News (updated 5/6/2006)

We stood amazed as we gazed out upon the mountains of Siberia.  April and May Gardner has led several backpacking trips throughout Buryatia.  One trip that included Rebecca and students from Compass taught us much of Buryat culture.  We learned much as we watched the students pray to the gods in each direction at the top of the mountain, give the first food of the trip as a sacrifice to the gods and more as we were able to engage in good conversation and build relationships.  Gardner led another group of men back to the same spot the beginning of May and all came back excited and full of stories.  The men were able to bond and get some good time of soul searching.  This has and is a love of Gardner's, being in the outdoors and bonding with people.  He is very thankful to God for giving us this opportunity and we pray He will continue to use it for His glory.

 

Easter was a good time of fellowship for our small church plant.  Many people came and after the service most of us had people in our homes to celebrate the day.  Life here in Buryatia is slow but God is working.

 

Our church will be hosting a camp this July and we are praying it will be a fun/relaxing time for all and God would work during this week.  

 

Our family will be in the states from the end of July to Jan 2006.  We look forward to seeing our friends and family again!