Monday, January 07, 2013

Merry Russian Christmas (& Ministry)



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