August 2010

Reflecting & Dreaming

 ‘I love it when a plan comes together’.   That’s just a line from a movie we saw recently, but it got me thinking . . . ‘I love it when God takes your plans, shakes them up, forms them, and you end up with something far better than you dreamed of.’  Sometimes it’s good to be reflective, to remember what God has done for you and in you.  And it’s so refreshing to look back and see how far we’ve come on this journey.  Next month, it’ll be 2 and a half years since we moved to Altai – unbelievable! A place that at first seemed scary, cold, unknown and so foreign has now become our home.  In looking back, we rejoice in what God has brought us through, the plans we had that were shaken, and His plan that is not always visible but constant and comes together every time no matter what gets in the way.  Take time today to reflect on what God has done in your life – the plans that came together for His glory and purpose!  Over the last couple months, in our corner of the world, we saw God at work in many ways.

In July, we had an amazing week of kids’ camp in a beautiful location.  We were blessed to have a team from the States come and do the program – our kids fell in love with them!  There were 40 children, many of them from broken homes and very difficult situations.  God really moved in our services – a good number received Christ for the first time and some also starting praying in other tongues that same night!  We’ll never forget the times at the altar, where not only the campers met God but the adults and workers had a personal encounter with our Creator.  Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to participate in a Youth Camp in the village of Ongudai.  It was a small group of kids in their early teens, and we had an amazing time!  The days included team-building games, crafts, sports, workshops, and of course worship and the Word.    

We started August off spending a week in Moscow at the Russian Assemblies of God pastor’s conference.  In spite of the unbearable heat and smoke from the forest fires, we enjoyed a great time of fellowship and reconnecting with friends.  We were encouraged to hear stories of what God is doing in other parts of Russia and Ukraine.  There are great things in store for this country! 

Another highlight was our guest from Canada, Marjorie Price.  She’s a part of our Eurasia family, and after a few days in Moscow and then Novokuznetsk, she spent a week with us.  We’re grateful for the time she spent here, and are encouraged through her ministry.  Hopefully she’s recovered from the late nights spent talking and drinking tea!

Looking ahead  .  .  . we’ll be starting a Kids’ Club at the church on Thursdays, the first one is September 9th.  Pray for wisdom and direction, and for souls to be touched.  Also, we’re in the process of making more contacts in the community and in the schools.  We plan to expand the abstinence programs as the right doors are opened, so we covet your prayers for divine appointments.  Tonia is starting English lessons again next week with former students, as well as possibly teaching at the local university.  The medical team from Agape comes on September 6th for ten days of ministry in various villages.  We’re glad to be working together with such great people!  Keep them in mind, and join us in believing for miracles to take place as they take the gospel to many that have not yet heard.   

Thank you for continued support and the privilege of being called to Altai for such a time as this.  What a blessing to fulfill the task laid out before us and marvel as His plans come together!

 

June 2010

We’ve been back in Altai for almost a month already, and are thankful for the time spent in Canada and the memories that were made.   We thank God for safety and provision as we traveled between cities, for quality time with family and friends, and for the amazing hospitality of various churches across the country!  Thank you to those that hosted us, fed us, listened to our stories, entertained, took us sightseeing, put gas in our car, prayed with us, and of course all the coffees and visiting.  Although we left physically tired (in a good way!), we returned home refreshed and with a renewed excitement for what God is doing here in Altai.  And just as a reminder to those that said they’ll come visit, the invitation is always open!

Our first couple weeks back were spent getting over jet-lag, readjusting to the lifestyle here, and getting settled in yet another new apartment.  We’ve been blessed this time with a place that is spacious and is right in the center of town!  At church Alexey taught a seminar in preparation for water baptism.  It was done in the evenings over a period of 10 days, and the exciting thing is that most of the people are new believers.  This past Saturday nine people from our church were baptized!

This week we did some minor renovations in the church – painted the walls and ceiling, fixed up the Sunday school room, and basically just freshened up the place.  There were about 18 of us working all day, we had a good time!

Our kids’ camp is from July 4th- 9th.  We have a team coming from the States for it, and approximately 40 children from different parts of Altai.  We’re excited about this opportunity and hoping for good weather, as we’ll be tenting the whole week!  Pray with us for the camp – for safety, for all the logistical details, and mostly that the kids will come to know the Creator as their personal Saviour.

Be blessed today, and Happy Canada Day this week!

 

with us in God’s kingdom!