Russian English Camps

Our English camps are June 28-July 12 ($1450 plus airfare) and July 27th-August 10 ($1400 plus airfare). We'd love to have you come and meet the 'Ksenias' and adults of Moscow and show them the love of Christ. Qualifications: Speak English, have fun, make new friends, age 16 and up. (WAY up.) E-mail us to sign up or if you have any questions. (photo of a Winter camp class end of this message)

Sonnet, do you think there is hope for us in Russia? Can we be successful and hold onto our values and not become vulgar? If we swim with those who are vulgar do we not become as they are if we want to be successful? My friend said he would become like the vulgar ones if it means to be successful.

These questions come from a 22 year old bright, beautiful, young woman named Ksenia.

To a Russian, you must have money to be defined as successful. And they also believe that if you have money, it was probably gained by being vulgar, (without morals, ethics, or values). For most Russians, there can be no connection of success and values. Their role models of the 'New Russian,' have made their money by questionable means. For most Americans, even with all the Enron and Anderson scandals, we still believe that it is possible to be financially successful and hold onto your values and not become 'vulgar.'

So, what was my answer to Ksenia? Yes, I have hope for you in Russia. Yes, I believe you can develop values, hold onto them and be successful in Russia.

But to you dear Americans, I really don't know if it is possible for this generation of young Russians. It may take a generation modeling a desire for change, for their children to truly bring about change.

Ksenia is one of the young women invited to attend a student house church plant being started by our intern, David Young. David and 2 interns from a partner ministry built relationships with Russian students at our Winter English Exchange Camp in January and these relationships are the nucleus of this group. They will meet every Sunday afternoon - Moscow time -- so please remember them in your prayers. (*see photo at end)

Jon and I thank you for the opportunity to share Christ in Moscow Russia.

When we reach out
We are His hands
When we speak a kind word
We are His voice
When we cry for them
We shed His tears
When we laugh with them
We show His joy.

Jon and Sonnet Barr
The English Exchange
United World Mission