A Walk in the Park

In August 2019, I and several church members in Siberia formed a Nordic walking group at Health Center Sequoia, in Novosibirsk, Russia, an urban center of influence started with support of Global Mission. The center already offered members of the community massage, physical exercise programs, and health lectures. We thought Nordic walking would be a great addition. Nordic walking involves using specially designed trekking poles, like ski poles.

To meet people, we often walked in a nearby park. As we did, we noticed a lot of people using walking sticks. They were mostly elderly couples and women. One of the women had her own health food store. She didn’t know God when we met, but she was motivated to help and serve people. We met about 20 people, and we trained them in Nordic walking techniques.

Sometimes after training sessions we’d tell them about the eight principles of a healthy lifestyle and read the Bible with them. We also showed them how to pray. Now every training session begins and ends with prayer.

In Siberia, frost and snow arrive in October. So in winter, our group engages in indoor exercises while we wait for warmer weather.

We meet with our group members three times a week. We also spend holidays with them, such as Mother’s Day, New Year’s Day, and Christmas. We’ve all found health, friendship, and a relationship with God.

Several members of our group shared their impressions with us, including a woman named Irina. “I began to participate in the Nordic walking group, and it gave me health,” she said. “I have a good mood and feel better after Nordic walking and other physical exercises.”

“I like that all classes begin with a prayer,” said Svetlana. “Our instructors are believers, and they are also professionals. They show how to do the exercises correctly and find the individual plan of exercises for each person. They always show a friendly attitude. My health has become better.”

“We have relevant, useful, effective exercises under the guidance of a coach,” Galina said. “There is a wonderful friendly atmosphere, excellent conditions for classes. I met new friends; I invited my relatives and friends. Several times I was at the worship service, and I really liked it.”