Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Wrapping it up in Kyrgyzstan


Our tour in Kyrgyzstan ended with Dustin rocking downtown Bishkek during a mountain bike competition. Thousands attended to watch the competition and stayed for the UniShow intermission. After the program Dustin did three interviews for different TV programs. The day before, we performed at a juvenile prison and could be totally open about God. Dustin and Adam gave the guys a great challenge about their value in God's eyes and shared the prodigal son story. When we were on our way home we were told there had been a murder in the prison just days before.

We pray for the seeds that were planted on this tour in the Muslim school, Christian school, parks, street, university, prison and bike event. Many signed up for Correspondence Courses and will begin their faith journey.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Beauty of Kyrgyzstan

Children, mountain, lake, river, yurts, fish. The Lord God made them all.
















Monday, September 21, 2009

Unicycling on the radio and in dust storms.



















We made it to Kyrgyzstan last week...what an adventure. Two of our team members were literally stuck between the border of Kazakstan and Kyrgyzstan for about 6 hrs while they got a visa mix up all sorted out.

Dustin spent a day doing newspaper and radio interviews. We've done 4 events here in Kyrgyzstan. One was in the midst of a dust storm. The unicycling continued but the band had to pack it up.

Dustin's knees are hurting, but they aren't swollen so we are counting that as a blessing. Thanks for all the prayers.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Kyrgyzstan here we come









Our time is coming to an end in Kazahkstan. We've had some great opportunities to share in schools, an orphanage, universities, three prisons and at a church in a village outside Shymkent. We have one more school program this afternoon then we pack up quickly and jump on an overnight bus (12-15hrs) to Kyrgyzstan. Please pray for our border crossing and safe travels on the roads. Between us and the band we have a LOT of equipment for five "tourists". There is potential for difficulty at the border.

Travelling on the roads is probably the most dangerous thing we face in this part of the world. Thanks for all your prayers and support. We'll be returning to Istanbul on Sept. 28th.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

In Prison


Today we were taken to prison and released again after doing a concert and UniShow performance for about 200 prisoners at prison just outside Shymkent. We were able to share quite openly compared to other events in the area, but we were not allowed to have much direct contact with prisoners. We will be going to three more prisons before we leave for Kyrgyzstan early next week.
Please be lifting up these events in the prisons that many will see and hear the hope that we have to share. Please lift up our travel to Kyrgyzstan as well...there has been some confusion over visa requirements and we want all of our team to be able to continue the trip! Thank you for all your support!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

From Central Asia




The great knee expiriment has begun. Yesterday we had our first full
presentation since August 8. Today Dustin is still operating with a full
range of motion and no swelling. The only problem for Dustin this
morning is a little rumbly tummy.

For our first program we had a great time connecting with students at the
World Language Academy here in Shymkent (pop. guesstimate 700,000)
Kazahkstan. We thought this was going to be an open event until half an
hour before start time...the school administrator received a phone call
from the local authorities (formerly known and still referred to by three
letters in this part of the world, they still exist and cause a lot of
anxiety). Despite being a closed program we still had opportunities to
share with students that came up and asked questions after the program.

We had a full schedule of events in many public venues. Today we were
supposed to do two programs at one of the largest venues in town but due
to pressure from previously mentioned athourities this venue has
cancelled. Many other venues have cancelled for the same reason. Our
hosts were able to quickly arrange an alternative event at an orphanage
today.

Please lift up the programs here that venues would not be intimidated to
cancel legal events.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Five Flights to Kazakhstan


We are settling in Shimkent Kazakhstan after having finished two great weeks at the GO Conference in Holland. In two and a half days, we traveled by bus from Delden Holland to Amsterdam, then flew to London England, Istanbul Turkey, Atryau, Almaty and Shimkent Kazakhstan.

Looks like we have many great events lined up here at prisons, parks, a rehab center and other locations. Please pray for hearts to receive the message of hope and that we wouldn't have any trouble.