November 21, 2007

Dear Slavik, Sasha, Sergei and all our friends at Ananyev Church,

Greetings from Eagle Heights Church in Nebraska! With this letter we would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas! We really miss you and pray that you are well and reaching many for Jesus.

We are sending 3 boxes of gifts from our children to your children. Please feel free to organize and distribute them in any way that you like. We just wanted to say Merry Christmas to all the wonderful children we met when we were there.

We are also sending pictures of families in our church. We would love to have pictures of your families if that is possible.

We thought you might like to know what is happening at our church and we would love to hear from you. ☺

Currently, Pastor Mike is talking about 1 John in his sermons. For example: It is necessary to abide in Christ in order to have the kind of love for one another that the world will notice. He is challenging us to put our love in action.

In October, we had a “bonfire” at Laurie’s house. A bonfire is where you build a fire in the yard and cook hotdogs (sausages) over it. We had lots of other food too. It was a good time, except that it rained on us.

In November, our church celebrated Thanksgiving by having a turkey dinner together. (See pictures.) We also gave thanks for a new little baby boy who was born to a family in our church.

We had much rain in September, but October was a beautiful month with colorful trees. November is starting to cool off and we may get some snow next week. How is the weather there? We think about you and pray that you have received much needed rain.

We would like to hear about your Christmas traditions. Our children are interested in how you celebrate the birth of our Lord. When we were there we saw pictures of Christmas programs, but aren’t sure how you celebrate at home, at church or in the community. In America, we celebrate Christmas on December 25th. We decorate pine trees and exchange gifts on Christmas morning. Our church gathers together for a Christmas Eve service and our children usually have a program like you do.

We continue to think about you all, your special love toward us, and your boldness for Christ. How can we pray for your church??

With Love and Prayers,

Linda and your friends at Eagle Heights Church

** A prayer is a hug that reaches a million miles.**