Dear Friends,
Merry Christmas. Yes, today – January 7th -
is Christmas in Russia. After opening presents, we went to the church we
attend here and had a great Christmas Service. We invited a number of
friends who attended with us. So, Merry Christmas!!!
Since arriving back in Khabarovsk four weeks ago we’ve been
adapting. First, to the time change (we’re 15 hours ahead of North
Carolina). Also, the temperature change (highs of about zero F the last
few days). And doing front line ministry, rather than speaking in
American Churches. So far, so good. We’re definitely not in North
Carolina any more. Here’s a photo of us in the snow in front of an ice
sculpture at a nearby city square.
We took some orphanage graduates that we know to visit the
square, also. We had a great time.
Since schools and many businesses have been closed for New
Years (Christmas is a minor, one-day holiday in Russia, but schools close for
about ten days for New Year’s Day), we’ve been going into a nearby orphanage
and playing table games with the kids. A team of volunteers from the
churches has been helping us.
Our Life Skills classes continued while we were in the
States, being led by the volunteer team. It was good to join back in.
Oh, we can’t forget to mention, Vera had a birthday.
Now we have another teenager in the family. Oh, my.
It’s good to be home again. We thank God that doors
remain open to minister in the orphanages. Hope Center is doing
well.
Please pray for us to have wisdom. There are several
opportunities to expand our ministry, but we want to do it in the way that will
bring long-term results.
Please also pray for our health. It’s been a challenge
going through the adjustments.
Oh, yes,… Happy New Year!
From Cecil, Tonya, Timothy, Vera and Diana
