Easter, It's Time For Spring

Dear Friends,

it's snowing today.  Quite beautiful outside, but frankly, I'm ready for springtime.  The Russian winter does not give into Spring so easily.

But Happy Easter!  American Easter is just over, in Russia it will be on the 12th (Orthodox calendar)

This last week we've been visiting orphanages with our ministry team and playing games with the kids (for spring break).  This gives a break for the teachers and kids, and gives us a good name among the staff.  Later we'll try to invite graduating orphans to Hope Center for game nights there.

Spelling isn't usually their strong point, so Russian scrabble was a challenge, but they sure tried.
Can you spell in Russian?

We had other word games as well.

And some games that don't need words.  We're blessed to have a team of Russians who help us with the work (such as Ina, above right, and some of our own children, such as Vera, above left). 

Life Skills lessons at Hope Center continue to go on.  Since the kids are not allowed in the kitchen at the orphanage, they seem to love working in our little kitchen at Hope Center.

Overall we're healthy and active.  We've been missing Timothy, since he stayed in the States to continue his education (prepare for college!).  Vera and Diana have had to take over some of his chores. 

Please pray for the next session of the seminary that meets at Hope Center.  It starts on the 13th of April.  That ministry is completely different than our orphan work.  The students, most of whom are already active in ministry, are working towards a fully accredited Masters Degree (M. Div.).   Please pray that all works out for our professors to come (visas, tickets, travel, etc.), for the students to be prepared, and for the lessons to be effective. 

We're excited that two churches outside of our city have become interested in the Life Skills program.  We won't be able to help them much, but they've gotten ideas from us and are thinking of starting their own programs.  Please pray for Diemitri from Komsomolsk and Katya from Nikoliviska as they try to get started in their own towns. 

On the home front:
Vera has become a fan of Tolkien's books (which are fictional), and so she celebrated Elvish New Years.  Lots of church friends were invited to bring their Elvish ears, and play elvish games (Bible charades, guessing games, etc.).  As a note: elves are not real, they are fairy tale creatures. 

Tonya plans to visit orphanages with an Easter program (using a set of Resurrection eggs) this coming week.  She's asking for prayer.  Please pray for open doors, good health, and a receptive audience.

God has given us much grace.  We're warm and healthy.  Our Speed-the-light van (named Rapture-Buggy) is doing great, even in the snow, although he is getting a bit old and maybe ready for retirement.  Our home is peaceful.  We just wish for many others to know our Lord and to find new life in His resurrection power.

We're hoping to get a printed newsletter out again.  Please pray for us to have inspiration in writing and time for printing & stuffing envelopes.

Blessings,
Cecil, Tonya, Vera & Diana


P.S.  George Orwell would be pleased.  His ideas have come alive.  I, myself, do not know much about this, but the article is interesting.  http://www.rferl.org/content/how-to-guide-russian-trolling-trolls/26919999.html

P.S.  The economy in Russia is slipping away and the middle class is losing ground.  http://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-russia-vanishing-prosperity-20150405-story.html#page=1
  (This effects people we know.  It has become very hard for the orphan graduates we know to find good jobs).