Back to School Sunday 2011

One of our regular Sunday School activities that the children look forward to is our annual "Back to School" Sunday. We celebrate the return of the children to school - even if most of them are not feeling like celebrating yet! The summer passes too quickly here in Siberia. We try to encourage the children to look forward to a new school year and a new opportunity to get better grades and be a better student all around. So, what better way to celebrate than with presents and sweets!
I look forward to any kind of special day with the kids. We so desire to reach them for Christ and see God use them in mighty ways in the future. Here is a look at our special Sunday celebration.

I was excited to have one first time visitor attend and one boy who had not attended for several years. They both came with a boy who has attended once recently.
Our treat was chocolate cupcakes with sprinkles and I was able to capture some great "chocolate" smiles for the camera!

This little guy came to Sunday school for the first time!

Such a sweet little smile.

Each child received a gift pack of school supplies to use in the coming school year.

Our own chocolate faces!

Posing for the camera.

We were sad on this Sunday to say goodbye to two of our students who have attended faithfully since July. Rita and her brother, Yosya, were able to spend the summer months with their grandparents who live in the village. Since it is time for the school year to begin, they returned to the city with their parents until Christmas break. We will miss them! Both Rita and her brother memorized every verse I gave them and read every tract or booklet I gave them. Rita had questions about salvation and we pray she can possibly return to the village on the weekends to attend Sunday school so we can talk to her more. We are thankful for our daughter, Rebekah, who spent much time herself talking with Rita about salvation.

Dee Dee with Rita and Yosya