We're presently in the States. Our flights went well, and it was fun crossing the international date line going East-ward for the first time (arriving in the States earlier then when we left Asia). We spent Christmas at Cecil's brother's house while recovering from the jet lag.
The World Missions Summit was incredible. There were almost 4,000 students and endless activities. Cecil was asked to dress as a Russian Orthodox Priest and to take a part in the "Eurasia Experience." It was a one hour presentation that introduced students to various cultures and countries of Eurasia using sights, sounds, smells and more. They also got a chance to see those countries through the eyes of missionaries and to hear what it is like from those who have lived it.
Here is Cecil walking through the crowd.
The Eurasia Experience was presented six times to about 150 students each time. We also helped man the Eurasia information booth, join the large group gatherings, celebrate new years with the students, worship, pray with students and more. A big high-light of the Summit for us was the Meal-with-a-missionary. For four meals we sat at a table with students and talked about important issues relating to preparation and ministry on the field. It was absolutely delightful to converse and share our hearts with the young people there. We felt energized all over again. Here are photos of two of the groups we interacted with.
(Oh yes, that is us in the Russian costumes)
Please pray for those young people that the Lord of the Harvest would show them where they fit in his plans for the harvest. There is nothing better than being where God wants you to be and doing what God wants you to do. We pray that some of those young folks would come work with us for a time in Khabarovsk.
If you want to check out some more information about the World Missions Summit you could look at the Eurasia web sites: http://www.eurasia.blogs.com/ and http://www.eurasiacommunity.org/
I can't forget to mention that Vera had her birthday on New Years Eve. Since Tonya and Cecil were going to be at the Summit we held the party a little early, and that way her cousins were able to attend (since we had all gotten together for Christmas). It was a birthday fit for a princess.
Blow those six candles out Vera!
For those of you who were praying about the situation with the chemical spill in the River, we day we flew out of Khabarovsk we heard from the "official" channels that the toxic spill had reached the city. We had bought our tickets before the spill, and are amazed at the timing. We will return to Khabarovsk on the 21st of January, and most of the spill will have passed. While we are gone for the worst of it, many of our friends are now having to suffer from the problems of unsafe water. Please pray for the populace along the Amur River, especially that the children will be protected from any long-term problems.
Also, don't forget Jason. If his visa processes properly he will be going with us to Russia and be joining in the work there. Please pray that his visa will process and tickets be available so that he can accompany us as we return to Russia.
God bless you all.
In Him,
Cecil, Tonya, Timothy & Vera
