Two Floor Panels Placed Today, Preparations Begin for First Walls

Thanks so much for all of your comments on this site. We read all the new ones this morning during our devotion time. It's great to get news and words of encouragement from everyone back home. God has blessed us here with good weather and fellowship.

After our first week of work, what a joy it was this morning to see the crane place two floor panels on the foundation this morning. By noon several of us were on the floor getting ready to put up the first walls. We had another rain storm yesterday (Sunday) so the sight was muddy today, but not enough to hinder the work. The sun is out again this morning and it is heating up. It seems a bit cooler or we're just getting used to it.

On Saturday we had a welcomed day off from the work. It was a much needed day of rest as many of us were very tired from the week of heat and work. We went to a man-made lake and were able to cool down with a swim. The beach was simply clay with some small rocks along the shore line -- not the sandy beach we're used to in Michigan. We enjoyed a picnic lunch and time together. After leaving the lake, we went into town and toured some of the shops. One is named "Texas" -- a large grocery store.

On Sunday morning we had the honor of being able to witness baptisms at the Yenesey River. One member of the host family for Roy, Chris and Jerry decided to be baptised. It was quite an experience to see commitments to Christ made on the shores of this mighty river which runs from Mongolia to the Artic Sea. We have heard so many stories of the power of Christ to transform people from lives of addiction and depression to lives of service and joy in Christ. The church here in Lesosibirsk is truly providing hope to many who have lost hope.

After the baptisms, we worshiped with church members at the community center (the power was out so we were in the dark except for sunlight coming through the doors). Pastor Jerry gave the message with his translator which went well. (Jerry can now say he preached in Siberia.) We also heard a message from another pastor who is holding a tent revival in a small town about 45 minutes north of here (the Lesosibirsk officials would not give them a permit to hold the event so they went to the next town). Our team also sang three songs for the congregation: "Amazing Grace", "Power in the Blood" and "In Christ Alone". What an amazing experience to hear some sing along with us in Russian.

We had to leave the community center promptly after the service so the Jahovah Witnesses (JWs as they call them here) could use the facility. This is another reason this church building is important -- to give the Lesosibirsk church its own identity. Some see us, as we leave the building with the JWs going in, and think we are part of the JWs.

Sunday afternoon was more time relaxing with our host families. Some were able to tour the Orthodox Church -- a massive brick building on the river.

Stomach ailments continue with some team members. Dale was running a fever on Saturday and stayed at his host family home to rest. Kristen is at her host home today (Monday) feeling sick and tired. We think it is a combination of all the change we experienced in time zone, food, heat and even culture. Continue to pray for our health and that we get the rest we need to finish the week strong. Your prayers are very evident and greatly appreciate.

I apologize for not having photos to update the site. I forgot the camera. We have to travel from the work site to Pastor Roma's home to get Internet access -- one of the few places that have it. We hope to update everything on Wednesday.