Last month I just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas! So for this letter, I will fill in what has happened since Thanksgiving because it was a packed season of ministry. Our fellowship in Russia had its first New Year potluck this year. The food was great and the fellowship was the best! It also ended up being a preparation for a winter backpack camping trip with street children who come to our shelter on a regular basis. Andrey is going to lead the trip this year. I know it is going to be a great trip! The ministry team has prepared Bible studies, lots of canned foods and fun games to play in the snow.
The children in the shelter ended their semester not doing well in most of their classes. Please pray for them to understand the importance of good grades. It is really the only way out of the poverty most of them live in. The good news is that most of them did very well in the Bible classes we teach. Not that we are any good at teaching, but they seem to be interested in the things of the Lord. Let's pray it sinks in, takes hold and blooms into a real faith in Jesus.
Olga and I were invited to come visit some churches here in the States. It was a time for us to come together with the Body here and have services where we share from the Word and the vision God gave us, trying to find faithful men and women who would be open to partner with us to make this dream a reality. We were really blessed to lead some worship and share from the Word at home Bible studies here in California. God was glorified and it was way cool to hang out with our friends and partners in the Lord. It was all about Jesus! Unity in the Spirit!
Other things that happened in December: Olga and I were able to bring Alex and Luba Alexandrov, our associates to the States. We did Sunday services in a couple of churches and mid week service at a rehab center here in Pollock Pines, California. We had delicious dinner with the Finfrocks and the Triveris, visited friends and partners in Santa Monica and Cypress, California. We had a worship night at Jerimica's and that was a blessing because it was good for Alex and Luba to meet our friends and partners in person. And, of course, we had a beautiful Christmas Eve service where Alex and Luba enjoyed beautiful American Christmas music and great fellowship! Thank you, Jesus!
