Sunday and the week ahead

It is a beautiful spring Sunday in Tokmok. We walked home after church this morning which is a litle over a mile from our apartment. We are spending the afternoon in our little apartment reading. Since being without any TV, we have had an opportunity to read alot and I enjoy spending alot of time working on my Russian language. I hesitate to use it much while speaking, but I am understanding more of what I read and hear, which is great fun.

David preached this morning at the Chinese church and I asked him to write a brief synopsis of what he said.

From David
I had the privilege of speaking to a Chinese Church this morning, May 11. It is a congregation made up of at least four languages: English, Krygyz, Russian and Chinese. Translations were going on throughout the room as I spoke.

Allow me to share briefly about my message today. The text was from I Corinthians 3:1-7. I pointed out that Paul referred to the believers at Corinth as “mere men” because of behavior and life style. The text indicates that they were quarrelsome, petty, and divisive, (mere men). My belief is that as Christians, we are no better than any one else, but, we are to be different – not “mere men.”

I then went on to share three dynamic truths that elevate the believer above the status of “mere men.” Paul spoke of these truths to the Corinthian believers, and , once pondered, they are mystical and incredibly dynamic.

They are:
1. Believers are new creations in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17)
2. Believers are to be servants of the Living God (I Corinthians 4:1)
3. Believers are stewards of the mystery of God (I Corinthians 4:1)

The above being true, it is easy to see why Paul was so upset with their behaving as “mere men.”

Challenges ahead

One of the exciting challenges ahead for us is to take an active part in the organization of the Professional Institute. This brand new school, which opens next September, promises to be one of Krygyzstan's most outstanding schools. So much of the education in this country is substandard and open to bribes. The students who come out of this educational system are ill- equipped for meaningful employment. The Professional Institute has brought together some of the greatest educational minds in this country and is commited to creating a new model of education for this country. David has been asked to be the spiritual director as the school endeavors to teach in the areas of agriculture, business and languages. We are pleased to be apart.

Our week ahead
Every day is different and we continue to meet new people

• Monday - we will be going to Olovka orphange and meeting staff and children.


• Tuesday - we will be meeting with another orphanage director in the morning and attending the weekly meeting of the Professional Institute in the afternoon. In the evening, we will join John and Julie Wright at a third orphanage at dinner time. They cook one night a week for the children. We hope to develop on-going, supportive relationships with these orphanages as God leads.


• Wednesday - we will be spending the morning in the English classes at School of Blessing. The children hear love to have native English speakers to visit.


• Thursday - a trip into Bishkek on a luggage rescue mission hopefully (maybe even compensation)


• Friday - yet to be revealed

More and more, we do see God's direction in how He is leading us here. We do so appreciate your comments and emails. The journey continues...