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The Lord is continuing to move the ministry forward in Tzhinval, South Ossetia. Don Plummer (a team-mate) and Steve have actively been involved with this effort. A short-term team of 35 went to Tzhinval in order to help repair homes, apartments, and build a children's playground in early May.
There is now a church planter in place, and another opportunity has presented itself which involves serving the needs in some of the mountain villages cut off since the war. More construction teams are planned for the end of the summer. In all of this, people are responding to the hope of the Gospel.
If you are interested in more in-depth information regarding thisministry, please see the August 2009 article in Alliance Life magazine (print and web) or write to us for a DVD.
On a personal note, our family went in different directions this month as Wendy headed off to the States to continue work on her master's degree. Her growing expertise in TESOL comes at a crucial time when an increasing amount of ministry efforts are turning to helping Russians with their English learning needs. As we begin to meet felt needs within the community, we are finding inroads into relationships. As mutually trusting friendships are formed, we are then able to introduce our friends to the message of hope which we bring through our faith in Jesus Christ.
Praises
♦ We are excited at how well the short-term missions trip went in Tzhinval, South Ossetia. The Russian team of 35 was able to do repairs on five homes, finish repairing a church, build a play-ground, and take humanitarian-aid supplies to some villages that have been cut off since August, 2008.
♦ Wendy recently had another great in-depth conversation about spiritual matters with her hairdresser and was able to share the Gospel. She did some research and was led to give her a book called A Woman after God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George. "M" was very open and thankful for the gift. Pray God will use it to speak to her about her need for a personalrelationship with Jesus.
♦ We already have the proper documents in hand for obtaining our visas at the end of the month.
Prayer Requests
♦ Pray for wisdom for the mission's committee of the Krasnodar District regarding an opportunity for them to purchase a house in Tzhinval. Pray for clarity in understanding the Lord's guidance and for a smooth sale transaction if it be the Lord's will.
♦ Pray for Steve and the kids as they leave the country to renew visas at the end of the June. This will be a 24-hour trip on the train one-way without mom around to help, so we covet your prayers.
♦ Pray that Wendy's studies will go well while she is away this summer and that God would undergird her with the energy, strength and emotional support to make it through.
♦ Please pray for peace, love, grace, and spiritual protection for our family.
Thank you for remembering us in prayer!
Steve & Wendy Lovell
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