recognize the phrase and identify random Facebook friends in photos on my account. They pulled random tagged photos from friends’ albums, and gave me a multiple choice exam on who was who. I couldn’t have done it without her. I updated my status and took time to write a brief email to Denise reporting that “All is well.” Our transport van from the seminary arrived at 3:45. There is a fairly new expressway that has reduced the time traveling to the seminary. Instead of 90 minutes, it now takes about 35 in light traffic.

Dinner was at 5:30. We had the Russian version of "Chicken Kiev" (ground chicken mixed with bread like a meatloaf, and then breaded again and deep-fried), macaroni noodles with no sauce, a delicious cucumber and tomato salad (spiced with dill), and bread for dinner. After dinner we had a brief orientation to the days to come and then a pleasant 1.5 mile (round trip) walk to the Koltushe town center. We bought some snacks, admired the small lake and war memorial, and discussed how the Russians believe they won the Second World War. Our walk back through the woods was plagued by mosquitoes. We all agreed that they are larger and more fierce than mosquitoes in Minnesota.

Kelsey, Bill, Sally and I sat in the parlor at the dorm and visited for a while. Bill warned us he was trying to keep us awake as long as possible to help us adjust for jet-lag. Kelsey teased me I was starting to doze. Finally, admitting I could not stay awake any longer, I turned in at 9:00 PM. I had to close the drapes, because the sunlight was still blazing in to my west-facing room. We are here for the first two weeks of what the locals call the “white nights.” It was good to be horizontal. Thanks be to God for a good bed.

Pastor James

Car broke down, but did it really?

We have been planning a road trip to California for some time now, planning on leaving tomorrow(saturday June 5th). Driving to Sacramento to drop the kids off at Nana's house, Kristi and I are driving to Napa and then to San Francisco and then back to pick up the kids and come home. We purchased a newer vehicle with more room rescently and have been happy with it. Well, today (Friday) Kristi was driving to "Raging Waters" for the kids school day and the car died and would not restart. Needless to say Kristi called me frantic and pretty upset the car died with the kids in it going to "Raging Waters" the day before we were to drive to California. This is where I feel our GOD sighting comes in. Kristi called a friend that happened to be going to also, she picked the kids up, took them to the park while Kristi called Jerry Seiner Chevrolet, a gentlemen answered by the name of Craig. Kristi explained what was going on about going to Raging Waters and he asked her what school our kids went to, Christ Lutheran, well his daughter is in the same class that Griffin is in. Craig expedited a tow truck, got Kristi set up with a rental car so she could get to the park with the kids and if needed we could use the rental car to go on vacation with. Like the subject/title reads: "car broke down, but did it really?" or was it GOD's way of telling us how blessed we are for believing in him and allowing wonderful people to fill our lives. I don't think there is any question that GOD spoke to the Shinall family today. Thank you God for every moment of every day.
God bless,
Robert Shinall

Sweet Life Cafe Women's Retreat

At the Sweet Life Cafe Retreat, May 21-23 at Camp Pinecliff, women not only enjoyed each others company...they also received a little "food for the heart." We all have times when we feel like we don't have anything left to give. And sometimes it goes beyond a feeling. We literally have no more money, no more energy, no more time, no more compassion, no more patience. We are empty!

At this retreat we were able to recharge and refuel. We discovered that Jesus is the bread of life and can fill us back up. Taking time to sit at His feet and spend time with Him allows us the nourishment we need to continue to serve others; our friends, family, church and community.

We participated in "Sweet Talk" getting to know each other in small groups by answering questions about fun, silly and interesting times of our lives. We enjoyed "Savory Moments" where we discovered the importance of slowing down and "savoring" time with God through personal prayer and reflection. We also worked together in "Spicy Service" making flavorful gifts of love. Each woman at the retreat made a gift of cinnamon pancake mix wrapped in a towel to be given to a woman who might be hungry (literally or spiritually). We were told to spend time in prayer, asking God to show us who most needed to receive this gift of love. I can't wait to hear from the women who attend where God led them to give away their gifts.

It was a joy to be a part of this time of renewal and to get to know the 40+ women who were able to attend. Together we ate delicious meals and snacks, studied God's word, spent time in prayer, did some hiking, napping, crafting and crying. Mostly we just enjoyed building relationships with each other and with our Savior. Each woman in attendance, for one reason or another, was a God Sighting to me!

Thanks to all who attended the retreat and to the families who supported them so they were able to come.

God is good, look around today! What is your God Sighting?

Blessings,
Kelli Kirk

Jesus t-shirt

Kennan and a little girl at school were talking about the things they have in common. One was that they were both Christian. Kennan told her about t-shirts that our whole family has that say "Camping with Jesus is better" and shows Jesus and a person roasting marshmallows over a campfire. She said she would like to see it. So, the next morning Kennan wore his t-shirt to school. After school I asked if he had shown it to her and he says loudly and proudly, "I showed it to EVERYBODY and they LOVED IT!" I pray that he proudly shows off Jesus the rest of his life!

May your roots grow deep

In 3rd-4th grade Sunday school class, during the lesson, I spread out my fingers pointing them down, telling the class that their roots of Jesus need to go deep in their lives so they can withstand the evil ones tries at keeping them from seeking refuge in Jesus. Chris Stephenson made the same motion, repeating that this is what we need to do. "He got it!" What a blessing to see the young grow in the faith and love of the Lord.

Are You Listening?

Denise Petersen and I were blessed to attend a conference at Group Publishing in Loveland, Colorado a couple of weeks ago. At the conference we had the ability to pray for our ministries and for our congregation. We were told to ask God for a family to pray for and write down their name.

We both sat quietly while God gave us a family name. Individually, we wrote down the name and spent time in prayer for this family and for other concerns that were on our list.

Later in the day, as we discussed the experience we both noticed that we had written down the same family name. Initially, when God gave us the name we both said to ourselves (and to God), "nah, they don't need our prayers." But clearly, God knew they did and kept bringing the same family name to mind for both of us.

When we returned to Utah from Colorado, we discovered that the family we'd written down did, indeed, need our prayers. Unbeknown to us their young son had been having small seizures and had gone in for testing. The tests came back normal and we are still praying.

The moral of the story? Even when we are certain that we know better, God knows what we need!

Humbly yours,
Kelli Kirk

Children of Peace mission trip

Greetings GSLC family! I am back from Vietnam, past the jet-lag with both feet firmly planted in Utah and grateful for so many God-sightings along the way. God truly inhabits his creation wherever they are found and I have been privileged to work with a team in Vietnam who were daily muttering the words, “That is such a God thing!” Yes, miracles everyday, I will tell you one:

In the north, in the beautiful village of Sapa, where the climate is cool, the landscape lush with green and the rain misty; there live the indigenous tribes of Vietnam, often arrayed in original dress. They are welcoming and warm, beautiful people. The manager of our hotel in Sapa was a case in point. After discovering early one morning that the team would not be going to the clinics (orphanages and schools) as planned, this wonderful man went to work and quickly found us a school in the mountains of Sapa. The sun showed up brilliant and beautiful for nearly the entire day, which is unusual, and the children not only welcomed us but needed us. Truly it was a glorious day where medical and dental diagnosed and repaired, our clown Mike entertained, children reveled in their change of schedule for the day and all celebrated together as one creation - God’s creation, the creation of man.

Praise God! He is with us always and everywhere,
P. Christine

The Power of God's Word

God really blessed me with a wonderful God sighting last night. Late in the evening I traveled to the hospital to visit a friend whose mother was admitted to the hospital. I went to simply offer a word of comfort and to pray with the family, however God used this visit to bless my heart as much as the family I was visiting.

Upon entering the hospital room I saw my friends mother lying in the hospital bed heavily sedated and hooked up to a number of monitors, etc. I immediately greeted my friend and then looked into the eyes of the woman lying in the hospital bed. Her eyes only opened for a brief moment and there was no indication that she was aware of my presence. I asked if it would be okay if I prayed, and of course the family said yes. I begin by reading several psalms and after reading Psalm 1 the woman lying in the hospital bed gently lifted her hand and placed it on mine as I continued to read. After several peaceful minutes I closed our time with prayer and my friend whispered "I love you mom." This mother, who had only moved her hand slightly during my entire visit now whispered "I love you too" in return. A small tear immediately ran down my own cheek as I was reminded of the power of God's and His love for us. I quietly walked out of the hospital room and thanked God for the gift that He had just given me and then I headed home.

I pray that this Easter season God speaks His words of love to you in a deeply meaningful way.

Blessing to you all this Easter season,

Ffej

Peru Mission

This past January I was blessed to be able to travel to Peru with a mission team from GSLC. I saw God's hand in this mission every step of the way. There were MANY God Sightings I would like to tell you about, too many to list, but here are a few. Yes, we completed our list of things we went down there "to do." Such as supporting an art studio, painting a church and community center, running dental, 1st aid and sun protection clinics. We spread the word of God by running a VBS with the children and adults of the village, but nothing was more rewarding than the bonds of friendships that we made with the people of Peru, and each other. In the beginning of the mission, I was so focused on completing all of the "things" that we had set out to do and accomplish in Peru. However, as the trip progressed I felt as though God was pulling me aside and telling me to concentrate more on the relationships with others, than the list I thought we had to complete. It reminded me of Luke 10:38-42 where Martha is complaining to Christ that Mary is just sitting at His feet while she is distracted with all of the preparations that had to be made. Christ said to her, "Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41) You see, I didn't need "to do," I needed "to be." Be with the people, and let God's love flow freely. I met a young blind man, and since my Spanish is not too good, our conversation was very limited. However, when there really wasn't much else to say, and there was silence, Roya, the young man, would call out my name. With a gentle touch and a calling of his name, I would reassure him I was still there. I wasn't doing anything, I was just there, feeling the Spirit at work. What an AWESOME feeling that is!!! Another area I saw God at work, was in my dear friend, Sandy Park. By watching her, I learned the true meaning of giving. You really saw Christ's love in her and her actions. Whether it was her big smile, warm hugs, or happy attitude, everyone that came in contact with this woman, fell in love with her. She spoke that universal language of Love, and she spoke it well. At the end of our trip she gave away most of her belongings, whether it was her shoes, her watch, her clothes or her money, she gave. I told her, by watching her, I learned what it meant to "give." She replied, with tears in her eyes, "I thought I knew what it meant to give, before I came on this trip, but I had no idea! I think I was able to give so freely, because others gave so freely to make it possible for me to come on this mission." You see, she had friends that sponsored her, along with a scholarship from the "Spirit of Titus," that made it financially possible for her to go to Peru. Yes, this was a place where I witnessed the power of giving, come full circle. Now when it comes time to contribute to the "Spirit of Titus" it will come from my heart as I remember the love that it spread in Peru, and not from a place of "to do." from Kari Duensing

Missions

As I read the email about the mission trip in Vietnam, it brought back many memories of our mission trip to Peru. I am so blessed to be part of that amazing team. God sightings were all around, every day!! I loved the prayers at the river, the children, swimming and the smiles on pepole who just recieved new reading glasses!! Thanks to all the people, and groups that made our mission possible with your donations, love and prayers. I cried "Best Day Ever" at the end of the day, remembering the life time friendships that were formed!! God is Good! from Sandy Park

Good Shepherd House of Prayer

Yesterday I walked into a God Sighting. God was everywhere, I saw him first in the royal colors painted on the walls that showcased his words in triangles of Scripture. He was in the order of the room that breathed a spirit of calm and drew me in, quietly walking the perimeter, taking in the treasures. He was on the cross that stood before the royal purple of the King on which his names were engraved, each one in gold: King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Comforter - my mind raced to speak each one; Master, Messiah, Servant, Teacher, Lamb of God, Alpha and Omega, Lord of Lords, Son of God, I Am, Good Shepherd, Redeemer, The Word, The Chief Cornerstone, Alpha and Omega…..Jesus Christ.

There were beautiful paintings of Christ, various studies, renditions of his face on tapestries and stained glass. The House of Prayer is possibility - to sit, to ponder, to learn, to pray, to gather together or to rest alone, to be with Him. I nestled into a comfortable chair in a small corner and noticed another could easily have sat upright at the large oak table; several could join hands in praise at the circle of chairs….possibilities. Thanks and praise to the team that has renovated, decorated, appointed and filled this HOP with their love and their prayers, Bravo! Job well done good and faithful servants!

Much love,

P. Christine

Valen-Tiny Dinner Dance

Wow! Talk about a God-sighting! We planned for 80 people. We served dinner to more than 140. People brought spaghetti sauce for the contest who didn't even sign up. We cooked and ate 18 pounds (dried weight) of spaghetti noodles. Five loaves and two fish? We raised some serious $ to help a brother in need. Thanks be to God! And thanks team members for dealing with the unexpected numbers in such a gracious manner!

Letter of thanks from Family Promise guests

Dear Good Shepherd

I just wanted to take some time to tell you how grateful I am for your congregation and everything you did for us while we stayed in your church with Family Promise.

While we were at your church we were made to feel like family and a part of your congregation. We did not feel as if we were homeless or someone taking up your space.

Thank you for making my sons birthday a special birthday which he might not have been able to have if it were not for you. You brought cake, ice cream, decorations and even bought him some presents. That day is something I will not forget. It was hard for me knowing that I might not be able to do something for my child but you helped bring that all together.

You have one of the best congregations I’ve seen. Once a volunteer came for their night of hosting that was not the last time you saw them. Every time they were at the church they would stop by and say hi just to see how we were. One volunteer even brought all the supplies so we could have a girl’s night of pedicures and watching movies which was awesome to feel pampered in all that was going on in our lives at the time. You were so kind to invite our families to your movie night which gave us a moment to feel as though we weren’t going through this hard time and that we could do fun things as a family still. We had certain volunteers that would come by more than once just to hang out with us.

I know I am rattling on but I just want to let you know how much you affected us in that short time we were at your church. You do make a difference and it is greatly appreciated. One person can make a difference but a whole congregation has changed our lives and hearts for the better.

I can’t wait for the day that I can come back and help families the way that you have helped ours.

Thank you so much

Barbara and Zachary