Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2005 04:12:00 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Gerald Flinchbaugh"
Subject: VIM Russia 2005 E-mail #4
To: "Gerald Flinchbaugh"
VIM Russia 2005 E-mail #4
Dear Friends,
Below is newsletter #4.
Yesterday I told you that I would check into what happened to Newsletter # 1. I learned that there was no newsletter #1 for general distribution.
Enjoy the newsletter. Have a blessed day!
Gerry
Subject: VIM Russia #4, June 28, 2005
Greetings again from Pyatigorsk!! Our days continue to be busy and full of Blessings! Picking up where we last left off, our Monday evening devotionals were highlighted by a spontaneous presentation on the Russian Republic of Dzachistan by Nina and Olly, two of our new interpreters. They described life as a Russian living in a mostly Muslim area, including the challenges and the positives and gave personal perspectives as a Christian in a Muslim culture. Pat topped off the devotional with a lesson for our Russian friends on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Afterwards fun and games continued with the Russian children in the playground area with rousing games of “volleysoccer,” basketball and such.
Tuesday brought more work. But first, we prepared for the visit to the War Veteran’s Hospital by practicing several of our songs, soulfully led by Andrew L. and Deanna. The neighbors have commented to the school staff how wonderful our singing is, so we gave them more to appreciate! Work continued in the Theater room <**???**> with preparation for new linoleum flooring, but repairs to the base required 24 hours to dry, so the windows were scraped of decades of built up paint and repainted. Installation of wainscoting in the dance room continued and major repainting of the main Gym room was completed.
Andrew Conard continues to explore the Russian culture and political systems through interviews with our hosts and other key people.
We were touched at lunch by the blessing of the meal by a Russian employee of the Boarding School. The Russians continue to actively participate in our devotionals and meals and are a true blessing to all of us as our relationships continue
to build.
After lunch, we were fortunate to be able to visit the Veterans Hospital. One elderly veteran of WWII, expressed his extreme gratitude to the Americans, saying the first time he saw any Americans was when they freed him from a German Prison Camp in 1945. The second time was today.
We had Bible Study following that at the PUMC, with lessons by Pastor Alexander and Julia Brooks… both touched our hearts, and taught us again about being salt and light.
We continue to love our time here, especially being with our Russian friends, and feeling the work of the Holy Spirit.
UMVIM-Russia 2005 Team - Jerrys Tussing, Cottrell, and Jean Taylor reporting
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From Bill Wynn: Requests St. Stephen’s UMC office and other Team Supporters to call his wife Mary Jane to send his love and let her know he is fine and doing well (she does not get email). Number is 703-425-8153. (P.S. Who won the NBA championship????)
To Good News Class: Thanks for your cards, letters, and inspirational books. Can’t wait to share my experience with you! Bill.
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From Jerry Tussing: Continued prayers for Judy Ryan and Sonja’s mom Margaret as they recover from their surgeries. My love to Sonja, Candice and Austin and the extended family as Margaret begins her recovery from this malignancy.
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From Jean T.: Guess what?! We got to visit the Veteran’s Hospital this afternoon, and they let me saw this morning! Love you all! Jean/Mom.
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From Dick to all in Deltaville: We are here, doing well, enjoying working with the people here. Our love to all our families!
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From Tim: Doing good! Love to all!!
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From Lyn: Today’s visit to the Veterans Hospital was very touching. The veterans we saw were very appreciative of the Americans’ part in the Great War. I visited the surgical unit and we saw Olga, Sr.’s mother there, who is recovering from abdominal surgery. This team is very musical, and I have enjoyed participating in all the singing. For the RDYC: we have a new word: “oishkey-benoishkey”! Love to all, Lyn.
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From Andrew C. – Mom, Dad, Jonathan, Melissa and Kristin – Eating well, and getting enough sleep. K – hope things are going well in jolly England. I’m taking good notes to tell you all about it.
Nicole – How is the beta? Are you on call this week? Can’t wait to see you. Ily
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From Bobbie & Cheryl: Dear Marjorie, Staff & Congregation:
We have arrived safely in Pyatigorsk and have begun our work projects. We are experiencing the wonderful warmth, friendship and love from our family and friends at the Boarding School. Our first Sunday with the Pyatigorsk UMC congregation was a special moment (seeing many old friends plus new ones). Pastor Alexander Kozorazov sends his greetings and blessings. Thank you for your prayers and support of our mission.
Love, Bobbie & Cheryl
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Dear Mom,
Hi…just a note to say thank you for your support and prayers of my time here in Russia. We are being well taken care of by our friends and family here at the Boarding School. Pastor Alexander sends his regards. I’ll see you on July 11th. Take care.
Love, Cheryl
Note: You may respond to this email address if you would like to…
From Bobbie:
Once again this is a wonderful trip. Visited a vet hospital today with ten bags of supplies. Weather fine. Only a few days left to finish many projects. Been busy organizing supplies and hanging wallpaper.
Love, Mom
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