Sveta's Husband Attends Services

Sveta, Tanya, Eddie, and Angelina

We have already "introduced" you to Sveta, one of the ladies who has been attending our services. She comes with her two children, Tanya (12 years old) and Angelina (2 1/2 years old).  Eddie, Sveta's husband, was saved several years ago through another church and has continued to struggle with alcohol and drug abuse. Since he left approximately six months ago to begin a rehab program in another city, Sveta began faithfully attending our services. She has grown tremendously during this time and now is faithful to attend every service. Her daughter Tanya has also accepted Christ since her father has been away. Last Wednesday, Eddie returned home for a visit. That evening he attended services with his family. Please pray for Sveta and Eddie as they strive to live as a Christian family should. With his return to the village, Eddie returns to the same friends and influences he had before. His parents are unsaved and are always willing to invite him over to drink with them. Pray for him to stand strong and resist against these temptations and to be a good testimony to others.
We would also ask for your prayers for Sveta's mother, Katya, who also lives in the home. Katya has attended services in the past and we continue to witness to her weekly as we visit the home. We see the Lord working in her heart but she has yet to accept Him as her Savior. Katya is like many here who think they have to "get ready" to be saved. She too struggles with alcohol. She struggles with Eddie's faults and failures. For some, such as Katya, it is difficult to accept the fact that God loves them just as they are and that He is ready and waiting to forgive them of their sins. So thankful for the promises of God's word in Ephesians 2:4-5, "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)" Pray for Eddie, Sveta, and Tanya to be the proper testimony to Katya that she may see lives in her own home changed by God's grace and that she herself would desire a new life in Christ.

Christmas Party 2010

The planning had begun for the special Christmas party to be held at the Cultural building as we have done in previous years. As Dee shared her thoughts with the ladies we were happy to see their enthusiasm in participating in the menu planning and decorating. As we planned for finger foods, salads and desserts, the ideas grew and both Galina and Sveta were almost challenging each other with what they wanted to bring! The conversation went something like this...Sveta: "I'll bring two salads." Galina: "Well then, Hello! What will I bring?" All said with smiles and laughter of course!
 Since there is no running water at the Cultural building and not many electrical outlets in the room we use it is always a challenge to keep hot foods "hot" and then to be able to properly clean up afterwards. We are unable to hold such activities in our home due to it's size (or lack thereof). :)  So, this year Galina excitedly offered to have the party at her house. We too thought this was a great idea to make the evening much more relaxed and comfortable for everyone. What a blessing it was! We enjoyed the fellowship and the kids enjoyed a warm home with room to play together.

Angelina and the boys

Tanya and Beka in a "tickle fight"

The food was delicious! The ladies went all out and made a terrific meal. Dee was also able to bring along some of our traditional Christmas foods and goodies for everyone to try. 

Angelina sat down by her favorite friend as we gathered around the table.

Galina serving the main dish of fish and potatoes.

We were so excited to be able to purchase presents for the children and adults and present them at the party. It was so much fun to watch everyone as they anxiously opened their presents. 

The adults were as excited as the children!

Angelina peeking in her stocking while enjoying her new tiger pillow.

After opening her stocking, Tanya was so thrilled to have another present to unwrap!

We were able to present Alexander with a Halley's Bible Handbook and the ladies received Christian calendars as well as books on Christian womanhood. 

(Alexander was sick and therefore keeping a "mask" on his face to not pass on germs to the children.)

Tanya and Beka wearing the stockings. 

Galina and the children feeding their pet fish.

As the evening came to a close, our hearts were so blessed to have spent this precious time with our church family here in Russia. We are so excited at how the Lord is going to use these families in the future to bring more people to Him. We love them and are so thankful for each and every one of them.