High Energy From Hawaiian YoungstersBrings Salvation To St. Petersburg

by Michael Ireland, Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

Two phrases that characterize Carelift volunteers aboard the Yellow bus are "lots of love" and "high energy." This was obvious as the young people sang, played games and shared the multi-colored Gospel bracelet with more than 80 children at an orphanage in Nickolaskoye, about an hour from St. Petersburg.

This busload of youngsters excited about sharing their faith come from churches in Hawaii, Texas, West Virginia and Indiana.

Founded in 1993, Totally-N-Christ, a Hawaiian ministry started by Dr. George Rhoades, performed Hula dances to several popular Christian songs including "Over the Rainbow" and "God of Wonders" at the orphanage and in a city park in one of St. Petersburg's many suburbs.

Dr. Rhoades said the team was designed "to teach young teens to use their gifts for the Lord and have fun." They flew 36 hours to take part in street evangelism in this city of 5 million people.

Their love for the Russian people was borne out through the teens' use of Hula dance, sign-dance, music and voice, and the powerful testimony of Tee Swan, of Kailua, HI, who told how the power of Jesus Christ saved him from drugs, alcohol and an abusive father.

Pastor Dmitri Tribelsky, of Calvary Chapel South in St. Petersburg, said he was amazed and pleased with the response of local people to the concert in the park, which featured the Hawaiian team, a skit, and an illusionist.

"We have been praying all year for this event," Tribelsky said. "This is the best response we have ever had."

In all 34 adults, children and young people gave their lives to Christ through this team's efforts.