On July 11th, the New America Singers stopped for refreshment and a concert at Bell Road Baptist Church. The following Tuesday they left for Russia. Here is a report from Robert Langley:

Our time in St. Petersburg is coming to an end. The young people have performed in a way that has appealed to their audience in every location. Once the local pastors and missionaries saw them, they worked hard to find

other venues.

For those of us who lived during the cold war, there was some apprehension about what could be done on the streets and in the parks, etc. While aware that there is still some leftover ways, there hasn'tt been any incidents.

This city may not be indicative of all of Russia, but there seems to be a sizeable middle class that has arisen over the last twenty years. Lot of cars, cell phones, iPods, and nice clothing is in evidence everywhere. The ladies dress well even on weekdays. Clothing that we might wear for special occasions seem to be everyday attire. High heel shoes are worn by the women seemingly if all they are doing is going to McDonald's.

The singers have performed in three churches here, two on Sunday and one on Wednesday night. Prior to the Wednesday night performance they sang in front

of the entrance to the zoo in a nearby park. They passed out an invitation to the church concert and several actually came. After the church program, the singers talked for a long time with those who came from the park and several prayed to received Christ. A beautiful scene to behold and the real purpose for this trip.