That was my first time in America.

First I came to Minneapolis but the next day I had to fly to another state – Iowa – to visit pastor Brian Nolder and his church in Pella. Brian met me at Pella airport and I stayed in his house. I met his wife and kids. It is a wonderful family. I was pleasantly surprised by the relations between the parents and their kids. Brian has four kids and only the youngest is their own. The other three – a girl and two boys – were adopted. They all had different parents but all children are equally loved and cared for. Their children are homeschooled.

On Sunday I participated in the worship service in Brian’s church where I preached and wit-nessed. Three Russian families came to the church that morning when they had heard there would be a Russian pastor. Therefore after the service they literally arrested me and I had to devote the whole day to them. Of course, I used that chance to evangelize. But I felt a little bit awkward that I was not able to communicate with the church that prayed for me and helped me with this travel.

In the evening together with pastor Brian we visited the service of the other church, which was founded in the XIX century. Their building is very beautiful both from outside and inside. Their young pastor Mark Dzhezinski let me preach and witness.

In fact, my entire trip to America, which I call “working”, went off in ministry. In the evening we spent time with his friends and pastors at the fire outside with beer and snacks pre-pared by Brian’s wife. I was pleasantly surprised that we have so much in common and experience the same problems and joys.

Next day I had an interview at the local broadcasting station. After that we visited a small family bakery. And then we had to set off for a long 6 hour trip to Minneapolis with pastor Jeff Harrow, Brian’s friend and the true American, to my mind.

I spent the next five days in Minneapolis in a wonderful company of my brothers from our Russian seminary, and pastors and elders from the CREC. Pleasant impressions accompanied me during my entire trip in the US and these five days of my participation in the conference were not the exception. I had a chance to take part in the very well prepared and excellently planned presbytery. There was a good opportunity to meet other pastors and communicate with them in the evenings. I was impressed by unhypocritical participation of pastors and elders in problems of every church.

After the conference I spent four days in the church of Gregg Lawrence in Mankato. The elder of his church Dave Pirson came to pick us up. I was happy to find out I would spend time with James Jordan and his wife Brenda whom I met in St. Petersburg Seminary (Russia) where Jim came to teach.

We came to the small town where Dave and his wife Lenora live. They were very kind to let us live in their house.

Unexpectedly we became friends with Dave – we had so many common things to talk about. I had a great time. In the evenings we sat outside in the courtyard, drinking bear and talking about everything. And we understood each other. Dave even became my interpreter and always tried to help me in my conversations with other Christians in their church.

On Saturday James Jordan lectured in Gregg’s church. Therefore the entire Saturday was a ministry day. On Sunday I participated in the worship service of Gregg Lawrence church, talked about myself and my ministry in the Far East, answered many questions. I tried not to make the same mistake I made earlier in Pella and spent all time in fellowship with these believers.

The next day, which was Monday, Gregg drove me back to Minneapolis to the hotel near the airport. At 5am next morning I boarded the plane and headed home. By that time I had missed my family a lot.

On the way to the airport we stopped at Gregg’s friend who worked in the retirement home. It was very interesting for me to see an American retirement home because I have been visiting the Russian retirement home in my Romanovka village for five years. The contrast is absolutely striking. We had lunch together. 

During my entire trip contradictory thoughts had crossed my mind. I asked myself why the Lord gave me this chance to come here? I seemed to come to find a sponsor for my ministry and to make my life easier, to change the situation in my family so that my wife and son could help me and be with me. We prayed about this trip in our church that I could bless our American brothers by something, at least by my testimony.

But I did not see the America that they show on TV or that you imagine in your dreams. I visited two small towns like my Romanovka. I was in two churches, which do not have their own buildings for the worship service and cannot afford it. Therefore they rent facilities for the service and have to change them often.

In connection with this I felt uncomfortable about the idea to have some financial support from them. My church at least owns a building. Of course, the life level in America cannot compare with the life level in Romanovka. I think that even I spoke good English I would not be able to explain Dave and his wife Lenora how people of Romanovka live – you need to see it with your own eyes. But they have enough their own problems to think about and solve.

I’m very thankful to Gregg Lawrence, Brian Nolder and their churches for their help in my trip.

The fellowship with the ministers and other believers of the churches, their vivid interest in my ministry were the most precious for me in this trip. I understood that we are not alone, even though we are on the other side of the Earth. I saw not large but lively churches. I saw people who respect both Christian and their cultural values. This is what I wish to see in my church and in my country.

We stay in touch with Dave. I invited them to visit our church. (Gregg has already been here.) I pray that we could develop our relations. The only question is how. Of course, I would be glad and thankful to God if miracle happens and there appeared to be a person who would wish to support our ministry. In Russia there is always a problem with the future. You never know what will happen tomorrow and if you have this tomorrow.