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!