"Acting with mercy, serving with joy"

Mike attended St. James as a boy. His parents, Jim and Nancy, have been members for over 40 years. After attending UGA, Mike moved to Texas and, while running two small businesses, served as the administrator of Red River Church in Austin.

In January of 2000, Mike had his first visit to Russia on a short-term trip to serve orphans. During that short stay, the Lord put a love of Russia in his heart. After working for three months in Russian youth camps that summer, the Lord led Mike to move to Russia full-time in November of 2000 to establish and direct a Russian charity, now named MIR. In February of 2001 the Lord brought Olga as a coworker, and they were married the following November.

Through Mike and Olga, St. James has become actively involved in ministry in Russia--sending mission teams, providing humanitarian aid, supporting a worker (Sasha Sharoyko) in Russia, and hosting Russians in Athens for visits. God has built many good, long-lasting relationships and the Cantrells are thankful to be a part of the St. James family.

Thank you for your help,
Mike

Mike continues as the Director of MIR, a Russian Charitable Public Organization, based in St. Petersburg, chartered to help the poor, orphans, and widows, and to conduct cultural exchange and educational programs.

Visit www.mir-russia.com and www.cantrell.cc for more information about Mike and Olga's life and work in Russia.