We were recently invited to an orphanage where we've never been before. The young lady who invited us told us that she would arrange everything and we could just go along and meet a class. At the last moment she told us that the guitar player wasn't coming so we would have to do the program. So on the fly we did a program we've done before at another orphanage. The kids were very responsive and we had a great time. We now plan to go back regularly. Here's a photo of us with them.
We've had some divine appointments in the last few weeks. We went to a little restaurant where we had never been before and got in a conversation with the lady who runs it. She is Chinese but speaks some Russian. We found that she leads a small congregation of Chinese Christians who live in Khabarovsk. She has been saved only three years, and feels inadequate since she has never had any theological training. She wanted to take the congregation through an "Alpha Course" but thought it wouldn't be possible since she thought it was only in English and Russian. Cecil has and Aunt and Uncle who are involved with Alpha and found from them that it is indeed available in Chinese. We're placing an order for the course and making plans to do a Chinese "Alpha Course" outreach right in this lady's restaurant. Please pray for everything to come together for this. It is estimated that there are over 30,000 Chinese in the city of Khabarovsk.
Sergei, who used to be our driver, is busy leading the new homeless shelter. When they started the shelter a few months ago they prayed for twenty homeless people to live there. Now they have thirty. They've acquired a big used military tent and have filled it with beds. Everyone rises early every morning to their assigned tasks as they live in Christian community with one another. They help each other live a new, clean life. Every evening they hold a one-and-a-half hour worship service (and attend a regular church service on Sundays). They've begun work on the foundation of a new building, doing most of the work themselves. God has provided, but please pray that finances will become available to finish enough of the building to be able house the women before the winter gets too cold.
We praise the Lord that he has provided Sergei with a pledge for a small income (for his work with the homeless). This came quite unexpectedly and he is very grateful.
Right now our biggest prayer request is for a pastor's conference we are hosting October 11-14. We expect over 60 to be in attendance. There are a lot of loose ends to tie up and things to be organized. Please pray for us to have clear minds, for the Spirit to guide everything, and for these precious servants of the Lord to be refreshed and encouraged.
Oh, some personal news. Vera has started first grade. Timothy has moved up to second. The first day of school in Russia is a big deal, everyone gives flowers to their teacher and there is a big assembly. Here is Vera on her way to class with her new classmates.
May the Lord bless you keep you,
Cecil, Tonya, Timothy & Vera
