Mission team returns from Russia

A team from First United Methodist Church in Shreveport and members of Broadmoor UMC, Shreveport have returned from a mission to Ekaterinburg, Russia. The mission, which began Feb. 16, focused on deepening existing relationships with First UMC, Ekaterinburg and involved strategic conversation about future needs of the church and the Russian community.

James Gillespie, long-time coordinator of the Russia Initiative for the Louisiana Conference and member of Broadmoor UMC, accompanied the team. Conference teams have been serving in Russia for the past 20 years. Participants on the mission experienced very cold weather, with temperatures dipping to -31 degrees Fahrenheit!  View mission videos hosted by Ashley Goad, director of Global Missions for First UMC.