| Although ELCROS has had over
400 years of existence in Russia and other former Soviet Union
countries, most of its congregations are still not financially
self-supporting. When serving congregations are able to pay only
a meager salary, most pastors need to work a second job in order
to sustain a decent living. This financial aspect may be one good
reason why many young Russians avoid theological training.
For the entering class, twelve students have been admitted after
three long days of entrance exams and interviews. This class is
the biggest group ELCROS has ever had. Now we have 16 students
altogether. The new academic year began on September 23, marking
the fifth anniversary. Joe continues to teach the Biblical subjects
(three classes of Old Testament for the first term). Hannah’s
ministry through the home also continues while she keeps her Russian
language studies going. Her Russian has greatly improved and is
much better than Joe’s.
This last March we received exciting news from our son John and
daughter-in-law Agnes. They were blessed with another child, this
time a son, Brandon. Brandon is our fifth grandchild. We were
told that his two and half year old sister Rachel was a little
bit jealous of this new arrival. But generally she has been very
good to her younger brother. John is still working busily at the
same law firm in Newport Beach, southern California.
Our daughter Ruth’s family has also been doing well. She
is quite tied up with her three kids, though: Peter (5), Sara
(3), and Samantha (1). Peter enjoys learning how to swim, play
golf and piano, as well as playing soccer and attending kindergarten.
Sara also enjoys learning to swim as well as art work at her pre-school
and taking her Friday ballet class. Samantha, the youngest child
of the family, is quite mischievous, drawing everyone’s
attention because she gets into everything. Ruth’s husband
Mike is still working as a computer programmer for a company in
Pasadena. All of us are very happy and grateful for his ordination
as an elder at Altadena First Presbyterian Church in April.
As the season of harvest and thanksgiving approaches, allow us
to express our sincerest thanks for your continuous prayers and
support for our ministry in Russia. May the Lord keep you, your
family, and your ministry healthy, joyful, and fruitful! Dosbidanya!
(So long!)
In Christ,
Joe and Hannah
The 2003 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 79 |
