Written by: host
1/9/2007

Russia – the only thing some people know about this country is what they read in the news or learned in a history book (or a book on Bible prophecy.)  Before our trip, we were not sure what to expect.  We had heard the people could be cold (like the weather!), unfriendly, and suspicious of Americans, that some might think we wanted to poison them with our medicines.  The small town of Karabanova, 2 hours south of Moscow, is where we were to have medical clinic.  The older  people of Karobonova lived under communism, saw the fall of communism, but many subsequently have not seen any dramatic differences in their way of life.  It is difficult to obtain good medical care, especially for older people, who are not highly esteemed in the Russian culture.

We worked with Pastor Volodya and his wife Nadya, both of whom are faithful servants of the Lord.  They are shown with Drs. Richard and Brenda Kowalske (center) at Red Square in Moscow, with St. Basil's Cathedral in background.

We had obtained permission from the local hospital director to have clinic, (It helped that we donated about 40 blood pressure cuffs, and Dr. Richard is shown below meeting with several of the doctors and staff) but we were not allowed to share the gospel during clinic.

So instead we decided to give out invitations to attend Bible study at Volodya’s church.  We were given an abandoned and dilapidated school building for clinic, and spent part of our first morning in clinic cleaning and setting up triage, a place to distribute glasses, and exam rooms.  Then we waited! 

Usually when we have clinic in other countries, we have hundreds of people show up.  But we waited and by the end of the first day, only 10 people showed up.  But this was definitely God working.  We discovered that many doctors in Russia refuse to see older people; they are told they are too old and sick, and need to go home and die.  When they are treated, they may see a doctor for 5 minutes, then are pushed out the door.  Having so few patients (mostly older ones) allowed us to spend extra time with each one, listening not only to their medical problems, but listening to stories about their lives.  One elderly gentlemnn, decorated in various medals, told war stories about serving in World War II and the Korean War!  As the week went by, the word spread about American doctors, who actually listened to you, and who were giving free medicines and glasses.  So every day, the number of patients doubled.  The patients were wonderful – very gracious, appreciative – some women of the village even brought us lunch one day!  So much for the myth about unfriendly Russian people!!  Shown below in the first photo is Holly, checking blood pressure; Stephanie (center) giving out reading glasses (over 300 pairs); and Dr. Richard with his translator, Katya,  and a patient.

BEWARE!!  On the third clinic day, the local priest of the Russian Orthodox Church showed up and tried to prevent people from entering.  He eventually left, and then began posting signs in town warning people about visiting the American doctors who were treating people for free – what great advertisement!!

As we held medical clinic, part of the team did VBS with children from the church and community.  Several of the patients attended the Bible studies in the evening, and we know of at least who accepted Christ.  Volodya and Nadya will continue follow up of the work that was done through VBS and medical clinic.

 The work of the Lord continues despite opposition…..

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