Great slide show of our Bible Study in the village of Shela

An interview with a Krasnoyarsk Region TV Channel in December, 2011

A regional TV channel wanted to interview our family.  Below is the video portion. Unfortunately it is in Russian language.  I have given three interviews like this in the past.  They have opened many doors to witness for the Lord.

The Road to Shela (Шила)

The road to Shela (Шила)

I want to share with you some newer developments in our church planting ministry here in Siberia.  You may remember our work many years ago among the residents of the Village of Shela (Шила), which is located 40 miles north of Krasnoyarsk.  Later, full direction of this ministry was turned over to missionary Ron Winkler (now serving among Russians living in Estonia).  Upon leaving Siberia for Estonia, he turned over the Shela ministry to the Krasnoyarsk Baptist Church (KBC) pastored by missionary and close friend, Kevin Jones.

Singing in the cold

Last December, Bro. Jones and I discussed my re-involvement in this ministry to see if with my help we could increase our witness with the Gospel message among the people of Shela.  Bro. James Dean, a newer missionary to Siberia who is studying the Russian language while attending the KBC, agreed to assist me.  He is truly a servant and blessing to work with.

Bro. Dean in red tie group shot

We hold services in Shela at 4:30 every Sunday afternoon.  For me, this requires driving to Krasnoayrsk and picking up Bro. Dean and Kosty Bygaev (deacon at KBC) and then heading north to Shela.  From my village where I live, to Shela and back, is just over 150 miles of driving.  You can only imagine how nerve racking this is when temps are nearing -40F and snow and ice cover the roads.  God is good and has protected us thus far.

Bro. Kosty teaching

When temps permit, my two oldest girls, Elizabeth and Abigail, love to go along and help hand out tracts and paste up fliers.  We have had a good response.  We have had as many as 12 in attendance; and one Sunday when it was -50F outside two people showed up.

Me pouring tea

How can you pray for this ministy?  Well, you could pray that we could have an impact among the adults of this village.  They are so busy with work and things.  The vices and cares of this world truly rule their lives.  Secondly, pray that the true Gospel will rise above the false gospel and influence of the Russian Orthodox church in this village.  Many years ago this building looked as if it had passed through the allied bombing of Germany during WWII.  Since then it has been totally re-done; and many in the village reference their adherence to Orthodox rituals.  Thirdly, pray that the Holy Spirit will light the hearts and give true understanding to the people of Shela.  They live within a darkness clouded by booze, drugs and licentious living.  Most have a diminished mental capacity, a direct result of their personal life styles that really hinders their understanding the Gospel of Christ.

Ministry Newsletter Fourth Quarter 2011

Click here to download and print a PDF copy of this newsletter.

A Sincere Thank You!

During these days of economic turmoil around the globe, our family would like to thank each of you who have sacrificially given financially to our church planting ministry in 2011.  Your additional giving for special ministry projects and for Christmas was an added show of your kindness and tender care for this missionary family.  Equally as important are the prayers that you have made on our behalf asking for the Holy Spirit’s power on, and protection for, our family as we serve here in Siberia, Russia.  Many things have happened that could have turned out much worse had there been no intercessory prayer on our behalf. 

Village Church Building Project

I know that it must appear to you that this project has dragged on.  Well, it has—but not for the lack of desire and willingness to see it finished, but for financial constraints.  However, this past fall we were able to find areas in which we could economize and were able to buy some much needed building supplies.  We still have much to do; but we are closer to the end than before. 

My two daughters, Elizabeth 8 and Abigail 6, are quite the craftsmen and have been a great help to me.  Even at times, Bonnie has lent a helping hand taking time away from the babies.  The first floor room (260 sq/ft) is just about ready.  We still need to trim out the window, door and wall corners and seams.  Before we can began using this room I MUST  lay linoleum on the floor and in the corridor.  Linoleum will cost about $600.00.  If you could help with this expense I would be grateful and your gift could be mailed to our Mission Board (see address below).

Update On Our Krasnoyarsk Church

This last quarter our church saw several in the flock yield their lives to carnal living.  As a result our attendance has been reduced to just a few attending services.  I am sad to report that the couple who would drive with us from the village to church are no longer doing so.  Andrei never made a decision to repent and trust Christ and is trying to fill the emptiness in his life with the worldly vices.  These two are unwilling to take the biblical steps necessary to correct what is wrong.  Pray we may still have an influence for good with them.

 

I guess the most tragic loss for our church and personally for Bonnie and me is the news concerning one of our young ladies.  Bonnie and I led her to Christ many years ago and she had been faithful to church ever since.  However, by accident I learned of her leading a double life since last spring.  Bonnie and I confronted her about her sin and she explained how she realizes her choices made were not consistent with a proper Biblical testimony.  However, she was unrepentant which led to her being disciplined out of the church.

I am so grateful for Brother Kosty who works as a representative for a Swiss pharmaceutical company.  Unfortunately, he misses half of the services because of out of town business trips.  However, when he is in town he is always faithful to church and many times is able to convince his unsaved son, Igor (left), to come with him.  I would like to ask that you pray especially hard for Igor to be saved along with his mother.  I know Brother Kosty would be grateful.

Bonnie’s Corner

Although I love living in our Russian village, at times I do feel isolated and long for fellowship in the English language.  My husband is wonderful, but there are those time that I need to just get away and have some fellowship with other Christian ladies.  We are privileged to have in Krasnoyarsk several good missionary families with ministries either in the city or in a village not far away. 

This past Thanksgiving and then again just before Christmas all of these families were able to get together for some long overdue fellowship.  It was sure nice to hide away with the other ladies and just chat.

Kid’s Corner

How are you? My name is Elizabeth.  I am 8 years old.  In July I will be 9 years old.  We have three dogs.  The first is Max, the second is Storm, and the third is Jake.  I am going to the village school.  I am in the second grade.  My teacher’s name is Nadezda Alexandrovna.  I have three friends.  They are Yana , Lena, and Ksusha.

I like playing out in the snow and sledding.  My sisters and I try to make little snowmen.  I love getting letters from people in America.  When Dad is in town he goes to the post office and checks for boxes or letters.  When he comes home I always ask him if there is a letter for me.  I love to help Mom in the house: clean, dust, and wash floors.

Bible Study in Village of Shela

Evelyn Grace's 5th Birthday Party at "Planeta"

We had a great time with the family at "Planeta"(our Russian version of a mall) where we invited the Dean family, also missionaries to Russia, to celebrate Evelyn's 5th birthday party.  We had Pizza and KFC Hot Wings.  Sure was good.

A Day in Krasnoyarsk Slideshow

Kacha River at Sunset

Today woke up to -28C (-18.4F). Bonnie walked the girls to school. In the afternoon went for a drive through the village and took some nice photos. Thought you would like to see some of them. Click for more photos

The Peach

I'm Evelyn, and will be 5 years old on December 30. My nickname is "The Peach". I like to play outside and go sledding. Someday I want to have a real horse to play with. I like to play with the dogs outside. Sometimes Jake breaks his chain. I have a doll named Susan. I also love bananas and apples.

Reuben Turns One

Well our little man has finally turned ONE.  We want to thank those of you who have sent birthday cards and/or e-card greetings.  Also, your prayers for our family are definitely felt and needed.  Thank you for your faithfulness to remember our family to the Lord.  Please continue to pray for our church planting ministry here in Siberia, Russia.  Also, pray for Russia and that the door of opportunities we currently enjoy do not close.