Four members of New Life Lutheran Church in Duluth went on a three-week mission trip to Kondopoga, Russia, at the end of May. This was the first time New Life youth members served in Russia and the second time church youths have gone on an international mission trip.
Luke Irons (front left), a Proctor High School junior, and Eric Johnson (front right), a Hermantown High School junior, served as teaching assistants for Steve (back right) and Barb Goodspeed, also of the church, at the Friendship English Language School in Kondopoga. This was the fourth Kondopoga mission trip for Barb and the seventh for Steve.
The mission program involved two week-long teaching sessions for upper elementary, middle school and high school students. The program is unique because it teaches English grammar, vocabulary and speaking skills using a Bible-based curriculum.
Irons and Johnson were able to interact and spend time with dozens of Russian teenagers and discover the similarities among young people around the world. Long days in the classroom were followed by busy evenings before retiring to their host family's home each night. Their host mother prepared the Russian-version of pancakes and french toast for breakfast and, for dinner, meat-filled pasta. The mission team also went sightseeing in St. Petersburg, Petrozavodsk and Kolteshe. They also had a chance to meet leadership in the Ingrian Lutheran Church of Russia.
Submitted by Laura Hanson of New Life Lutheran Church in Duluth.
