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January
2004
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Dear friends and family, Happy New Year! Another two months has passed since my last update, so I thought it was time for another one. Even though I had a chance to see some of you on my recent visit to the US, I know that I didn't get to share everything that has happened. This is a good thing since it gives everyone else a chance to know what has happened. As a side note, I understand that not all of you share my faith in Jesus Christ. While I do pray that all of you share this hope with me, I hope that you know that I love you either way. I write to all of you because I want you to share this experience in Russia with me and because I want to testify to God's faithfulness and goodness. Anyway, thank you for taking the time to read my updates. I love to hear from you as well. December and January, like in the US, have a lot of activities related to Holiday season. For our church, it was especially active because we celebrate the Western Christmas date as well as the Eastern Orthodox date of January 7th. In addition to the two weeks of celebrating Christmas, we have a big celebration for the New Year. In fact, the New Year celebration in Russia is a much larger holiday than Christmas. They give each other presents for New Year's, but not for Christmas. They have a New Year's tree. Instead of a Santa Claus figure for Christmas, they have Father Frost for the New Year. It's pretty common to stay up all night with friends and/or family and have lots of food and drinks. For the younger crowds, discos are pretty popular. On top of all of that, fireworks displays are common. The biggest reason for this difference between the two holidays is the fact that religion wasn't an accepted part of the culture during the 70+ years of communism. Before the communist era, Christmas was equal to, if not bigger, than the New Year celebration. As a church, this holiday season provided a great opportunity for us to celebrate the great gift of salvation that we have been given because of the history's greatest moment of God becoming man in Christ Jesus. Additionally, it is a miraculous time where people's hearts are softened and there are wonderful opportunities to tell others about the phenomenon of that baby in the manger. Whether people acknowledge the truth of Jesus Christ or not, it is has an irreversible effect. I long for the day when "every knee (will) bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue (will) confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11) On New Years, Olya and I led an all-night hangout with the youth group. I had my doubts as to whether we would have the energy, patience, and ability to keep it fun and meaningful for the kids, but God was faithful to make it a success, despite some difficulties with three of the kids. We started the event at 1am (the church had a special worship/fellowship service that finished at that time) and stayed at the church until 6am. During that time we played games, ate food, had a mini-concert, and had a head-decorating contest inspired by my friend Dan Waterhouse. (Hopefully, I'll be able to post pictures on the website in the not-too-distant future). At 6am, we took a long walk in the snow to our Pastor's house for some worship time and breakfast. Afterwards, everyone was exhausted, but I think we all had a good time. Many people asked me during my visit to the US about what I do here. Right now, I continue to teach Christian history as part of the youth group, lead a weekly home Bible study, and usher during the church services. Additionally, I am keep busy by taking Russian language lessons and helping out with any church needs that come up. I told some of you that Olya and I were presented with an opportunity to take over the Sunday School ministry for the kids in the church. After some time of prayer and discussing the offer, we decided that it wasn't the right time to begin that ministry. I think Olya and I would do great with it in the future, but I really felt that it wasn't the right time yet. However, I will be starting a new challenge in the coming weeks. One of the other missionary families here asked me if I would be interested in teaching science to their children. While I still don't know if I would be very good at teaching, I felt like I should give it a try. I think it will be a lot of fun, despite the great challenge and prep time. Please keep me in pray as I take this new step. Olya recently finished her first semester of teaching. It was a difficult, yet rewarding time for her. She has the next two weeks to rest before beginning the last half of the year. Please pray that she would truly be able to rest emotionally, physically, and spiritually in these two weeks and that God would prepare her to finish the school year strong. I want to close by sharing a few specific prayer request with you. First of all, Olya and I found out that our landlady is selling our apartment. We don't know when it will sell, but we need to find a new apartment soon. I believe that the Lord is true to His word and that He will provide for us. Still, I have times of anxiety over the situation that I need to give to Him. Please pray that we will have peace and that we will have wisdom about what to do. Finally, I would like you to join with us in praying about our future here in Russia. I believe with all my heart that we are supposed to be here right now. (That was confirmed during my visit to the US.) But the fact is, after this next year, we will either have to go back to the US so that we have money to live or we will need to find steady financial support to stay and minister. We are currently self-supporting missionaries, but we will not be able to continue to do so after this year without emptying out our savings. Again, pray for peace in our hearts. Also pray that God would show us where we are to be. Wherever that is, I know that He will provide the finances we need. Thanks again for taking the time to read this. I think about all of you often and I do remember you in my prayers. May you find peace and joy in the loving arms of God the Father today. Shalom, Dave Erho |