Things are developing at the dacha project. We had a company
drill a well.
Success! So we have water now (as long as the generator keeps
working).
This is a big deal for us. With a stove and water, things are
very close to someone being able to live there.
While the plan is still to have an outhouse (no sewage system),
there will be water available for drinking, the garden, cooking,
and such. As far as the garden: the onions, lettuce, potatoes,
carrots, beets, and weeds are all growing quite well. The berry
bushes need a few more years go grow on.
We hope to have people living on-site soon.
The purpose of the center is for young people graduating from
the orphanages to have a place to live as they learn how to
adjust to a normal life. It is intended to be a safe place with
plenty of supervision, programs, discipleship and work to keep
them busy, healthy, and on track for a successful life. We are
working in partnership with a local Russian rehab ministry.
In the meantime, we managed to celebrate an American holiday.
No fireworks, but we did have a picnic with cake and cookout.
That's Tonya (with cake), Vera (with watermelon), a friend, and
Diana (with sunglasses).
Timothy is stateside, and was able to celebrate Independence
Day in America.
Cecil has been working on expanding the library at Hope Center,
both bound books and the digital resources. There continues to
be a need for availability of quality Christian materials,
especially at the Bible School and ministry training level.
We were also able to distribute a good number of New Testaments
in Chinese at the Chinese market downtown. Most of the Chinese
workers looked at them with puzzled expressions, but one young
man became very happy and excited when he realized what it was.
Now, my friends, we must mention that some changes are coming
in our ministry. It is becoming increasingly difficult for
Cecil to stay in Russia. Details have not all be worked out, but we are
making plans for the family to go to North Carolina (where we
own a house). During this time more decisions will
be made. In the meantime, we are looking at selling the
apartment in Khabarovsk.
Timothy is already moved into our house in North Carolina
getting things ready. He has a job, and is preparing to take
some college classes in the fall as well.
Vera and Diana are spending as much time with friends as
possible.
We would appreciate prayer for us as we make some evaluations and
face some adjustments.
Blessings,
Cecil, Tonya, and the teens
