October 1, 2007

Dear Friends,

We have been back in Russia for a month now. In spite of the usual daily frustrations we experience living in Russia, which seem to stand out to us more after living a year in America, it is good to be back. I am very pleased to see all that Narnia Center staff have accomplished in the year I have been absent. They have published books at a faster rate than in any previous year, and made great progress distributing those books in churches and Christian bookstores as well as on the general book market.

Many people browsed Narnia's table of books, but most books were sold to mothers shopping with their children.

For the first time in its seven-year history, Narnia Center presented its books from September 5 to 10 at the 2007 Moscow International Book Fair, a large event in which the publishing giants of Russia present their works. The fair is held every year at the great exhibition grounds of BDNX, a fairgrounds akin to a World’s Fair, which the Soviet Union built to showcase the achievements of their economy. Narnia Center displayed its books at two stands, one in a large exhibition hall and another in a building with only children’s books.

I took my turn with other Narnia Center staff manning the book displays, talking with guests, selling books. Something that impressed me was the character of the people who bought our books. Many people glanced absentmindedly at our books as they walked by. Quite a few stopped to browse. Some lingered a while longer, became interested, picked out a few books, and bought them. Most often these were a mother with one or more children, or a grandmother choosing a book for a grandchild. It was clear to me that the children involved, whether present or not, were viewed as members of the family, with rights of full participation—not second class citizens. These were families where children are deeply valued. I was encouraged to see that these kinds of families were drawn to our books. It also gives me hope that our books will encourage families in nurturing healthy relationships and faith.

After giving a master class to aspiring writers, Viktor Krotov sat at a table to sign books and chat with the crowd.

Narnia Center also sponsored a number of other events at this exhibition, such as a master class for aspiring writers led by Viktor Krotov, our most published Russian author. Following this class, Viktor worked his way through the crowd of people in the corridor to one of the Narnia Center book displays and sat signing books and conversing with those who came to him. Narnia Center also sponsored a round-table discussion on the theme “What makes a children’s book a good children’s book?” Every one at the discussion had an opportunity to speak into the microphone.

I am now staying in a guest room with Alexei Markevich in the educational wing of the Transformation Baptist Church in Oryol, a five-hour drive south and west of Moscow, where we are conducting a four-day training session for a group of Baptist Sunday school teachers. Alexei is teaching a course called “Introduction to the New Testament.” I am working with the students on one of my favorite themes—the Bible and children’s literature.

In a recent letter I told you of our plans to make our transition from Russia to Virginia as I shift from the PC(USA) to work with Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship at the beginning of 2008. We’ve decided to stay in Russia through the winter so Jeremiah can finish tenth grade with his good friends at Hinkson Christian Academy. This will also help me lay a more solid foundation for our ongoing work in Russia with Narnia Center and with our ministry among the native peoples of Siberia. So we will make our transition to Virginia in the spring.

We are very grateful to hear that a number of churches and friends are planning to support us in our new work. Please know that the work we have started with Narnia Center in publishing and in training leaders for ministry also continues to be in need of your support. We are grateful to God to have this opportunity to serve him in Russia.

Yours in Christ,

The 2007 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 186