RLCMussiaS WORLD MISSIONandTOUR the Baltics May 22 - June 4, 2007 Hosted by The Rev. Dr. Robert & Kristi Roegner The Rev. Dr. William & Carol Diekelman The Rev. Brent & Jennie Smith w o c s o M , n i l m e r K e h t d n a e r a u q S d e R

Dear Friends of LCMS World Mission,

One never knows where and when God will open a door for the Good News of Jesus. With the fall of the Iron Curtain, God opened a door of huge opportunity in and Eastern . The collapse of European Communism also brought us in touch--and in partnership--with fellow Lutherans who by God's grace had remained steadfast in the faith through decades of persecuMOSCOWtion. Today, LCMS World Mission and its partners are Ablaze! as seek to share the Gospel with 100 million unreached or uncommitted people worldwide by 2017, the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. I invite you to join me and my wife, Kristi, and LCMS First Vice President Bill Diekelman and his wife, Carol, on a very special Ablaze! tour of Russia, Latvia, and . Joining and guiding us will be LCMS World Mission's regional director, Rev. Brent Smith, and his STwife, Jennie. . PETERSBURG Not only will we visit some of 's most famous, historic, and grand sites, but you will have the rare opportunity to meet with LCMS missionaries and fellow Lutherans from our partner churches for a first-hand look at how God is using them to proclaim the Gospel in a region once closed to us. We look forward to having you with us!

RIGAIn His service … and yours, The Rev. Dr. Robert M. Roegner GROUP Executive Director TRAVEL DIRECTORS LCMS World Mission enriching lives through travel since 1982 Russia and the Baltics Ablaze! Russia just over a year ago, classical Lutheran music concerts have In Russia, the Christian legacy is more than 1,000 years old, dating reached more than 4,000 people with the Gospel in five , from the baptism of the Slavs in 988. The beginnings of go back nearly as far in Latvia, which also became one including St. Petersburg. St. Michael Lutheran Church there was of the earliest lands to embrace the Lutheran Reformation. converted into a sports-equipment factory by the Communists, but now it is a church once again and holds weekly concerts. St. Most of Eurasia, in fact, has a Christian history that goes back for Michael offers one of many mission models for the other 75 new centuries. But today, fewer than 5 percent of the more than 700 Lutheran churches spread across the Russian Federation. million people in Eurasia attend church regularly. The emphasis on LCMS World Mission in Eurasia is to reconnect people there to Throughout Eurasia, LCMS World Mission is working with and their Christian heritage--because the heritage of this region needs through partner churches, including in Russia, Latvia, and to be more than beautiful, but empty, historic . Lithuania. Through the Ablaze! movement, LCMS World Mission and its partners are all about reconnecting people to their Christian In Russia today, one way that Jesus is reconnecting to people is heritage by connecting them to the person of Jesus Christ! through music. Since the Ablaze! movement began to spread in

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

TUE 22 MAY Depart US Russia. This afternoon continue with other MON 28 MAY St. Petersburg Board connecting flights in your home cities Lutheran visits. Return to your for din- Visit Lutheran churches including St. bound for . The group departs ner and overnight. (B,D) Michael's and St. Mary's with a stop at the Chicago on the overnight Consistory (Bishop's office). This afternoon to via SAS. (Meals in-flight) SAT 26 MAY Moscow/Night train to St. Petersburg visit the village church in Yuki. Back in St. This morning is at leisure for individual Petersburg, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant WED 23 MAY Arrive Moscow activities. This afternoon tour the Kremlin, followed by a midnight river and canal cruise, Connect in Copenhagen this afternoon with the 12th century walled fortress that has "White Night Under the Open Bridges." (B,D) the continuing flight to Moscow, the dynam- come to symbolize the power and mystery ic capital of Russia. Upon late afternoon of Russia. Walk the grounds that have been TUE 29 MAY St. Petersburg arrival, meet your Russian escort and motor- witness to many tragic and famous events in Enjoy a full day of locally guided sightsee- coach for the transfer to your hotel. Russian history. Today the Kremlin is one of ing. See some of the most beautiful places Following check-in, gather for a welcome the largest museums in the world with state in the : Nevsky , and the dinner at the hotel. (Meals in-flight, D) regalia, invaluable , and treasures of Square with the magnificent Winter Palace, the Tsars stored in the chambers and cathe- built in style by the great Italian THU 24 MAY Moscow drals. Stop for dinner at a restaurant before Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Visit the Church of the embarking on the overnight train to St. Visit the offices of LCMS World Mission this Saviour on Spilled Blood, created in the Petersburg (two-berth compartments). style of Moscow's St. Basil's and extrava- morning. This afternoon embark on a local- Night train (B,D) ly guided tour of Moscow (no inside visits). gantly adorned in splendid finishings. Drive The city was founded in the 12th century past the first construction in the city, the and emerged as the heart of a unified SUN 27 MAY Arrive St. Petersburg imposing and Paul's Fortress, with the Russian state in the 15th century. Today the Arrive in St. Petersburg this morning. Peter where many Russian Tsars are city dominates the political and economic the Great envisioned Russia as a grand buried. View St. Isaac's, which is one of the developments of the redefined, European, seafaring power and built St. three largest domed cathedrals in the world; Russia. See the world famous , Petersburg in 1701-03, to take advantage of its huge golden dominates the entire the whimsical St. Basil's Cathedral with its its location on the Gulf of Finland and the city. Enjoy time this afternoon for lunch on colorful onion , and the Novodevichy Baltic Sea. Disembark from the train for your own and to explore along Nevsky Convent. View the city from the observa- breakfast before beginning visits. Transfer to Prospekt. Meet as a group to end the after- tion platform near the University. Return to Kultishe to visit the Ingrian seminary and noon at one of the world's richest art muse- your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D) church for Sunday worship. Also visit ums, the Hermitage. The collection, begun another village church nearby. Transfer by , was enriched by all FRI 25 MAY Moscow back to the city for hotel check-in, dinner the Russian Royalties and embraces the his- and overnight. (B,D) tory of the world of art. (B,D) This morning visit representatives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in

HE REV. DR. ROBERT M. ROEGNER HE REV. DR. WILLIAM DIEKELMAN HE REV. BRENT SMITH is LCMS World Thas been executive director of LCMS Twas elected in 2004 to serve as first vice TMission's regional director for Eurasia, World Mission since 2001. He also has president of The Lutheran Church-Missouri an that includes Europe and the for- served as an evangelistic missionary/church Synod. He has been a parish pastor (St. mer Union. In this role, Brent pro- planter among the Kisi Nation in Liberia, Mark Lutheran Church, Elko, Nev., and vides leadership and support to the mis- West Africa; area secretary for Africa, Faith Lutheran Church, Owasso, Okla.), a sionaries in the region, facilitates work and Europe, and the Middle East with the circuit counselor and first vice president of partnerships with national churches, and explores new possibilities for work among LCMS Board for Mission Services; execu- the Oklahoma District, and for more than a people who do not yet know the Lord tive director of Lutheran Bible Translators; dozen years, president of the Oklahoma Jesus. He began service with LCMS World and senior pastor of Zion Evangelical District. He also has served on a variety of Mission as the business manager for the Lutheran Church and School, Westwood, district and Synod committees and current- Kazakhstan field in 1995. After two years N.J. He was instrumental in creating the ly sits on the Board of Directors for Wheat of service, he entered Concordia Seminary, vision for Ablaze!, a worldwide movement Ridge Ministries. Bill and his wife Carol St. Louis, Mo., and during the 1999-2000 to share the Good News of Jesus with 100 have six children and two granddaughters. school year, served his vicarage in million unreached or uncommitted people Moscow, Russia. Brent then received his by the 500th anniversary of the first call in 2001, to serve as evangelistic Reformation in 2017. He and his wife missionary to Moscow. He, Jennie, and Kristi have four children. Your Tour Hosts their three children currently reside in Frankfurt, Germany. C WED 30 MAY St. Petersburg/Night train to SAT 02 JUN Riga/Vilnius COST SUMMARY Enjoy a morning at leisure for individual Depart for Vilnius with a stop en route in pursuits. This afternoon continue with Kedainiai, a famous Lutheran center in the $ visits to LCMS partner missions followed by 17th century. Meet a local pastor and visit 3979 dinner at a restaurant before boarding the two of the 17th century Lutheran churches. Group flights from Chicago/O’Hare night train to Riga (two-berth compart- Continue to Vilnius, the capital of ments). Night train (B,D) Lithuania, a sprawling yet cozy and homey Tour gratuities ($97)...... Included city that is over 700 years old. Take a Airport/Foreign Departure Taxes ($300)...... Included THU 31 MAY Arrive Riga locally guided tour through the narrow winding of the Old Town with its Russia Visa Fee ($110)...... Included Disembark and meet your Latvian escort elegant Gothic, splendid Baroque and and motorcoach. Stop for breakfast at a Single room supplement...... $699 solemn Neo-classical churches: St. Anne's, very limited availability on request basis local restaurant before beginning your St. Casimir's, St. Peter and Paul's, and the morning of beautiful Riga. GTD can assist in finding roommates; cathedral. View the of Dawn and its however, this cannot be guaranteed Start with Vecriga, the Old City, with its miraculous of the Virgin Mary, numerous medieval buildings in the maze Gedimus Castle rising above the city center The tour cost is per person based on current airfare from of the old town's crooked streets. Visit the and the university, a famous center of sci- Chicago (other cities available), double occupancy, Arsenal building, partially enfolded in the ence and enlightenment since it was tariffs and currency valuations as of June 2006, Old City's wall, and the 13th century St. founded in 1579. Check in at your hotel a minimum of 30 travelers, and subject to confirmation. James Cathedral with its 240-foot steeple. for dinner and overnight. (B,D) While we will do everything possible to maintain the listed This magnificent domed Lutheran price and/or itinerary, they are subject to change due to Cathedral was built in the year 1212. The circumstances beyond our control. Single room supplements cathedral is known for its colorful medieval SUN 03 JUN Vilnius may have limited availability and are on a request basis only. stained glass windows and a spectacular This morning worship with a local 6,768-pipe organ, one of the most splendid Lutheran congregation and join them for organs in the world. Next see "Tirs Brali" fellowship followed by visits with other of Dawn, Vilnius (Three Brothers), three architectural gems of Lutheran partners in Vilnius. There will be typically Rigan houses. This afternoon some time before dinner for walking begin visits with the Latvian Lutheran com- through the Old City where cafes, shops munity. Check in at your hotel for dinner and fascinating galleries abound. and overnight. (B,D) Gather this evening for a farewell dinner and traditional Lithuanian folk show. (B,D) FRI 01 JUN Riga This morning continue with Lutheran visits in MON 04 JUN Return to U.S. the countryside. Return to Riga for an after- Transfer to the airport this morning for the noon at leisure for individual activities. The return flights to the U.S. Arrive home this capital of Latvia is an important port at the same day enriched with the discoveries of mouth of the Daugava River and was one of faith and culture in Russia and the Baltic the Hanseatic League cities in the Middle region. (B, Meals in-flight) Ages. The first chronicled mention of Riga dates back to the year 1201. Today Riga has Code: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner a population of over 800,000. (B,D) Itinerary subject to change Visits subject to confirmation

RESERVATION APPLICATION PHOTOCOPY OR CLIP & MAIL LCMS World Mission Baltics May 22, 2007 (G#070502) ~ Group Travel Directors ~ 2000 W 98th , Minneapolis, MN 55431

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Parent or guardian signature required for travelers under age 18. G advance to secure the best rates and TOUR INCLUSIONS For more information, contact schedule, but no later than January 16, 2007. A minimum fee of $100 per per- • Round-trip economy class airfare Group Travel Directors son will apply for changes to group from Chicago via SAS Scandinavian flights. In the event the group airfare is or other ARC/IATA approved 2000 West 98th Street too restrictive to accommodate your trav- scheduled carrier. Bloomington, MN 55431-2593 el plans, you may wish to purchase the • Ten nights accommodation in superi- Tel: 952-881-7811 or 800-747-2255 "land-only" portion of this tour and either or tourist and first class , double Fax: 952-881-6276 ask GTD for personalized air assistance occupancy, with private facilities. or make your own flight arrangements. Hotels as listed or similar. Email: [email protected] • Two nights first-class accommodation www.gtd.org LATE BOOKINGS: Passengers register- aboard overnight trains, two-berth ing within thirty days of tour departure compartments. Or will be charged a $50 per person fee. • Breakfast and dinner daily as outlined Tour payment in full is required before we can request and confirm space. This in the itinerary. LCMS World Mission • Transfers and transportation by deluxe fee does not cover any additional motorcoach. Mission Tours or ground service charges. • Extensive sightseeing throughout; 1333 South Kirkwood Road entrance fees included. St. Louis, MO 63122-7295 NOTE TO OUR TRAVELERS • Luggage handling of one piece per Tel: 314-996-1339 Please be assured that GTD continually person. Email: [email protected] • An experienced English-speaking tour monitors events, such as airline escort for Russia and another for strikes and bankruptcies, etc. If any such Latvia-Lithuania. events affect your tour, you will be noti- Riga fied. At the time this tour was developed • Gratuities to drivers and guides (for there was not a U.S. State Department your convenience, $97 per person Travel Warning in effect for this destina- has been included). tion; please refer to the following website • Airport/foreign departure taxes and for current information or call Group airline fuel surcharges (currently $300 Travel Directors: per person). http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/t • Russian visa (fee currently $110 per w_1764.html person) is required for U.S. citizens; GTD will assist with processing. CONDITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITY • Comprehensive documentation including travel accessory, bag tags, Group Travel Directors (GTD) provides customized travel name tags, flight and land itineraries, planning throughout the world for group travelers who destination literature, customs infor- have a variety of reasons and goals for travel. The goals mation, travel tips and more. TOUR CONDITIONS and/or opinions of these groups do not reflect or imply the position of GTD in any matter. Brochure contents Items Not Included PAYMENT SCHEDULE: Your reservation may not be duplicated without permission from GTD. In and deposit of $400 per person are offering these travel arrangements, Group Travel • Fuel surcharges and/or tax increases Directors, Inc. (GTD) acts solely as an agent for the sale of requested immediately to fulfill the group air transportation and other travel related services. GTD levied since the pricing of this tour. deadline requirements. The group status • Beverages other than coffee/tea at maintains no control over the personnel, equipment or will be reviewed January 16, 2007. operations of any entity furnishing services, products or breakfast. Note that space is limited and reserva- accommodations. GTD assumes no responsibility or liabili- • Any meal or sightseeing item not list- tions are taken on a first come, first ty for, and shall not be expected, asked or required to pay ed in the itinerary. served basis. Final payment is due for any injury, damage, expense, personal injury, property • Items of a personal nature. March 16, 2007. For credit card pay- damage, inconvenience or any other loss experienced by • Optional insurance for health, bag- ment Group Travel Directors accepts reason of: (1) any intentional, wrongful, negligent or gage, and trip cancellation/interrup- Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover unauthorized act or omission on the part of any supplier, or American Express. its agents or employees; (2) any defect, breakdown or tion is not included and highly rec- other failure of any vehicle, equipment, service, product ommended. GTD offers a competi- or other instrumentality which is owned, operated or oth- tive policy from an independent com- REFUND POLICY: All cancellations erwise used by a supplier; (3) any intentional, wrongful, pany. NOTE: By purchasing insur- must be in writing. There is no refund negligent, or unauthorized act or omission on the part of ance at the time your initial tour for partial or unused land arrangements. any other party not under the direct control of GTD; (4) deposit is made, you can be covered Note: Airline tickets will be issued well financial problems causing nonperformance by any suppli- for events that may cause you to can- in advance prior to departure and may er; or (5) any other cause, condition or event whatsoever cel or interrupt your trip, i.e., pre- be nonrefundable. The following penal- beyond the direct control of GTD. GTD cannot guarantee ties will apply: Up to February 15, any rates, bookings or reservations of any supplier. Your existing medical conditions, travel retention of tickets, reservations or bookings after provider bankruptcy or default, and 2007- $100 per person handling fee plus any unrecoverable deposits; February 16 issuance shall constitute a consent to the foregoing provi- terrorism (certain restrictions apply). - May 14, 2007 - Deposit plus any unre- sions. All prices quoted are subject to change if airlines or Contact GTD for further information coverable payments to hotels, tour oper- ground operators increase their prices, the U.S. dollar is before making your reservation. devalued significantly against foreign currencies, the ators or airlines; May 15, 2007 and after group falls below minimum numbers, or a fuel surcharge, • Passport fees. A passport valid six - No refund. months beyond date of reentry to the government tax or user's fee is imposed. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners U.S. is required. CHANGES TO GROUP FLIGHTS: Tour at all times. GTD reserves the right to withdraw from any prices are based on roundtrip group air tour any tour member whose conduct is incompatible travel for the travel dates and cities with the interests of the group as a whole. The above shown. The group airfare contract for Conditions and Responsibility also includes David this tour may not allow travelers to make Mahsman, Rev. Dr. Robert and Kristi Roegner, Rev. Dr. any date or itinerary changes. If you are William and Carol Diekelman, Rev. Brent and Jennie considering other dates or cities, please Smith, Lutheran World Mission and its affiliates. submit your request in writing well in