We enjoyed our first Thanksgiving since moving to Moscow. Two nights before "turkey day" we were greeted with 6 inches of fresh snow. It certainly put all of us into the holiday spirit.
We gathered together on Thanksgiving Day with several other Alliance families and singles that also minister here in Moscow. We were able to get a 25 lb. turkey to share along with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and all the thanksgiving trimmings we usually enjoy in the States. Lisa was even able to make pumpkin pie for dessert.
We are so thankful for each of you and all you do to enable us to be a witness for Jesus Christ here in Russia. Your prayers, financial support and gifts, and ministry through short term mission teams is making an impact in the lives of countless Russians. THANK YOU.
Prayer requests
Bob & Lisa
---Pray for safety as Bob travels to Tyumen/Tobolsk Dec. 4-8. Pray for his time with church leaders as he ministers to them and develops a ministry plan for this coming year.
---Pray for wisdom as Bob begins to work with the Glad News church here in Moscow. The church is three years old is asking for help in leadership development and outreach.
---Lisa has been sick several times during the past month. Pray for her health and adjustment to the climate here in Moscow.
Benjamin
---Finals for the autumn quarter begin Dec. 8. Pray for him to finish well in his classes and to do well on his finals.
---The Alliance provides for children of missionaries to take one trip back to the mission field. So Benjamin will be coming to Russia for the Christmas holidays! On his way to Russia he will be stopping over in Germany to visit his old high school, Black Forest Academy. Pray for his flights as he will be traveling alone and will have many connections.
Michael
---Continue to pray for Michael’s health. He seems to be doing fine after his stay in the hospital for a concussion. However, he has been experiencing pain in one of his knees. We are planning for him to be seen by an orthopedic surgeon here in Moscow during Christmas break. Pray the doctor would be able to determine how best to treat Michael.
Timothy
---Basketball has started and Timothy is excited to play on the middle school team at Hinkson Christian Academy. He is doing well in school and is getting excited for his two brothers to come home.
Tyumen
---Pastor Sasha was ordained at the anniversary celebration in Tobolsk last month. Continue to pray for Sasha, Nadia and their children as the church plant continues to grow.
---Christmas offers significant opportunities to invite friends and acquaintances who do not know Christ to get- togethers and church programs. Pray for the Tyumen church as they plan and prepare for these evangelistic outreaches.
Tobolsk
---Pray for pastor Timofei’s health. He is spending a week in Tyumen receiving treatment at a clinic , which is a common way for Russians to be treated. He has struggled with health issues for many years. Pray for his complete healing and restoring of his health for ministry.
---The Tobolsk church is beginning to hold special Saturday night services once a week in different locations for several ethnic groups that they have been working with. Pray for the services reaching the Tartars, Uzbeks and Armenians.
---The Tobolsk church will be having several evangelistic outreaches during the Christmas/New Year holidays. Pray for an openness to come to these events. The Russian Orthodox Church spreads negative information about the church which often causes people to be afraid of attending an event.
---The church will also be ministering in seven orphanages to over 500 children during the holidays. Pray for these children as they hear the Christmas story. The church is the only group to go into these orphanages and provide gifts to each child. Pray that this ministry will have an effect on city and regional authorities as well as they see the love of Christ in action through the church.
We are deeply aware of the hardships many of you (and your churches) are facing right now. Your sacrificial giving to support us as missionaries and your gifts which enable us to carry on ministry here in Russia is greatly appreciated.
