there is a bit change in Russian law that will change the way our team works in Russia, so we need prayer for that. But first let me show a few photos give a report of some good things going on.
First, we hosted a team meeting for all the AGWM workers in Siberia and the Russian Far East. It was a wonderful time as folks gathered from Irkutsk, Ulan Ude, Kyzyl, Perm and Yekaterinburg to Khabarovsk. We worshipped together, prayed for each other, played games, took walks, ate meals and even had a business meeting. Then each returned to where the Lord has them doing ministry. We had a great time with the Siberia team. Here is a photo of us in our living room.
Another praise report is that Tonya has finished the medical examination (10 different doctors) for the adoption process. Only a few more other documents to gather and we can submit them for Deanna's adoption.
The Christian homeless shelter here has been successfully registered as an NGO, and their name now is officially "Open Heart." After the team from Texas put a roof on the new building the residents have been working one heating their new home. On Tuesday (two days ago) they finished installing the radiators, pump, pipes and boiler. They turned it on and it began to heat the home. Just in time, since the highs are right around freezing point these days. Here is a photo of one of the church members who helped install the system standing in front of the wood/coal fire boiler.
This weekend we are taking our entire Khabarovsk team to the village of Novi Orgal. You can't get there by car, except when the rivers are frozen in the winter. We are going to take the train. This will be the first time Aaron, Beth or Elf have ever taken a train in Russia, let alone traveled on the famed Trans-Siberian Railway. It is 14 hours each way. In Novi Orgal we will meet with the local church and do an outreach among the youth. Please pray for the outreach to go well.
The big change in Russian law is a set of new restrictions on visas. New Russian visas will only be issued to Americans in countries where Americans are allowed to live for more than 90 days, and that is a very short list. The other restriction is that out of every 180 days that the visa is valid the visa-holder must leave the country for 90 days. As you can see, this would have a major effect on foreigners who live here. Cecil's present visa is good until March, but when he gets a new visa the restrictions would apply. Tonya and the kids have Russian citizenship, so they are unaffected. Aaron and Beth are getting new visa's in December, so we are looking into how this will effect them. Please pray for us to have wisdom, and to be able to live and work here effectively.
In early December we will be hosting a pastor's conference near Khabarovsk. Please pray for us to keep track of the many details and for those who will be speaking at the conference.
Also, we need to get another newsletter in the mail. Please pray for Cecil to be creative and inspired.
Because of Him,
Cecil, Tonya, Timothy, Vera and Deanna
