In the Spring of 2009, Front Street UMC sent a team of 5 volunteers to Tuva, a remote village in Siberia, Russia. In addition to helping a cadre of medical professionals treat people through a makeshift health clinic, our team also helped to share the gospel with those around them, both in their work and in their words. The following is a testimony about witnessing from team member Roger Jefferson:
When one hears the gospel for the first time, their reaction is often disbelief that this is the message they’ve been waiting to hear. Such was the experience in Siberia for the Christian Medical Mission team.
University students were hired as interpreters for the team, and this was their first professional job. Most were Buddists. Allie was assigned to Doris and Roger Jefferson. On the first day, Allie attended a Christian service for the first time. During the sermon she heard conflicting views to her religious beliefs and she ran out of the church crying. Frank Imbarrato, team leader, followed Allie and helped her to understand that she was there as a professional interpreter only, so she returned.
Later that day I was informed my assignment on Monday would be evangelism. I had to learn how to teach using an evangecube, a pictorial tool used to tell the story of Jesus. That evening Allie and I practiced at the kitchen table of our host, a minister. Allie had never heard or read scripture. After completing our study, Doris and I gave Allie a Bible. The minister joined us and a discussion about scripture followed. A Russian Minister, a young Buddist interpreter learning about Christianity, two American laypersons, all in deep conversation about scripture. It is beautiful to witness the transformation as hearts become alive through the Holy Spirit.
On the last day of the mission, Allie and I finally did evangelism together. While shaking hands with one lady, she raised and kissed my hand, thanking us for being there. Although reluctant to do evangelism, it was the most spiritually rejuvenating part of the mission for me. Once home we received word that Allie and the other interpreters attended Christian service that Sunday!
Most team members and friends made stay in contact. It is difficult to be a Christian in Tuva and we encourage them to keep and share the faith. We also stay in touch with those of other beliefs in Tuva and pray they will seek Jesus out. We will be here to help them when they do!
If you would like to learn more about this trip, you can contact Roger Jefferson.
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