Dear Partners,

Steve and I have returned to Khabarovsk with our new visa which is
good until October 10. However, Russia has passed a new law that
only allows us to be "registered", or stay here for 90 days out of
every 180 days. This means that we are now registered to stay here
until mid-April. Then we must return to the US for 90 days. This
law applies to everyone with a business visa which is what we work
under. We are very busy, along with every other missionary and
business person who does work here in Russia looking at alternative
visa options or temporary residency or whatever mechanism will allow
us to avoid this serious impact on our ministry. We will keep you
informed as we learn and explore. We have until about August to
figure out a new way to handle our visas as that is when we must
apply for our next one which we hope would be good from October this
year until October 2009. Please pray for Gods perfect solution to
this dilemma.

Meanwhile, I am being scheduled for total knee replacement surgery in
early April. This is a blessing for me as due to the new laws my
surgery and rehab can be done while we have to be in the US anyway.
We hope to also use this time to visit some churches as well. We
have not seen many of you for about three years now! Time sure
flies! If you are interested in scheduling a visit from us during
this time, please let us know so we can begin to set up our
calendar. Needless to say, Steve will be doing some of the
presentations solo this time as I will be busy getting my knee in
shape to take on the world again.

We returned here last Saturday, Steve preached at Red River church on
Sunday and we have hit the ground running. We want to make the most
of our time here. I will be having the Women's Group from Pastor
Yura's church meet here Saturday afternoon. I think I will try to
continue having the meetings here during this time as it is much
easier on my knee. I am looking forward to seeing them all!! I am
also going to visit Anya and her mom, Tanya, tomorrow. I have
promised her to start a bible study for English speakers at her
apartment. I have a date with another Tanya to have tea and set a
time to go out to the Old Folks Home here and pray with the women
again. I just love to go there with her. She is a tall and big
woman with a huge heart and a real prayer warrior. When she walks
into each room five women look up and get HUGE grins on their faces
as she announces: "Let's Pray!!" After an afternoon of praying
there, I just feel so very blessed. I include all of you in those
prayers as well. We pray for them collectively and each one as their
individual needs dictate and God leads.

We will be scheduling our visits to all the pastors for the next few
months now. Steve is always expected to preach when we go to a
church as that is also a teaching mechanism and the pastors love it.
Which meand he is busy working on sermons every week. He is also
beginning to work on a seminar to share with all the pastors as well
as his individual study plan for each of them. They are each
individual in their needs and desires for his help so he puts in a
lot of work. He has a great gift for teaching so it is a blessing
that he is in this role.

I will be doing some investigating about needs in village orphanages
with a woman named Lena. We have been trying to connect for several
months now. Apparently the city orphanages are being taken care of
much better by the government but the villages are a different
story. I have some learning and visiting to do to determine just
what the needs are and some praying about whether or not to
personally get involved. I will update you later about what I
learn.

We also met a new woman pastor just before we left who attended
seminary with Pastor Yura long ago. She has an amazing ministry in
several outlying villages and has asked Steve if he will work with
her on some sermon preparation issues and some planning issues as
well. I will keep you updated on how this relationship works out.

Blessings to all of you, as always, for your continued encouragement,
prayers and support. We are constantly aware of the huge blessing
you give us to be able to do this ministry. Never forget that you
are a part of everything we do. We are honored.

Grace and Peace, Blessings and hugs,

Pastor Steve and Carol

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