I was born again, saved by the blood of Jesus Christ in 2002 while I was attending a few seminars at The Road Adventure in Richardson, TX.  I stopped running from Jesus and gained a personal relationship with Him.  I am constantly amazed at the way God has worked in me and through me.  He has placed many wonderful people in my life to encourage my walk and my growth in Him.  Some of these people are friends and relatives, others I consider as family, and every single one of them is a gift God has given me.  

I took the bold step of volunteering for the mission trip to Abakan, Russia after passing on many opportunities to assist with other mission trips around the world.  The only explanation why I quickly agreed to this trip when it was brought to my attention is that God, by the Holy Spirit , reminded me to stop being timid in helping to share the Good News and that this is the first place meant for me to experience a mission trip.  

Briefly, 300,000 new churches are needed in Russia. Despite its centuries old familiarity with the gospel via the Russian Orthodox Church, less than 1% of the population of this vast nation attends any kind of Christian church. Evangelical churches boast even smaller numbers. This journey to the other side of the planet is designed to partner with those few, small, and vibrant churches in Russia working to increase the faith of their nation and the 144 million people who inhabit it. In Abakan, we will be serving with a local church reaching to Russians and Khakas people.

Please consider the following regarding this expedition:  Pray to our Father---for the safety of our team, for renewed hearts in those we visit, that I focus on having a true servant's heart, that I may clearly describe my personal relationship with God, his unconditional love and the hope that he gives me, and for an enlightened perspective on what it means to be an ambassador for Christ.

Thank you for your prayers and support,
Tommy Ruiz