As I think back on our recent trip to Central Asia, it conjures up a lot of different things in my mind. This was my first trip there, but I traveled with a group of seasoned mission travelers. The first thing I think of is it was a “LONG TRIP”.  It took over thirty hours to get there. Some of the time was in layovers but that was over 20 hours of “in the airplane time,” (for me that was over 20 hours of my knees digging into the seat in front of me and the passenger in front reclining back into my lap).

Even with the travel, this was a life changing and enlightening trip. To actually experience the difference in culture and customs up close was amazing. We stayed in a city of 700,000 people. The majority of the work we did happened just outside the city in the poorest and harshest place (dust, houses made of mud and lack of water and other natural resources that we take so for granted.)This was where I saw the dedication and love for J and for people that it takes to give your life for this work. We were able to visit in the homes where Robin, an IMB worker who came from Ridgeland Baptist, has lived and served for the last several years. We experienced their way of life and saw the difference that moving in and living out Robin's faith has made in the lives of these people. 

 

Robin lived in one of the homes we visited for eight months and built a wonderful relationship with this family. In this country, you cannot openly share your faith and love for J. Faith must be lived out to the point that they ask what makes the difference. From her time with them the father in the home has accepted the Way. This is very important because of his influence on the rest of the family. Also, one of his daughters has made a decision and there are several others in the family very close. This is amazing in a culture completely counter to this. It was wonderful to see the faces of this family light up when Robin brought us into their home. They love her so much. We were able to sit around the table with them (on the floor) and experience their foods (one is horse meat). A great work has begun in this house that will spread.

 

 

Pictured above (l to r)- Richard, Vicky, Bonita and Fred with local villagers

We also went with Robin and Frances (another M) to some clubs where English is taught. This is a very effective way to build relationships because everyone wants to learn English. We went to two that were in village schools and it was wonderful to visit with the children and teachers and to hear their questions about America and our lives. The children are so precious and their excitement in seeing Robin was great. One of these schools is a new work in a village that she just found. She has made friends there and has received another request to teach English at a new location.

 

Another way that our M’s are helping is by providing food products for the extremely needy. The IMB authorized funds for the past 2 years to provide food for families through the winter months. They can grow vegetables in the spring and summer but the winters are very hard and they don’t have a way to store up food for the cold months.

 

Pictured at right - Local children sporting hats sent by FBC Hilton Head

We walked in the city and villages and even in the mosques thinking to the One who sent us. It was overwhelming to think as we walked that almost 100% of the people we saw were lost. This is truly a huge project, but He uses people like Robin and Frances and even us to help.

Fred carried some packages of seeds to the family we visited. The father was so grateful because he said that the local vendors would empty the good seeds from the packets they sell and put in ones that are not much good. From this Robin, Vickie and Fred came up with a great idea that we believe could involve local RA and GA groups and others from our churches and association. We want to call it “Sow the Seed.” We would encourage groups to purchase seeds and send them to Robin for distribution before spring planting. As we get this project a little more organized we will send out information on how to get involved.    

There are so many things that flood into my mind that I could tell you but I would fill the whole newsletter. This trip has opened my eyes to the challenges facing the work in areas like this. We must be on our knees and reaching into our wallets to keep this kind of work going in the world. I am grateful that Vickie, Fred, Bonita and I had this opportunity.

 

Richard Owens