Cecil recently returned from a trip to Moscow where he attended a conference. The subject was how to help orphans transition into independent living upon graduation from their orphanage. Studies show that only about 10% of orphans in Russia successfully navigate this transition. Quite of lot of information was presented, and Cecil found it very helpful in understanding the problems, and possible ways of helping. The situation is more complicated than we originally thought. We continue to seek the Lord in regards of how to implement our ministry to the older orphans.
While Cecil was gone Tonya continued to visit one of the orphanages where we have an open door. Right now she is teaching on character development with a spiritual emphasis. We've been forming relationships with the kids (and the staff). We plan to become their friends and remain in touch with the orphans after they graduate.
Tonya also translated for a team of Americans who came to encourage the village churches. Two members on the team were in their 80's. One of them would tell stories from his experiences in the battle on Okinawa during World War II. Sometimes his stories became so humorous that Tonya couldn't stop laughing and the audience had to wait a while to get the translation. They were very, very well received.
Just before his trip to Moscow Cecil accidentally pressed a button on his cell phone that caused it to "lock" and require a four-digit code to "unlock" it. We couldn't find a code number with the paperwork so we went to the store that sold it to us. They tried to unlock it but were unable. They said there was a place with a computer that could unlock it, but they didn't know where that place was. Completely stymied, Cecil said,"Oh Lord, what can we do? I don't have time to try every four-digit number there is." He then entered the first four-digit number that came to mind, and the phone unlocked. He immediately memorized that number for future reference. Thank you to whoever was praying for us that day.
Today we celebrated Thanksgiving with some friends here. O.K., we know we are a few days early, but Cecil and Jason will be getting on a train tomorrow morning and going to the city of Ulan Ude. The trip takes 52 hours. They will be meeting with other members of the AGWM team who serve in Siberia. Tonya and the kids will stay in Khabarovsk since Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Russia, and schools will be in session.
Snow now covers the ground here. It won't melt off until March. If you like winter, come give us a visit. No need to hurry, we will have another winter next year. But actually, we recommend Russia in the summer.
Thinking of Russia in the summer, we are in the planning stages to have a team come to Khabarovsk. If you are interested in a summer mission trip, let us know. We can send you more information.
Please pray for Cecil and Jason's trip, for open doors for ministry, for the summer team, and for some folks who are making plans to come to work with us long-term.
Blessings,
Cecil, Tonya, Timothy and Vera
