It’s interesting to note what history occurred on a particular date. For instance, on this date (April 25) in 1983, the Soviet Union released a letter that Russian leader Yuri Andropov wrote to Samantha Smith, an American fifth-grader from Manchester, Maine, inviting her to visit his country. Andropov’s letter came in response to a note Smith had sent him in December 1982, asking if the Soviets were planning to start a nuclear war. At the time, the United States and Soviet Union were Cold War enemies. My how times have changed!! Here’s a LINK to more information if you want to know the full story of one of the United States’ youngest ambassadors.

Well, guess what?!?! We are pleased to highlight some other important dates in history – but these dates are in the future! Here are some dates where history will be made:

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Mission 1:27 is excited to invite you to our “Stories from Slobodskoy” event. This is your chance to hear stories from our most recent trip to Russia – the most heart-warming episodes to the most hilarious events! You will learn about the kids that we sponsor as a church and see pictures of how much they have grown up. Plus, we will be serving a typical orphanage lunch for you to enjoy. The event will take place at Christ United Methodist Church from 12:15 – 1:30 pm in Ascension Hall.

We would love to have as many people as possible be a part of this event. You don’t need to be a sponsor – just have a love for God’s children and an empty stomach for lunch! Please forward this invite to others who might enjoy learning more about Mission 1:27 and our work in Russia. If you would like to attend, please feel free to RSVP to the eVite invitation by clicking this LINK. We hope to see you there!

October 22 – 30, 2011

Ever thought about going to Russia? Are you interested in meeting the children that you have heard so much about? Perhaps you are looking to challenge yourself to do something you never thought possible? Whatever the case, we may have an opportunity for you. Mission 1:27 is pleased to announce the dates for our next trip to Slobodskoy – October 22 – 30, 2011. Since this trip occurs during the school year, it tends to be a smaller adult trip where we get more intimate time with the kids and staff. The planning for the trip is already underway but activities are likely to include everything from teaching classes during the school hour to the fourth annual Galympics with the kids – and everything in between. This is a truly life-changing experience that can’t be put into words. If you are at all interested in going on this trip, please drop us a note on our CONTACT US page and we will circle back with you.

March 30 – April 8, 2012

Having just come off Holy Week and Easter Sunday, I bet your mind is already thinking about Easter 2012. Where will you spend Easter next year? Aunt Sally’s house in Des Moines…or should you look elsewhere? Well, stop looking ‘cuz next year should be Easter, Russian-style! That’s right, we have tentatively planned our Spring 2012 trip to Russia and we are very excited. Next spring’s trip will occur during the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Spring Break (which is April 2 – 9) and since Easter is on April 8, it means that we will spend Holy Week in a very special place. This trip usually attracts families going on Spring Break as well as other adults. And this trip typically fills up fast – we have a maximum capacity of 20 travelers for this trip and we already have 10 people tentatively signed up at this point. So if you think you might want to spend your 2012 Easter Week/Spring Break trip in a place you’ll never forget, feel free to CONTACT US through our website, or better yet – attend the May 15 event and come hear all the stories this spring’s trip. There’s no better way to get a first hand accounting of what happens on these trips than by taking to folks who have been there.

For more information on both of our upcoming trips, including a link to the travel application, please visit our Future Trips page on our website.

So, history will indeed be made in the coming days/weeks/months. We hope you will want to be a part of it, starting on Sunday, May 15. Thanks for your continued love and support.

For the Fatherless,

Mission 1:27