Week One. Visiting Belarus and speaking at youth conferences in Minsk and Brest made me feel forty years younger. Despite many modern technological changes, the cities still look somewhat like the “good-old-USSR.” Of course, hanging out with students and teenagers fills me with their joyful energy.
Here’s a sample of the feedback notes I received after my presentations on the “Rational and Historic Foundation of Christian Faith”:
- Honestly speaking, I would never expect my unbelief in God to be challenged from that perspective. Of course, I will now have to do my own research of this historic evidence, but you made me much more open to reconsidering some of my worldview positions.
- Your presentation is clearer and more memorable than our theology professor’s class. I do not have memorize your arguments and evidence material –it still stands in front of me… in color!
- Your answers to the most difficult and “unpleasant” questions from the audience were respectful, gentle, and always to the point. Our leaders also learned a lot from your experience and your expertise tonight.
Week Two I spent in Omsk, Siberia. Each of my presentations and lectures at local universities, churches, and city events is very different and requires time for preparation. Medical and IT department students wanted to know cold facts and especially appreciated my graphs and numbers. Parish audiences, on the other hand, asked more questions on American church life and about Christian living in the USA. Teachers’ conferences, of course, requested the materials and the training which they can use in their own classrooms.
The Irtysh River (below) flows past my window. It is most beautiful in its autumn colors but, so far, I only had a chance to walk along its banks at the very end of a very busy day.
