it was a delight this past Sunday morning to attend church and not speak. We got to just be normal worshippers. This is the first Sunday this year that Cecil hasn't been speaking somewhere. Over the Summer the whole family has been on the road together speaking at about 10 churches a month. But this change is just a prelude to the BIG change. We bought one-way tickets to Russia. The tickets are for September 5th (across the Pacific, via South Korea). We're eager to get back to where the Lord has for us to do ministry. The next two weeks will be the time of a thousand details as we pack our bags, put stuff in storage, get our documents ready, make sure every bill is paid, sell our van, turn off our phones, say good-byes and all the rest.
On a related note, Cecil received his official Letter of Invitation to receive a one-year religious worker visa. He has submitted that letter - along with this passport, an application, and the proper fee - to the Russian Embassy. We expect to recieve his passport back with a visa inside it about a week before we depart to Russia. Since our plan is for him to apply for a Russian resident permit (like a "green card") once we get to Khabarovsk, the real paperwork will begin after we arrive. The rest of the family have Russian citizenship, so they don't need any visa.
Please pray that all the details will come together and all will go smoothly.
One special, extra-ordinary speaking event for us was getting to lead the "missions moments" at a family reunion two weeks ago. Over sixty family members were there, and since the last reunion (three years ago) about a dozen had been on an outreach somewhere, or was active on the field in ministry. Cecil was Master of Ceremonies, and everyone who had been on a trip got to share about their experience.
In the churches, Tonya, Tim, Vera and Deanna often lead children's church presentations. The kids were often fascinated with the Russian dolls.
Whenever we could, we'd stop to take in the scenery.
Please pray that the Lord of the Harvest would send laborers into the harvest field of Russia. We have a few individuals who are communicating with us about coming to Khabarovsk and serving with us there. Pray that God would direct them and equip them.
If you have any questions about or interest in coming to Khabarovsk sometime, please send us an email. We'd love to talk with you about it.
Blessings,
Cecil, Tonya, Timothy, Vera and Deanna
