A belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you. We trust that your days were wonderful, and filled with joy and thankfulness for God’s goodness in your lives. What a joy it was for us to be in the States this year, and to be able to celebrate Christmas day as a family in our house, then later in the morning with Crick’s family, to visit with our dear friends and neighbors, and then to drive down to Pittsburgh to celebrate with Steve’s mom, as well as two of his brothers and their families.
William’s 12 – Every Dec. 30 for the last 12 years we’ve been celebrating the birthday of our middle child, William. This year had a few different twists to it, though. Two days after Christmas, Crick left for 5 days to the Dominican Republic for the wedding of a friend there. This meant that she wouldn’t be here on William’s birthday. In addition, we had planned for him to have some friends over on the 27th. But due to him and Jessica getting extremely sick the night before, we had to cancel it. So it was rescheduled for the 30th, his birthday. But then Philip got sick in the middle of night before this, so we had to cancel it again. Finally, on Sunday, Jan. 3, despite Steve getting sick on the 1st, we were able to throw a party with family and friends. What a trooper William was during that disappointing week!
Crick’s brother-in-law – Many of you have heard that during the week of Thanksgiving, Crick’s sister’s husband, Bob, died after a battle with pancreatic cancer, vascular disease, and diabetes. This was a devastating shock to our entire family (he was only 53!). Our hearts have been breaking for Susie, Crick’s sister, and her son, Garrett (who is only 9 years old). Would you please pray for them as they go through these hard days of adjustment without husband and father in their home? Crick plans to travel to Alaska where they live, to visit with them and hopes to be an encouragement and help during these difficult days.
Got snow? – We were told that our little town of Edinboro really gets pounded by lake-effect snow in the winter, but this has been crazy. Although it took quite a while for the snow to really start falling, we have been pounded over and over for the last several weeks. One of our friends, who lives down the road from us said he measured 41 inches of snow in his yard. Can you believe that? Judging by having stood in the middle of our yard, with snow almost up to our waist, we can safely say that we have about that same amount. So we’re thankful for the sun being out yesterday and today, and a forecast that has temperatures above freezing for much of the next week! :o)
Jason & Joy Jordan – What a joy it was in the summer of 2008 to welcome the Jordans back to Russia. You may remember that the Jordans served with our team in Moscow from 2002-04 as missionary apprentices. After returning to the U.S. for seminary studies, they had now returned to Russia as career missionaries. But recently they had their young son, Ethan, go through some testing, and doctors have diagnosed him with Pervasive Development Disorder, which is in the family of autism. Jason & Joy were, of course, very saddened by the news, as well as all of us on the field. As a result of this diagnosis, they’ve had to make the decision to return to the States to get Ethan the best help possible. Please keep the Jordans in your prayers as they try to find good medical help for Ethan, search for jobs and a place to live, and try to deal with having to leave the field in only their second year in Russia.
Our return to Russia – It’s hard to believe that we’re already half-way through our year of Home Assignment. We’ll be returning in July this time, so that our oldest son, Philip, has a chance to attend the LIFE Conference with his youth group from First Alliance Church in Erie. We ask you to PRAY along with us, as it’s time to consider assignments for next term. Please also PRAY that as these months go by, that the Lord will give us His peace and a great joy in returning to Russia. And please pray, too, as we begin the process of preparing our outfit to return for our 3rd term.
Speaking schedule – As you know, much of our year is filled with speaking in churches about our lives and ministries in Moscow, and thanking Alliance people for their support in praying and giving. Here is our spring speaking schedule. Please keep us in your prayers. Maybe we’ll see you somewhere along the way??
Jan. 16-17 – Bryan, OH
Jan. 23-24 – Coalport, PA
Jan. 30-31 – Glenshaw, PA
Feb. 6-7 – Bedford, PA
Feb. 11-14 – Colo. Spgs., CO
Feb. 20-21 – Beaverdale, PA
Feb. 27-28 – Kenmore, NY
March 6-7 – Portage, PA
March 13-21 – Westgate Chapel, Toledo, OH
March 24 – Broadway, PA
March 27-28 – Chippewa, PA
April 10 – Stow, OH
April 18-25 – Mendham Hills, NJ
May 1-2 – Roaring Spring, PA
May 8-9 – Charleroi, PA
May 15-16 – Tionesta, PA
May 22-23 – Meadville, PA
Open Door Church, Moscow – This week Open Door is celebrating its 6th birthday! Praise the Lord for His goodness and blessings on this young church, and for its impact on that city. Their recent Christmas outreach had 180 in attendance. Please pray for pastors Dima and Venya, and for God’s Spirit to continue to use the people of Open Door, as they seek to bring the light of Jesus to a very dark city.
Thank You - Thank you for your continued support of the Great Commission Fund of the Christian & Missionary Alliance! It is through your generous giving that our family and 800 other Alliance international workers are able to live and minister in the countries to which God has called us.
With love and many thanks,
Steve, Christy, Philip, William, and Jessica Volstad
