The Russia Connection: Jesus Film Shown

On May 13, 1992, the Olney delegation left Detchino, bidding farewell to new friends with a bit of sadness. The students we had conversed with at the town school crowded around to say their goodbyes. It was time to return to Moscow, to the retirement center that had hosted us when we arrived from the United States. It was about a two-hour drive back to the retirement center. This facility was luxurious by Russian standards,

Richard Lunsford and Ken Dudney

Submitted Photo with ensuite bathrooms and private televisions. We enjoyed lunch when we arrived at the center, then went to see the sights of Moscow.

The group toured a museum, then split up – the men to take in the historical sites like Red Square and the women to visit the large flea markets. It was very interesting and we purchased some souvenirs there. We returned to the residence that evening for the grand finale of our visit: the screening of a film about Jesus’ life and teachings, donated by Ken Dudney and his wife, Barbara Mandrell.

We held the screening at an auditorium in the retirement center, and nearly all the residents and their guests attended. Their reactions were very touching, and although they may not have known about Christianity, they knew Jesus.

We had achieved our main objectives of sharing the God-given resources that Olney and America have been blessed with and letting residents of our sister city know that the Lord loves them too. We had been asked more than once during our trip why we didn’t want anything in return other than fellowship.

The next morning, we went to the airport in Moscow and departed on a Lufthansa flight back to the United States.

Next: Week: Back to Olney.

The Russian children were excited to learn about the life of Jesus through the Jesus Film. Submitted Photo