First Youth Meeting in the Village

One of the highlights of this month has been the recent survey trip made by James and Amber Pranger to Krasnoyarsk. James came to Russia as a six year old missionary kid years ago along with his parents, Jim and Laura Pranger, and his four siblings. In the winter months of 2004, James, his parents and younger sister moved to Krasnoyarsk to continue their mission work. James left the field when it was time for him to attend college, returning to Russia a few times during his summer breaks. Now that he is married, he and his wife came to Krasnoyarsk on a survey trip before beginning deputation to return as missionaries.

James and his wife, Amber.

They were able to stay for almost two weeks in Krasnoyarsk. We, having already known James, were very excited to meet his wife and have the opportunity to get to know her. They are a very sweet couple and we very much enjoyed the time we were able to spend with them. One day, we took them around sight-seeing and souvenir shopping. Amber is a photographer so she was able to take some pictures around the city as well. 

Amber and I on the pedestrian bridge - downtown Krasnoyarsk

Another day we were able to spend with them, David and James worked in the new house to get some drywall hung up in the church meeting room. While they were busy, I took Amber to visit some of the teen girls so that we could invite them to the upcoming Sunday services when we planned on having our first young people's meeting with James preaching to the teens. Before moving to prepare for deputation, James and Amber had worked in their church where James was the youth pastor. He will be working in what will be their sending church as well upon their return to the States. I also wanted to take Amber around the village to meet some of the wonderful people who we are trying to reach with the gospel. There is nothing better than visiting them in their homes and seeing how they live with your own eyes. Below are a few of the wonderful moments Amber was able to capture during our visits.

On Saturday David and I spent more time inviting teens to the youth meeting. Sunday morning we woke up to some chilly weather but thankfully our prayers were answered and the Lord gave us a beautiful day with pleasant temperatures for services outside.

James, Amber and the whole group of children present for Sunday School.

Once we opened in prayer, we divided the teens from the younger children. James is fluent in Russian so he can jump right in and work in any area needed.

James taught the teens,

while I taught the younger children.

Most of the younger children's class.

Our neighbor's children coming to Sunday school.

Teen girls in attendance

Our daughter, Rebekah, was excited to be able to have a class with girls her age.

After the lesson, the younger children played a favorite game called, 'Eleven." And the older boys enjoyed wearing James out in a game of soccer!

Love this photo of this little guy running behind tall James.

After the services, we enjoyed lunch and fellowship together. We pray they will be able to raise their support quickly and return to the mission field which God has for them. Thank you James and Amber for your visit!