08/12/20 2005 MISSION TRIP TO CENTRAL ASIA #6 — Early the last morning we headed to the airport. My missionary hosts warned me that it would be a violent mob scene—with Russians pushing, shoving and butting into the front of the line. Passage and seating was on a “first come, first served” basis. And the guards and attendants would insist on bribes even to let you board the plane. They told me that my best strategy was to be bold, even aggressive—just keep my head down, hold my place, move ahead steadily, show my ticket, and ignore threats from other passengers or attendants.

That’s sort of my personality anyway, so I tried to follow their advice to the letter. Everything was just as they predicted, only worse! It was pure mayhem. And, since all the signs and the intercom announcements were in a foreign script and language, I was not at all sure exactly where I should have been heading. At some point I was satisfied that I needed to board the plane at this particular gate. I fought to maintain my place in line and move forcefully toward the front. As I handed the guy my ticket, he held out his hand, palm up, screaming something which I could not understand. I figured that was the bribe request and ignored it, as I was told. As I headed down the walkway, behind me I heard alarming sounds of scuffling and rifles clicking (I’m pretty sure). I just kept walking.

When I was satisfied I had found an appropriate seat on the plane, I flopped down, tilted it back, closed my eyes and thanked the Good Lord for His provision and protection during an exciting mission trip and (seemingly) dangerous departure. Especially that morning I remembered and had experienced Jesus’ promise in Matthew 28:20b (CSB), ^“I am with you always, to the end of the age.”