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Interviews from across the Globe: Russia, Tanzania

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At a conference like WOGA 2007, the world is brought to you! Cambodians sit next to Russians who ate lunch with their African sisters. A Malaysian sister shares her pen with her newfound friend from Iran as the two exchange e-mails. This is a global village and our Australian reporter, Lauren MacArthur, trekked through its winding pathways and managed to hold interviews despite cultural and language barriers.

As you read the following interviews, get to know your sisters~!

RUSSIA
Interview with Sveta(16), Natasha(14) and Kseniya(16)...The girls are excited to be here and are dressed in vibrant-coloured, traditional outfits.

Where are you from?
We are from Russia, from a town called 'Primorskiy Kray.

When did you arrive in Korea?
Two days ago.

What do you think about Korea so far?
It's a very beautiful country. The people are friendly and smile at us. The food is good. We like Korean food! We have tried rice, soups, potatoes, and have had a Korean barbecue. (They like kimchi!)


What kind of food do you eat in Russia?
'Boursh' (a kind of traditional soup), salad, potatoes and lots of meat. Many meats!


Why did you come to WOGA 2007?
To dance! Our group is quite large. We are all friends and many of us are family.


What is your church like in Russia?
There are thirty-seven people. We dance at church and sing songs such as 'Malinka' and 'Moskow Night'.


Is there anything else you would like share about yourselves?
Hallelujah! We love Russia!


TANZANIA
Interview with Younggum Park.

Where are you from?
I'm Korean and was born in South Korea, but have lived in Tanzania for the last seventeen years.

How long did it take for you to get to Korea from Tanzania?
The plane trip took twenty-two hours.

What do you think about Korea?
It's very, very good. I have lots of friends here and the people are kind. There are many wonderful churches.

Describe your church in Tanzania.
It's an Islamic country, so there are not many Christians or Christian churches. We continue to build though, and to preach the gospel.  The area we live in is called 'Zanibar'. It's very hard being a Christian in a Muslim community. If we want to build a church, they give us no land. I am the leader of fourteen churches. Some churches have up to seventy members; others have just fifteen members.

What areas of ministry are you especially involved in?
Preaching the Bible. I also teach kindergarten students in a nursery school, and am the leader of the women's ministries.

Why did you come to WOGA 2007? What do you expect from the conference?
I was invited to the conference by WOGA. I brought with me four Tanzanian women, who are also leaders in our churches. I would like to become closer friends with them this week. We want to learn a lot, including how to take care of children, and how to help and teach other Christian women. We hope to enjoy the Korean life as well.

What's it been like today?
I've enjoyed meeting with friends from a long time ago. The food has been very special for us. I'm looking forward to singing and praying together with everyone tonight.