Posts by Richard Parrish

Where I am: Yerevan, Armenia  Looking forward to seeing Pastor Natalia and her leaders today. Today in a sentence: After a long day yesterday, I was grateful for a slower morning and meaningful reconnection.  After a full day of travel on Friday, I welcomed a more leisurely start to the morning.  I made my way…

Where I am: Tashkent – Istanbul -Yerevan Closing retreat session in the morning, then travel to Armenia for the next leg of the mission. Today in a sentence: A meaningful close to our retreat in Uzbekistan, followed by a long and humbling day of travel to Armenia.  After checking out of the hotel, we traveled…

Where I am: Tashkent, Uzbekistan Uzbek Pastors/leaders retreat  Today in a sentence: I was up early (6 a.m.) to study and prepare for today’s sessions.  Yesterday’s teaching on fear and faith seem to resonate strongly with our pastors and leaders. Whether we are in Uzbekistan or Arizona, fear is something we all encounter.  There was…

Where I am: Tashkent, Uzbekistan Uzbekistan Pastor/Leader Retreat Today in a sentence: A full and meaningful day – traveling to the retreat, reconnecting with pastors, and stepping once again into the sacred work of listening, encouraging, and teaching.  Oleg picked me up at the hotel at 9:00 a.m. for the hour-and-a-half drive to a secluded…

Where I am: Tashkent, Uzbekistan Looking forward to reconnecting with our pastors and leaders in Uzbekistan this week.  Today in a sentence: My flight arrived on time and I cleared passport control smoothly. I arrived at my hotel around 1:30 a.m – ready for rest.  I awoke at 8:00 a.m. and had a light breakfast,…

Where I am: Tbilisi, Georgia to Baku, Azerbaijan, to Tashkent, Uzbekistan Beginning “leg 3” of my mission.  Today in a sentence: Grateful for what God has done in Georgia, I now step forward into the next leg of this mission journey with a renewed sense of purpose.  My time in Georgia has been deeply rewarding-…

Where I am: Tbilisi, Georgia Looking forward to meeting Bishop Oleg today. Today in a sentence: A full day of ministry, meaningful connections, and a growing sense that God continues to guide each step. I slept well last night and woke up at 6:00 a.m. local time. It seems that my internal clock is beginning…

Where I am: Tbilisi, Georgia Grateful to arrive safely in Tbilisi and begin reconnecting with pastors and leaders in a place that has become deeply meaningful to me.  Today in a sentence: My departure from Athens was delayed for 2 hours, and by the time I arrived in Tbilisi, it was nearly 4:00 am. After…

Where I am: Athens, Greece Today in a sentence: Grateful for deep rest and a quiet day to reflect and prepare for what lies ahead.  When I woke up this morning, it was already 10:30 a.m.-nearly 10 hours of sleep. That’s almost unheard of for me, and a clear reminder of how much I needed…

Where I am: Athens, Greece Today in a sentence: Grateful to arrive safely, get some much-needed rest, and take in my view of Athens.  After clearing Passport Control, I was relieved to see that my suitcase made it. The weather was pleasant, but overcast – fitting for a slower, restful start to the day.  I…