Dear Friends,
things have gone well as the Missionary In Residence at the Native American Bible College this fall. I've enjoyed getting to know the folks there, both in the dormitory and classrooms. Well, finals are over and I've turned grades for my students. I've also had a great time getting to know the staff.
Russia continues to be in the news from time to time: messing with our election, making the N.A.A.C.P. mad, playing with Facebook, and so on- https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/17/us/politics/takeaways-russia-social-media-operations.html
Oh well, maybe bad politics will end when Jesus comes back.
I'm so glad Jesus came the first time.
The family is doing well and we are ready for the holidays. The kids have completed their end-of-semester stuff and we're doing Christmas events: set up a tree, listened to community choir, brewed hot cider, attended church activities, decorated the yard a bit, wrapped presents, played Christmas music, and looked for The Star (I even took my kids to the planetarium). There are gifts under the tree waiting to be opened.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night...
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Monday, October 01, 2018
F.Y.I., Cecil is M.I.R. at N.A.B.C.
Dear Friends,
greetings to everyone.
Our latest family news is that our son Timothy is off to college at Liberty University. He received a scholarship, is moved into a dormitory, and is starting classes. He says the food there is great. He seems to be doing well as he starts a new stage in education. We're quite proud of the steps he is taking.
The girls are in high school and involved with activities. Vera has gotten involved with art and drama. Diana is looking at sports. They stay in touch with Tim, as well as their friends back in Russia, and are making new friends here.
Cecil is serving as the Missionary in Residence at the Native American Bible School in Shannon, NC ( http://nabc.edu ). He is teaching a basic computer class. He also lives in the men's dormitory and keeps and eye on things there, and helps with the regular chapel meetings. He especially enjoys updating and debugging the computer lab. After the hurricane the grass is growing like weeds, and so he's been spending time on the big riding mower to help keep the grounds looking good.
Tonya is doing her best to keep the family in line and spends a few hours a week teaching English to immigrants at a local community college. She has formed some friendships there and using her gifts with friendship outreach.
It seems international conflict has been an issue in the Russian news lately. They are doing civil defense drills in case they are attacked https://themoscowtimes.com/news/russia-launches-exercises-to-test-populations-readiness-for-external-aggression-63042 and https://themoscowtimes.com/news/russian-media-whips-up-us-war-scare-with-bomb-shelter-food-tips-61124
Do hope things calm down in in regards to international tensions.
Hurricane Florence came through our area and knocked down some limbs. Power was out at the Bible college for a few days. Convoy of Hope came and distributed tons of aid to local communities.
Here are some students and staff (and their kids) from N.A.B.C. who helped Convoy of Hope with the aid distribution.
Word from our friends in Russia is that Hope Center is busy with activity going on daily. The building at the Dacha is fine, but being used only occasionally.
Please pray for us as we settle into the new normal.
Please pray for Russia, as our hearts are still there as well.
Blessings to you,
From Cecil & Tonya
greetings to everyone.
Our latest family news is that our son Timothy is off to college at Liberty University. He received a scholarship, is moved into a dormitory, and is starting classes. He says the food there is great. He seems to be doing well as he starts a new stage in education. We're quite proud of the steps he is taking.
The girls are in high school and involved with activities. Vera has gotten involved with art and drama. Diana is looking at sports. They stay in touch with Tim, as well as their friends back in Russia, and are making new friends here.
Cecil is serving as the Missionary in Residence at the Native American Bible School in Shannon, NC ( http://nabc.edu ). He is teaching a basic computer class. He also lives in the men's dormitory and keeps and eye on things there, and helps with the regular chapel meetings. He especially enjoys updating and debugging the computer lab. After the hurricane the grass is growing like weeds, and so he's been spending time on the big riding mower to help keep the grounds looking good.
Tonya is doing her best to keep the family in line and spends a few hours a week teaching English to immigrants at a local community college. She has formed some friendships there and using her gifts with friendship outreach.
It seems international conflict has been an issue in the Russian news lately. They are doing civil defense drills in case they are attacked https://themoscowtimes.com/news/russia-launches-exercises-to-test-populations-readiness-for-external-aggression-63042 and https://themoscowtimes.com/news/russian-media-whips-up-us-war-scare-with-bomb-shelter-food-tips-61124
Do hope things calm down in in regards to international tensions.
Hurricane Florence came through our area and knocked down some limbs. Power was out at the Bible college for a few days. Convoy of Hope came and distributed tons of aid to local communities.
Here are some students and staff (and their kids) from N.A.B.C. who helped Convoy of Hope with the aid distribution.
Word from our friends in Russia is that Hope Center is busy with activity going on daily. The building at the Dacha is fine, but being used only occasionally.
Please pray for us as we settle into the new normal.
Please pray for Russia, as our hearts are still there as well.
Blessings to you,
From Cecil & Tonya
Monday, July 30, 2018
New steps
Dear Friends,
we have returned from Missionary Renewal (training) in Missouri. It was a time of meetings, teaching, connecting, planning, and worship. We are blessed to have excellent leadership in our mission agency.
Russia had some positive news, hosting the the world cup (soccer) and advancing to the quarter-finals. Glad to know that sports is something that countries can agree and interact on. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-worldcup-rus/glory-in-defeat-crowds-hail-russia-world-cup-team-idUSKBN1JY0PQ
Russia continues to make things difficult for foreigners to live there. Foreigners have long been required to register their whereabouts so the government can track them, but new regulations are being put in place making it more difficult for many. While this new regulation would not have affected us (since we owned a residence), it might affect other workers there.
https://themoscowtimes.com/news/foreigners-in-russia-are-panicking-over-new-migration-rules-62130
I am serving at the Native American Bible College in Shannon, NC, as the missionary-in-residence (M.I.R. program). I've been helping with buildings and grounds this summer, as well as preparing the computer lab for classes. I'll be teaching during the Fall semester.
Tonya has been doing some ministry among local Hispanic people (and teaching English).
Timothy is looking forward to attending Liberty University this fall. We are very glad that he was able to apply for and receive a scholarship covering most of his expenses.
Vera competed in the Statewide Fine Arts festival and advanced to National competition. She will being going to Houston with a youth group near the end of July.
Diana is will be starting tenth grade this Fall.
Tonya asks for prayer for discipline in her studies; she is taking distance courses with Berean School of the Bible (Global University).
Please pray for us to have God's guidance as we formulate long-term plans.
In Christ,
Cecil, Tonya, Timothy, Vera & Diana
we have returned from Missionary Renewal (training) in Missouri. It was a time of meetings, teaching, connecting, planning, and worship. We are blessed to have excellent leadership in our mission agency.
Russia had some positive news, hosting the the world cup (soccer) and advancing to the quarter-finals. Glad to know that sports is something that countries can agree and interact on. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-worldcup-rus/glory-in-defeat-crowds-hail-russia-world-cup-team-idUSKBN1JY0PQ
Russia continues to make things difficult for foreigners to live there. Foreigners have long been required to register their whereabouts so the government can track them, but new regulations are being put in place making it more difficult for many. While this new regulation would not have affected us (since we owned a residence), it might affect other workers there.
https://themoscowtimes.com/news/foreigners-in-russia-are-panicking-over-new-migration-rules-62130
I am serving at the Native American Bible College in Shannon, NC, as the missionary-in-residence (M.I.R. program). I've been helping with buildings and grounds this summer, as well as preparing the computer lab for classes. I'll be teaching during the Fall semester.
Tonya has been doing some ministry among local Hispanic people (and teaching English).
Timothy is looking forward to attending Liberty University this fall. We are very glad that he was able to apply for and receive a scholarship covering most of his expenses.
Vera competed in the Statewide Fine Arts festival and advanced to National competition. She will being going to Houston with a youth group near the end of July.
Diana is will be starting tenth grade this Fall.
Tonya asks for prayer for discipline in her studies; she is taking distance courses with Berean School of the Bible (Global University).
Please pray for us to have God's guidance as we formulate long-term plans.
In Christ,
Cecil, Tonya, Timothy, Vera & Diana
Saturday, March 24, 2018
New assignment NABC
As you may know from previous communication, we are not able
to stay in Russia at the present time.
Although we have lived in Khabarovsk, Russia, for more than a decade,
Cecil's resident permit was cancelled. While he is still able to get a visa to Russia, he is not able to live there are before.
Our family will
be taking a position as Missionary in Residence with the Native American Bible
College in Shannon, North Carolina.
This will involve interacting with students, assisting staff, and generally
helping with their program - especially regarding missions. This is the plan for the coming year.
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Evaluation
Dear Friends,
we have returned to the States.
To be honest, our plans right now are not very clear. We've had some
great successes, but our situation is changing rapidly. Not sure
if/when we will be able to return to Russia.
It seems like Russia has been in the news a lot over the last year.
Among other things, diplomats have been expelled. In the midst of all
that, my (Cecil's) resident permit was cancelled and I was told to
leave. In effect, I was deported. Later I was able to return on a
visa, but that was only good for a period of time, and I had to leave
again. This time the entire family has come to the States.
Before leaving Russia, we were able to turn over much of our ministry to
national workers. Some of the work, such has the Bible School, has been
lead by Russian nationals for some time. A few other things were fairly
easy to turn over since we have been doing them jointly with Russian
churches. Other work, such as the dacha project, required us to step up
our schedules. And in a few cases plans had to be put on indefinite
postponement.
We are very glad to report that rehabilitation work is going on at the
dacha project. We feel that this is a major project that has been
successfully launched and in operation. While those who are now leading
this work will likely add their own flavor to it, we feel good about it
and the national workers who are now leading it.
We are settling into a place in North Carolina. Our son, Timothy, has
already been State-side. He prepared the house for our return. Some
folks with a local church helped him out, for which we are very
grateful. Having a house ready is a nice thing.
We have some plans for ministry such as distribution of Christian
materials in the Russian language via internet and via postal service,
and possibly some support services. Since Tonya has Russian
citizenship, she doesn't need a visa and is available should AGWM have
need for someone to go to Russia on any urgent business or to travel as
a translator with a short-term team.
But we are also in a time of re-evaluation of what the Lord would have
us to do. As well as a time to deal with some health issues. Please
pray for us to hear God's voice, deal with transition, and know His
plans and directions.
Once we get more fully settled in, we hope to send another update. Feel
free to contact us.
Blessings,
The Eshelman Family
we have returned to the States.
To be honest, our plans right now are not very clear. We've had some
great successes, but our situation is changing rapidly. Not sure
if/when we will be able to return to Russia.
It seems like Russia has been in the news a lot over the last year.
Among other things, diplomats have been expelled. In the midst of all
that, my (Cecil's) resident permit was cancelled and I was told to
leave. In effect, I was deported. Later I was able to return on a
visa, but that was only good for a period of time, and I had to leave
again. This time the entire family has come to the States.
Before leaving Russia, we were able to turn over much of our ministry to
national workers. Some of the work, such has the Bible School, has been
lead by Russian nationals for some time. A few other things were fairly
easy to turn over since we have been doing them jointly with Russian
churches. Other work, such as the dacha project, required us to step up
our schedules. And in a few cases plans had to be put on indefinite
postponement.
We are very glad to report that rehabilitation work is going on at the
dacha project. We feel that this is a major project that has been
successfully launched and in operation. While those who are now leading
this work will likely add their own flavor to it, we feel good about it
and the national workers who are now leading it.
We are settling into a place in North Carolina. Our son, Timothy, has
already been State-side. He prepared the house for our return. Some
folks with a local church helped him out, for which we are very
grateful. Having a house ready is a nice thing.
We have some plans for ministry such as distribution of Christian
materials in the Russian language via internet and via postal service,
and possibly some support services. Since Tonya has Russian
citizenship, she doesn't need a visa and is available should AGWM have
need for someone to go to Russia on any urgent business or to travel as
a translator with a short-term team.
But we are also in a time of re-evaluation of what the Lord would have
us to do. As well as a time to deal with some health issues. Please
pray for us to hear God's voice, deal with transition, and know His
plans and directions.
Once we get more fully settled in, we hope to send another update. Feel
free to contact us.
Blessings,
The Eshelman Family
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Progress and Changes
Dear Friends,
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
Saturday, June 03, 2017
dacha progress
Dear Friends,
Cecil spent a night at the Dacha, so we know it is warm and cozy and livable.
The stove works, the outhouse is usable, the beds are soft. Well, at least the first two are true.
And the porch is painted.
Most of our ministries are being slowed down or paused for the summer, especially with orphan outreach. However, we hope to have ministry at the dacha begin. Please pray for us to have good partnership with the national church in regards to this. This is a project we've been working on for a long time.
We will be heading out for a conference and meetings with our leadership in a few days. We should have internet, but don't expect next-day replies while we are on the road. Some serious issues will be discussed during the conference regarding the work in Russia. Please pray for our leadership, us, and other workers to have wisdom. Some decisions will need to be made.
Blessings,
Cecil, Tonya, and the girls
P.S. Some interesting Russian photos explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FxKAQkZfzE
Cecil spent a night at the Dacha, so we know it is warm and cozy and livable.
He lit the stove...
The stove works, the outhouse is usable, the beds are soft. Well, at least the first two are true.
And the porch is painted.
Most of our ministries are being slowed down or paused for the summer, especially with orphan outreach. However, we hope to have ministry at the dacha begin. Please pray for us to have good partnership with the national church in regards to this. This is a project we've been working on for a long time.
We will be heading out for a conference and meetings with our leadership in a few days. We should have internet, but don't expect next-day replies while we are on the road. Some serious issues will be discussed during the conference regarding the work in Russia. Please pray for our leadership, us, and other workers to have wisdom. Some decisions will need to be made.
Blessings,
Cecil, Tonya, and the girls
P.S. Some interesting Russian photos explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FxKAQkZfzE
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Painting out house and ministry
Dear Friends,
Here is one of the orphan grads painting the bottom of the outhouse. After he was done, we set it upright. It is now ready for use!
No, there won't be running water at this center, but that is not unusual for country houses in Russia. It is important, however, to have a good stove. We're hoping to get that installed soon. Please pray for that very important step, as we've been having difficulty finding someone qualified and willing to do that. Other than the stove, a well, and putting mattresses on the beds, the center is ready for habitation. This project has taken a bit longer to realize than we expected that it would, but it is now possible to spend the night there.
Our son Timothy continues work and study in the States. He is doing well.
Serving in Russia,
Cecil, Tonya, and the girls
P.S. Info for those who might travel to Khabarovsk - http://russiatrek.org/khabarovsk-city
The church we attend in Khabarovsk put on a concert during the
city's day of memory for those who have died of AIDS. They put
out literature for passersby to take. The event was held in a
city park. It is a good occasion to think about eternity, as
well as a healthy lifestyle. Many people would pause and listen
for a while, a fair number would take information, a few would
ask questions.
Our orphan outreach with game nights continues every week.
Attendance varies from 8 to 20 depending on weather, exam
schedules, and such. We get opportunities to get to know people
and have both casual and spiritual conversations. Since
churches meet in this room on Sundays, it is easy to invite
people to attend services since folks have already become
familiar with the location.
Movie nights continue, although attendance is down (about half a
dozen on average). Please pray for wisdom in regards to that
ministry. We need to be very careful about any advertisement or
such.
Work at the dacha project for orphan graduate adaptation
continues. We are in the painting stage. Here is our daughter
Vera helping to paint the ceiling on the first floor (with her
hair pulled back to keep it from becoming the new color).
Here is one of the orphan grads painting the bottom of the outhouse. After he was done, we set it upright. It is now ready for use!
No, there won't be running water at this center, but that is not unusual for country houses in Russia. It is important, however, to have a good stove. We're hoping to get that installed soon. Please pray for that very important step, as we've been having difficulty finding someone qualified and willing to do that. Other than the stove, a well, and putting mattresses on the beds, the center is ready for habitation. This project has taken a bit longer to realize than we expected that it would, but it is now possible to spend the night there.
Our son Timothy continues work and study in the States. He is doing well.
Serving in Russia,
Cecil, Tonya, and the girls
P.S. Info for those who might travel to Khabarovsk - http://russiatrek.org/khabarovsk-city
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