Russia (MNN) — With two weeks of Olympic ministry completed, one ministry is both surprised and pleased with what God has done and continues to do.
SOAR International’s Richard Page at the Fun Zone in Sochi, Russia (photo by Greg Yoder)
President of SOAR International Ministries Richard Page says even though there is still a week left to go, he’s encouraged. “It’s been exciting to see the folks from the [local] church get real excited and get involved. They’re just putting a lot of things together themselves that I think the project has been a catalyst.”
Church leaders are already planning for ministry after the Olympics which includes neighborhood outreach. Have there been surprises? Page says, “Having worked in Russia for a while, we came know that there would be surprises–lots of surprises. There have been surprises, but God’s had the answers and I think we’ve been able to move ahead.”
Richard Page and Greg Yoder at the train station in Sochi.
To date, the teams have gelled. “God has hand-picked the members of each of these teams. Everybody’s gifts have meshed really well. It’s just been really tremendous to see how it’s worked.”
The last week of ministry will be similar, but a little different. “I’m hoping that we’ll be able to do more training with the locals and prepare them to do special ministries. We brought a lot of materials to leave with them that they can continue to use.”
The good news is that people have come to Christ. Page says, “The bottom line is for people’s lives to be changed by the Gospel message and for them to accept Christ. And we’re excited about every story we hear.”
With a week left to go in the Olympic ministry, costs are soaring. “Everything in Sochi has been way more expensive than we expected. [Visitors] are taking advantage of the Olympics and food, and everything’s up. We’re just trusting God to meet those final needs.”
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