we're in the endgame of raising our support to be able to return to Russia, with about 93% of our budget raised. We're not done, however, so please continue to pray for us to receive the remainder or our required support quickly, so that we can return to Russia by the end of August. Also, we'll be travelling quite a bit in July, speaking in churches to broaden our support base. In July we'll be speaking in Alabama, Texas, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina (both in the Mountains and the Outer Banks). Please pray that we'll be able to minister to those we speak to, that our travels will be safe, and that we would remain refreshed rather than exhausted.
We've been trying to do a bit of writing in addition to speaking. An article about the Open Heart homeless shelter has been published in Faces of Eurasia. You can see it by clicking on http://101649.agwebservices2.org/SiteFiles/101649/Content/FacesofEurasia_June_09.pdf where we've posted it on our web site. Also, we're mailing out our latest newsletter. We've put a copy on our web site and the link is http://101649.agwebservices2.org/SiteFiles/101649/Content/Newsletter/NL2009June.pdf or you can go to our home page at http://eshelman.info and find them there along with copies of other articles and newsletters (if you have problems with the web site, let us know and we'll email you the materials). Please pray that these mailings would generate increased support for both us and the homeless shelter.
Deanna, Vera and Timothy have finished their school year well. We're very proud of them. They've also done a good job of putting up with their parents and going to all kinds of places and churches. Lately they've even been speaking in children's churches. Here they are at a scenic overlook.
We are hoping to Return to Russia by the end of August. Three main things need to happen before we are able to depart. First, we must raise sufficient financial support to meet our budget. Second, Cecil need to receive a Russian Visa. Third, we need to buy our tickets. We really can't buy the tickets until the first two things happen. Since flights into Khabarovsk are often booked several weeks in advance, everything will need to fall into place just right for us to be in Khabarovsk before September.
This year of itineration we've been staying in a "mission house" provided by Calvary Church in Greensboro, NC. They purchased the house (which is right next to the church) for missionaries to stay in when they are State-side. It has been a real blessing to us. So Tonya cooked a Russian meal for the staff, with a variety of Russian foods just like you might get in Russia. If you'd like the recipes, just let us know.
This month several of the young people we worked with in Russia will be leaving the orphanage system. We've been unable to stay in touch with them over the last year so we don't know if they have any plans for the future or any place to stay (we're quite certain most of them will be homeless). We're not sure how we could find them once we return to Russia. Please pray that the Lord would shelter them under the shadow of His wing.
Faith and Blessings to You All,
Cecil, Tonya, Timothy, Vera and Deanna
