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.