My travel to America took place in three stages this fall, including a flight across the ocean in both directions, and many domestic flights in the United States. I was fortunate to be in at least eleven cities in the US.

The first stage was my three-day stay in Williamsburg and also in Newport News, Virginia on the American east coast. I arrived in Newport News on the morning of September 30, where Glen Goforth, an elder of Covenant Heritage Reformed Church, met me at the airport. Glen and his wife Nancy were very considerate and caring to me.

The next day I met with the Steve Hemmeke, pastor of the church, at the home of one of deacons of the church. There I became acquainted with the families of other believers and answered their questions about my ministry, the situation in Kazakhstan, etc.

I stayed in Goforth's home for three days. On Sunday morning October 2, I preached at the church in Newport News. The topic of my sermon was thanksgiving.  After worship I also answered people’s questions about my family, my country, and my ministry. In the evening I was invited to a party in a house located in the historical part of Williamsburg. It was very nice time for communication and rest.

On the morning of October 3, Pastor Steve and I departed for the CREC missions conference and Council meeting in Minneapolis. That evening we arrived at the hotel where most of the delegates to Council were already fellowshipping. There I met my brothers from Russia, and also was honored to meet many American church pastors.

On October 4 I participated in the CREC Missions conference together with other brothers, where I had an opportunity to present my ministry to other people. The next day, together with brother Timur, we witnessed the proceedings of Augustine presbytery.

On the afternoon of October 5, I went with Gregg Strawbridge, the pastor of All Saints church, and two other elders of All Saints church, to Baltimore. Finally at midnight we arrived in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I stayed at Gregg’s home where I met his family.

During my stay in Lancaster I had a very nice opportunity to learn more about the customs and life of city residents, especially about Amish people. Together with Gregg I visited Veritas Christian School. We also went to the swimming pool, had dinner together and spent much time in conversation with each other. Gregg is a very good musician and he cooks very nice barbecue!

On Saturday October 8 I was at the brother’s fellowship and Bible study where also I spoke about my family and ministry, and afternoon I was at home of other elder of All Saints church, Duane Miller.

On Sunday I preached in All Saints church, in Akron, Pennsylvania, a town just north of Lancaster. My sermon was on Luke 17, about the ten lepers.

The next day Gregg invited me to sail with him on his own boat, together with other young men of his church. It was my first experience sailing. My experience sailing and traveling on the sea was unforgettable!

For the last two days of my trip to America I stayed at Bill’s home where I received much hospitality and caring.

On October 12 I went with Gregg to Baltimore, from whence brother Ben, a minister of Reformed Church in Baltimore brought me to Dulles Airport. From there, I departed to Kazakhstan.

It was an unforgettable two weeks of fellowship with brothers and sisters, establishing a new relationship with mature elders and pastors of the CREC, and also learning about the lifestyle and culture of America.

I would like to thank all my American brothers and sisters for this opportunity to travel to America and see very many interesting things.

I would especially like to thank Glen and Nancy Goforth, Pastor Steve, Gregg Strawbridge and his wife Sharon, and also Bill’s family for financial and other support of my trip; for caring, hospitality, and for being very patient with my English.

One of my major goals of my trip was more to learn about Christian education. The experience of CREC believers was a very nice encouragement for me and my family.