This blog, (co-written by Jessica Dowling and MJ Murrell) chronicles our time serving in Magadan, Russia.
Our Mission here is to serve the people of Magadan through sharing the joy of Christ. Some of our ministries include teaching the Catholic faith and the English language to the local kids, hosting young adult events, leading a Women's group, opening the church for young creatives to hang out and share in fellowship, helping around the church and the city, and general relational/friendship ministry. We are striving to live the life of Nazareth and bring the light and joy of Christ to the people of this city.
Magadan is a former Stalinist era Prison Camp / Gulag that was founded in 1932, located on the sea of Okhotsk in Far Eastern Siberia. It is home to 100,000 citizens. Father Michael Shields came here in 1994 and built the Church of the Nativity of Christ, it is the only Catholic Church within 800 miles.
If you wish to get involved with the mission please check out this site!
http://www.dioceseofanchorage.org
Jessica is a recent graduate of the Franciscan University with a degree in History and Anthropology. She has some how been transported from the teenie state of Rhode Island, to the opposite side of the globe in pursuit of God's will. She loves working with her hands, meeting new people, exploring, the great outdoors, and learning new languages and cultures. She hopes to be an art teacher and a momma someday. Her personal philosophy is to love, serve and create.
MaryJean (often called 'MJ' by her friends) graduated from Franciscan University in May 2017 with a degree in Social Work. She is a proud Ohioan born and raised in Cincinnati the 'Queen city'. In her free time she enjoys adventures, experiencing the beauty of God's creation, empowering women to see their potential and worth, supporting the pro-life movement and playing the violin off-key.