June 20, 2001

 

My last letter was to inform everyone of the wonderful changes that had been taking place in my life: namely, Phyllis Robertson!  We've been married now a little more than four months, and it most certainly is a beautiful thing!  Hard work, yes...but well worth the effort.  Phyllis has been a constant friend for several years now and is more of a encouragement, help and treasure with every passing day!  I never have believed that there's only one perfect mate for every Christian...but Phyllis comes awful close to being a perfect match for me, balancing my strengths, countering weaknesses.  We have greatly appreciated your prayers for us beginning this new phase of life together.  You know, it hasn't even been "So far, so good" - it's been "So far...wonderfully exceeding any expectations!"

As I write this, we're passing through the incredible beauty of the North Carolina Mountains, returning from a vacation with my parents and sisters.  The time since our wedding has been very full.  I was working full time up until this past week, and that's enough by itself, really!  However, that job was a true provision from the Lord.  Working for an airline, we were able to do much more traveling than would have otherwise been possible.  Phyllis was able to visit her parents when she wanted, and we both went to Michigan to visit dear friends there, as well as spending a week with family and friends in Florida.  We've stayed very busy, but also have had a wonderful time of getting to know each other's families and friends more closely.  We've packed in many precious hours of fellowship and worship, sharing friendships old and new, prayer and singing, strengthening and encouraging....

All in all, it's been a very full and rewarding four months.  It's very hard to grasp the immediacy of our departure (much less how much remains to be done in the next week!).  Phyllis and I are leaving for Russia Wednesday the 27th of June.  Yes, that IS next week!  I do apologize for not keeping you all more up to date.  Writing this letter has been on my to do list for probably two months now, and the time has been slipping by faster and faster.  Better late than never, but I do apologize for keeping those of you who haven't been in contact with us guessing.

Phyllis and I have been pursuing a job teaching English in Russia: not because it pays incredible amounts, but as you probably know, because that's where we both want to be!  Teaching is probably the best way we could live and minister in Russia at this point.  We've been working out the details long distance and just recently signed a nine month contract.  We'll be working in a secular institution, a private English Language Center.  I think it will be a great challenge just teaching!  More than that, we'll have the opportunity to work on a daily basis with unbelievers from all over the Moscow Region.

We'll be leaving the 27th, yes, but our contract doesn't start until the first of September.  We'll be working with my close friend Nathan Clausen in a childrens' camp he's helped organize between a church from Minneapolis and several Russian churches about six hours out from Moscow.  It's basically two weeks of Vacation Bible School, reaching out to children in the area.  There will also be other community outreach projects going on at the same time...as far as I know at this point, we'll be at the childrens' camps.  Let me tell you, we are BOTH looking forward to that very much!

Over the next year we'll be living and working in Zelenograd, a smaller city (about 200,000 ), 25 miles or so to the northwest of Moscow.  It's close enough to Moscow to make visiting friends and churches there quite convenient.  However, it's also removed enough from Moscow that it has very much it's own identity.  Zelenograd is a quiet town, know for its electronics industries and technical Institutes.  The city is just as well known for its parks and general "greenness." Zelenograd literally means "Green City!"

The World Language Club, where we'll be working is a newly established Canada-based organization.  We heard about it from a friend who has been there teaching the past year.  They are still trying to add as many native English speakers as they can to their staff, and were very eager to have us join them.  The school offers courses to anyone who can pay for them, basically.  We'll be working mostly with college-age students and adults, though it is possible we might have a few children.  Sounds great, eh? =)

It may be a bit of an unorthodox approach.  We'll be getting PAID!  I can hear the questions already: "Is that really missions work??" "Don't you have to go with an organization of some sort?" "Will they really let you talk about God in a secular school?" Actually, as I said earlier, I don't think there are many better ways we could go.  We'll have an opportunity to build relationships on a daily basis with people who have little or no concept of the God of the Bible .  In Russia, you don't just meet someone and work with them without getting to know them.  They won't allow it usually!  =) I greatly look forward to many new friendships and opportunities to get to know students in and out of school, to share, encourage, counsel...most of all to share the true joy of knowing God, of hope not only in this life, but the next.

We'll be there, making a contribution to the country, offering services much in demand...no problems with the government at all!  Things have been and will continue to be shaky as far as government policies dealing with foreign religious organizations go.  Russia has had every religion, sect and cult in the world pour through their borders in the last ten years or so.  Even the average man on the street reacts negatively to most religious groups he would encounter.  Phyllis and I will be sent and partially supported by Grace Bible Church, here in North Carolina.  Friends and family are all praying of course, and supporting us financially as they can.  Really, though, at this point we don't need much.  We'll be making more than enough to live on with our teaching salaries.  We'll have money to use in ministry, or just to save for whatever comes next!

We will also be working to a large extent with a local church in Zelenograd.  I have quite a few friends in a growing Baptist church there: one of the few evangelical churches in the city, definitely the most active in ministering to the community and teaching the Word.  Whenever we're not occupied with teaching or work related activities, we will be doing one thing or another with the church, I can assure you!  I would love to help with the teaching at some level, and as I'm able and as I become more and more fluent in Russian.  =) We'll also be involved to some extent with Resurrection Church in Moscow.  I was a part of that church from '94-'97, off and on since then, and consider that my 'home church' in Russia.

So....
Have I answered all your questions?  I know I've left some out, because I'm sure I don't have all the answers yet myself.  I DO know that Phyllis and I are thrilled to have this opportunity, excited to be going back to Russia, sad to be leaving family and friends here for the year....  More than anything else, though - we're eagerly looking forward to what the Lord will do in and through us in the next twelve months.  This IS just a starting point, really, an excellent way to get settled in the country.  I couldn't tell you what we'll be doing this time next year...but I do know that the Lord has brought us this far and we can trust Him for this year and the next!

Thank you so much for your prayers, whether you be family, 'adopted family,' close friend or aquaintance...THANK YOU!!!!

With much love and many prayers,
Will and Phyllis Hunsucker
 

If anyone wants to help financially with our ministry needs, or just plane tickets, insurance, all such good stuff, our address in the States is:
Grace Bible Church
c/o Bernie Hunsucker
1627 The Plaza
Charlotte NC, 28205

We are just beginning to work out our mailing list.  Let us know if you want to be on it!  We'll be sending out prayer letters by email and "snail mail."
 
 
 
 
 

IMPORTANT PRAYER REQUEST
We don't have our visas yet.  Up until recently we had thought that the process was going smoothly and that our visas were being applied for by the school.  There have been some miscommunications, though.  Please be praying that our visas would come through quickly.  We are working with unbelievers, and it would be great if they could see how God can work in this situation.  Thank you for your prayers!  We'll keep you updated.