Russian Missions in Orphanages

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Scott Marchant. I have never done a blog before, so excuse any faux pas that may violate the rules of blogging. This blog was generally written at 6:00 am Moscow time in the main hall of the children's center in Tel'ch'e, Russia over a two week stretch. It chronicles many events that have taken place in my travels to this small villiage located 200 miles south-west of Moscow over the past 9 years. At the very least I hope you find it interesting, but it is my wish that it will create a spark that will lead you to do something for the children of the world, wherever God leads you.

Ten years ago, my wife Donna (a United Methodist pastor) went to Russia on a mission trip with a Methodist group from North Carolina. When she returned, she told me that I would have to go the following year so I could experience what she did. I told her that if we were to go, I wanted to learn some of the language. So we found a tutor at NC State and took lessons. That following summer we went with another Methodist group out of South Carolina and ended up at the children's center in Tel'ch'e, Russia. The people, workers and especially the children left such a mark on me, that I have returned seven times.

I will try and make sure that all postings are done in the order in which I wrote them. If I go out of turn, I will make a note of it. I also want to thank the following people: My wife Donna for introducing me to the children of Russia and to a new way of thinking about things; my children Sergei and Natasha for all their help with the Russian language; Steve Darr of Peacework out of Blacksburg, VA for helping put together all these trips, the Fayetteville District of the United Methodist Church for helping fund this important mission; Haymount UMC, Cotton UMC, Corinth UMC, Antioch UMC, Raeford UMC, and Hopewell UMC for the fundraising; The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. for providing me the opportunity to carry on this mission; my parents for sending much needed clothes to the center; and for all those whose prayers and thoughts go out for the children.

And make sure you click "Older Entries" at the end of entry 10 for a few more posts. :)