[hallkat]

Hi all I am one my way to Siberia (Russia) next Thursday for a 3 week Mission Trip....There is 13 of us going from our Church and I am going to be Going into there Prision system to Minister to some Youth as well as work with Teen Challenge and we are going to help renovate a building for an orphanage...I think we will be very busy....just wondering if anyone has been on a Missions trip and could give me some advice as this will be my first one.....Also if you could pray for us that we become completley humble and have this trip be all about the Glory and Mercy of our Great God

Thanks Steve

 

[EastCoastGhost]

Lets stay on topic

Steve I swear to G-D that if you ever knock on my door and ask if you can talk to me I'll throw a pot of cold water you. That being said I'd like to ask a question or three

How does your post relate to this website?
Are you simply trying to prosalatize here and if so is that what you all day long?
Have you ever considered how offense and hurtfull it can be when you preach your truth to someone how has other beliefs or values?
Do you even care if you offend or hurt other people's feelings?

I'd be most interested in your answers

 

[ChuBerry47]

get one more person so that you can change that thirteen to fourteen!

 

[Honeyboy]

Steve I swear to G-D that if you ever knock on my door and ask if you can talk to me I'll throw a pot of cold water you. That being said I'd like to ask a question or three

How does your post relate to this website?
Are you simply trying to prosalatize here and if so is that what you all day long?
Have you ever considered how offense and hurtfull it can be when you preach your truth to someone how has other beliefs or values?
Do you even care if you offend or hurt other people's feelings?

I'd be most interested in your answers[/QUOTE

I don't see his post as trying to share his beliefs with you. For example, he didn't tell you that Jesus is the only way to salvation and that your sins can be forgiven through faith in Jesus. All he said was he was going on a mission trip to Russia (that is totally cool) and if anyone has any advice. Also that people will pray for him (I will). This post is no different than scores of other posts on the Sacred Sax section of the website. You need to be more tolerant of views that differ from yours. You are the one who is being insulting and not caring, no offence.
To answer the original post, I think if you go in as a servant without any attitudes of superiority, and that you can probably learn something from the folks there, you will be doing great. God bless you!

 

[hallkat]

Steve I swear to G-D that if you ever knock on my door and ask if you can talk to me I'll throw a pot of cold water you. That being said I'd like to ask a question or three

How does your post relate to this website?
Are you simply trying to prosalatize here and if so is that what you all day long?
Have you ever considered how offense and hurtfull it can be when you preach your truth to someone how has other beliefs or values?
Do you even care if you offend or hurt other people's feelings?

I'd be most interested in your answers

EastCoastGhost First of all I am sorry if my post has offended you....Second I was not looking for opinons on what my beliefs are and not trying in any way to push them on anyone either.....as a matter of fact I believe that pushing or forceing someone to believe something is counter productive as each individual must come to there believes by there own accord... I have seen many posts in this section on issues that are not directly about the saxophone as i look at this site also as a freindly form to belong to.....it is unfortanute that you have taken an angry stand on my post and I hope you find what you need to have love and peace.

God Bless
Steve

P.S. if it helps you justify my post I am going to bring a mpc along with me just in case I have an opertunity to play someones horn.....

 

[Rackety Sax]

All he said was he was going on a mission trip to Russia (that is totally cool) and if anyone has any advice.

For a lot of people, myself included, missionary work is most definitely not totally cool.

 

[Honeyboy]

For a lot of people, myself included, missionary work is most definitely not totally cool.

Unfortnately for you, this section of the website also includes those who believe in Jesus Christ. SACRED sax, remember? Also, it might be noted that the Russian gov't must think these folks are going to do some good or you better believe they wouldn't even let them in the country.

 

[hallkat]

Honeyboy thanks for your support...and yes there has been alot of red tape but The Lord has made a way for us....I most certianly did not expect to start a debate when I first posted this however resistence is always to be expected...after the first response I was going to delete my post however after some thought I believe that there was no reason to remove it .....and something good could come out of it in the long run...

God Bless
Steve

 

[alleysax]

Hello, I have gone on 2 mission trips, both to Atibaia, Brazil. (A little warmer than Siberia!) I am fortunate enough to have been able to go both times as part of a musical ministry so I got to play as well.
My advice is, besides the obvious respect for local customs,
Bring a note book and keep a journal of everything you do each day. Write something every night. You might think you'll remember when you get home, but you won't because there will be so much happening and so many people you'll meet. And bring your camera.
This is a fantastic opportunity for you to minister, and be ministered to as well. It will change your life.
Good luck, and I certainly will pray for your group.
Amy

 

[alleysax]

Sorry, forgot to add...I, for one, would be interested in an update when you get back.
Again, hope all goes well...

 

[gary]

Well, contrary to what many seem to think, this area of the forum is not specifically reserved for conservative christians. And I usually don't venture forth in it because as often as not, people posting can't seem to avoid the chance to proselytise. Now having said that, I think Steve's comments are not blatant and he's just asking for some pointers from those who have gone before.

Steve - I've never gone on a mission so hopefully there are others who can comment more specifically. But I have been in many cultures both as a resident and visitor so I offer this - remember where you are. Your values and beliefs are not shared values and beliefs unless you are specifically visiting members of a like faith.

In Russia, the Russian Orthodox church is king and that's not just because of the theology, it's a deep cultural thing. I would not be lulled into thinking that your trip had official support. Tolerance might be a better word.

Be inconspicuous. Watch how you dress and try to blend in. If you are in one of the big cities be prepared for an aggressive rudeness and just roll with the punches. In Moscow for example, they're rude and offensive to one another, so don't take it too personally and don't get scared.

Otherwise have a great time. It sounds like quite an adventure. Here's hoping you can make the most of it.

 

[Jonathan C.]

I have been on alot of mission trips.
Germany, Belize, and Jamacia twice.

Any kind of labor intensive work, building anything. Be prepared for long work days, the work will be very tough. I would suggest cracking joles try to make it more enjoyable.

I would suggest bringing a notebook, camera, and a pen. You may never visit their again, and you will want to remember it.

When we went to Jamacia we were building houses, and the job was to get the work done and to talk and hang out with the Jamacians.
A lot of mission work is not about "winning people to Christ", it can be about raising buildings. And helping the missionaries that are stationed their.

 

[SAXISMYAXE]

Although this forum is devoted to the topic of Sacred Saxophone, let us refrain from turning this thread into a religious or political soap box to espouse one's agenda from.

We have received a few reported post complaints about this one, and we will be keeping an eye on it to insure that the original topic remains on course.

Thank you.

Now, about that trip to Siberia................

 

[potiphar]

I have friends who have been in the Russian prison system, and one thing it doesn't engender is hope. I think you may well find that your presence is more welcome to some than many in the cynical west would appreciate.

Like some other perfectly adult people, I will be praying for you. A pity you can't take a sax through as cabin baggage.

 

[gary]

I have friends who have been in the Russian prison system, and one thing it doesn't engender is hope. I think you may well find that your presence is more welcome to some than many in the cynical west would appreciate.

Wow. He's going to be preaching in the prisons? That's tough.

Now that I think of it, this should probably be in the general section because he's asking about some things to consider on this trip and not about playing sax, but what the hey - I think it's pretty interesting and I would love to read a follow-up. ("Sanitised", of course )

Oh yeah, Steve. Will there be a health professional in your group? If not, I would make sure you've got a full stock of medicines with you. The Russians of course have good health professionals but you might need something at a time you can't access them, and most items you will not be able to spontaneously get over the counter. If you do bring medicines, make sure you check ahead of time about how to bring them into the country.

 

[hallkat]

Ok I will try and bring this back to the horn.....I play tenor and would love to take my axe.....however we are only allowed 20kg each when we get to Moscow and have to fly to Siberia on Siberian air....We fly to Moscow on BA on the way there and fly Lufftansa on the way back from Moscow...I am not sure if I could get my Tenor all the way there and home ...I do have a flight type of case but it would still be to big for Cabin I think?? The last thing I want is to have my Mint 1939 Buescher lost or stolen...any advice

thanks Steve

 

[Jonathan C.]

You could find a horn instead of your mint Buescher to take with you.
I have a Buescher tenor after the buyout for $250 just needs alittle work. It is far from mint but it plays.

Edit:
Here she is.
http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?t=66957

 

[gary]

I am not sure if I could get my Tenor all the way there and home ...any advice.

Yep. On a trip like that I wouldn't take a tenor; too heavy, too bulky.

Personally I'd take a used YAS 23 or Jupiter or some such other sax, in a contoured, compact case. The bigger question would be would you able to play it regularly and to your and others' benefits? If not, it stays home.

 

[Rackety Sax]

Never mind...

 

[gary]

Unfortunately for you, this section of the website also includes those who believe in Jesus Christ. SACRED sax, remember?

Well, yes Honeyboy, but unfortunately there are many who seem to think that it's primarily a Christian thread - and an evangelical or conservative one at that. It is not. IMO it should not be looked on as an exemption from the rules about religion, politics, etc that apply to other Forum areas. It is open to all religious and spiritual confessions and should be, IMO, as ecumenical and noninflammatory as possible.

That goes for those with no particular confession, as well.

Anyway - anyone else have experience they can share with Steve?
(Sorry if I keep jumping in. I just think this can be an experience of a lifetime and I'm really interested in it.)