Wednesday, August 03, 2005

Between Camping and Vacation

Dear Friends,

On Sunday we got back from helping to feed mosquitoes during the island campout. Cecil found the five days to be a great challenge to his Russian language skills, actually frustrating sometimes. But at the same time it provided an unlimited amount of practice. It was also neat being able to look up the river and see China.
Mostly we assisted with supervising the youngest group of boys. So we went on hikes, played games, led devotions, went swimming, did crafts, ate camp food, told bed-time stories and made friends. Our goals were to draw each of the boys closer to God, and to wear them out before they wore us out. We were successful in the first goal, but the second was more like a tie.

It really was a great time in the Lord at camp. Here are a few photos:


Some of the kids during free time. (Vera and Timothy on left)


Our group during craft time in the big tent.


Here is the boat we used to get to the island. It took a lot of trips to get everyone across.
Those mountains in the background are on the Russian side of the mainland. I mentioned I'd love to go camping there sometime, and was told they don't allow that right now because a tiger has moved into that area (but we were safe on the island).


The kids asking questions after a Bible lesson. (Tonya on left)


The group out for a hike.


Cecil tried to carry his own weight during the campout.

We're looking forward to going again next year. Cecil expects his Russian skills to be better by then.

We are preparing to host a pastor's conference at the end of September. It has been several years since the pastors in this area have been able to get together, but we have laid plans for them have a retreat at a local resort (well, rustic Russian style resort) for a couple of days. We've lined up our main speaker, but some details are still being worked out. Please pray for these preparations and for the pastors of this area, many of whom get little fellowship or support and yet continue to labor for the kingdom.

The Christian Kindergarten we've been helping to start has run into some opposition from neighbors. They are afraid the children will be too loud. We're not sure why this is a problem since the children will only be there during the day, but they have lodged complains and it hasn't even opened yet. Please pray that the neighbors will have a change of heart and the opposition will fade away.

Timothy has been forming some good friendships here, but he still misses his best friends from America. Every night when he says his bedtime prayers he prays, "please bless A.J., John-Mark and Peter." Last month he began to include his new Russian friends. Please pray that he continues to build good relationships here, and for him to feel like he fits in here.

We will be going on vacation tomorrow. We'll be visiting Tonya's family. We haven't seen most of them for several years now. This will also be a good break before school starts for Cecil and the kids this fall.

We so appreciate your prayers and your support. If there is anything we can do for you, let us know. God bless you and keep you.

Because of Him,
Cecil, Tonya, Timothy & Vera