we had a great trip to Moscow where we worked with the "Russia Without Orphans" conference. We met a lot of people who truly have a heart for helping orphans. Much of the conference was dedicated to learning how to work alongside the Russian government. Five ladies from Khabarovsk went with us, giving good representation to the Russian Far East. We were delighted to see a pastor from a city north of Khabarovsk also attending.
Here is one of our team members involved in a presentation.
While this conference won't immediately effect the work we are doing, we learned a number of things, made good contacts with others, and hopefully will leave a good influence with future government relations. Since all the orphanages in Russia are government run, this is very important. It was also a good time of relation-building for our ministry team.
As we mentioned in our last update, here are some photos of the lady and baby who stayed with us.
Timothy also got a chance to help.
The ladies have returned to their apartment now that some of the big brothers in the church "talked with" the people they were afraid of. Things seem fine right now.
Anya (an orphan graduate who we also mentioned in our last email update) has been released from jail. She has been staying with the Hinson family (the other A/G mission family in Khabarovsk) and will soon move into a Christian rehab center in the city. It's been good to see a team working together to help someone in need. Please pray for Anya that she could find a job (to pay off her restitution costs), and especially for her walk with the Lord. She's just now getting a start in life.
Life Skills continues. We have another orphanage interested in sending children. Please pray that we can form a good relationship with them, and that the Lord would use this program to touch the children's lives. We also pray for the food before we eat it, and, so far, so good!
One of the big needs in our neck of the woods (meaning the Russian Far East) is for more training of pastors. Next week the first seminary level classes for protestants will begin. This will be under the direction of Kiev Theological Seminary. Two professors with be staying at our place next week, and will be teaching the first group, which is mostly pastors. Tonya will assist some with translation. There are sure to be some unexpected difficulties, so please pray for the teachers, the students, and the translators.
Cecil has been working on our latest newsletter. Take a sneak preview at http://101649.agwebservices2.org/SiteFiles/101649/Content/Newsletter/Newsletter%202013%20April.pdf
We are making plans to come to the States this Summer/Fall for another mini-itineration. We're in the process of trying to get Diana a visa to the States. We still wait for her to get an immigrant visa to become a U.S. citizen. It's sure to happen, but the immigration services have a big load. Please pray for our documents to all be in place at the right time.
Web sites to check out:
Information about Khabarovsk Krai:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthJpz8Eutg&feature=endscreen
A more on-the-ground, but, ahh, somewhat less professional video of Khabarovsk City:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqotquyUDtc
10 wonders of the USSR:
http://englishrussia.com/2011/05/25/7-abandoned-wonders-of-the-ussr/
Some information about the orphan situation in Russia:
http://www.bigfamilyministry.org/russian_orphan_information.html
How much do you know about Russia? A quiz:
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/2012/0202/Do-you-know-anything-about-Russia-A-quiz/City-I?nav=650541-csm_article-bottomRelated
AGWM has created a web site where donations can be made to our ministry. If you feel lead, you can check out this web site as well:
on-line giving:
http://s1.ag.org/eshelman
Say, we're always looking for folks who want to join the team. If you know anyone who would like to come to Khabarovsk and minister, just let us know. Maybe it will be you!
From Russia with Love,
Cecil, Tonya, Timothy, Vera and Diana
