Yes, he's safe!

(Steve, that is!)  I've had several calls, texts, and emails asking if I've heard from Steve today.  Steve traveled to Russia on Saturday/Sunday to spend two weeks on a mission trip with GAIN (Global Aid Network.  You can check out their website at www.gainusa.org).  Steve and group went to Volgograd, Russia - the same place he went last year.  Volgograd is located about 560 miles southwest of Moscow. 

The news today is all about the bombing at a Moscow airport.  Steve's group traveled through Moscow yesterday afternoon, but went through a different airport.  I did get an email from him today saying that they safely arrived in Volgograd last night.  They had orientation today and also put care packages together for the sites they'll be going to.  He said they're going back to three of the same sites as last year, as well as some new ones.

Here are some specific ways you can pray for them:

• Pray for their safety and protection.  
• Pray for them as they go into orphanages, rehab. centers, nursing homes, etc. to share the love and light of Christ. Pray that they are allowed to share the gospel, that God's name is glorified and that hearts are receptive.
• Pray that the local pastors (with whom GAIN is working) will be able to establish long-term ministries in these sites.