From March 1 to March 10, 2012, representatives of five West Virginia Baptist churches led Biblical peacemaking seminars for three Baptist churches in Ryazan, Korablino and Shatsk.   Material from “The Peacemaker” by Ken Sande was presented to congregational leaders and members.  Members of this mission team were Greg Creasy (team leader – Pea Ridge Baptist), David and Jeannie Bess (First Baptist, Nitro), Gloria Busch and Nancy Duckworth (South Parkersburg Baptist), Betty Randolph (Oakwood Baptist), and Martina Shull (Hopewell Baptist).   In addition to sharing the Peacemaking principles that have transformed so many WVBC churches, the team also ministered at an orphanage in Novominchurinsk.  Gifts of fruit, towels and stuffed animals were distributed to the children.  The Gospel was also shared through a craft activity of making wordless bracelets.    Later in the day, Pastor Valery Severin of the Novominchurinsk church spoke with the team about the challenges he faces in his ministry, including the loss of a facility in which his church can meet.  Later in the week, Lena Bulgakova shared with the members of the team details of the Logov Girls’ Prison ministry she leads.  She draws upon her own experience in Biblical teaching as well as training received from Child Evangelism Fellowship.  On March 9, the team participated in the Women’s Day activities at Hope Church.  The women present were treated to several dramatic presentations about various Bible stories.

It is always amazing how Russian Baptists do so much with so little resources, while we as West Virginia Baptists often do so little with so many resources.  There are great needs present in the Ryazan area, but the devotion of these brothers and sisters in Christ is strong.  This trip deepened and expanded our partnership ties.  God definitely was present and active among us all!