From Russia With Love

O.K. I'll admit it. I take this jumping thing a little too seriously, but hey, if it will put a smile on the faces of our Russian friends, then I don't think that it's that bad.

So, here are three almost identical leaps in front of significant places in Russia... This first one is in the middle of Red Square and in front of Lenin's tomb.


Now, what I haven't told you is that the first time I visited Russia in 2003 we toured Moscow on "Men's Day" which is their version of Memorial Day. Now that was really cool when we got to Red Square because there were a couple of thousand men all wearing their old Communist uniforms drinking Vodka and protesting, or better promoting the good old glory years. As we neared Lenin's tomb I just felt an urge to put my hands in the air and yell, USA! USA! USA! USA! as if I were at an Olympic Hockey event between Russia and USA... Fortunately wisdom got the better of me as my yellow trimmed jacked among the drab and muddy brown and green Kossacks clearly labeled me as an outsider. It was an eary feeling, and the mass of men were definitely a little tipsy. Our good guide, Andrew, gently led us out of danger that day.

Next, I had to leap in front of the classic landscape of St. Basil's also in Red Square. A beautiful sight and pretty good leap, I might add, eventhough it took about five tries. You try taking someone's picture who is trying to get airbourn...



Finally, I got some hight in Ufa, Bashkortostan, in front of the statue of their hero, Salavat. He was a conqueror who rallied the various ethnic groups and defended them against the armies of the mongols...

By the way, I will be returning to Ufa in January -- Brrrrr -- for two weeks of teaching and ministry with the churches there.

Finally, I want to introduce to you my good friend and co-laborer in ministry, Pastor Peotr Zuck. He is the regional Pastor and oversee's all the affairs of ministry in the region of Bashkortostan.

He is a good man who has a great heart for God and the growing the kingdom. Look out, though. He likes Banya, and he has one in his back yard. So always go to his house prepared with more than a towel... If you don't know what Banya is, do a google... But think of it this way... A group of men sitting in a sauna cheek to cheek (yes you read that right!) periodically exiting for a roll in the snow, a cup of tea and the beating of a tree branch. So, if you are ever invited, follow the example of the gallent nights in search of the Holy Grail, "Run Away! Run Away!"