Well, we didn't get much rest from our travels in December! No sooner had God closed the door to Russian than he called us to Virginia -- Darlene's mother was passing away. We got home in time to see her before she went, and Clay helped perform the funeral. Our sons also came from Mississippi and Seattle, along with our daughter-in-law and granddaughter Kendra! So, it was a good time with family. Once we got back, though, we were very involved in the church -- counseling leaders, helping prepare for Christmas, work for Presbytery committees, and a seminary tutorial in Kyiv.
The Russia conference went on without us, and God worked even through all our personal confusion so that 3 pastors went from Ukraine and made good connections with our brothers in Russia. Pray for unity there, and for doors to stay open for ministry in an increasingly difficult place. It is thrilling, though, to see national Reformed pastors in Ukraine and Russia carrying on the vision for missions!
This month, after 12 years together, we are closing our Odessa office, which has led to much confusion. Some people think we are LEAVING! That is not the case. Since the CHURCH has taken over many ministries, we continue to work with and through them, so that we no longer need such a large staff. There is now an organized church, a national presbytery, a publishing house, a counseling center, etc. -- so we work with THEM to do the work! Several people are now taking up jobs within those organizations. But praise God with us for all the years we've enjoyed together, and for all the Lord has done through us and in us.
The church was making a major decision this month, as well -- deciding about "the Ark" drug rehab ministry center, which has been closed for the past year. It was wonderful to see the zeal among the church members for the needs of others. Pray for them as they continue to decide what to do, but yesterday they decided NOT TO SELL the property, in order to continue to seek the Lord's will.
The Christmas Season is full. We just had a Choir come from Philadelphia yesterday, and Larry Roff will be giving organ concerts this week! We have an entire cycle of concerts going for the next 2 weeks, and yesterday's concert was packed. So it is a full season. Thanks for your prayers -- there are challenges, but we are encouraged.
