thank you for your prayers. Aaron and Beth have been issued visas to return to Russia, but the new visa law has placed new limitations on them. Their visas are multi-entry and good for six months, but of those six months they may only spend three of them in Russia. Therefore they will need to be outside of Russia for three of the next six months. We do not yet have plans in place for them for the time they cannot be in Russia. Please pray for us to have wisdom about what to do.
Our documents for Deanna's adoption have been received and a hearing has been set for December 21. They only require one more document: proof that Tonya has income. Although Cecil's income is well above the requirement for adoption, they want Tonya to show income as well. Please pray that Tonya can find a job in the next several days.
The pastor's conference went well. Attendance was 90 people, which is about twenty more than last year. Two of our speakers were Americans and both experienced divine assistance in receiving their Russian visas. We had several wonderful Russian speakers as well. Here is a photo of Kerby speaking to the group.
In addition to teaching and preaching we had time of fellowship, good food and worship. Here is a photo of a special game time. We introduced the pastors to some games that can be used to minister.
Those who attended seemed to be refreshed, built up and encouraged to return to their ministries. A great big thank you to all of our supporters. It was by your financial assistance that we were able to do this conference.
We've put up a Christmas tree. Christmas is a minor holiday in Russia (Elf has a final scheduled on Christmas day). Most Russians refer to Christmas trees as "New Year trees." But our tree is a "Christmas tree."
2008 is an election year for the president of Russia as well as in the States. A good link about the leading candidate in the Russian presidential elections is http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/dec2007/gb20071211_494032.htm He has a reputation for being family oriented. Please pray for the Russian political process that God would give leaders who will strive for times of peace where we can worship the Lord in freedom and godliness.
Your Family in Russia,
Cecil, Tonya, Timothy, Vera and Deanna
