March 25, 2004
Our first prayer letter from Kovrov!
Dear friends,
Please note: I (Phyllis) started this letter. It wasn't long enough, so Will came along and added to it. Then I went back and edited his additions. If you're confused about who wrote it, don't worry, so are we. =) All the "I's" refer to me, but Will wrote about half of them!
Please note: I (Phyllis) started this letter. It wasn't long enough, so Will came along and added to it. Then I went back and edited his additions. If you're confused about who wrote it, don't worry, so are we. =) All the "I's" refer to me, but Will wrote about half of them!
As many of you may know, we are now living in our new home in the great metropolis of Kovrov! Our move went pretty smoothly, and we're already getting involved in ministry here. God provided a wonderful apartment, with a little more space than we had in Moscow, for less than a quarter of what we were paying there. =) Thank you so much for all your prayers! They are definitely being answered.
The Lord has graciously provided for our every need here, as He always does. We have been humbled by how quickly different ones of you have committed to helping us financially as well as supporting us in your prayers. Even though we've moved into a much smaller field of ministry, we feel we have brought a host of co-workers to this town! Please do know that we are very grateful to every one of you who has committed to support us with prayers and finances. As 'real missionaries' now, not trying to support ourselves while also constantly being involved in different ministries, we are daily aware of you all who are partaking in
our ministry here. Your commitment frees us up to be available for any need, at any time.
our ministry here. Your commitment frees us up to be available for any need, at any time.
What is Kovrov like? Well, it's definitely not Moscow... you all can probably picture Moscow to some extent, even if only by comparing it to New York or some other such huge city. But Kovrov is a different thing altogether. I don't know if you've heard us or others say that "Moscow isn't Russia," but it's very true. Kovrov is typical for a city of its size (about 160,000). In many ways, it's even better off than most. For example, all of the major factories that anchored the city economy in Soviet times are still functioning. Many other cities don't have that. There's actually some amount of growth and development going on in the city. On the other hand, you should not compare Kovrov in your thinking to a city the same size in the States (even a town in the most remote corner of the mountains of West Virginia!). From one point of view, we have most of the contemporary conveniences available in the States...often for the same prices! However, the wages are very low, and overall, we seem to be about 30-60 years or so behind the development of the United States in thinking, poverty levels, available
utilities, and technology.
utilities, and technology.
Many people see very little hope in life and have very little purpose except to survive and to achieve a slightly better level of existence for their children than what they have known. Many others have no purpose except to find enough money for the next drink. But people are people wherever we may be and have the same essential need for reconciliation with their Creator, fellowship with Him, and eternal salvation. That is, of course, the ultimate reason why we are here. Pray that our Lord would daily use us as His ambassadors in this place.
We're living within walking distance of the orphanage/school where we've stayed and helped with camps during the past two summers. For two people who love children and love ministering especially to those more needy, this is definitely a blessing. One of the girls from church teaches Bible lessons there four days a week, and we've been able to start helping her some. Will takes his guitar and leads singing every time. Jaan and I go about once a week, just to help and visit with the kids. Jaan loves that! I think it's the highlight of his week. I also
think that for these kids to see an example of a true family at least once a week may be as great as any other influence we can possibly have in their lives.
think that for these kids to see an example of a true family at least once a week may be as great as any other influence we can possibly have in their lives.
We can also walk to the home of our co-workers, Pavel and Tanya Korneichuk. We're over there pretty often for church activities during the week: prayer meetings, Bible studies, youth fellowship, etc. We've been able to have a lot of time with Pavel and Tanya. It seems that
just to have us here is a great support in and of itself. Already we've had a lot of time to help think and plan and work out different ministry and outreach opportunities. It's encouraging to see that we can be of help to them. For us as well, being in a situation like this is an answer to prayers: being able to support our friends in their work, to start sharing their load and see it becoming our common ministry. Jaan is also always thrilled to see his friends Alyona and Katya Korneichuk (ages 5 and 3), although they sometimes overwhelm him a little. =)
just to have us here is a great support in and of itself. Already we've had a lot of time to help think and plan and work out different ministry and outreach opportunities. It's encouraging to see that we can be of help to them. For us as well, being in a situation like this is an answer to prayers: being able to support our friends in their work, to start sharing their load and see it becoming our common ministry. Jaan is also always thrilled to see his friends Alyona and Katya Korneichuk (ages 5 and 3), although they sometimes overwhelm him a little. =)
The place where the church meets on Sundays is a little farther away. Will sings in the fledgling choir, sings with Pavel and by himself, and has preached twice already. He is in the rotation for speaking on Sundays with Pavel and the two other men who are willing to share from the Word what God has been teaching them. I haven't been able to go to a church service yet, because it's still too cold to have Jaan out for that long. The building isn't heated, and there's nowhere to go with a tired or fussy baby. However, we are trying to invite someone over to eat with us every Sunday, so that we can get to know everyone in this little church.
Will and Pavel have been trying to find a place to start a lending library of Christian books. It looks like the administrator of the big store in the center of town may them put out a table there. At least, he's open to it. He was also very interested in everything Will and Pavel shared with him, so pray for him to understand completely.
Please pray for
--the Bible lessons in the orphanage and Ira, who teaches them.
--a better meeting place for the church! (Pavel is constantly keeping his eyes open for possibilities.)
--the store administrator, the library and other potential sites for the book table.
--us to settle into ministry here and find the places where we can help the most.
--preparations for the summer camps.
--the Bible lessons in the orphanage and Ira, who teaches them.
--a better meeting place for the church! (Pavel is constantly keeping his eyes open for possibilities.)
--the store administrator, the library and other potential sites for the book table.
--us to settle into ministry here and find the places where we can help the most.
--preparations for the summer camps.
Again, thank you all so much for your love and prayers and support. It's a constant encouragement to think of you and know you are keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Phyllis and Will (and Jaan, of course!)