October 2004

Dear Friends:

Warm greetings from St. Petersburg!

Since our September 24 auto accident, we have been recovering from the shock and body-ache each day. Joe was able to return to his classroom to continue his work a week after the accident. Allow us once again to extend our sincere thanks for your prayers and spiritual support during this testing time.

At this time we would like to ask you for your special prayers and support of one of our colleagues who does important work in this region. Gary Payton has been a PC(USA) mission co-worker since 1999, serving as a regional liaison for Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Poland. Gary’s major role is serving “as a bridge between our church partners and mission personnel and all the folks who are engaged in mission in the region.” In our view, his role and work is highly valuable and crucial.

His regular visits to this region (twice a year) and the way he stays in contact with all parties concerned with this ministry, even those back in the States, through emails and other means of communication, have proven very effective. For instance, he recently accompanied a GAC member and a staff person from Louisville during their visit to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Gary is an essential resource person for all the mission personnel and partner churches in the country. During our recent car accident, his role as the “bridge” between home base and Russia was incredibly effective, and we are deeply grateful for his role and service. His ministry should be continued, and your support as an individual or as a congregation of his valuable service will be greatly appreciated. We ask you to read his recent letter and prayerfully consider whether you can offer support as an individual or as a congregation. To read that letter, click here.

As the season of Thanksgiving and Advent is just around the corner, we want to extend our seasonal greetings to all of you. May the Lord of new life grant you abundant blessings, joy, love and peace! “Dosvidanya!”

Your sister and brother in Christ,

Hannah and Joe