Chick-fil-A is in Russia!

Not the sandwich or the cow but the people, the philosophy, and the heart are here in  Novosibirsk.  It has been a great week thus far of sharing Bible based, God breathed principles learned from their business but applicable to all of our lives.  On Monday, we had 70 young leaders show up and, interestingly, 80% of them were Christians.  Operation Mobilization – Russia, Children’s Hope Chest – Vladimir, Reconciliation Church – Novosibirsk, Church of Christ – Barnaul and Novosibirsk, Baptist Church – Novosibirsk, and Kemerovo Christian Center were all present as part of the body of Christ.  Also present were the owner of Russia’s finest coffee shop chain, Traveler’s Coffee, one of the owners of New York Pizza and many members of the Novosibirsk Rotary Club, City Government Administration, and one of the most influential youth leadership organizations in Novosibirsk NOT called YouthReach International!

 

Unfortunately, none of the 6 CFA team members luggage arrived with them and unfortunately they won’t arrive before they leave on Saturday.  One set of comfy, though worn, travel clothes were the norm for most of the team when we started the seminars on Monday morning.   This team has enjoyed a new facet to their Russian experience that no others we have ever hosted here before have experienced; that of a retail experience!  Suits and shirts and slacks and shoes all look very indigenous on our Texas, Oklahoma and Georgia visitors for they were bought here.  What could have been a justifiable chance to whine and complain has turned into an opportunity to remember our hearts should be much more well dressed for what we are doing than just our bodies.  This group has been tremendous in every way among some trying circumstances.  Do we expect anything else from the good people at Chick-fil-A?

 

Today is the second phase of the SERVE training.  This is the first time we have done this training in Novosibirsk so everyone who is here today has already been with us either earlier this week, last year, or the year before for the SERVE 1 phase.  In other words, these 32 high level business leaders who are here today are deeply invested in what is being offered.  Advantageous to YouthReach International is that we are networking with higher and higher level leaders and are gaining trust and partnership with these very strategic people.  Best of all, we are able to begin or continue sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with them as we work together to mentor orphans, fund surgeries for orphans, build playgrounds at orphanages, provide life skills training, and befriend these dear ones of God for all of their lives.

 

 

Above is a picture of the CFA team along with me, Nastia Shishkina (the official year round face of CFA SERVE in Novosibirsk), Olga Formanchuk who is our treasured interpreter and in the front center is Igor.  He’s a business man in Novosibirsk who was challenged, vocal, and impacted by the training yesterday.  We noticed after we were finished yesterday that he hung around in an almost voyeur like way.  I asked him if would like to have his picture taken with us.  He smiled a huge, child like smile and simply said, “is it possible?”  It’s a new day here in Russia where passionate, successful, open, caring business leaders are willing to share not only the keys to their success but also a simple smile and picture together after a long day of learning.  I sent him the picture shortly after he left the conference center to which he replied late last night, “thank you for sharing what is important to you.  It is now important to me.”

 

Isn’t that the goal of proclamation of any sort?  I think so.  Be it how to grow a business or so much more how to know God, we want what is important to us to be important to them.  Slowly, intentionally, and with great care it is happening.

 

Your prayers are appreciated as we continue this very special week.  We finish our Novosibirsk work today and then move 5 hours northeast to Tomsk, Russia, tomorrow to share for the first time in this great Siberian city the SERVE teaching.  You’ll hear more from us soon about that.

 

Thank you all,

Rob on behalf of the YouthReach team and the Chick fil A WinShape 2011 SERVE Russia Team

 

 

Rob Browne Director of Russian Operations   rob@youthreach.org
678-935-0220 x103 Direct 404-518-5646 Cell 678-935-9674 Fax	http:/www.youthreach.org           1911 Grayson Hwy, Ste 8-344           Grayson, GA 30017

 

 

Why we're in this ministry...

Today, the Lord reminded me why we’re in this ministry.

During an orphanage visit, I sat down and talked with 6 kids about their stories, why they are in the orphanage, and what their hopes and dreams are for their future.  They were mostly pretty open about the pain and difficulties that are in their past.  And they were all cautiously optimistic about their future, yet tempered in the scope of their dreams. 

The openness was rare – I’ve never had that kind of discussion with a group of kids here before, and even our mentors were amazed that the Holy Spirit offered opportunities for ministry.  One kid, a 17 year old boy who will need to leave the orphanage this August, shared his story.  It involved abandonment, pain, and 12 years living in an institution.  He was strong yet quiet, and the Spirit nudged me that he needed much more attention.  I encouraged Yasha, one of our male mentors, to sit and talk further with him, and he found that the boy’s mom just died 2 years ago.  The pain was coming back – this is why most of the kids won’t talk about their past.  We promised to pray for him, regularly be there for him, and offered to talk whenever he needed. 

Yasha was visibly shaken when we got in the car to return.  A 33 year old follower of Jesus, he still gets overwhelmed by the stories of pain and suffering that these young people are living.  And yet, he continues in his calling to love, support, minister, and reach out to these kids.  He has a hard job, but I’m so glad the Lord called him to do it.

When I returned home, I found out that Satan has, yet again, attacked my family back in the US while I’m gone.  This is a normal thing for us now – it seems that every time we are blessed with big steps in orphan ministry the enemy attacks us back at home.  Every time I travel, we’re hit with sickness, physical issues to our house, or poor teenage decisions.  As much as I try to coordinate things and minister to my own family while I’m away, it leaves my wife, Lisa to handle these things firsthand.  It gets old.  It’s painful.  It’s intended to make us feel alone.  It’s distracting (I think this is the purpose behind it).  It makes me so ticked off with the devil.

So… I pray.  I call in the troops of friends and family to step in.  I pray some more.  I call often and try to offer support, solutions, and love.  I cry.  That my family hurts.  That I can’t be there.  That there is a price that’s paid for ministry.  That there’s a target on the backs of those that serve the Lord.  And that there’s a target on the backs of their loved ones.  And I keep praying.  What else can I do?

And then the Lord reminds me of His own family and the price that was paid.  That He had to watch while those He came to save beat, mocked, and nailed His own kid to the cross.  That He had to listen to His Son’s cries on the cross, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”  That He had to wait for 3 days until Jesus was lifted up, and with that truly accomplished the goal of salvation for us.

It makes me call to the Lord for His imminent return.  I want Him to come and take us away from all this junk.  I want the pain to end and for Him to wipe away all our tears. 

BUT… there are a few that need to know Him first.  Before you return, Lord, hold off just a little bit while we bring your living Hope into the lives of those in our path.  We love them, dear God, and we know You love them.  Hang on while we share Jesus with them – in our living room, in the schools, at church, on airplanes, in forgotten orphanages in small mining towns in Eastern Europe.  As much as we want you to come now, there are still so many that need to hear.

So we continue…

If you can help out financially, now would be a great time to do it.  There are many opportunities, but very limited resources.  Please give at http://www.youthreach.org.

Or you can sponsor a child, personally showing the love of Christ to a specific orphan in our ministry.  Please consider joining us at http://www.youthreach.org/orphansponsorship. 

Remember...One Month From Tonight!

On April 21, Coach Don Meyer and ESPN’s Buster Olney are coming to the Gwinnett Marriott in Duluth, GA, to benefit YouthReach International.  Individual tickets and Sponsored Tables are still available.  Please make your plans now to be there.  It will be a night that will impact you and all you choose to bring with you. 

 

I was at a basketball awards dinner tonight in Atlanta and met a former SEC basketball player there who said, “tell me where and when Coach Meyer is speaking.  I read the book.  I want to meet him.  I’ll be there!”  That’s the kind of buy in we are finding among most who hear of Coach’s upcoming visit to Atlanta.

 

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Rob

 

 

 

 

YouthReach International invites you to join us at a benefit dinner affirming the timeless values of Coach Don Meyer, with special guest ESPN's Buster Olney, author of How Lucky You Can Be: The Story of Coach Don Meyer.   Coach Don Meyer has influenced thousands of men and women in his basketball coaching career, guiding them not only in their skills on the court as a team, but also as productive members of society, thinking of others first, and joining together to become part of something bigger than themselves. In speaking of his program, Coach Meyer has been quoted, "Your program must have an overriding purpose which is clearly visible and which teaches lessons beyond winning."   This philosophy of life has impacted organizations, relationships, and families around the world. Coach Meyer's coaching philosophies have influenced the staff and Board of YouthReach International, and as a result are now being shared with Mentors and orphans throughout Ukraine and Russia.

 

 

Beyond Winning This benefit dinner is an opportunity to share with friends, teams, customers, employees, and families the wisdom of this legendary coach. We will share a meal together, briefly hear about YouthReach International's orphan mentoring programs, and then Buster Olney will introduce Coach Don Meyer.  A book signing opportunity will conclude the program.   Event Info April 21, 2011 7:00 PM Marriott Gwinnett Place Duluth, GA    For tickets and more information, please visit http://www,youthreach.org/beyondwinning Or contact us at beyondwinning@youthreach.org

 

Rob Browne Director of Russian Operations   rob@youthreach.org
678-935-0220 x103 Direct 404-518-5646 Cell 678-935-9674 Fax	http:/www.youthreach.org           1911 Grayson Hwy, Ste 8-344           Grayson, GA 30017

 

 

 

Where Traci's Cancer, My Past, and Our Ministry Collide

They will collide at an event called “Beyond Winning” on Thursday, April 21, 2011, at the Gwinnett Marriott Hotel in Duluth, GA, and we are inviting you to be there.  Here’s why we say they will collide that day.

 

From 7^th grade on, I had only three basketball coaches.  They were Dana Davis, Tim Vick, and Don Meyer.  Other than my father, these three men left their mark on me more so than any other men on earth.  Actually, each coach continues to serve as mentor in my life in very pronounced ways.  The last basketball coach in that triad is Coach Don Meyer.  I played for him at Lipscomb University from 1987-1992.  Much of the mantra I carry as a man, husband, father and ministry leader today are the result of what he instilled in me back then.  Be on time.  Do the next right thing right.  Say Please and Thank You.  Pick Up Trash.  None of those originated with me.  Coach Meyer is not only the winningest men’s college basketball coach in NCAA history, he is also a cancer survivor and has been a special source of encouragement to Traci the last 7 months of her journey with cancer.   Interestingly, Traci has never met Coach Meyer before.  That will happen soon enough though.  I’m extremely excited for these two people of strength and faith to finally be introduced to each other.

 

Another key person in this upcoming event which is a benefit dinner for YouthReach International is ESPN’s Buster Olney.  Buster recently wrote a book about Coach Meyer.  Many of you have heard of it and/or read it.  If you have not then I encourage you pick up a copy between now and April 21 and then come to our event to meet Coach and Buster and get your book signed as well.  Buster’s sister was diagnosed with leukemia early in 2010 and continues on her road to recovery as well.  Cancer is not the cause of the gathering that night but how interesting it is that it has brought these key people together at a special time to help empower YouthReach International to care for orphans and at risk youth in Russia and Ukraine. 

 

Click on the link above and view the videos about Coach Meyer. One is a piece that Buster did for ESPN’s E:60 telecast and the other is Coach Meyer’s acceptance speech at the 2009 ESPY Awards.  Both will challenge you and the event on April 21 will bless you.  I promise you that.

 

Corporate sponsorships are still available as are individual tickets (see below) so act now to reserve your place.  This is one of those ways I wrote about recently that allows you to empower our ministry while also blessing some you may know who are dealing with illness or tragedy in life.  This is unlike any event we’ve ever done before and we so hope you are able to attend.

 

Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement regarding Traci’s Celebration of Life event this past Saturday night.  It was a huge success.  If you would like to view it and hear Traci’s thoughts on the journey, go to www.livestream.com/youthreach and click on the Traci Browne – Celebration of Life Event at the bottom of the page.  I’m biased but I thought she looked great and shared pearls of wisdom to all of us who were there.  Forgive the tall, dorky guy standing beside her.  He was just thrilled to be on the same stage as her.

 

Prayerfully consider joining us on April 21 and know that we appreciate all of your love, prayers and attention.

 

Gratefully yours,

Rob and Traci

 

Rob Browne Director of Russian Operations   rob@youthreach.org
678-935-0220 x103 Direct 404-518-5646 Cell 678-935-9674 Fax	http://www.youthreach.org           1911 Grayson Hwy, Ste 8-344           Grayson, GA 30017

 

 

 

YouthReach International invites you to join us at a benefit dinner affirming the timeless values of Coach Don Meyer, with special guest ESPN's Buster Olney, author of How Lucky You Can Be: The Story of Coach Don Meyer.

Coach Don Meyer has influenced thousands of men and women in his basketball coaching career, guiding them not only in their skills on the court as a team, but also as productive members of society, thinking of others first, and joining together to become part of something bigger than themselves. In speaking of his program, Coach Meyer has been quoted, "Your program must have an overriding purpose which is clearly visible and which teaches lessons beyond winning."

This philosophy of life has impacted organizations, relationships, and families around the world. Coach Meyer's coaching philosophies have influenced the staff and Board of YouthReach International, and as a result are now being shared with Mentors and orphans throughout Ukraine and Russia.

This benefit dinner is an opportunity to share with friends, teams, customers, employees, and families the wisdom of this legendary coach. We will share a meal together, briefly hear about YouthReach International's orphan mentoring programs, and then Buster Olney will introduce Coach Don Meyer. A book signing opportunity will conclude the program.

Event Info April 21, 2011 7:00 PM Marriott Gwinnett Place Duluth, GA

For tickets and more information, please visit http://www.youthreach.org/beyondwinning

Or contact us at beyondwinning@youthreach.org

 

Here's How You Can Attend Traci's Celebration of Life Event This Saturday Night

Just go to http://www.livestream.com/youthreach.  We will begin about 6.30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time or UTC/GMT -5 hours) or so that evening with worship led by Pete McReynolds and then a time where Traci will share with those in attendance (live and virtually) some words of thanks and reflection on God’s goodness the last 7 months of this journey with cancer.   She might even give me a few minutes to speak as well.  Maybe…

 

We know many of you want to attend but are unable to due to a myriad of reasons that are all legitimate.  Hopefully, there are less reasons you cannot join us online.  No need to RSVP.  Just go to that site.

 

Thank you all.  Hope to “see” you there on Saturday,

Rob

 

Rob Browne Director of Russian Operations   rob@youthreach.org
678-935-0220 x103 Direct 404-518-5646 Cell 678-935-9674 Fax	http:/www.youthreach.org           1911 Grayson Hwy, Ste 8-344           Grayson, GA 30017

 

 

Going Off The Grid

It’s a move that many a criminal or victim in a Hollywood thriller tries to pull off.  Disappearing, vanishing, dropping out of society.  In the movies, it’s voluntary, drastic, and for a purpose. 

 

In the last 10 years I’ve had two friends and Traci has had one friend actually do it.  One of my friends literally disappeared one day taking with him money, things, and his reputation.  Another announced his intentions and then did it as well leaving behind a family devastated and confused.  Traci’s friend would be a mystery to us and others were it not for a thing called Facebook.  Truly, it is harder to go off the grid these days than at any other time in recent memory.

 

This week I got an email from a friend regarding a family that is desperately trying to adopt a boy from Russia.  They are especially intense about this adoption due to the fact that the boy will turn 16 in less than a week.  Once a child turns 16 in Russia, rare are the times that adoption is still possible.  Documents needed to be turned in to the US Embassy in Moscow, Russian holidays are looming, expense is mounting and time, precious and fleeting, is waning.  Through the kind assistance of their friends, one hurdle was overcome.   Now more await as this treasured resource called time continues to pass.  If it runs out then a 16 year old boy will in many ways go off the grid.  It won’t be voluntary, it will be drastic, but it will serve no purpose at all.

 

Even in our young ministry we have seen a number of children go off the grid.  They are turned out of the orphanage or taken back by a family member or “graduate” and move on to who knows what.  In most cases, their outcomes are tragic and sometimes even fatal.  More than ever the need for a friend, a guide - we call them Mentors - is crucial.  In most cases, a single relationship with someone who is not inside the institution of state care is what is most needed and most beneficial.  That’s what we offer!  YouthReach International remains committed to building atmospheres where these kinds of relationships can be formed, deepened and multiplied.  It’s not especially fast work.  It is worth the wait though.  You can be sure of that. 

 

In the New Testament portion of the Bible, Peter says in 2 Peter 3:9 that God’s desire is that no one should perish.  In my loose interpretation, he desires that no one goes off the grid and misses what he has made possible through Jesus.  I think the same can be said though of his desire that no one be left hopeless, unloved, and alone.  An off the grid life is not what Jesus died for and it absolutely is not what God created us to experience.

 

Some very important upcoming events connected to YouthReach’s future ability to keep kids from going off the grid are approaching.  I would love to lay them all out right here in this email but these paragraphs provide plenty for me and you to think about and act upon as they are.  To add anything to them would only serve to take something away from them.  Let us consider how committed we are to making sure kids don’t live off the grid.  In coming days we’ll share with you ways we can help ensure this does not happen.

 

Since I know many of you are wanting to know, Traci’s surgery last Thursday was a successful in every way.  She’s a little sore but feeling better and better with each day that passes.  I’m being honest when I say we’re in a new but hard part of the journey.  It’s not impossible and it won’t overcome us but it is hard.  Best we can tell, life won’t allow us a long, extended season to reflect on and reload from all we’ve been through.  Life very much goes on.  We need to find times of rest where we can but learn to “heal on the run” as well.  That’s not easy.  Your prayers are needed and treasured more than ever.  We mean that.  We need that.

 

Be on the lookout for more frequent updates marrying the journey with cancer with the call of ministry.  As so many of you reminded me early on, each has had a great effect on the other.    

 

With love and gratitude, we are,

Rob and Traci

 

Rob Browne Director of Russian Operations   rob@youthreach.org
678-935-0220 x103 Direct 404-518-5646 Cell 678-935-9674 Fax	http:/www.youthreach.org           1911 Grayson Hwy, Ste 8-344           Grayson, GA 30017