Russian Mother's Day 2011

Last Sunday, November 27th was Mother's Day here in Russia. To help the children in Sunday school remember this special day for their Mothers, we made Mother's Day cards after the Bible lesson.

My most faithful SS student, Yura, with his little sister, Victoria.

We have had more kids in attendance since they have found out about our class being held in our new house. This Sunday a few of them had to leave quickly but some of the children who love to sit and color taking their time with a craft hung around for quite a while.

Everyone working diligently on their cards.

We used to have a craft one Sunday, then a game the next Sunday. That was our schedule while we were able to meet in the House of Culture. Then, we began meeting outside and enjoyed a whole soccer field to play games every week. 

Now that we are meeting in our house, I have told the kids we will play more quiet games that don't require running and have to wait on crafts for a bit since we don't have any tables, or chairs. But, this Sunday we had to make an exception in order to make some Mother's Day cards for the Mommas. So, we used our laps and our small construction bench that I use every week for the flannel graph story.  We teach the children to obey and respect their parents and help them remember special holidays as an opportunity to show honor to them. One way they children can show their love to their parents is by making them crafts and gifts. It is not easy for some of these children since many of them come from difficult home situations.

On Saturday, as we were out on visitation we noticed two children outside playing in the snow. I asked David to stop the car as I saw it was Rita and her little brother, Yosya. If you remember, they attended Sunday School faithfully during the summer when they were staying with their grandparents on summer break. Saturday we stopped to talk to them and found out they were in the village until Sunday evening for the weekend! On Sunday morning we were happy to see them arrive at our gate ready for the service!

Rita and I after class.

(Yosya) I just love this little face!

I am so thankful for each child who attends our services and for the parents who give them permission to come. I don't ever want to take the privilege it is to teach them for granted. Please pray for me to keep the class interesting and challenging for them and to use every opportunity I have to reach these precious children for Christ.

Sunday Service and Building Update 10-23-11

Winter here in Siberia is well on it's way. We had snow this past week and the temperatures are dropping below freezing at night. Since we have no longer been allowed to meet in the cultural building for services here in the village, the adults have been meeting in our home and the children have been meeting on the soccer field near our house. However, as of this week that will no longer be possible due to the change in weather. Although the plan is for the adults to meet in the new house while the children's ministry and youth activities are held in our current house, there still remains work to be done in the new house in order for our family to be able to move in. Last night David and I prepared the dining room of the new house for Sunday school. Since there are still many tools and supplies stored in the house we closed off part of the foyer and dining room where we would hold the class with large sheets of plastic to hold the heat in from a small heater. 

As we made our weekly visits to invite children to Sunday school, we were not able to talk to every one of them to tell them of our moving our class indoors. We printed the address on the invitations we hand out each week but without talking to them personally we can not be sure they read the invite which explained that we would not be meeting outside. So, today we had a day of low attendance. We pray that when are able to spread the word of our new meeting place, that attendance will increase again.

Today's Sunday school class (minus our daughter who took the picture).

One great blessing of today was that the attendance in our adult service was more than

the Sunday school attendance! Praise the Lord for two first-time visitors today! The visitors were two ladies - one of which you will remember from the post about our neighbor's husband who passed away, Baba Vara. Rebekah went to visit her again on Saturday, as she has done so many times, and invited her to church. Baba Vara promised Rebekah she would come on Sunday and she did. On the way over to our house, she and Rebekah stopped at our next door neighbor Lyba's house to see if she wanted to attend. Rebekah was so excited to bring two visitors to church! 

Lyba and Baba Vara with David after the Sunday service.

Both of these ladies have been witnessed to numerous times and we were so encouraged to have them as well as our three faithful attenders in the Sunday service today!

Please continue to pray for us and the progress on the new house. We are currently working on the heating system and will soon be posting more about that process on our building blog. With winter already upon us we have to have the heating system up and running in order to keep the house warm so that we can continue the drywall and other work that remains before we can move in. We appreciate your prayers for us and have been so encouraged by many of you who have kept up to date on the progress and have given towards this need. We are looking forward to our official first service in the new house and can't wait to share the blessings of that day!

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!

"and weep with them that weep." Romans 12:15

Please forgive such a lengthy post but it is a story of  a special opportunity the Lord recently gave us in our ministry here. We pray it is a blessing for you to read.

David and I moved our family out to the village almost six years ago now. Almost immediately everyone began talking about the new Americans who had "moved in". We were so excited to be able to live in a house with next door neighbors with whom we could build relationships. One elderly lady, "Baba (Russian for Grandma) Vara" who lived two houses away from us on our street came right away to meet our family. Right away she wanted to take the kids to her house for a visit. She wanted to give them treats or fruit to be kind. She even left some fresh baked sweet rolls and candy tied to our door on our first New Year's morning in the village. Over the years we have lived in the village, we have developed great relationships with our neighbors. We look out for each other's children and help each other in any way we can. It wasn't long before our daughter Rebekah became a frequent guest at Baba Vara's house. 

Baba Vara walking hand in hand with Ryan while Beka runs along to her house.

Rebekah soon learned that Baba Vara had never learned to read. In an effort to try to witness to her, Beka would come over for a visit to share the Bible story we had learned in Sunday school each week.

Rebekah with Baba Vara

Ryan watching "Grandpa Gleb" cut grass in our lower field to feed his animals.

We invited Baba Vara and her husband to church services many times. Beka continued to witness to both of them even though the Grandpa was practically deaf. She gave them a Bible and tracts and prayed for their salvation faithfully. It always concerned Beka that with the Grandpa being so hard of hearing if he was truly hearing her as she retold the Bible story each week. We continued to pray for the both of them and visit them often. One time when Baba Vara had been sick, Rebekah and I both went over to try to share the Gospel with her again and show her from the Bible how to be saved. Baba Vara listened intently to every verse. However, she simply stated that she would pray "that way" and since she was already very religious, it was obvious that she didn't fully understand her need for salvation. 

Approximately one month ago, as Baba Vara and I met outside to chat a bit, she shared with me that her husband was sick and in the hospital. She fought back tears as she described how the doctors could not lower his blood pressure which had risen even higher since his admission. Within a few weeks, the doctors told the family there was nothing they could do for him and that they would just release him to home.  They were able to find out that he had a stroke and although he had lived past the critical point, he was paralyzed on one side and now bedridden. Baba Vara let me know when the family planned on bringing him home. One of the many things I often thank the Lord for is my Nursing degree. I can't tell you how many times it has allowed me to help people here on the mission field. This time was no exception. Baba Vara knows I am a nurse and she wanted me to come and visit after he was brought home for her to care for him.  There is Hospice available here but people out in the villages don't know about it or even consider it as an option. Baba Vara just wanted to care for him as best she could for what she knew would more than likely be his last days. 

The first day he was at home, I went over for a visit to check on his condition. As I began talking to Baba Vara and her daughter who had stayed with him in the hospital for nearly three weeks, they began to weep. They shared how helpless they now felt with no one to call for in case he needed something. They told me that the doctor released him and told them she would call them, in a week, to check on him. It was sad to feel their anxiety in now feeling fully responsible for his care. I promised to return two times a day to check on them and offer any help I could in caring for him. So, I did just that. I had to go home and gently explain to our daughter, Rebekah, that "Grandpa" was not doing well at all and may not be with us much longer. She cried as she so prayed for years that he would be saved. I promised her that if I had another chance to witness to him that I would. 

A few days later, Baba Vara's daughter had left to run some errands for the day. I made sure to visit even more frequently since Baba Vara would be alone to care for her husband. During my visit she told me how he had opened his eyes a little that day but his arm that he had been moving a bit, he had not moved it at all since morning. As we went into the kitchen to talk a bit after making sure he was comfortable, she began to tell me that since his eyes were open she tried to talk to him a bit. She said she asked him if he was going to leave her all alone, as she began to weep. We cried a bit together and then she mentioned that it must be written in the Bible that only God knows when each person's life on earth is over. I reminded her again of our conversation about how we must all be ready to meet God because she was right, we don't know when our last day on earth will be. As I was talking to her she said, "I need to talk to 'Grandpa' that way." I offered to do it for her if she would allow me to. She agreed! So, while she worked in the kitchen, I went back into the room he was in and leaned over his bedside. I explained to him that it was me again and that I wanted to talk to him about something very important. I was amazed as he turned his head every so slightly towards my face. I hadn't seen him move his head on his own since he had been at home. I continued witnessing to him and told him God loved him and wanted to take him to Heaven when it was time if he would only believe in his heart in Jesus who died for his sins and rose again. "Grandpa" then opened his eyes as big as he had ever opened them since lying there in that bed, started moving his jaw like he wanted to say something, and moved the hand that hadn't moved at all that morning out of the covers! I took his hand and held it thanking God for such an amazing moment! I shared the news with Baba Vara and she said, "See, he knows you are talking about God." 

For the next two days, he slept only opening his eyes once a tiny bit. He passed away peacefully on that next Saturday, September 10th, which was also his 80th birthday (also my Dad's birthday). David and I were able to attend the funeral and we were even able to use our vehicle (a truck) to carry all of the flower arrangements from the house to the cemetery. During the meal which was after the funeral, Baba Vara especially thanked her neighbors for all their help and care, assuring everyone in the room (including her family) that she would make it alone just fine because she has such great neighbors. She even mentioned how our children, Beka and Ryan,  came over last winter to shovel snow off her driveway. Thank the Lord for the testimony we have been able to have with this family. We pray this dear man heard, understood, and truly received Christ as his personal Savior and someday we will see him again in Heaven!

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

Reaching Out to Tajikistan

Several years ago David made friends with a man from Tajikhistan who lived here in the village of Elita with his family. He had moved here to work as a builder to support his family and give his children a better education in Russia. For several years he and David talked when they had a chance about building projects and other topics. Once we started the ministry here in the village, we made plans for our first VBS. One of the boys who attended was the oldest boy from another Tajiki family in the village. During the week, this boy invited many children to attend VBS in order to earn more points and win the main prize for the week. Several of the children he invited were from other Tajiki families, including David's friend's children.

The two boys who tied for first place at VBS (2005).

Eventually, as the older children began attending Sunday school, the younger children became old enough for the parents to allow them to attend as well. We soon had children from two families faithfully attending! Others often wonder why they attend Sunday school when they are from a Muslim families; but, the families gave them permission to attend because of the friendship one of the fathers has with David. 

One of the girls in Tajiki dress.

Adorable little face.

Our daughter, Rebekah, with the girls.

We have thoroughly enjoyed having these Muslim children in Sunday School. They have heard many Bible stories, memorized many Bible verses, and learned numerous Sunday school songs of which their favorites are, "Who's the King of the Jungle?" and "How Can I Get to Heaven?" They are very well behaved and have great attitudes when playing games and participating in group activities. 

The kids being silly after SS and using the game boundary cones for hats.

Another blessing is that I have been able to make friends with David's friend's wife. Several of the Tajiki families have left the area and returned to Tajikistan. This man's wife doesn't have many Russian friends to visit with so she began inviting me for tea when I would make Saturday visits to their home.

Below is a photo of she and I (she is on the right side of the picture) and her sister-in-law recently when I had been invited to lunch. She and her sister-in-law were both expecting. Since I am a Nurse and they both feel uncomfortable about asking medical questions to others, I was able to answer some questions they had. The sister-in-law was actually stopping by for a visit on her way to the airport the next day to return to Tajikistan for the birth of this, her first child.

Dee having lunch with the ladies.

Once my friend had her baby, Rebekah and I were able to visit them again to present a gift. You can not be invited to their home without a full table spread before you with anything you can think of to eat! So, we enjoyed a meal with the Mother and time holding their new baby! (Our visit was during the time of Ramadan so only the nursing Mother and smaller children were exempt from fasting).

Their beautiful baby girl

In case you are wondering, the mother did use an eyebrow pencil on the babies eyebrows to make them come in faster. :)

Rebekah and the big sister admiring the baby.

We are so thankful for this friendship which has given us the opportunity and privilege 

to share Christ with this precious family. 

Please pray with us for their salvation!

Urgent Prayer Request

As many of you have read in our most recent posts, we are now without a meeting place for services. Since the facts of that situation have already been mentioned in the post, New Challenges (June 2011), I will not repeat the details. We have been holding Sunday school in a soccer field across the street from our home. The adults have been meeting in the living room/bedroom of our small cottage. Now that VBS is behind us, we are left with a month or two before the weather will begin to change and the rains and colder temperatures will prevent us from holding Sunday school outside.  We are looking into several options including the purchase or renting of commercial property to use as a church building.  Our initial plan is to get the house we have been working on for the past two years to a point where we could live in it. You can see the construction progress as it happens step by step on our blog, Construction Zone. Once we have moved our family into the new house we can then remove the walls, brick stove, and anything else we can from the cottage we have been living in for the past five years. We will then remodel the cottage to turn it into one large Sunday School room for youth and children’s ministries. We designed the new house with the ability to turn a large part of the first floor into a meeting place if necessary so that is where the adult services will be held. We can do the work, but we need funds for this to happen in a timely manner. We have to finish this work by the end of August. September will bring the first freeze and we must have everything weather tight. Please remember us and this need in your prayers. If you would like to help with this remodeling project please contact us. 

Final Day - VBS 2011

The Lord gave us a beautiful day on Friday for our final day of VBS. The kids are always excited to see Friday come around since that is PRIZE DAY! For all the verses memorized, worksheets completed, good behavior and participation in games, daily attendance, and visitors invited, the kids receive points which they  can "spend" in the prize store on Friday. David and I have almost as much fun purchasing the prizes as the children do "buying" them! 

Below are a few photos and highlights from Friday. We are grateful for another great VBS this summer. Thank you for your prayers. We have already been asked when the next VBS will be! Even though we have held it in the summer time each year, we would love to hold one during the winter months. Inside of course!

Dee leading the children in singing, "How can I get to Heaven?"

Dee playing the "ice cream" review game with the children after the Bible lesson. 

The older kids really enjoy it when Nancy leads the review game with the boys competing against the girls.

Nancy and Katie face painting while the children wait to shop at the prize store.

The kids all gathering around to see what the prizes are for this year!

Everyone who didn't have a chance to shoot the water balloon sling shot
was able to today!

Another blessing to add - on Sunday morning following VBS, Dee had THREE first-time visitors in her Sunday school class. Praise the Lord!

Day 2 - VBS 2011

Day two of VBS was held on Thursday of the week due to heavy rain on Wednesday. The temperatures were not very warm but the kids returned to the soccer field for a great day of fun. The theme for the day was, "The heart determines our character." Memory verse was  Proverbs 23:7, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."  We enjoyed songs, a Bible lesson about David, snacks, and games. Thursday also happened to be a holiday here called "Ivana Kupala". Children really enjoy this holiday since it gives them the opportunity to throw, shoot with a water gun, splash or pour water on anyone brave enough to be outside on this day. (That is the only way we have seen this holiday really being celebrated.) For the last few years our VBS week has fallen during this holiday, which means since the kids are already soaking everyone around them, we play water games! However, with this year's weather the blessing for all of us workers was that not one person was outside trying to throw water on anyone! We did take this into consideration and decided not to play any water games which would cause the kids to get wet. A few years ago, while David and I were on furlough, purchased a large water balloon sling shot. We pulled it out and put it to use this year and the kids loved it! The sling shot did draw some attention from passers by as people stopped to see from where the water balloons were being launched! Matt Nortchutt and his wife, Katie, also came out to help this year with VBS. Matt taught the kids a fun way to play basketball outside which they all enjoyed. One definite blessing of us being outside in the open air for all to watch is that the parents, grandparents, friends, and even those who still wonder about us are able to see and hear the children laughing, playing, and having fun. It is a great advertisement!

Singing songs

Dee teaching the younger children's Bible lesson.

David teaching older children's Bible lesson.

Snack time!

Game Time!

Outdoor basketball game.

David showing the kids how to shoot the water balloon sling shot.