tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66324962691555730982024-03-18T20:19:38.653-07:00The O'Byrne Report - Сообщение О'БерновUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-41062591468997618792016-01-27T15:22:00.000-08:002016-01-27T15:22:14.834-08:00The O'Byrne Report, January 2016 (archive)<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;">
<br /></h3>
<div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u>Prayer
Requests:</u></b></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-indent: -24px;">Praise and thanks for God's incredible goodness to us in our transition from Russia to Denver.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-indent: -24px;">We are very grateful for the sympathy shown to Priscilla as her father (Pastor Walter Menges) passed into glory.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-indent: -24px;">Praises for Liam and Olivia's adjustments to life in the US, and Colorado. Please continue to pray because they are still adjusting. Pray for school decisions for Olivia for next school year.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-indent: -24px;">We are thankful that Gillian and Karina could join us in Denver for both Thanksgiving and Christmas!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-indent: -24px;">Pray for Olga as she leads another Discovery event in Russian in February. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-indent: -24px;">Continue to pray for comfort in our continuing grief over "losing our lives in St. Pete" that we loved! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-indent: -24px;">Praises for new opportunities to minister to and deep the spiritual life of Christian leaders both locally and overseas. </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkLEjjca-st3pX0IoXrkfgCloX0pBCzvz1-a80QY1GTlXovS0H6Nr1WlHoVXQ1kolSVxJQBP5hwQa4CUCJ9-Z4rHk9mVWziorm3XxXFOkGqXG5OaxdBMjcJsXWgnW1BJMtpEKD2jmD68/s1600/PHX+Discovery+2015+09_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkLEjjca-st3pX0IoXrkfgCloX0pBCzvz1-a80QY1GTlXovS0H6Nr1WlHoVXQ1kolSVxJQBP5hwQa4CUCJ9-Z4rHk9mVWziorm3XxXFOkGqXG5OaxdBMjcJsXWgnW1BJMtpEKD2jmD68/s320/PHX+Discovery+2015+09_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIa4-sPY_gHTe5tzBl4xVrIOJ_ClwvQcWJD0zmnSYQLg75WL87QhiOrI4JT5S0P_oOhExwloKD-NG4ME01n1cwrp9-RL-5m2Jnm6RvpjxuAfIMaX_bZph94aAmze6tKOGwy2frKoktDns/s1600/PHX+Discovery+2015+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIa4-sPY_gHTe5tzBl4xVrIOJ_ClwvQcWJD0zmnSYQLg75WL87QhiOrI4JT5S0P_oOhExwloKD-NG4ME01n1cwrp9-RL-5m2Jnm6RvpjxuAfIMaX_bZph94aAmze6tKOGwy2frKoktDns/s320/PHX+Discovery+2015+09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u>SF Discoveries:</u></b> <b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
In the last four months, Imago Christi held four Spiritual Formation Discovery events in Arizona, California and Idaho for a total of over 120 participants! These events consistently encourage isolated Christian leaders in their spiritual growth, helping them appreciate all that the Lord has led them through, how the Lord is continually wooing them into deeper intimacy with Him so they can face the challenges of their journey ahead. Here's just one testimony from Phoenix:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
"The Discovery truly helped me see where I have come from, where I am, and excitement for where I am going with Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Coupled with the Movements of Growth, I became more aware of why I have the longings that are the very breath of my soul in relationship with God." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
For the "Big Picture" of CRM/Imago Christi's ministry impact, see "2015 CRM Annual Report" below:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rULwuVWsJdSrYmDPEno7MwhtqUfVkfY5vEHny1XmtPITDL1_sOB9do9FV-QpZZp2M1cFm38qCwAu3QQG6XUcXj_okMrRlCD0SFNElaYBLPvYEt0rWG4QqfPj9Ee8Ts29Hx-YesSE5jI/s1600/AngelsofBlockade4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rULwuVWsJdSrYmDPEno7MwhtqUfVkfY5vEHny1XmtPITDL1_sOB9do9FV-QpZZp2M1cFm38qCwAu3QQG6XUcXj_okMrRlCD0SFNElaYBLPvYEt0rWG4QqfPj9Ee8Ts29Hx-YesSE5jI/s320/AngelsofBlockade4.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u>Angels of the Blockade:</u></b> <b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Earlier this month my former-colleague at Saint Petersburg Christian University, Dr. Marina Sergeyevna Karetnikova (86), passed into the arms of her Savior. Her passing inspired me to finally publish Angels of the Blockade -- a book I had written based on interviews about how she had survived the Blockade of Leningrad in WWII as a child with her believing family under the added pressures of Soviet persecution.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Her compelling story shows the significant role that one family of Christians played, and how Russian Christians helped other people survive the Blockade with dignity and with faith in God. This story could not have been told during the militantly atheist, soviet era, but it has an important message to convey to post-soviet Russians, who believe that chance or their own strength saved them from fascism. God did not abandon Russia. Faith in God was the secret of strength in weakness for one of the darkest moments in history. Order your copy today (available in <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/bill-obyrne/angels-of-the-blockade-the-story-of-marina-sergeyevna-karetnikova/paperback/product-22539886.html">Paperback</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Angels-Blockade-Bill-OByrne-ebook/dp/B01B2AX3U0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1453935675&sr=1-1&keywords=angels+of+the+blockade">Kindle</a> and <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/bill-obyrne/angels-of-the-blockade-the-story-of-marina-sergeyevna-karetnikova/ebook/product-22540160.html">eBook</a> formats).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Discovery </u></i><u>in Baltic States<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
This week I begin holding a
"virtual Discovery" over six-weeks of video conferencing with someone
I'll only call Pastor S. in one of the Baltic States (in the former USSR). I
mentored Pastor S. through <i>Imago Christi'</i>s
spiritual assessment tool in December, and now he has asked that I lead him through
our basic experiential Discovery seminar as a foundation for mentoring him in
his prayer life. Pastor S. is a prominent church-planter and leader of
nationwide conferences in his country! Please pray for Pastor S. for his
spiritual vitality and that of his ministries. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaB5LsqkT_Aiacbkf345yp3xIiwEW4jpz7osbJZtdNFBw7-hvdSB73QSQk0zmY5XIY_Mm8M00QJElNYp_Cer0HQSAOsCHh9L0l-930dTD9_RvqRcmHeO97j9bwyPsmJkqJu4CnzSuMSU/s1600/LenaNada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaB5LsqkT_Aiacbkf345yp3xIiwEW4jpz7osbJZtdNFBw7-hvdSB73QSQk0zmY5XIY_Mm8M00QJElNYp_Cer0HQSAOsCHh9L0l-930dTD9_RvqRcmHeO97j9bwyPsmJkqJu4CnzSuMSU/s320/LenaNada.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u>Lena
& Russians in Denver:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Lena Makarenko is the wife of our
pastor back in Russia, who came to Denver in January to visit friends and
family. She introduced us to her sister-in-law in Estes Park, CO, and to the
pastor of Bethany Russian Church in nearby Aurora, CO, who was her classmate
back in Russia. I was promptly asked to preach the next Sunday, and am meeting
the pastor to discuss further ministry opportunities. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xMXsSENnblrhJiP0kTuWPhogfZnLXIpzmPxHAA4Tc3Uw_Hr-NQqtXZ5ZjEETWlr2OsaAuMCWCf4Zz0INf4_U20eddsUaLg-I93TUw3LzI95bULnRxVPrLy9LxzOlubiYdOJGgRLdWaA/s1600/Thanksgiving2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xMXsSENnblrhJiP0kTuWPhogfZnLXIpzmPxHAA4Tc3Uw_Hr-NQqtXZ5ZjEETWlr2OsaAuMCWCf4Zz0INf4_U20eddsUaLg-I93TUw3LzI95bULnRxVPrLy9LxzOlubiYdOJGgRLdWaA/s320/Thanksgiving2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u>Family News: <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Priscilla hosted both her mother and my parents
in December, on top of homeschooling, teaching music at Olivia's charter
school, and celebrating the holidays in a brand new city.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Gillian finished her student teaching, and is
filling out job applications during her last semester at Wheaton College!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Karina is a sophomore French Horn major at Wheaton,
the chaplain of the Symphonic Orchestra, and the Christian Life assistant to
the RA on her floor!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Liam is now playing basketball for Jim Elliot
Christian School, but he has also participated in Worship Dance and Drama
presentations!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Olivia is progressing with homeschooling and her
charter school weekly classes. She enjoys moving up in gymnastics and performing
in a local worship dance company.</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlClFxc8zUzu1zorWq-mY-DHxSQ5OpX1IHpas4kIyyZEQfsMaHE_MUhaFT3IvqpPDEoVZ5heT3XJYxyegRMwZcrVFav8FbNM4EKCCLK7BgEqnwiM5eXIDJxOSo4xXON4__7ZJYSdGFjcU/s1600/BlessingMelanie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlClFxc8zUzu1zorWq-mY-DHxSQ5OpX1IHpas4kIyyZEQfsMaHE_MUhaFT3IvqpPDEoVZ5heT3XJYxyegRMwZcrVFav8FbNM4EKCCLK7BgEqnwiM5eXIDJxOSo4xXON4__7ZJYSdGFjcU/s320/BlessingMelanie.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u>Leadership
Transition:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
In addition to my personal Spiritual
Formation ministry to Christian leaders, in April I will officially transition
into the role of "team leader" for the <i>Imago Christi</i> ministry team in CRM. This month I benefitted from a
CRM mission-wide team leader training, and I am in the midst of conducting the
Role Review and Goal Setting processes for all our staff.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Imago Christi </span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“cultivates
spiritual depth in ministry leaders” who minister among: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">the Poor, in the Church and
pioneering New Ground, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">so
that God will be renowned and disciples made among the nations! <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The main tasks of my leadership of this team will be
to: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Expand our
training and resource offerings</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Build the
community of our present members</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Train our members
and partners</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Coordinate
spiritual formation communities regionally and internationally</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Collaborate with
other spiritual formation ministries, seminaries and mission agencies, and</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Recruit more “spiritual
formation missionaries” to help people lead their ministries out of their
intimacy with Christ.</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBM2DTlPTmwk6rOkrBE2JhK_7l78aqr4huelgypscOfDRLfzCBfi1aym1WD4t4ObbUcwy2ibkp9Dj4-a3OaxdXzSvN_uzeW6wHSYILEDNWdSKIb_d_tyalP90MNRRAeNJKjhJe9Jx9bYY/s1600/BoldlyGoCelebrate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBM2DTlPTmwk6rOkrBE2JhK_7l78aqr4huelgypscOfDRLfzCBfi1aym1WD4t4ObbUcwy2ibkp9Dj4-a3OaxdXzSvN_uzeW6wHSYILEDNWdSKIb_d_tyalP90MNRRAeNJKjhJe9Jx9bYY/s320/BoldlyGoCelebrate.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u>2015
Annual CRM Report:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
Go to <a href="http://www.crmleaders.org/">Crmleaders.org</a> and click "Download
Report" (or simply click <a href="http://media2.crmleaders.org/pdt/15_amr_final.pdf">HERE</a>) to see the
overall statistics and impact of Church Resource Ministries' teams over 2015. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span style="background: white; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Imago Christi </span></i><span style="background: white; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">belongs to the "mobilizing
the Church" initiative. As a subset of CRM's report, the following <b>numbers
</b><i>for the 2014-15 ministry year</i> can give you a feel for the
number of leaders and ministry situations that YOU have had an influence
on through <i>Imago Christi:</i> our Discovery retreats, personal coaching
and mentoring. <b>Thank you for partnering with us!</b></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">1. Pre-Christians ministered to <b>– 33</b></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">2. New Christians estimated from our work<b>– 59</b></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">3. Senior Pastors ministered to <b>– 26</b></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">4. Spouses of Pastors ministered to <b>– 20</b></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">5. Other Church and Pastoral Staff <b>– 71</b></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">6. Young Emerging Leaders ministered to <b>–
21</b></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">7. People Directly Trained by <i>Imago
Christi</i><b>– 671</b></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">8. Leaders Developed by Leaders trained and
coached by <i>Imago Christi</i><b>– 243</b></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">9. Small Churches (0-125) Ministered to <b>–
11</b></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">10. Medium
Churches (126-350) Ministered to <b>– 4</b></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">11. Larger Churches (351-750) Ministered to<b> –
3</b></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">12. Extended Consulting with Churches <b>–
5</b></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">13. Nations that<i> Imago Christi </i>touched <b>–
10 (Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Israel, Nicaragua, Russia, Singapore,
UK, USA)</b></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">14. Denominations that <i>Imago Christi</i> served <b>–
27</b></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">15. Mission Agencies that <i>Imago Christi</i> served <b>–
10</b></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">16. Other Ministries that <i>Imago Christi </i>served <b>–
11 </b></span></span><span style="font-family: "times"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-54702758928593031632016-01-27T09:24:00.003-08:002016-01-27T15:11:27.844-08:00The O'Byrne Report, September 2015 (archive)<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;">
<br /></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Prayer
Requests:</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Pray for Priscilla as
Bill will be away presenting four Discovery seminars, visiting churches,
and an </span><i style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Imago Christi </i><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Gathering.
He’ll only be home 20 days of the next six weeks. Then the travel season
slows till March.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">We are so grateful for
a smooth move to CO and an adequate and reasonably priced apartment in
CO. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Pray for the safe
arrival of the rest our personal belongings from Russia.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Please pray for Liam
(11th grade) and Olivia (4th grade) during their transition to American
life and schools, new friendships, and our church hunt! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Pray for our Wheaton
College girls: Gillian is student teaching, and Karina is Orchestra
Chaplain and an RA's assistant on her floor.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Continue to pray for
comfort in our continuing grief over "losing our lives in St.
Pete" that we loved! </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u style="text-underline: thick;">Knowing Not Where:</u></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u style="text-underline: thick;"><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
In the last six months, we have
experienced our version of “leaving Ur” and “going to the land I will show
you.” God has provided for us in amazing ways: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Temporary housing in CO for July promised in
April (Thank you, John & Kathy!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Leaving so much behind, giving away, selling
some, giving more, pitching the rest. It is “just stuff,” right? But it’s our
stuff, and made up our lives.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">We got airline tickets with extra baggage
allowances, and no hassle about our 13 carry-ons!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">While our apartment in Saint Petersburg did not
sell, the renters agreed to purchase our furnishings, which meant we didn’t
have to get rid of it all, and that gave us enough money to furnish our new
apartment in CO!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">We found an affordable 2-bedroom apartment that
actually had enough room for the four of us, a home office, storage, and
guests.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Bicycles donated or loaned from various sources!</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u style="text-underline: thick;">Colorado Welcome:</u></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u style="text-underline: thick;"><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
This week the Imago Christi team
here in Colorado held a “welcome reception” for us. We were able to share our story
with leaders in the area of spiritual formation in the Denver area, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHadti01zdghwWflfrNOJRcSlFcjePXOe9HghE-vg6-_QmLEGeZzQodU7N4O4w0NQwcvs30BMRnWs3JSH30k8SgQKYuuzZ51wXxqofRrljy6GCgPlrfB8mTQyXSPZogesUUaAOybJFK0/s1600/OlgaDiscovery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHadti01zdghwWflfrNOJRcSlFcjePXOe9HghE-vg6-_QmLEGeZzQodU7N4O4w0NQwcvs30BMRnWs3JSH30k8SgQKYuuzZ51wXxqofRrljy6GCgPlrfB8mTQyXSPZogesUUaAOybJFK0/s320/OlgaDiscovery.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Discovery </u></i><u>Continues in Russia <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
We met a regional pastor “Igor” at
the the Discovery seminar that Olga Pavlovna and I led in May. Soon after we
left Russia, Olga teamed up with Igor to take Spiritual Formation Discovery for
Leaders to a group of a dozen church planters and young pastors that he
supervises in the Novgorod Province. Olga did a great job with her first solo
seminar; leaders were encouraged their life with God, which is the source of
their power and authority in ministry! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZMsw9j1bM_V13wGYecHJD8buhWIlvgVv6rxWkr5X9AL4jcL21PvVbxUy6NlMlO7OJ9ZqIO1BVyNfNcPxSvTKW2Txn1n-jc-gGQ6i8Bssxfi_maayZ8GjMns5YAxRmYJG8wFahBVEBL4/s1600/MoreRUSBoxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZMsw9j1bM_V13wGYecHJD8buhWIlvgVv6rxWkr5X9AL4jcL21PvVbxUy6NlMlO7OJ9ZqIO1BVyNfNcPxSvTKW2Txn1n-jc-gGQ6i8Bssxfi_maayZ8GjMns5YAxRmYJG8wFahBVEBL4/s320/MoreRUSBoxes.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Russia’s
Long Reach:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
We sent 14 boxes of personal items,
books and clothes from Russia directly to Colorado via Russian Post. Apart from
some small items that were bent or broken, and some photo albums that were
ripped, two of the parcels arrived in completely different boxes. One box
contained 1 and two half-pairs of shoes, and a notice of apology from the US
Postal Service for the condition in which they arrived! Other boxes had random
items missing! Another box had items in them that were not ours, a Korean
textbook, and a book on a French painter! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Kids’ News: <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Gillian is student teaching in Wheaton, IL with
half her kids – refugees from Burma! She takes the full class for most of
October!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Karina is our “over-extended sophomore” loving
everything that Wheaton has to offer!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Liam is settling in to the Jim Elliot Christian
School as a junior, in a small class of 10, where he has already had
opportunities in the arts, sports and even meeting a presidential candidate!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Olivia is homeschooling and going to a charter
school once a week. She is starting with gymnastics and worship dance weekly as
well.</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u style="text-underline: thick;">What we’re
moving into:</u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Imago Christi </span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“cultivates
spiritual depth in ministry leaders” who minister among: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">the Poor, in the Church and
pioneering New Ground, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">so
that God will be renowned and disciples made among the nations!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The main tasks of my leadership of this team will be
to: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Expand our
training and resource offerings</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Build the
community of our present members</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Train our members
and partners</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Coordinate
spiritual formation communities regionally and internationally</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Collaborate with
other spiritual formation ministries, seminaries and mission agencies, and</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Recruit more “spiritual
formation missionaries” to help people lead their ministries out of their
intimacy with Christ.</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-85917296258751316462016-01-27T09:17:00.000-08:002016-01-27T15:11:50.076-08:00The O'Byrne Report, May 2015 (archive)<b style="text-indent: 0in;"><u>Prayer
Requests:</u></b><br />
<b style="text-indent: 0in;"><u><br /></u></b>
<div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">We are grateful to all of you, and for your continued
participation in the Lord’s work through us “to Russia and Beyond”! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Goodbyes and gratitude for all of the Lord’s work here
that we have witnessed and participated in (see below). Mourning the loss of
our life in Russia, and the incredible regrets of what could and might have
been. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Wisdom for Packing. Imagine selling off, giving away or
pitching 95% of your stuff, and moving your whole life in three suitcases each
(plus five boxes of books in the mail). <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">(see picture below)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Pray for a good transition with our many family
members, as we all get used to the idea that we are still “missionaries to the
world” based in the US. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Pray for our churches in Russia. While the “indirect
war” continues in Ukraine, things seem to be calming down in Russia, but huge
tensions remain unresolved under the surface. It’s not easy to look at and
repent of old prejudices and truly live as Kingdom citizens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Pray for guidance with our Housing Needs in Colorado. We
are experiencing more uncertainty than we did 22 years ago moving to Russia,
not knowing where we are going to land in Denver. It’s a faith adventure! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Pray for us as our departure date (June 15<sup>th</sup>)
approaches, and the final goodbyes sink in. Setting our sights on the adventure
ahead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u>Kids Ask:</u></b> <b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">One
of our supporter’s kids chatted with me on Facebook recently. Her questions
were blunt and to the point, forcing me to ask the tough questions about our
transition and explain it succinctly: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Q: You're done being missionaries in Russia?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Me: Yes, I'm continuing as a missionary though,
mentoring and training other missionaries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Q: So where will you be a missionary? Somewhere in the
U. S.?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Me: We'll be based near Denver, CO. We leave Russia
mid June, arrive in Colorado early July. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Q: What made you guys to wanna do something different?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Me: I have been working on this team within our
mission for ten years, and next year I will start leading it. So I am focusing my
efforts more, while helping more people do it worldwide! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Q: What's it like there?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Me: Denver, is semi-desert at the foot of the Rocky
Mts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Q: What about Russia?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Me: Flat, coastal, sub-arctic. We're as far north as
Anchorage, Alaska. Oh, you mean what about our ministry here? We have to entrust
people to the Lord. I’m giving my classes over to Russian teachers who must
step up, and cannot depend on missionaries forever!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u>A Seasons of “Last’s” and Goodbyes:</u></b> <b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">At our last graduation from SPCU Bill was recognized
for 18 years of service to Saint Petersburg Christian University. (see picture below)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Liam’s last basketball game in a “Cossacks” uniform<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Olivia’s last Dance Recital with her dance class. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">(see picture below)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Last “Spiritual Formation Discovery” seminar in
Russian (at least while we live here). <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">(see picture below)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">First and last “garage sale” in our apartment! Priscilla
is a hero to sort and set up and live in the middle of a garage sale for a
week! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Last days of school, last talks with friends,
opportunities to express our appreciation for friendships <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“Bucket List” items include a museum we never visited,
last visits to special places, a last walk along the Neva during the White
Nights (when it’s light all night)! <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">(see picture below)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u>The “A” in RAFT:</u></b> <b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The
four jobs for a good transition spell “RAFT”: Reconciliation, Appreciation,
Farewell, Think destination. As we have expressed <i>Appreciation</i> for so many people that the Lord has put into our
lives, so many have told us their appreciation that the Lord brought us into
their lives. As we receive their heart-felt thanks, we know that God used all
of YOU to make the 22 years of ministry in Russia possible. You participate in
and are responsible for these comments: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“You have been a true friend.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“Words cannot express what you mean to me.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“I will never forget what you taught us.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“You have shown us what a Christian marriage and
family are like.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“Thank you for being family to my family.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“You have been an example of who God wants me to be.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“I always came to my appointments with you, knowing
that it would be significant for my spiritual growth and the understanding of
my calling.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“You have an example how to trust in God, and even how
to trust Him in uncertainty.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“You are a family that is together, and together in
glorifying God.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 11.0pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“You did so much to open my heart, and keep it soft,
when it could have been otherwise.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u>“A” is also for “Attachments”: They are just
doorknobs.</u></b> <b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">As we
pare down to three suitcases each, we remember that “things are just things,” and
at the same time we realize the importance of the “significant symbols” of our
time in Russia. I gave myself to serving the Lord in Russia; Russia has become
a part of me; I am taking a part of Russia with me as we transition to Denver.
The girls took Russian dolls to college. Liam has his basketball jersey. Olivia
has chosen a folk headdress. Priscilla is taking a <i>samovar</i>. I found the hardest thing for me to part with were a box
of brass door handles </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-indent: -24px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-indent: -24px;">(see picture below)</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;">. The first things that I bought for our old apartment
back in 1994. Somehow they mean more to me than the plaques and gifts. It was
part of their history that became part of our home. Unique handles I sought to
the Russian hearts around me every day. I could make a wall hanging out of
them, like the picture of them below. Or now that they have done their job and
reminded me of what was truly significant about living in Russia for 22 years,
I can let them go too. Or perhaps I should I keep them as a tangible example of
what beauty and history in every day life mean to me. We live our lives holding
every-</span><i style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;">thing</i><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"> and every-</span><i style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;">one</i><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"> loosely before the Lord!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;">(January 2016 Update: There are two and a half boxes that have (as of yet) not been cleared, or been lost in, customs to leave Russia, one of which contains these doorknobs!)</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u>What we’re
moving into:</u></b><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">We
may not know where we’ll be living in Denver yet, but we know what the Lord is
calling us to, and why we are going there! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Imago Christi </span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“cultivates
spiritual depth in ministry leaders” who minister among: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">the Poor, in the Church and
pioneering New Ground, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">so
that God will be renowned and disciples made among the nations! <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The main tasks of my leadership of this team will be to
expand our training and resources, to build the community of our present
members, to train our members and partners, to coordinate spiritual formation
communities regionally and internationally, to collaborate with other spiritual
formation ministries, seminaries and mission agencies, and to recruit more
members for our team, to help people lead their ministries out of their
intimacy with Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JBlGqpq4U-6H51BGAmHPDRHGctIEnaFq_dDgsGI8O3J93-IdrX5exlEezXfZowl6Z0_4QTEw178Oq4lOyxg3mH76VVU6Vjbh1ers-zcFlNURy11KVWa79-4s0lKnnunVc8cu3f088wA/s1600/NewsletterPix201505PO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JBlGqpq4U-6H51BGAmHPDRHGctIEnaFq_dDgsGI8O3J93-IdrX5exlEezXfZowl6Z0_4QTEw178Oq4lOyxg3mH76VVU6Vjbh1ers-zcFlNURy11KVWa79-4s0lKnnunVc8cu3f088wA/s1600/NewsletterPix201505PO.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-51115477930175171102015-02-21T23:58:00.001-08:002015-02-22T00:03:20.793-08:00Discernment Decision 2015<b>Listening and Discerning: </b><br />
February 18, 2015: Today we made the decision to follow Bill’s central calling to spiritual formation ministry and move back to the US, for him to step into the team leadership of Imago Christi sometime in 2016.<br />
<br />
We realized that we had to make a decision before I left for the US on 2/26, and that we had heard enough, and were of one heart and mind, and ready to make the decision. We also realized that we could not wait till the long weekend coming up, so we also decided to tell Liam and Olivia today after school.<br />
<br />
Back on Friday (2/6) we had a Day of Prayer & Fasting, to consider a new question (not just: Should we go to the US this summer? But): Are we released from ministry in Russia? Mom heard God say that He has our kids; she was willing to let go of the adventure of missionary/expat life, and she reaffirmed her willingness to follow wherever the Lord calls us. For me, the Lord very specifically released me from ministry in Russia. I was very sick that day, and had even forgotten the new question, but the Lord spoke clearly, saying, “You once dedicated yourself to me by going to minister in Russia, now you are free to pursue the next step in your dedication of your life to me.” This was freeing, but not exactly a “charge” to go now, either.<br />
<br />
We also had a sense that we needed to listen to some of the people around us on this. The next Friday 2/13 we went out with our CRM teammates, and they asked good questions about the timing needed for our process of goodbyes, and about what we believe our present growth edges are. For me my growth edge was clearly to step into the courage needed to lead my family into a hard decision, where they would not otherwise choose to go, even if I wouldn’t know for sure that the Lord was telling us specifically to go now. Another meeting with a high school teacher that has known us for a long time confirmed that “we are too old (in the Lord)” for Him to “tell us what to do and when,” for He wants us to make a decision solely to please Him! Other insights about the significance of this transition for Liam were helpful and confirming as well.<br />
<br />
<b>The Turning Point:</b><br />
Yesterday, I considered what it would really be like to stay in Russia two more years, and my heart sank, not in desolation, but a lack of peace and confidence surrounded that path. I realized that I would not be following my central calling, but a step backwards, and letting my cowardice or uncertainty stop me from taking the difficult “leap of faith into the dark” that the Lord has before me. I also remembered the words of Tom Ashbrook (the teamleader of <i>Imago Christi</i>) that “God does not put us in situations that pit ministry and the best for our family,” but us posing this question about timing did that. So that was our problem not God’s. When the question is simply focused on calling, the answer and direction is clear; it is time to go.<br />
<br />
Sharing that today with Priscilla, I said I am ready for us to make that decision and tell the kids. She was with me. She cried; but we quickly jumped into talking of key planning points for the next four months, especially planning our goodbyes. A peace descended on me, on the two of us, even though this will not be easy. Then we prayed and cried together. We decided to go out for lunch and had a great time, talking both about the hardships and the excitement of this next step.<br />
<br />
Then Liam and Olivia came home from school and during their snack, I told them I had something to tell them. “We have come to the decision today, that we will be moving to America in June.” At first Olivia smiled excitedly, then as she saw her Mom’s and Liam’s tears, Olivia said she didn’t want to go. Liam said nothing for the longest time. There were tears and disbelief. We talked about how hard this would be, but that this is right and it is time for us to take this step with Dad into the next phase of his calling.<br />
<br />
<b>The Kids' Responses: </b><br />
Finally Liam said, “Thanks for making the decision and not considering your family first.” We weren’t sure how to take that, those are words of wounding that anyone in ministry dreads to hear! Was he devastated and being sarcastic? When we simply asked what he meant, he said, “I am thanking you for making a decision that puts God first.” Then after a while he said that this was his last “normal” day in Russia. That he won’t really believe it until he gets on the plane. We reminded him of the need for building our RAFTS (which stands for the principles for “leaving well”) and that that will help us “believe it” and will help us best deal with the chaos of the transition into the US. He also asked if we had known about this as a final decision before this past weekend when he was at a basketball tournament in Budapest. No, and when asked, he said that he would not have wanted to know and to have been thinking about it the whole time and spoiling the experience.<br />
<br />
Livy needed some time to cry alone on her bed and after a while Priscilla went to her. Liam and I talked about how in time he will need to embrace the faith adventure before us, and that I am here to walk and coach him through this through sadness, anger and new challenges. But I told him how confident I am that the Lord will use this hard transition, its lessons and the experience of God’s provision and love for the best in Liam’s life and the strengthening of his faith. Then we prayed. He said, “Lord thanks for a Dad who shows me what it means to follow you, help me be like him.” After our prayers, we embraced for a long time, and I told him that that was the coolest prayer a Dad could ever hear!<br />
<br />
The kids were stunned for a few hours, but then the realities of homework and normal life set back in. We have warned the kids’ teachers and administration at IA via email. This evening I had a call scheduled with Tom Ashbrook, who was delighted and supportive of all the hardships of this transition. Then have to inform our college girls, the rest of our family in the US, CRM-ers, the Imago Christi Community and our supporters. Then we will have to break the news to SPCU and Russian church friends.<br />
<br />
<b>Confirmations: </b><br />
The day of the decision (Wed. 2/18), "out of the blue" a supporting church asked for an update on our Transition Discernment for their Missions Committee meeting.<br />
<br />
After we told the kids, Olivia went off to cry and read her Childrens’ Bible, one special page of which suggested Joshua 1:9 for “feeling scared.” She shared that with Mom and it was her verse for Liam when we lived in NY. It was also the first sermon during our extended visa stay last fall in PA, when the Lord started talking to me about making the hard decision in faith. And pointing out how God used Olivia finding that verse was a huge encouragement to her, just the concrete example she needed of how God speaks to us and uses us (a constant question of hers).<br />
<br />
Similarly the discussion in Bible class for Liam the next day was on the exile and God’s purposes in it, and that God is sending them, and for them to make their homes in Babylon (Jer 29:4-5).<br />
<br />
We just told Gillian today, who was expecting this, and just found out that her internship won’t start until June 15th, so she (and Karina) can come to help us and go through the final goodbye to Russia as our home together, which was one of the things Liam asked for back in October!<br />
<br />
I mentioned the Thomases (our teammates here) in the letter, and we got together with them again Thursday night, and they were so encouraging, and noticed that everything seemed different, that the tension was gone, replaced by confidence and peace.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-40396259859351676812015-02-14T03:37:00.002-08:002015-02-14T03:37:22.596-08:00Prayer Update -- February 14, 2015<u><b>Prayer Requests: </b></u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Bill is traveling to Moscow tomorrow, Sunday February 15, 2015, at the invitation of one of his former SPCU students to launch his "Lenten Journey" devotional program in his church! See Facebook posts! </li>
<li>He will take the "Sapsan" bullet train to Moscow in the early morning (500 miles in 3:40 hrs. or ave. 136 mph!). </li>
<li>Please pray before you go to sleep on Saturday night! For at 3am EST, he will preach a message on the deepening meaning of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, launching the church's use of his "Lenten Journey" devotional materials in small groups for the next nine weeks. </li>
<li>In the afternoon (Moscow time) he will lead a seminar on how to use the Devotional for small group leaders. </li>
<li>Meanwhile Priscilla and Olivia will be "home alone"as Liam is at a basketball tournament between international Christian schools in Budapest, Hungary! </li>
<li>Then an evening bullet train brings Bill back to St. Petersburg by midnight, to sleep in his own bed before teaching classes the next day! </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlE13QlPwnGtNVWRfGBZBDU3ZP7tCxshsSvtovCzpzxkC24E7aRsuVC0d34ZNpLr9I0M0aJ_uAl3KXgU1pt7RGiKqz2om4MaRFdaov_5wNPP9cvQo4MktA6BFV2AqZao6TDYknsMpR6HM/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlE13QlPwnGtNVWRfGBZBDU3ZP7tCxshsSvtovCzpzxkC24E7aRsuVC0d34ZNpLr9I0M0aJ_uAl3KXgU1pt7RGiKqz2om4MaRFdaov_5wNPP9cvQo4MktA6BFV2AqZao6TDYknsMpR6HM/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><u>A Lenten Journey:</u></b><br />
<br />
The time before Easter can be just as significant a spiritual preparation time, as Advent is for Christmas! Jesus really rose from the dead! How do we as evangelicals celebrate that? More than simply "giving up something," we want to focus on Jesus' life of love. But that could mean "giving up" extra time or activities in order to focus on Him. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>What did it mean for Jesus to give His life? </li>
<li>What is the life that Jesus had to give? </li>
<li>What does it mean to receive Jesus' life? </li>
<li>How do we "know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings"? (see Phil 3:10). </li>
<li>How do can you "become like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead?" (see Phil 3:11).</li>
</ul>
Explore these and other deep questions through this devotional, to deepen your experience of our faith in Jesus' death and resurrection.<br />
<br />
To see a "Sample Preview" (<a href="http://www.imagochristi.org/Documents/Lenten%20JourneyLULU5preview.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>).<br />
Purchase the "A Lenten Journey" devotional ebook, either in:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/bill-obyrne/a-lenten-journey-a-contemplative-devotional-on-the-passion-and-resurrection-of-christ/ebook/product-18896089.html" target="_blank">EPUB format at Lulu</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lenten-Journey-Contemplative-Resurrection-ebook/dp/B007B1B2NU/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1" target="_blank">Kindle format at Amazon</a>. </li>
</ul>
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-81281684386851034762015-01-03T04:13:00.002-08:002015-01-03T04:20:51.524-08:00<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;">
The O'Byrne Report, December 2014 (archive)</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[endif]--><b><u>Prayer Requests: <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKu6NxOWE0TI8KRdQc0pXlW7sT57pDJ9Bfr2CniOPewHb9h826huAxoH4canjQJ3FO_3Oih_pE3M15kNlzVUtP6WuSQGSq5TB7lt2ddn4v70RmTv5wK8qU3R3FNCqj9v1yg0Pn_qLIIHQ/s1600/O'Byrne%2Bfamily%2BRUS%2B2014%2B12%2B21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKu6NxOWE0TI8KRdQc0pXlW7sT57pDJ9Bfr2CniOPewHb9h826huAxoH4canjQJ3FO_3Oih_pE3M15kNlzVUtP6WuSQGSq5TB7lt2ddn4v70RmTv5wK8qU3R3FNCqj9v1yg0Pn_qLIIHQ/s1600/O'Byrne%2Bfamily%2BRUS%2B2014%2B12%2B21.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">We are grateful to all of you, and for your generous
spirit to participate in the Lord’s work through us “to <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Russia and Beyond”!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">We are grateful for our entry visas, which finally
came through in October, for a safe return to Russia, for our visa extension in
Russia, and for Karina’s new 3-yr. visitor’s visa. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Pray for wisdom for us in handling the increasingly
tense political climate, while we renew visas and try to field questions from
Russians who feel that Russia is being wronged by the US/EU sanctions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Praise and Thanks to God for all He has done in 2014! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Pray for us as we continue to discern the <b><i>timing
</i></b>of a move to the US to focus on leading and developing the <i>Imago Christi </i>spiritual formation
ministry team (see September 2014 O’Byrne Report).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5DG3XxwQSo-IvnB7gGeS_g88F71Q3mT-59WRYLNXJ8qsfw6nh1u5JoFfxD52K0tXkpULGQRT3ElPpy1KH03zrK-zMT5iT6nnUJRUxMLTEYUmcJC0MlEahojLKq0Ptcy6N618oWwmmlA/s1600/new-year-break-st-petersburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5DG3XxwQSo-IvnB7gGeS_g88F71Q3mT-59WRYLNXJ8qsfw6nh1u5JoFfxD52K0tXkpULGQRT3ElPpy1KH03zrK-zMT5iT6nnUJRUxMLTEYUmcJC0MlEahojLKq0Ptcy6N618oWwmmlA/s1600/new-year-break-st-petersburg.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_6"
o:spid="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;
margin-left:301.05pt;margin-top:13.5pt;width:129.9pt;height:195.05pt;
z-index:251660288;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;
mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/williamobyrneiMac/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image003.jpg"
o:title=""/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b><u>Light of the World:</u></b> <b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The
darkness is palpable this far north. The sun rises now at 10am, and sets at 3:50pm
(less than 6 hrs. of daylight), and we still have a week to go till the
shortest day (~5.5 hrs.). When it shines, the sun is so low, that it only
shines down our street for a few hours before it “sets” behind the buildings by
2pm! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“For
God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our
hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the
face of Christ” (2Cor 4:6). This Christmas season Paul’s words are particularly
fitting. In light of all the darkness and uncertainty in our world, in Russia
and in our own future steps, Christ is the Light of the World. The glory of God’s
power and love that we experience in Christ gives us peace to face the future
in the Spirit of faith, confidence and hope. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“Glory
to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men, on whom His favor rests” (Lk
2:14). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u>God’s Purposes in our Visa Delay:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">While
dealing with our two-month visa delay (Sept- Oct) was extremely frustrating at
every step of the process, God, as always, accomplished his purposes as a
result: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The
Lord allowed us to visit the girls and attend their fall <a href="http://www.wheaton.edu/WETN/All-Media/Music" target="_blank">concerts at WheatonCollege</a> before returning to Russia. Karina is going through the very difficult
transition to college life in America for someone who grew up between cultures,
and we had many good conversations. Gillian is a junior and is facing some
major life choices. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2"
o:spid="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Description: Macintosh HD:Users:williamobyrneiMac:Pictures:Newsletter Pix:KFO_FH_2014_10.png"
style='position:absolute;margin-left:273.45pt;margin-top:.2pt;width:169pt;
height:153pt;z-index:251659264;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;
mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/williamobyrneiMac/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image005.png"
o:title="KFO_FH_2014_10.png" croptop="3398f" cropbottom="5014f" cropleft="5966f"
cropright="20125f"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHktqOKeclvS_9955R0jgYjgJvoEgyLphcPNp_9MMXwwD_QjTw-XdI1mh54h3uR4Qym9UuP4XIyJoRUAAvgIfLN5iqVhtLkN7JxRT2l87z40a-TM99g-sWu_boGOXVSVwOUs_qPtwrGI/s1600/KFOMozart201410.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHktqOKeclvS_9955R0jgYjgJvoEgyLphcPNp_9MMXwwD_QjTw-XdI1mh54h3uR4Qym9UuP4XIyJoRUAAvgIfLN5iqVhtLkN7JxRT2l87z40a-TM99g-sWu_boGOXVSVwOUs_qPtwrGI/s1600/KFOMozart201410.png" height="290" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">In
light of a likely move to Denver, CO for the next season of our ministry, we
were able to visit colleagues and schools in the area. On our return through
Wheaton, we engaged in a discernment process with our whole family to review and
pursue the next steps in God’s calling on us. As a missionary family we are “ready
to leave the familiar and comfortable to follow God’s call cross-culturally
wherever and whenever He leads.” One “ah-ha” moment came for our family, when I
shared how my father-in-law read Matthew 19:29 over us as we left for Russia back
in 1993. It struck Gillian that the “fields” Jesus mentioned “leaving for His
sake and the Gospel” might even include leaving “overseas mission fields” to
follow the next step in His calling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">In
fact <b>a future transition does NOT mean a change in the focus or nature of our
ministry with <i>Imago Christi </i>within CRM</b>,
but the new leadership role DOES mean <b>a change in the “home base” and scope of
our ministry</b>. Pray that we will be ready and willing to leave our “mission
home” to follow the Lord, <i>whenever</i> He
gives us the green light to go. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u>One Testimony: <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“I
like how you teach. It is hard teaching people. They do not want to learn
something new, but they only want to hear what they know.” One of my former
students at Saint Petersburg Christian University, who now ministers amongst
tribes in Siberia, told me. <br />
<br />
My answer: “Working with people is always harder than you think. This is the
reality of teaching. First you have to give people the foundation and
background for the convictions they already hold. Then you gain the right to
teach them something new. Only when you have gained their trust, you have to
earn the right to show them new perspectives and to broaden the horizons of
their knowledge. I have learned this through years of experience and I still
have to remind myself of this constantly.”<br />
<br />
The student’s response: <i>“Mr. O’Byrne in
just a few sentences you have answered the question that I have been trying to
formulate over the last few weeks. Pray that I can approach my teaching this
way.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1"
o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;
margin-left:265.05pt;margin-top:11.7pt;width:184.25pt;height:136.45pt;
z-index:251658240;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;
mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/williamobyrneiMac/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image007.jpg"
o:title="" croptop="13154f" cropbottom="10011f" cropleft="12238f"
cropright="11526f"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u>Year
End Review. <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Each
fall, CRM conducts an organization-wide survey that attempts to assess the
impact of its missionary teams. The following numbers for 2014, cannot show the
impact on the hearts of leaders, but does give a feel for the number of leaders
and ministry situations that <i>Imago
Christi</i> has had on through our Discovery retreats, personal coaching and
mentoring. We hope it gives you a feel for how the Lord has used us this last
year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadQjc-K14uQf9IuJ1qlFL1_7DDcTXfUv_G0gwK4O1zB3zBUEHAaFPSiczVcGC0lcM6eQ86DlIyZ4O4WYSIkU9ZuxmsxOaxxLI7NJKs9_s9uqgBRjYoEvaCuzADE9S9I07iYayZ26GOps/s1600/GP2fx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadQjc-K14uQf9IuJ1qlFL1_7DDcTXfUv_G0gwK4O1zB3zBUEHAaFPSiczVcGC0lcM6eQ86DlIyZ4O4WYSIkU9ZuxmsxOaxxLI7NJKs9_s9uqgBRjYoEvaCuzADE9S9I07iYayZ26GOps/s1600/GP2fx.jpeg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">By
God’s grace in 2014 our <i>Imago Christi</i>
“spiritual formation ministry team” of 10 has: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Ministered personally to 117 ministry leaders and
missionaries</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Trained 638 people through our Discovery seminars and
retreats</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">In 58 local churches</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">In 38 denominations and Christian organizations</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">In 12 mission agencies</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">In 13 different countries</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">In
the language of <a href="http://www.crmleaders.org/blog/results-are" target="_blank">CRM’s 2014 Annual Report</a>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Imago Christi </span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“cultivates
spiritual depth in ministry leaders” who minister among: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">the Poor, in the Church and
pioneering New Ground, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">so
that God will be renowned and disciples made among the nations! <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
THANK YOU for responding to the
Lord’s call and partnering with us in ministry!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-72153685123449863192015-01-03T01:00:00.001-08:002015-01-03T01:00:38.700-08:00The Story of our Calling: Coming Transition<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As we prepare for a new season of ministry, I have been sharing the
story of our missionary calling, which has led us to focus on a ministry of
spiritual formation. The story of our calling helps provide a context for the
transition coming in our future ministry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">You can hear a sermon version of that story online and view our fuller PowerPoint
presentation at: </span><a href="http://obyrnereport.blogspot.com/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">http://obyrnereport.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My calling into Spiritual
Formation ministry</span></b>, and now
to lead the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Imago Christi</i> spiritual
formation initiative in CRM<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> is an
expression and extension of the calling the Lord has had on my life since the
beginning.</b> From initial salvation and discipleship, to a missionary call
and cross-cultural experience, to Bible School instruction and leadership development,
our ministry focus has sharpened more and more on<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0RCcRcoJscincPWcvfyeRIT96ISXC46xVRmcpHEEDTEtFK0Ls5g-rwOxnevS1YUNnAr1eWi1f0AQkvmRNC6bxYts1B24oNzg2f1J-rQfptiITXiJYPed-hb16GRYlFWEO1Y7y45VwNM/s1600/imago-logo-with-tag.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0RCcRcoJscincPWcvfyeRIT96ISXC46xVRmcpHEEDTEtFK0Ls5g-rwOxnevS1YUNnAr1eWi1f0AQkvmRNC6bxYts1B24oNzg2f1J-rQfptiITXiJYPed-hb16GRYlFWEO1Y7y45VwNM/s1600/imago-logo-with-tag.png" height="234" width="320" /></a></div>
spiritual formation. Through
theological struggles, church experience, and personal grief and suffering, the
Lord has put us in the position to minister to ministers. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We’ve been able to share that story this summer, and put our pending
transition into the broader context of how God has been leading our lives and
ministries. We have been asking our friends and family and supporting churches
whether they can support <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this kind of
“spiritual formation missionary.” So far everyone is rallying around us and
supporting this transition to focus on developing this ministry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The leadership of this team will mean that we return to the US for a
season of at least 3-5 years to complete the training modules, to build the
community of our present members, to train our members and partners, to
coordinate spiritual formation communities regionally and internationally, to
collaborate with other spiritual formation ministries, seminaries and mission
agencies, and to recruit more members for our team. The what’s and how’s of the
ministry seem clear. Even the who’s and where’s are coming into focus. The big
question now is when? When will our family and our team be ready for this move?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Please continue to pray with us as we discern a few fleeces that we
have set before the Lord, regarding the timing of a move. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-87559365904709288982014-09-17T14:35:00.000-07:002014-09-17T14:35:17.167-07:00Love's Bottom Line<br />
I presented the following 9-minute message to supporting churches this past summer, as a taste and expression of the heart of the spiritual formation ministry to which we are called in <i>Imago Christi</i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwbiH3gzf9qEP6aRvp8Iu7_nFonkqr4-0sYczG2xzNUvcbBvUWemlhTNp2dZ5TJOc9iPc7gkmqetmsYroy1dA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
For the last 21 years we have been serving in Saint Petersburg, Russia with Church Resource Ministries (CRM), resourcing church leaders mainly through Bible college teaching and personal mentoring of ministry leaders. In the mean time the Lord has been focusing my calling on the area of spiritual formation, both personally and through my teaching and mentoring.<br />
<br />
Eleven years ago I co-founded and now co-lead the "spiritual formation initiative" within CRM, called <i>Imago Christi</i>. We are a specialized ministry team in the area of spiritual formation that embodies the disciplines of personal communion with Christ, spiritual community, and transformational ministry, which we are called to foster among Christian leaders worldwide.<br />
<br />
In this passage, Jesus shows how our Commission is grounded in our love for Christ, and how a deepening love for Christ opens up new aspects of our Commission to minister in His Name and in His Love! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-16781120657493369542014-09-15T19:42:00.003-07:002014-09-15T19:55:08.550-07:00Prayer Card & Magnet<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">The Family picture (June 2014) in the right margin of this blog is available as a Prayer Card Magnet (see below). If you would like to receive a Prayer Card Magnet, please send me your updated postal address. If you prefer, you can make your own print of the image below. The picture marks a
milestone in our “missionary family” as now two (half!) of our children have left their Russian
home for college in the US. The picture is taken in the Yusupov Park on our block in the historic center of Saint
Petersburg, with the 19<sup>th</sup> century buildings of “Park Street” in the
background. The background picture in the lower half of the Prayer Card Magnet includes a
view of the Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral that is very close to our apartment. And <b>THANK YOU</b> for your
faithful prayers! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55Oe0dZN-qwnYjYRh5LK3kLe_XCzOYsWEdd7dSJnMW-qSDUyAdXjcdObJt5-jSCqsrUmB4szT5veDFjWrZKDEfajEVfD_6M_S6W-pJFfZB2V6G_h-ADOFYByfSGh-KfcHmY2HCcpShzI/s1600/O'Byrne+Magnet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55Oe0dZN-qwnYjYRh5LK3kLe_XCzOYsWEdd7dSJnMW-qSDUyAdXjcdObJt5-jSCqsrUmB4szT5veDFjWrZKDEfajEVfD_6M_S6W-pJFfZB2V6G_h-ADOFYByfSGh-KfcHmY2HCcpShzI/s1600/O'Byrne%2BMagnet.png" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-84869538802431385452014-09-15T09:29:00.000-07:002014-09-15T10:28:00.411-07:00Visa Delays<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our two-month visa delay is more an effect of the ongoing
tightening of Russia’s grip over the past few years, and a result of
bureaucratic incompetence both in Russia and the US, and to be honest a few of
our own mistakes factored in as well. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First was the announcement of new visa regulations (5 or 6
yrs ago), which required foreigners living in Russia for more than 6 months (3
months at a time) to be sponsored by an inviting Russian organization for work
or study (just as the US requires). This is when the “generic business visa”
type that we were using was abolished, and we started receiving invitations and
visa support from Saint Petersburg Christian University (SPCU), where I teach.
Now we could receive official work status (albeit with an overtly religious
organization) and a one-year, multiple-entry visa, renewable for up to three
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At that time we needed to produce an Apostille of our
Marriage License to prove that we are legally married, in order for Priscilla
and our children to receive visas as “accompanying family members.” An
“Apostille” is like an international notarization, that provides an
international standard of verification, by which a country can be assured that
a document from another country is indeed the proper document. We already had
this document on hand, for the purchase of our apartment, because Russian law
requires that both spouses sign the title, so that neither of them can leave
the other homeless in the case of divorce or estrangement. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VLb4rOrv2NYGZfNw9gbAHYSOi2kQTeHhw2vIlePfEKfs9F46txBUquEWukeioajbYeoN8FTzmWKqjrL5o4U9gMAFgkP2XGa0EvARdvBMzS5GJ6Q55abrH6pVQpA8loLZgxYqCa5UAxE/s1600/OMNO+DOCS+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VLb4rOrv2NYGZfNw9gbAHYSOi2kQTeHhw2vIlePfEKfs9F46txBUquEWukeioajbYeoN8FTzmWKqjrL5o4U9gMAFgkP2XGa0EvARdvBMzS5GJ6Q55abrH6pVQpA8loLZgxYqCa5UAxE/s1600/OMNO+DOCS+1.jpeg" height="320" width="252" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since then, about two years ago Russia also began requiring
(again just like the US) that minors who are “accompanying family members” also
produce an Apostille of their birth certificates to demonstrate that they are
indeed the legal children of the invited worker, in this case me. As a result
of some bureaucratic foul-ups and some missed timing on our part, we were not
able to renew our visas before leaving Russian in June. That meant they would
expire during our summer furlough and we would have to start the visa process
again, now with the new regulation of Apostilles for the children, now only
Liam and Olivia (Since Gillian & Karina are in college in the US, they will
use tourist visas to go to Russia from now on). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6632496269155573098" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Liam was born in the United States. The Apostille of his
birth certificate was easy to get. We went to the Pennsylvania state capitol
and received it with walk-in service in 30 minutes. Getting Olivia’s was a
different story since she was born in Russia. Since neither of her parents are
Russian, Olivia is not considered a Russian citizen by birth, and could not
receive Russian citizenship until she is 14, when she would legally apply for a
Russian passport. But as an American citizen applying for a visa to Russia on
an American passport, she could not use her Russian birth certificate. Rather
an Apostille of her US issued “Consular Report of Foreign Birth Abroad” is
required, based on which we got her American passport in Russia after her
birth. This we had to receive from the US State Department, since it was issued
by the US Consulate, which (long story short) we only received 2 months
after applying, instead of the promised 2 weeks! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIYabAXayFzhaUud22tBk5A9Xs7nFVeewIrfKCW_E-cjC8ex5ZdfriFOfF1u5bSxp7Thdc0i8jZILp3JE3f8M2NZdRU-LsDT0RG0FB7_s9l_Axm8oAUNVR8ftFj8PRHCkIKaKAsFL7oc/s1600/Olivia+Birth+Cert+USA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIYabAXayFzhaUud22tBk5A9Xs7nFVeewIrfKCW_E-cjC8ex5ZdfriFOfF1u5bSxp7Thdc0i8jZILp3JE3f8M2NZdRU-LsDT0RG0FB7_s9l_Axm8oAUNVR8ftFj8PRHCkIKaKAsFL7oc/s1600/Olivia+Birth+Cert+USA.png" height="247" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We mailed the Apostille off to Russia as soon as we received
it on Monday, August 25. It took over a week to arrive, express mail. It will
take another four weeks for SPCU to process the invitations, another week to
send them to us, two weeks plus to process the visas with the Russian Embassy, plus
one more week to make sure we can confidently buy airline tickets ahead. That means
we can only plan for an October 27 departure for Russia at the very earliest. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There's another catch. If I return to Russia at the end of
October, there is not enough time for me to complete the additional step of processing
the initial visas which the Embassy issues us into the multi-entry visa, I will
need in order to leave Russia for my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Imago
Christi </i>meetings November 10-17. I have already tried to move the meetings
up to October, before we get the visas, but it is not workable. So we will most
likely have to send Priscilla, Liam and Olivia on ahead to Russia in late Oct.
or early Nov., while I stay behind and depart for Russia Nov 18th after the I<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mago Christi </i>meetings.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So please pray for us for wisdom and added patience as we
wait. Primarily this is in the area of arranging Liam and Olivia’s education,
during an the extra two months in the US. Liam is enrolled at the International
Academy of Saint Petersburg, Russia, and will do his course-work for the first
quarter on his own, but it will take a lot of coordination and discipline.
Priscilla will be homeschooling Olivia, which has many challenges of its own. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the other hand we can already see some benefits to this
delay. We were able to slow down the end of our hurried summer furlough and we
have, and will be able to, see some more supporters, whom we otherwise would
not have seen. We were also concerned about leaving Karina in college so
abruptly, but this way, we are still “in country” for some of her transition to
college and American life. We are even hoping to see her first concerts in
Wheaton during Homecoming Weekend in early October. And we are confident that
God is both the Master Weaver and Redeemer of all events, so we are sure that
this is best, and that He is using this delay for even greater purposes that
remain to be seen. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-77255614722802855682014-09-15T09:26:00.001-07:002014-09-15T09:26:13.492-07:00The Russian-Ukrainian Crisis<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p.MsoHeader, li.MsoHeader, div.MsoHeader
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Header Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
tab-stops:center 3.0in right 6.0in;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
span.HeaderChar
{mso-style-name:"Header Char";
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:Header;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I certainly don’t want geo-politics to take the center stage
in our missionary work, but there is no denying that this is the single
greatest issue influencing our ministry context. The issue is changing the
shape of the church in Russia; it is driving a wedge between the Russian and
Ukrainian churches, which is very deep. The conflict is yet another reflection
of the trend that authoritarianism is tightening its grasp in Russia. We have
seen this happening throughout the Putin years. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But if you would have asked me back in January (2014), if a
crisis of this nature and magnitude was brewing, I would have laughed! As
Russia consciously returns to its Soviet roots, its policies and politics are
becoming less and less transparent. It is in their best interest to keep the
rest of the world (including the Russian people themselves) guessing as to what
their next step is, or even their goals are. The element of surprise is always
a strategic advantage. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHQTQ_YMQZhp44dgodxELdJtcJg7y_OzN9bhJXbM2hgcZwJLs20_drK-3pMcUCRCOU2XuTBLiuF2jHctwnbG9i-RlrcLx0LG1uzkUYlJprwuilMSJTn_apz_hL91ktAglBGkw1f9QnT0/s1600/ethnolingusitic_map_of_ukraine.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHQTQ_YMQZhp44dgodxELdJtcJg7y_OzN9bhJXbM2hgcZwJLs20_drK-3pMcUCRCOU2XuTBLiuF2jHctwnbG9i-RlrcLx0LG1uzkUYlJprwuilMSJTn_apz_hL91ktAglBGkw1f9QnT0/s1600/ethnolingusitic_map_of_ukraine.png" height="446" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This crisis has not had an effect on our present
visa problems. In the slowly tightening grip of authoritarianism, Russia has
been tightening its visa requirements across the board. Our present delay has
more to do with bureaucracy both in the US and Russia, than it has to do with
this crisis. The crisis would probably have to escalate into an open conflict
between the US and Russia for it to affect our permission to enter Russia. If
you want to read more about the visa situation, click here. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In brief, Putin began a policy to return Russia to its
former glory and world power status. Without a compelling program or ideology,
all Putin could do was enter into opposition against the United States.
Opposing the US position every chance it got, and questioning the validity of
the worldwide political and economic bodies led by the values of the US and the
liberal, democratic west. In doing so, he also had to call into question the
legality of the break up of the Soviet Union, blaming the United States for
orchestrating its demise and keeping it weak. One writer has summed it up well:
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Putin does not seek “the
destruction of the hated United States,” a goal that he could achieve “only at
the price of mutual suicide.” Instead, his goals are “significantly more
modest: the maximum extension of the Russian World, the destruction of NATO,
and the discrediting and humiliation of the US as the guarantor of the security
of the West.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
To put it in simplest terms,
Putin’s actions would be “revenge for the defeat of the USSR in the third
(cold) world war just as the second world war was for Germany an attempt at
revenge for defeat in the first.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ironically, this action begins 23 years after the fall of
the Soviet Union (1991-2014), as Nazi Germany’s first expansionist attack on
Czechoslovakia came twenty years after the Treaty of Versailles (1918-1938),
both on the heals of hosting an Olympics. Are we bound to repeat history?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the one hand Ukraine has never been its own cohesive
nation, and has never been really separate from Russian borders since the 17<sup>th</sup>
century. Kiev was the capital of the Kievan Rus, where the Slavs were baptized
into the Orthodox Church in 988. Ukraine contains many other cities closely
tied to Russian history (Odessa, Yalta, Sevatopol, Simferopol, and Poltava
among others), which it is inconceivable to Russians for them not be part of
Russia. But the abuses and domination of Russia has alienated much of Ukraine
(esp. western Ukraine) from Russia, which does not understand the resentment. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WBQwqjQd3plzkxrvhgBHv2csbOxxtFYXgyDgkRy1rOJqPsRTAxVIplpFZHHwPvw6kJd7U1PrHbXbL9TXgERPFo2yhU5gdwwVuLq9Xs59OxSlYucxQzwRwwh4krskSzJIy5pSVWExNWU/s1600/Ukraine+History+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WBQwqjQd3plzkxrvhgBHv2csbOxxtFYXgyDgkRy1rOJqPsRTAxVIplpFZHHwPvw6kJd7U1PrHbXbL9TXgERPFo2yhU5gdwwVuLq9Xs59OxSlYucxQzwRwwh4krskSzJIy5pSVWExNWU/s1600/Ukraine+History+map.jpg" height="537" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Russia has resentments of its own. All of the nations
that the Soviet Union attempted to “russify” have now either joined the
European Union, or NATO, or both, making the Russian ethnic contingents there
persecuted minorities. Moreover the line between the Russian sphere of
influence and “the west” has moved from the Iron Curtain 1100 miles from Moscow
in 1989, to just 627 miles from Poland NATO, and 380 miles from the Baltic
States in the EU. Now if Ukraine joined, Russia not only loses its naval ports
in Crimea, and control of a major pipeline of natural gas to Europe, “the west”
would them come within 285 miles of Moscow. That would be like the US having a physical
border with Cuba at the tip of Florida, then letting Cuba taking Florida, then
Georgia, and South Carolina, bringing its sphere of influence within the same
distance (285 mi.) from Washington D.C.. We would certainly not be comfortable
with that. Similarly, Putin is drawing the line with Ukraine. In hindsight,
there were certainly injustices taken on by Russia in the fall of the Soviet
Union, but Putin need not have gone about correcting them in this way! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ironically, each of Putin’s goals seems to be backfiring.
His attempts to reign in and subject Ukraine is galvanizing Ukrainians against
Russian influence. His attempts to make NATO crumble are effecting a renewal
and strengthening of NATO goals and commitments. Putin speaks of fascism in the
Ukraine against Russians, but uses the language of a Russian fascist to answer
it. His bravado in the face of increased isolation and sanctions, and bold
faced lies to his own people about the fate of their soldiers may cause Russia
to turn its back on Putin, and ironically bring about another social revolution,
just as the 100<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Communist Revolution approaches
(2017). I have long said: “The only constant in Russian history is violent,
unexpected change.” Up to this point we had only personally experienced mild
and insignificant examples of this rule. In this case you can see and feel the
attitude of a whole nation changing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Probably the most tragic split this crisis is causing is
that in the evangelical church. Ukraine was the Soviet Union’s “Bible belt.”
Almost half the pastors and church planters in Russia are Ukrainian! The best
analogy to this in American history would be the division of the North and
South churches in during our Civil War. The Ukrainian churches want Russian
churches to publically denounce Putin’s actions. Russian churches cannot make
such a bold statement and risk being labeled pro-western traitors in their own
country. How quickly the Russian church has remembered the fears of living
under a totalitarian regime! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Below you will find a series of links to articles which I
have found most helpful to understanding why this conflict has arisen, what is
going on, and what are the main factors involved in its escalation or
resolution. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Putin’s Economic Confrontation with West Will Destroy His
Regime, Mitrokhin Says.” Window on Eurasia. Aug 9, 2014. <a href="http://windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com/2014/08/window-on-eurasia-putins-economic.html">http://windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com/2014/08/window-on-eurasia-putins-economic.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Putin Believes He can Win a War with NATO, Piontkovsky Says.”
The Interpreter. Aug. 10, 2014. <a href="http://www.interpretermag.com/putin-believes-he-can-win-a-war-with-nato-piontkovsky-says/">http://www.interpretermag.com/putin-believes-he-can-win-a-war-with-nato-piontkovsky-says/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“St. Petersburg to
Moscow, and Back.” </span>Aug. 17, 2014. The New York Times. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/18/opinion/maxim-trudolyubovst-petersburg-to-moscow-and-back-.html?_r=0">http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/18/opinion/maxim-trudolyubovst-petersburg-to-moscow-and-back-.html?_r=0</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The West Forgets History. Putin
Repeats It.” Kyiv Post, Aug 25, 2014. </span><a href="http://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/op-ed/matthew-kaminski-the-west-forgets-history-putin-repeats-it-362003.html"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/op-ed/matthew-kaminski-the-west-forgets-history-putin-repeats-it-362003.html</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“East-West Church and Ministry Report.” Summer 2014. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Putin Ends the Interregnum.” The American Interest. Aug 28,
2014. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.the-american-interest.com/shevtsova/2014/08/28/putin-ends-the-interregnum/">http://www.the-american-interest.com/shevtsova/2014/08/28/putin-ends-the-interregnum/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Putin’s Covert Invasion of Ukraine.” <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Der
Speigel, Sept 2: <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.spiegel\.de\/international\/world\/russia-expands-war-in-eastern-ukraine-amid-web-of-lies-a-989290-2\.html\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/russia-expands-war-in-eastern-ukraine-amid-web-of-lies-a-989290-2.html</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Everything You Need to Know about the Ukraine Crisis.” <a href="http://www.vox.com/cards/ukraine-everything-you-need-to-know/what-is-the-ukraine-crisis">http://www.vox.com/cards/ukraine-everything-you-need-to-know/what-is-the-ukraine-crisis</a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-73807992024302127552014-09-15T09:08:00.003-07:002014-09-15T09:08:48.728-07:00The O'Byrne Report, May 2014 (archive)
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073711037 9 0 511 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Courier New";
panose-1:2 7 3 9 2 2 5 2 4 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:2;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-indent:.5in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-fareast-language:AR-SA;}
p.MsoHeader, li.MsoHeader, div.MsoHeader
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Header Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-indent:.5in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-hyphenate:none;
tab-stops:center 3.0in right 6.0in;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-fareast-language:AR-SA;}
p.MsoFooter, li.MsoFooter, div.MsoFooter
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Footer Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-indent:.5in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-hyphenate:none;
tab-stops:center 3.0in right 6.0in;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-fareast-language:AR-SA;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
mso-themecolor:hyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
text-indent:.5in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-fareast-language:AR-SA;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
text-indent:.5in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-fareast-language:AR-SA;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
text-indent:.5in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-fareast-language:AR-SA;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
text-indent:.5in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-fareast-language:AR-SA;}
span.HeaderChar
{mso-style-name:"Header Char";
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:Header;
font-family:Arial;
mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;
mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-language:AR-SA;}
span.FooterChar
{mso-style-name:"Footer Char";
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:Footer;
font-family:Arial;
mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;
mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-language:AR-SA;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:424544343;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:597303252 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:1.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:1.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:2.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:2.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:3.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:3.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:4.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Prayer
Requests: </u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Wisdom in handling the increasingly tense political
climate, while we renew visas and try to field questions from Russians who feel
that Russia is being wronged by the US/EU sanctions. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Bill’s student at SPCU defends a Diploma paper on
“Worship in the Psalms” on May 15. Bill reviews another graduating student’s
paper on “Oaths”. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Pray for Karina as she says good-bye to “Russia as
home” in June to start college, studying French Horn at the Wheaton </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">College
Conservatory of Music.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVLJ_JZ9pzhXuPjtq6LFhCOeNU1v9ja8fr739-g8j-N8wQtrcPSaLz_7UG0paUwO1r_ehV1N5pvTlAv-rcoqCPqRepc3E2WD9bIMPVDcvr1HKSNcJh7CYzeZFZZrBeq_580fK-9yZbMA/s1600/Karina+FH+Anichkov.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVLJ_JZ9pzhXuPjtq6LFhCOeNU1v9ja8fr739-g8j-N8wQtrcPSaLz_7UG0paUwO1r_ehV1N5pvTlAv-rcoqCPqRepc3E2WD9bIMPVDcvr1HKSNcJh7CYzeZFZZrBeq_580fK-9yZbMA/s1600/Karina+FH+Anichkov.png" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Safety in summer travel to supporting churches and
CRM’s World Conference before getting Gillian and Karina squared away at
Wheaton. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Liam will attend a Mission Aviation Adventure Camp in
June to see where his passion for flying might lead him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Holy Spirit Conference: </u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Bill
presented a paper on the "Role of the Holy Spirit in Spiritual
Formation" at the conference on “</span><a href="http://www.spbcu.ru/ru/science/conferences/posts/1162"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The Person and Role of the Holy Spirit in Theology,
Church History and Christian Practice</span></a><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">”
in April at Saint Petersburg Christian University (SPCU). I defined “spiritual
formation” in short as “the influence of the Holy Spirit on the human spirit”. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx23Z-RCPSx1EXgMIU-BVBQA-E-6e6JPoK8I-c6-9wrTyItwlt6Z3aIQmgipGwMspck3-LKkIio-pUo42HJhCORf7KdN-rRYoG2QWq_Q4qUlL0LX7VccRLlEXdhq85SIlcc3EiTR13hSo/s1600/BillCSLconf.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx23Z-RCPSx1EXgMIU-BVBQA-E-6e6JPoK8I-c6-9wrTyItwlt6Z3aIQmgipGwMspck3-LKkIio-pUo42HJhCORf7KdN-rRYoG2QWq_Q4qUlL0LX7VccRLlEXdhq85SIlcc3EiTR13hSo/s1600/BillCSLconf.png" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Bill
used John 14-16 to demonstrate that the goal of spiritual formation is for the
believer in Jesus to participate in the eternal life of the Trinity. I then
mapped out the progressive work of the Spirit, and applied it to the definitions
and limitations of the human spirit, which the Holy Spirit helps the believer
overcome and transcend. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Spiritual
Formation for Missionaries. </u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">For the sake of confidentiality I cannot mention the
specific location or the names of the people and organizations involved, but I
can convey the following story as an example of the way that the Lord is
leading us and expanding the ministry of Imago Christi. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
A young missionary couple in Central
Asia contacted us last fall. They were at a critical juncture in their
spiritual lives, and approaching a critical juncture in their ministry. And
they needed companions to help them process and discern God’s call and leading.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
So I organized a “Virtual Discovery”
seminar” over 10 sessions They had to do some assignments and retreats as
homework, and they took pictures of their assignments to send us in between!
The Discovery material helped them <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">discover
</i>what God was doing in their hearts and how they could best and more
intentionally cooperate with essential aspects of their spiritual journey. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">This
attention to our deepening relationship with Jesus provides the source of
spiritual strength, authority and longevity for ministry!</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATH6Xfty-20EBJ9XoYqXqKf_H7M_via4IRtz6DRMhimVbAY2MX-f1nBQrKHFP14Yxpb9ITggX0dRQ4jp-0U8vF2TwzRAEzR7rR2dXIiEHjdldpJySLzTdxCncPPfqHF3Ce2UzAeM7_Qw/s1600/MountainChild1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATH6Xfty-20EBJ9XoYqXqKf_H7M_via4IRtz6DRMhimVbAY2MX-f1nBQrKHFP14Yxpb9ITggX0dRQ4jp-0U8vF2TwzRAEzR7rR2dXIiEHjdldpJySLzTdxCncPPfqHF3Ce2UzAeM7_Qw/s1600/MountainChild1.png" height="176" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Then we coached them
in some of the ways they would like to deepen and focus their ministry. When
the husband described to me how the treks impact the waves of short-termers that
come through, we came up with a way to combine spiritual and physical
preparation for the treks with a devotional during the trek, and debriefing
sessions both at the end of their trek and for further debriefing in their home
churches. The result was a packet of material for groups and the churches
sending them, which is already having an impact on the spiritual lives and
effective ministry of these teams! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXU-pj3ZXRMtZLlKUg0gieGC4eh21KBFGDfp15bBRL_v2cxeLXP541agpP1D_8ob5wrjSU8TplQ_ShmEiEi0MUwi5Z_DVBfa1ycDtYqbZsJCcH82edXGCCC692h_ywBpF3r9Y9IyB-3c0/s1600/MountainChild2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXU-pj3ZXRMtZLlKUg0gieGC4eh21KBFGDfp15bBRL_v2cxeLXP541agpP1D_8ob5wrjSU8TplQ_ShmEiEi0MUwi5Z_DVBfa1ycDtYqbZsJCcH82edXGCCC692h_ywBpF3r9Y9IyB-3c0/s1600/MountainChild2.png" height="177" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
In addition we are
talking about not only the challenges of ministering to people with a 60%
illiteracy rate, but how to empower the spiritual lives of these tribal peoples
in a way that keeps them in their context and provides them with concrete ways
of contributing to the health, safety and preservation of their people and
culture. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pray
with us that God will lead Imago Christi’s ministry to have more of this type
of “exponential impact” with missionaries worldwide! </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-49916822111372270352014-09-15T09:00:00.003-07:002014-09-15T09:09:17.619-07:00The O’Byrne Report, March 2014 (archive)<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073711037 9 0 511 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Courier New";
panose-1:2 7 3 9 2 2 5 2 4 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:2;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Comic Sans MS";
panose-1:3 15 7 2 3 3 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-indent:.5in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-fareast-language:AR-SA;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
text-indent:.5in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-fareast-language:AR-SA;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
text-indent:.5in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-fareast-language:AR-SA;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
text-indent:.5in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-fareast-language:AR-SA;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
text-indent:.5in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-fareast-language:AR-SA;}
p.Default, li.Default, div.Default
{mso-style-name:Default;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:none;
mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
color:black;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:979917747;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:1575789660 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Spiritual
Formation Discovery in Kursk</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdRAQXvMxgOj7fnlZxME_-MXPZMAfGmNVWWUe8fxx4xmVTtFPvs8-Uk-9hBElT5OHaPw7A6DFOuFUd26rk1YI3Y4f8DpynXSi78REDgT4FC9IdLk5N6qdkBJwZMyJlRaJfRdKJ56BSPo/s1600/KurskDiscoveryGroup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdRAQXvMxgOj7fnlZxME_-MXPZMAfGmNVWWUe8fxx4xmVTtFPvs8-Uk-9hBElT5OHaPw7A6DFOuFUd26rk1YI3Y4f8DpynXSi78REDgT4FC9IdLk5N6qdkBJwZMyJlRaJfRdKJ56BSPo/s1600/KurskDiscoveryGroup.png" height="253" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
“Discovery” is the name of Imago
Christi’s spiritual formation seminar that trains Christian leaders to attend
to their own spiritual journey and encourage greater spiritual maturity in
their ministry context. Another CRM missionary in Kursk, Russia recently
invited me to offer a Spiritual Formation Discovery for the people he works
with most closely: pastors, Christian leaders and the staff from a Christian
orphans outreach program called the Harbor. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimZcAXW7MlQnSOM_qeTvy1zEGLrkeY1wHPSF1VmfNRr8gpofcRgx5Xu0Zz_F-LO3Z1jfDkZrBTshFF31IB-wioXaVmQppGeOdj84cEI3gzxHzxNCqukHxA4r20T0xpW_N6LyyRw9uuX4/s1600/KurskDiscovery3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimZcAXW7MlQnSOM_qeTvy1zEGLrkeY1wHPSF1VmfNRr8gpofcRgx5Xu0Zz_F-LO3Z1jfDkZrBTshFF31IB-wioXaVmQppGeOdj84cEI3gzxHzxNCqukHxA4r20T0xpW_N6LyyRw9uuX4/s1600/KurskDiscovery3.png" height="204" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
Thank you for praying in December about the “Discovery”
seminar. Eighteen people attended the four-day event including our Harbor
staff, staff from the Bible college, pastors and lay leaders. The response was
overwhelmingly positive as people took a look at their own histories and where
and how the Lord has led them. They were challenged to take steps of yet
further growth, seeking Jesus Himself who is able to transform them into His
image. </div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmP-tTdxZ4zCkJUkshQLIAq2q0qVJL6GJSPCC3C36-WwBPiWjmDIqx8a_PLgZespZz74I_XDjqUklhgxQnANu6U_Q4doMEURK1ETfyQEd5keA9khZy8s6gr6KB7OoRk3YR7QWmC7B2plY/s1600/KurskDiscovery1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmP-tTdxZ4zCkJUkshQLIAq2q0qVJL6GJSPCC3C36-WwBPiWjmDIqx8a_PLgZespZz74I_XDjqUklhgxQnANu6U_Q4doMEURK1ETfyQEd5keA9khZy8s6gr6KB7OoRk3YR7QWmC7B2plY/s1600/KurskDiscovery1.png" height="254" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
Here is an excerpt from
Ken’s report below.<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">“I
have long understood the priority of relationship with God but now I see how to
get there, I see steps that I can take on the journey.”</span></div>
<div align="center" class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">~Participant
response to “The Discovery” seminar</span></div>
<div align="center" class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">I feel
challenged to “get out of the boat” of routine spirituality and step into a
new, more real and intimate relationship with the living God. ~Pastor and
Harbor staff</span></div>
<div align="center" class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">We
teach others to pray but don’t listen or grow ourselves. Learning new
approaches to prayer and relationship with God is very helpful. ~Gypsy Pastor</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Discovery opened the door for me to have meaningful conversations with the
participants. Our Harbor staff meetings have become richer as each person grows
in their faith in new ways. I am honored to be a part of such growth in Christ
and know this is a solid preparation for the staff’s long-term ministry, both
in The Harbor and anywhere else the Lord might lead later in life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHDqpa63iNAlhqXpySWr5rezFci2u_o9z0ZPrPXCS2zJnD1TI01eicQ-dS4h1KI79f9KIvF8tGJvZCmaOjDcOoXd9m5lkZbzLeAxmfWyxUpptQmsOuHz-KFz4xRSrZnhCPW6E4FTZE14/s1600/KurskDiscovery2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHDqpa63iNAlhqXpySWr5rezFci2u_o9z0ZPrPXCS2zJnD1TI01eicQ-dS4h1KI79f9KIvF8tGJvZCmaOjDcOoXd9m5lkZbzLeAxmfWyxUpptQmsOuHz-KFz4xRSrZnhCPW6E4FTZE14/s1600/KurskDiscovery2.png" height="270" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
During the Discovery a pastor chimed
in and said, “Bill, I think I know what you are getting at here. You are
helping us get back in touch with our First Love” (referring to Rev 2:4).
“Well, yes and no,” was my reply. If by “first love” you mean the feelings that
we had when we first became Christians, then no. We cannot return to that
one-time freshness, when everything was new. But if you mean, as we do in
Discovery, a “First Order Love,” then YES – making love for God the first order
priority for our life with God, out of which our ministry can flow with His
love and power! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-64296799008775088672013-12-14T02:24:00.000-08:002013-12-14T02:24:33.947-08:00Merry Christmas – С Рождеством Христовым!<br />
<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pray for our family and the Discovery that Bill leaves for tomorrow in Kursk, Russia.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pray for the Light of Christ to be revealed in this dark season!<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Gillian will join us in Russia for Christmas on her new 3-year multi-entry visa!<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Bill read two lectures in historic conferences one on the recent C. S. Lewis Anniversary and another on the Integration of Christianity and Psychology.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Annual Ministry Impact Reports are in from CRM and very encouraging.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiq90LZlKCI35j_h_c_GSG6T0abF16hyBnndYIg92ZzV1n6rx0QA6FAn-NfGlKBo80VERx24o8UQAO5eDKCShbxU-P3H2KoBSCgYCI4iDEyD4DmhT_MsD9iG9WYlpju1Eu4w0YzXshzHs/s1600/EuropeKursk.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiq90LZlKCI35j_h_c_GSG6T0abF16hyBnndYIg92ZzV1n6rx0QA6FAn-NfGlKBo80VERx24o8UQAO5eDKCShbxU-P3H2KoBSCgYCI4iDEyD4DmhT_MsD9iG9WYlpju1Eu4w0YzXshzHs/s1600/EuropeKursk.png" height="204" title="" width="320" /> </a></div>
<b><u>Kursk Discovery</u></b><br />
Leaders from a variety of churches and ministries in the Kursk region with gather for an <i>Imago Christi</i> Spiritual Formation Discovery event. Bill will preach there Sunday shortly after arriving from a 16 hour train ride.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbIN34umUgQPP1FyWrOrdousdX25-RTdxdeSVI_3ZmG2yIiGznVXxjVSI3qFzxx3Scgb2H_IfC3KZff7Dj8Y1Zu1gsVE8gBlNVYbYQa-TNQNyOsqmu8jQomfI3Mph-t9NjbAJndrmxFU/s1600/DiscoveryBXS2008.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbIN34umUgQPP1FyWrOrdousdX25-RTdxdeSVI_3ZmG2yIiGznVXxjVSI3qFzxx3Scgb2H_IfC3KZff7Dj8Y1Zu1gsVE8gBlNVYbYQa-TNQNyOsqmu8jQomfI3Mph-t9NjbAJndrmxFU/s1600/DiscoveryBXS2008.png" height="142" width="200" /></a><b><u></u></b><br />
<b><u><b><u><br /></u></b></u></b>
<b><u><b><u><br /></u></b></u></b>
<b><u><b><u><br /></u></b></u></b>
<b><u><b><u><br /></u></b></u></b>
<b><u><b><u><br /></u></b></u></b>
<b><u><b><u><br /></u></b></u></b>
<b><u><b><u><br /></u></b></u></b>
<b><u><b><u><br /></u></b></u></b>
<b><u><b><u><br /></u></b></u></b>
<b><u>Dark Christmas</u></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZdllgkGxYR5AykLb2QigSVmahGIJ1fY_DhQ8ZzVVM332eTTD1KlA7FdAXZVZL391Cg7E4eAFXQNyDqGkWgVtHJev-VDmsPZ1DI1hEpkGConVkrmgd2rDtGBPykCTH_9ba7iakBZeKEo/s1600/IssacSquareXmas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZdllgkGxYR5AykLb2QigSVmahGIJ1fY_DhQ8ZzVVM332eTTD1KlA7FdAXZVZL391Cg7E4eAFXQNyDqGkWgVtHJev-VDmsPZ1DI1hEpkGConVkrmgd2rDtGBPykCTH_9ba7iakBZeKEo/s1600/IssacSquareXmas.png" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The Advent season is the darkest time of the year. The sun rises only about 11am and sets 6 hours later. The darker it gets the more we are reminded that Christmas is coming, that the Light of the World is come! Look at our <a href="http://obyrnereport.blogspot.ru/p/christmas-stories-2014-christmas-in.html" target="_blank">Christmas Stories page</a> for more on the two Russian Christmases.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Gillian's Visa!</u></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNgJAe-6pwJceyx74CMW-YbvZNe5CDVKVfxTtCvPNeCx_IeMfj8aBC7hAvywAQMOOX1XzA5wi6g1XgZgKsmoYu05mmCHVI_c8LQ3s8WLTHDteP85tFl3vSOf-J3gXwAetqZdIRP509XY/s1600/WCBand.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNgJAe-6pwJceyx74CMW-YbvZNe5CDVKVfxTtCvPNeCx_IeMfj8aBC7hAvywAQMOOX1XzA5wi6g1XgZgKsmoYu05mmCHVI_c8LQ3s8WLTHDteP85tFl3vSOf-J3gXwAetqZdIRP509XY/s1600/WCBand.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
After a long adventure trying to get Gillian first a private visa, then a tourist visa, switching agencies and consulates Gillian was finally issued a Three-Year multiple-entry tourist visa, which means she can visit us any time over the next three years!<br />
<br />
She arrives in Russia on December 22 and will stay with us until she flies to Tanzania, Africa for her spring semester abroad! Afterwards she will come back through Russia to see Karina graduate, and then return to the US for the summer before Karina starts college! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u>Historic Conferences</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bill was able to speak at two historic conferences at Saint Petersburg Christian University over the past two months. The first C. S. Lewis conference was held on the 50th anniversary of his death (Nov 23) and the second conference on the integration of psychology and Christianity. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZdVp2-k8CKInQC01rBku-b-5NuRjTcydC18k-CacO3MWfFg1RZz4Cgd6O7-Z-O_HTHOi4G09ScEbLrozLnZr7M_Qr4Ysqy_u3uwSYAAWr8k9n1vREYNWZXhDDdBjA94Wfk3WOHeGQ48/s1600/PsychConf2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZdVp2-k8CKInQC01rBku-b-5NuRjTcydC18k-CacO3MWfFg1RZz4Cgd6O7-Z-O_HTHOi4G09ScEbLrozLnZr7M_Qr4Ysqy_u3uwSYAAWr8k9n1vREYNWZXhDDdBjA94Wfk3WOHeGQ48/s1600/PsychConf2013.png" height="135" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjz2fXoYNjrMkTQzeVKwGWYme-Kl28fwv2_XY9Jrc-7fBjMXjmj7Kh-p1vRYojOQBKaW5up7SSyj1kz4iRmXl8JmNl9Qw6F7WGPa227Au_ZxHFMbth8-coskP6XDsu9m856-c45TkNRI/s1600/BillPsychConf2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjz2fXoYNjrMkTQzeVKwGWYme-Kl28fwv2_XY9Jrc-7fBjMXjmj7Kh-p1vRYojOQBKaW5up7SSyj1kz4iRmXl8JmNl9Qw6F7WGPa227Au_ZxHFMbth8-coskP6XDsu9m856-c45TkNRI/s1600/BillPsychConf2013.png" height="200" width="132" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r4Kl0U2pusYRO3SqaQw0WhyphenhyphenNfZKLb6JgRqNr9_ayzHCqlITj5n773JuezPcuJUq-5nna2owlq98JQjuoXFkzYYmzoa-oSjUFvUZu0P-N3_B7H3QTmBdix8jxaUIjmChMA614iBZXQz0/s1600/CSLconf.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r4Kl0U2pusYRO3SqaQw0WhyphenhyphenNfZKLb6JgRqNr9_ayzHCqlITj5n773JuezPcuJUq-5nna2owlq98JQjuoXFkzYYmzoa-oSjUFvUZu0P-N3_B7H3QTmBdix8jxaUIjmChMA614iBZXQz0/s1600/CSLconf.png" height="200" width="135" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>What's Going on in CRM?: </u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The <a href="http://crmleaders.org/give/2013?utm_source=CRM+Internal&utm_campaign=a03f49f77d-year_end_staff_131208&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8220c4d6d5-a03f49f77d-5997477" style="text-indent: 0in;">CRM
2013 Annual Report</a> was very encouraging this year. Read more to see what CRM is doing world wide through its various innovative ministries! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFchlZmm0dAXvRWLjbUmc35LzzcbhTBAE3WRZLiLTYmoJY1DMSqXcRzjy5fVIHxpFNE3DMb-hHreLwxZcZQzJywwkR-9bLFllE7CWdRhMHhsvpWed-n3jxLONoR55LlxXCzJHsE7qTjDQ/s1600/CRM2013Report.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFchlZmm0dAXvRWLjbUmc35LzzcbhTBAE3WRZLiLTYmoJY1DMSqXcRzjy5fVIHxpFNE3DMb-hHreLwxZcZQzJywwkR-9bLFllE7CWdRhMHhsvpWed-n3jxLONoR55LlxXCzJHsE7qTjDQ/s1600/CRM2013Report.png" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-88271483876162600722013-06-20T18:58:00.004-07:002013-06-20T21:32:08.647-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qHXmRAYtVWWTZgPm_s9S6UiQnXX1aN1gU0pPKCFHrxUb9dQtBQG0LLAwDRRg8od8qZpfG0U_nrcgv_wIO6qDajrByraq20xyQrwLDMqDFmhvqi7ub8cl-AwAYbmKtBMMYD2uowTN9rc/s1600/O'Byrne+Family+2013+06Niagara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qHXmRAYtVWWTZgPm_s9S6UiQnXX1aN1gU0pPKCFHrxUb9dQtBQG0LLAwDRRg8od8qZpfG0U_nrcgv_wIO6qDajrByraq20xyQrwLDMqDFmhvqi7ub8cl-AwAYbmKtBMMYD2uowTN9rc/s320/O'Byrne+Family+2013+06Niagara.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Goodbyes to Rochester, NY:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">June 26 we pack up our 10 months in New York State and head back to our usual home base in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for the summer, visiting family and supporting churches on the East Coast before heading to Russia about August 7th. Our visas are being processed and should arrive in a few weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Prayer Requests:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 18.7pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Pray for
the proper processing and timely return of our visas to enter Russia.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Pray for
the restoration of monies stolen in the ATM fraud.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Pray for
a good combination of rest and reorganizing for our moves.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Pray
also for safety, as both Priscilla and Bill have injuries that will make a move
difficult if not hazardous. Bill complicated a previous knee injury. Priscilla
has had rotator-cuff problems and after a lingering cough found she has a
dislocated, cracked rib. Pray for a lot of teamwork for the lifting and no more
injuries.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Browncroft Summary: <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We have had a marvelous furlough year at Browncroft Community Church,
giving back something to this church that has invested so much in us and our
ministry over the years. We lived in their Missions House, participated in the
missions programs, the Sunday School, youth and children's programs. Priscilla
volunteered in the Senior's program and the Reading Group tutorial program in a
local city school. In addition to Bill's work with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Imago Christi</i>, he was able to mentor some of the senior staff
through a tough season of staff transitions, mentor and counsel staff, provide
staff Days of Prayer, run a Spiritual Formation Discovery event for church
leaders, and design and lead an experiential "Passion 40 Prayer"
program leading up to Easter. The Lord is a Master Weaver. Many have commented
how He brought us here in just the right way, at just the right time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>ATM Fraud: <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We have learned a lesson in financial vigilance. We recently discovered
that 17 unauthorized withdrawals were taken at four different ATMs around Saint
Petersburg, Russia while we've been in the US. Somehow they used a card we had destroyed
18 months ago! This together with the timing at the beginning of the statement
cycle and deciphering the PIN indicates the work of a sophisticated crime ring
(</span><a href="mailto:http://krebsonsecurity.com/all-about-skimmers/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">click here to read about ATM Skimmers</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">). Once it can be demonstrated that the
withdrawals were unauthorized, investigators assure us that the funds will be
restored to our account. We have already alerted the missionary and expat
community in Russia. Often in His mercy, we find the Lord sends us a
"warning shot" like this that heads off a disaster later, so we are
thankful that we caught it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Kids' Highlights:</u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQa5PqWNaqJKIgbmCM-zDhxU6sPk8e72oY4pomznKp2IuHdfQxeHLTWN5i_woyhdQObwXsnqaP0yvTO1An7qd8qOJyC5WooSXgNm4d3ggdDZcZn9iHqwW5AC6Xc7IZquZVBxYQWysEHU/s1600/G_WheatonFoursome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQa5PqWNaqJKIgbmCM-zDhxU6sPk8e72oY4pomznKp2IuHdfQxeHLTWN5i_woyhdQObwXsnqaP0yvTO1An7qd8qOJyC5WooSXgNm4d3ggdDZcZn9iHqwW5AC6Xc7IZquZVBxYQWysEHU/s320/G_WheatonFoursome.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Gillian just finished her first semester as a freshman at Wheaton
College (IL), making friends with students of all types: missionary kids, other
third-culture kids, international students, and "normal American"
students! She's learned a lot of important lessons about growing up and grown
up relationships. Bill was able to stop and have a Daddy-Daughter date with her
in Chicago during one of his <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Imago
Christi</i> trips! Gillian went to the President's Banquet and was also invited
to the regional ROTC banquet. In addition to baby-sitting, she was involved in
a local church's children's ministry, and volunteered as a tutor for a Burmese
girl. Wheaton isn't fully "America" for her, but somewhere in between.
It was wonderful having her home for holidays and breaks, and watching her
begin to travel on her own. She traveled to DC to babysit her cousins for a
long weekend, then took the train to Rochester. Now she's at her summer job in
Lancaster, which has brought on another wave of cultural adjustment. It will be
very hard to leave her behind in August. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSs38s4Vf62IhlGGgv0MY6Fc3EWGWnk87u1wuWuUQQHhZJujex1cBV-XpajR18-y3ioLInx_DzyK-ubliDX9A1qFc8k5JP0wqKz4DtxU8yRE775RHRnaX0r_UjVs5blm_VyeJXgaN954/s1600/KFH2013med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSs38s4Vf62IhlGGgv0MY6Fc3EWGWnk87u1wuWuUQQHhZJujex1cBV-XpajR18-y3ioLInx_DzyK-ubliDX9A1qFc8k5JP0wqKz4DtxU8yRE775RHRnaX0r_UjVs5blm_VyeJXgaN954/s320/KFH2013med.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Karina had a great year at Penfield High School and playing French Horn
in the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (RYPO). She played at Carnegie
Hall in NYC, and Kodak Hall in Rochester! Karina was also inducted into the
National Honor Society. She made lots of friends in orchestra, church and
school, and now she is saying goodbye to all that her classmates are looking
forward to for their senior year. It was nice that she was recognized with many
of the seniors both at school and at church. Karina also recently had an
"audition/lesson" to begin the application process for the
Conservatory at Wheaton. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6ac8Xh2en0ecVGq2jydwcTaeqiplLGtFs3lk6_OwyI9e8Z10qc8lnDdNeHrKR8SmoN39opkLBl91hqqmy8s6bAr6Ylw9VDmDuBYTgO4SlAGLpkXc9ATKxy0gpA6vyi1qtD6wzMi0h-0/s1600/L_Homerun2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6ac8Xh2en0ecVGq2jydwcTaeqiplLGtFs3lk6_OwyI9e8Z10qc8lnDdNeHrKR8SmoN39opkLBl91hqqmy8s6bAr6Ylw9VDmDuBYTgO4SlAGLpkXc9ATKxy0gpA6vyi1qtD6wzMi0h-0/s320/L_Homerun2013.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Liam had a more subdued year, making some friends in the 8th grade
enrichment program. It seems we are just leaving as some friendships were
getting off the ground. He really enjoyed playing trumpet in band, and was
invited to play for the orchestra and jazz band too. He doesn't say much, but
by the looks of his yearbook, kids will be missing "Russian Liam"
next year. Bill is leading Liam through a preparation for manhood course, and
they are both enjoying the time together. Besides growing almost 6 inches this
year, the biggest highlight of his year was playing Little League Baseball this
spring! The Penfield A's just finished a 7-6 season and Liam was named
"Rookie of the Year"! He played mostly 3rd base, outfield and catcher
-- his favorite. He also turned into a power hitter, getting his team’s only
over-the-wall homerun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRmbqwL8ugb54ckVCKP650xv2snlqmtyHinyZGoilV0TdvWJnxc7xi3wbQlzqBA9ZOk_zmXtHFqGn8dCnX-G460wF9Lgt14tJ4A7_mgBJR7whEqjxCJe7fZLkOdU2Bj4QNLwR0rH5axo/s1600/O_Violin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRmbqwL8ugb54ckVCKP650xv2snlqmtyHinyZGoilV0TdvWJnxc7xi3wbQlzqBA9ZOk_zmXtHFqGn8dCnX-G460wF9Lgt14tJ4A7_mgBJR7whEqjxCJe7fZLkOdU2Bj4QNLwR0rH5axo/s320/O_Violin.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Olivia has completed first-grade now, and is about to lose the last of
her front teeth! She loved everything about school in America, especially her
teacher. Olivia did a wonderful job with the Suzuki Violin lessons offered
through her school. Mom helped with the tuning and concerts too. Olivia has had
her own room for the first time. She is riding her two-wheeler really well and
loves playing with her big sisters, and trying to keep up with her big brother. Most importantly of all Olivia received Christ as her Savior this year! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4;">
<b><span style="color: #202020; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.5pt;">Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<b><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Saint Petersburg Christian University: </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">video </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><u><span style="color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt;">here</span></u></span><span style="background: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">.</span><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
<br />
<b>Blog Site:</b><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://obyrnereport.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt;">O'Byrne Report Blog
Spot</span></a></span><span style="background: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> constant
access.</span><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
<br />
<b>Online Giving: </b><span style="background: white;">Partner with the
Lord’s work "in St. Petersburg, Russia and Beyond," via: </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://secure.crmleaders.org/jfs/secure/donationform2.taf?_function=step1&designation=O%27Byrne&designationFund=4801"><span style="color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt;">Crmleaders.org</span></a></span><span style="background: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">.</span><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
<br />
<b>Prayer Resources:</b><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.imagochristi.org/Pages/PrayerResources.aspx"><span style="color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt;">Prayer Resources</span></a></span><span style="background: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> on </span><i><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Imago
Christi </span></i><span style="background: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">website!</span><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
<br />
<b>Discovery Registration:</b><span style="background: white;"> Bill is
leading the presenting team for the next </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://imagochristi.org/Discoveries.aspx"><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt;">Spiritual Formation Discovery</span></a></span><u><span style="background: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span></u><span style="background: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">event that will be held in Lancaster, PA August 1-3 (</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="mailto:http://www.imagochristi.org/Pages/Discovery_Lancaster.aspx"><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt;">click here</span></a></span><span style="background: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">).</span><!--EndFragment-->
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-5154628801265788352012-12-26T09:13:00.005-08:002012-12-26T09:19:41.545-08:00Christmas Greetings 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42JprARcxMoKmujOVQefJ3tnrG2bPRh5DoDylYLGQRn83STk_8-x7NOyUavx5VhCCK9PaRuikOPH_jyCv9-stVEwXOeTXygG2VAKDBPFKoLW_QdQDnHvrpBZNpGL1CoyFWqe62O2diWM/s1600/O'Byrne+2012+12+24fbc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42JprARcxMoKmujOVQefJ3tnrG2bPRh5DoDylYLGQRn83STk_8-x7NOyUavx5VhCCK9PaRuikOPH_jyCv9-stVEwXOeTXygG2VAKDBPFKoLW_QdQDnHvrpBZNpGL1CoyFWqe62O2diWM/s320/O'Byrne+2012+12+24fbc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: maroon; font-family: 'comic sans ms', cursive; font-size: 18px; line-height: 20px;">Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: darkgreen; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: darkgreen; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;"><em style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 18px;">Счастливого Рождества Христова и С Новым Годом!</em></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: darkgreen; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;"></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 13.63636302947998px;">From our family to yours we wish you Peace and Love in a world full of darkness.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.63636302947998px;">May you know the Light and Hope of Christ! </span></div>
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">Thanks so much for your prayers and support! It's hard to believe that our furlough year in the US is nearly half over! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkI5IjgTkF8uF0TBFzZXBxw6yRfonPiy19plZCzd8DzO7bxrnQgqU9SyqsWETcbFWeMjODuKNlMlyZwjfXclmjZa1g9EFNaJHZoyW27wzsF92gr6BWF672wlyxvPXppHQije2eH9LN-2w/s1600/Russia+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkI5IjgTkF8uF0TBFzZXBxw6yRfonPiy19plZCzd8DzO7bxrnQgqU9SyqsWETcbFWeMjODuKNlMlyZwjfXclmjZa1g9EFNaJHZoyW27wzsF92gr6BWF672wlyxvPXppHQije2eH9LN-2w/s320/Russia+love.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Arial; font-size: 22px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px; margin: 0px 0px 10px !important;">
Summer of Transition</h4>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">Have you ever said "Good-bye" to home, to everything familiar, to everything that you love? Knowing it will never be "home" again? This is a critical phase for kids who have grown up overseas, one that can leave them at worst embittered towards God, their families and America, or at least leave them more confused than the average teenager about their life and their faith. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">Thank you so much for investing in this critical transition for our kids and our family. You have not only helped us get to and stay on the mission field, but you have helped the children and family that have grown up there get re-integrated into American life. </span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTGAmnm9ZVufniLMrWaqv7I4Vw3Hf6dXI9k6DS8dQSXgLe9JASomUKHKsJxNlJQS0MOFk0zRUV0HT7AdffrtgXi6kCAhFTbAgOjkW1f5XXptiqD9zwEhy0Ar5X36QJTx5Vg4VT8J_Y3A/s1600/O'Byrne+2012+08+FoFsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTGAmnm9ZVufniLMrWaqv7I4Vw3Hf6dXI9k6DS8dQSXgLe9JASomUKHKsJxNlJQS0MOFk0zRUV0HT7AdffrtgXi6kCAhFTbAgOjkW1f5XXptiqD9zwEhy0Ar5X36QJTx5Vg4VT8J_Y3A/s320/O'Byrne+2012+08+FoFsm.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">As Gillian entered college this year, our whole family was going through this transition with her. We determined to give our kids and our family the opportunity to do this transition as well as possible. God provided for Gillian to attend the "</span><a href="http://blogspot.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2e779c03f4b21e98467fb1e7c&id=51bcbe525e&e=5e5ac2d818" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">MK Transition</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">" seminar put on by Barnabas International, and our whole family attended the only of its kind "</span><a href="http://blogspot.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=2e779c03f4b21e98467fb1e7c&id=9c02617ff1&e=5e5ac2d818" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">Debrief and Renewal</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">" seminar for whole families put on by the Missionary Training Institute. In the meantime we put 10K miles on the van!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwcu1MR79cXZqZtpffjnprnhh0MbX4zO794RgSndnyS-dPQRyNTVa0eUjrBZomWR8lVqbjiUQyCDQ-bJZR1SVRFRYQEgqhngDZwYs75aEy-kPhIN-_jAq41p5gOrtGeiYCz_iwLz_k1E/s1600/O'Byrne+2012+08+28WCcrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwcu1MR79cXZqZtpffjnprnhh0MbX4zO794RgSndnyS-dPQRyNTVa0eUjrBZomWR8lVqbjiUQyCDQ-bJZR1SVRFRYQEgqhngDZwYs75aEy-kPhIN-_jAq41p5gOrtGeiYCz_iwLz_k1E/s1600/O'Byrne+2012+08+28WCcrop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Arial; font-size: 22px; line-height: 21.81818199157715px; margin: 0px 0px 10px !important;">
<strong>Personal Updates:</strong></h4>
<u style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">Bill</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">: is enjoying being able to "give something back" to a supporting church in Rochester, NY by mentoring and counseling church staff, and assisting the pastor with staff development from a spiritual formation perspective. He has also spoken at the small group leaders' conference and gave the gospel presentation at this week's Christmas Eve service.</span><br />
<br />
<u style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">Priscilla</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">: has done an amazing job making the missions house a home for us, and keeping the family on track as we learn a new routine and rhythm of life in the US. She participates in Community Bible Study and volunteers as a reading aid at a local city school and with various charitable projects at church as well.</span><br />
<br />
<u style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">Gillian</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">: just finished her first semester as a freshman at Wheaton College (IL), enjoying her Education major, Bible and Spanish courses. She has lots of friends within the community of MKs and international students, but is enjoying learning more about America too. We visited her for Family Weekend, then she came to Rochester for Thanksgiving and now Christmas with other students from our supporting church here.</span><br />
<br />
<u style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">Karina</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">: is a junior at Penfield High School and playing French Horn in the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (RYPO). She also has a fantastic horn teacher! In February she will be playing in the RPYO at Carnegie Hall in NYC! Between school, church and orchestra she is meeting lots of new friends. One of her tasks this year is beginning to discern whether to follow a career in science or music. </span><br />
<br />
<u style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">Liam</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">: goes to Bay Trail Middle School and is in 8th grade. This transition was particularly tough for him, but an enrichment program has provided some consistent relationships for him. He has enjoyed having a room of his own, riding bikes around the neighborhood or on errands, throwing an American football with Dad, and Christmas lights.</span><br />
<br />
<u style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">Olivia</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">: is a first-grader, and loves everything about school and America. Everything is "the best ___ ever!" except when something reminds her of home in Russia. She cries for a while, but then dives fully into whatever is happening at the moment. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-59145352266473133182012-05-04T14:46:00.002-07:002012-05-04T14:47:05.559-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>SF at SPCU </u></b><br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgHqwnlrW5uO6zkL1_vHObbFvmu6fJ0EyI7mqlvNRmU64PHJCSBBAZkEF_a99AEBC7a5IiBZI5DiHGtbWIk6R1viT8okITY7NnSRxmMv66jO-4M8jhfYsLL2CEzJPb7J20VKK275c6D4/s1600/OT+class+2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgHqwnlrW5uO6zkL1_vHObbFvmu6fJ0EyI7mqlvNRmU64PHJCSBBAZkEF_a99AEBC7a5IiBZI5DiHGtbWIk6R1viT8okITY7NnSRxmMv66jO-4M8jhfYsLL2CEzJPb7J20VKK275c6D4/s320/OT+class+2009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
This was my 14<sup>th</sup> year
teaching at SPCU -- Saint Petersburg Christian University. Spring semester I
taught Spiritual Formation to 16 second and third year students. The students
included a 70-year old man from the Russian Far East, who grew up under
Communism in a Mennonite family, a pair of 20-year old twin girls from
Kazakhstan, and sadly a 26-year old ex-convict and drug-addict, who had to
leave the college because of his slide back into drug use. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
At first I found this group of
student to be rather resistant to engaging their own spiritual walk. Some had
been hardened by life's wounds, many were from traditions that completely
disregarded a personal relationship with Jesus, others had become cynical about
an experiential faith in light of their theological education. This is why I
had wanted to teach this Spiritual Formation later on in their program! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
I had decided to have the students
write "weekly reflection journals" on the readings and lecture topics
for each week. The journals became a meaningful forum where the students could
reflect on their own lives with God in the context of our lecture topics, then
I would respond individually to each one via email. When we started talking
about Longing for God, the 70 year old student said, "This just keeps getting
better and better!" </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">At the end of the semester I met one-on-one with each
of the students to discuss their impressions and questions. "N" is an
intelligent student in the B.Th. program, who often challenged me in class.
During our session he said, "Many of these topics about our spirituality
are like a knife edge. Stray just a little and there is heresy on either side.
But I soon realized that my initial resistance would dissolve by the time I
wrote my journal or received your reply." This is why it is so important
to talk about these subjects and give our students a language and a paradigm to
help the church embrace a lively, maturing faith in Christ! </span>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-12349521228078858162012-05-04T14:10:00.001-07:002012-05-04T14:11:09.554-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>One-Year Home
Assignment </u></b><br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Courier New";
panose-1:2 7 3 9 2 2 5 2 4 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073711037 9 0 511 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:2;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-unhide:no;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-unhide:no;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:1850946595;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-1656427868 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
-->
</style><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br />
We are taking the advice of many missionaries and our CRM supervisors
and using Gillian’s freshman year in college to come back to the US before
returning back to Russia. God has been so gracious in preparing our family for
this huge cultural transition, and providing for our year in the US. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
We will be living near Rochester, NY in the "missions house"
provided by <a href="http://www.browncroft.org/">Browncroft Community Church</a>,
our supporting church in that area. We are so thankful for the housing and the
opportunity to minister more closely at Browncroft, where the "Psi
Circle" has been faithfully praying for us for 18 years. Bill has also
been developing a relationship with the Spiritual Formation Pastor, who has asked
Bill to speak at their Group Life Conference in October. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
Before moving to the Rochester area, we will be in Lancaster, PA with
family for much of July, and then head out to Denver, CO for three events in
the same area: the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.imagochristi.org/Pages/ImagoChristiGatherings.aspx">Imago
Christi<span style="font-style: normal;"> summer Gathering</span></a></i>, <a href="http://www.crmleaders.org/orders">CRM's ORDERS Collective</a> conference,
and MTI's "<a href="http://www.mti.org/dar.htm">Debrief and Renewal</a>"
seminar designed for families coming back to the US. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
During this “home assignment” from June 21, 2012 to July 31, 2013 we
will: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 18.7pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Be
available to Gillian and her adjustment, and also provide the whole family with
valuable debriefing experiences available for missionaries. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 18.7pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Guide
Karina, Liam and Olivia through their first experience in American schools.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 18.7pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Raise
additional support, following up on people who have shown interest in our
ministry.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 18.7pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Engage
in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Imago Christi </i>spiritual formation
ministry in our supporting churches. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 18.7pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Discern
the future direction of our ministry. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
We hope to see many of you during this coming year to thank you for
your support of our ministry and family! </div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-14893708138197886912012-05-04T13:47:00.000-07:002012-05-04T13:49:11.295-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>College Bound</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbZ3pk0HkYNVsWBKVjcpiLFuw0wdas-D-r0TZ5_TSYcivVKYTNDQ_2ZWlB8rDRyuDyhwt-Zfw3jsAALu07FB46l6VOUzXWCzhg2UBK0rXJiO0kDg-z-X4AYzyUEuv48n0C4isflSzYZA/s1600/WheatonGHOcrop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbZ3pk0HkYNVsWBKVjcpiLFuw0wdas-D-r0TZ5_TSYcivVKYTNDQ_2ZWlB8rDRyuDyhwt-Zfw3jsAALu07FB46l6VOUzXWCzhg2UBK0rXJiO0kDg-z-X4AYzyUEuv48n0C4isflSzYZA/s320/WheatonGHOcrop.png" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-unhide:no;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
Gillian is a high school senior this year, and has decided to go to
<a href="http://wheaton.edu/" target="_blank">Wheaton College</a>, majoring in elementary education and specialize in teaching
English as a second language. The international ministry blood flows in her
veins! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
We are so thankful that Gillian received an additional scholarship from
the <a href="http://www.christianmissionaryscholarship.org/" target="_blank">ChristianMissionary Scholarship Foundation</a> that made Wheaton the most affordable
option among the six colleges and universities that she was considering! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 18.7pt;">
Missionary Kids (MKs) and Third Culture Kids (TCKs) are children who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">grow up in a culture of their own</i>
between their host and passport cultures. MKs/TCKs usually have a hard time
adapting to college life in their parents’ home culture. This summer Gillian
will be attending the "<a href="http://www.barnabas.org/reentry/who.php" target="_blank">MKTransition Seminar</a>" sponsored by Barnabas International. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-4334181394273351852011-12-11T10:25:00.001-08:002011-12-11T11:08:59.072-08:00Protests in Russia are a glimmer of hope for democracy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Since the recent parliamentary elections in Russia, spontaneous protests have broken out, with many planned demonstrations resulting in hundreds of arrests, but much restraint on every side. People are generally displeased with the flagrant election rigging and attempts to influence and even buy votes by Putin's ruling party Единая Россия usually translated "United Russia" but "One Russia" is closer, as the first word is that same as that in the Creeds for: "<i>one </i>Lord, <i>one </i>Church, and <i>one</i> baptism" a blatantly <i>mono</i>-lithic term. And Russia is a country that loves monolithic, absolute autocratic power, to a point. United Russia crossed that line. And Russia is getting fed up and finding its voice again prior to the upcoming presidential elections.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://bcove.me/np9iizs1">Russia's Stunning Protests</a><br />
<br />
<br />
For the first time since Perestroika in the '80's and Yeltsin's landslide votes in the '90's "dissent" is cool again. Most Russians are very cynical about politics or anyone in power actually caring or doing anything for the "average Ivan." This election was cynical too, but it was encouraging to see the interest in the process, "civil responsibility," and the good of the country, even if everyone was sure of the outcome.<br />
<br />
Now I believe the outcry is not "the answer," but certainly a step in the right direction. <br />
Russia is not ready for democracy, but it is making it clear that it is getting an idea of what it does <i>not</i> want. At this point all that they can voice is protest. But that is better than the typically cynical resignation of the past. Many Russians feel that <i>they </i>have been violated in some way through this process. It is as if they are saying to "United Russia": "No one else may have any better answers or be more politically viable in Russia right now, but you cannot make a mockery of the democratic process."<br />
<br />
If that is the case it may be the first step that Russia takes decidedly <i>away</i> from autocratic power (and not just communism), and <i>towards</i> a politicial consciousness as a nation. Hopefully, and <i>eventually</i> that would lead towards some form of legitimate democratic power, of, by and for the people. That is if the hot heads do not spark a crisis, which is what we would expect from the precedent of Russian history.<br />
<br />
Hopefully everyone understands that a crisis would force either a government crackdown or revolution, both of which would most certainly turn the clock back, and "welcome" back a totalitarian peacekeeper, further reinforcing the cynical resignation already deeply intrenched in the Russian mindset, but a rare exception to which we are witnessing on the streets of Russia today. <br />
<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-19244271973283612462011-11-21T03:21:00.001-08:002011-11-21T03:49:51.242-08:00Where There is Love...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
An ancient latin hymn (Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est) says that "Wherever there is love and charity, there God truly is." We experienced the presence of His love in the last week as Liam was hospitalized with high fever and Bill cut his trip to the US short to come home to Russia.<br />
<br />
After Olivia and Gillian had fallen to a bad cold before Bill left, Liam got a high fever (104*F) that just wouldn't quit. Seeing that this was not the same virus the girls had been dealing with Priscilla took him to the American Medical Clinic not far from us in Saint Petersburg, Russia. By that time he was dehydrated, so they put him on an IV with an antibiotic drip. Friends helped Priscilla juggle the household duties with her vigil at the hospital, but she was getting worn down quickly. Liam was in a lot of pain and difficult to handle. And without a concrete diagnosis, it was hard to discern what to do, esp. from a distance.<br />
<br />
Bill was able to change his return flight quickly and inexpensively and rushed off to the airport on the day his second set of meetings were to begin; it was an Imago Christi Gathering where he would be leading the main training modules. The leader and community graciously let me go. No one is indispensable, and other community members covered admirably.<br />
<br />
In other news the conference center (St. Malo's in Allenspark, CO) where Imago Christi usually holds its Gatherings suffered a serious fire the day Bill left. We were blessed that the Lord had led the community to try out a new venue (The Potter's Inn, Divide, CO)! <br />
<br />
Bill arrived home in Russia Tuesday evening and went straight to the hospital. Liam was doing better, but a lower grade fever was still persisting. Bill slept off his jetlag in Liam's room, and helped him through more tests and the hospital food. Meanwhile Priscilla was able to get more rest and bring order and normalcy to the girls at home. After three more nights Liam's temperature came down and they released him to recover further at home with various meds. <br />
<br />
Priscilla and the kids have often made the sacrifice of letting Bill/Dad go on these ministry trips. It was a powerful message of his love for them to put everything else aside and sacrifice the ministry for them and their needs.<br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-25582954638386078092011-11-03T02:38:00.000-07:002011-11-03T02:41:19.476-07:00Ministry Update, November 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Several of our supporting churches recently asked for Ministry Updates in preparation for their Fall Missions Emphasis events of various kinds, and we thought it might be helpful to post for everyone to see. <br />
<br />
Here is a recent Ministry Update and Prayer Requests. <br />
<br />
Our ministry in Saint Petersburg, Russia is very full as we prepare
for a yearlong furlough next school year (mid-June 2012 thru July 2013).
Some recent highlights: <br />
<ul>
<li>Gillian has finished four of her
six college applications, and recently scored very well on a Russian
Language Proficiency Test! She already has her first acceptance from Messiah College! <br />
</li>
<li>Priscilla returned from a "Women of Influence" conference for
women in our mission agency: Church Resource Ministries (CRM), held in
Malaga, Spain, where she got some much needed rest, made new
relationships and received spiritual renewal. <br />
</li>
<li>Bill finished a sermon series at our church in
Pushkin (south of Saint Petersburg) on Wisdom Literature in the Bible.
He finished with the Song of Solomon, and he led a couples' gathering
afterwards on "The Love that Overcomes," and "Appreciating Your Spouse." A
woman came forward to receive Christ during one of the messages on
Ecclesiastes (to see the<a href="http://obyrnereport.blogspot.com/2011/10/someday-id-like-to-do-sermonseries-on.html" target="_blank"> O'Byrne Report Blog,</a> click here)! <br />
</li>
<li>Bill continues to teach Old Testament Introduction at Saint
Petersburg Christian University (SPCU) to the first year class of
students mostly from Russia's far east, or neighboring "Stans"
(Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, etc.), and one immigrant from America! Bill
recently submitted an article on "The Semantics of Worship in
the Old Testament" for the first edition of SPCU's new journal. <br />
</li>
<li>Priscilla and Bill are providing pre-marital counseling for one of his students and his fiance. <br />
</li>
<li>Bill also wrote an article on "The Path of Spiritual Transformation in Scripture" for a special "current issues" publication. </li>
<li>Bill's
ministry continues to focus on the area of the spiritual formation of
church leaders, and he mentors a number of church leaders in Russia, but
also other CRM missionaries too (via Skype). <br />
</li>
<li>The International Academy is the international school that our
school aged children attend. Bill is the chairman of the board of
trustees and has a number of duties preparing a new and expanded board
for launching a financial campaign and also preparing them for his
absence next year. <br />
</li>
<li>Bill recently finished writing the chapter in The <i>Imago Christi</i>
Spiritual Formation Coaching Manual on a Spiritual Mapping Tool, and
will be leading a training seminar for using that tool in ministry in
November. <br />
</li>
<li>Bill continues to co-lead <i>Imago Christi</i> -- the Spiritual
Formation Ministry in CRM, which involves mentoring staff and
coordinating training events and seminars in the area of spiritual
formation. He'll be leading a Spiritual Formation Discovery event in
Denver before the Imago Christi Gathering near Colorado Springs in
November. He will also be presenting an extended Discovery event for
Denver Seminary's Masters in Spiritual Formation program in January
2012. </li>
</ul>
See also our new "Current Prayer List" page (here on the right panel). </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-84598698265493445832011-10-20T11:19:00.000-07:002011-10-20T11:22:38.279-07:00The Gospel According to "Goth"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-indent:.5in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-language:AR-SA;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
"Someday, I’d like to do an evangelistic
series on Old Testament Wisdom Literature." Never share one of your
pipe dreams out loud in front of our pastor. In March and April I did series on
Proverbs and Job, and now in October I have preached on Ecclesiastes and soon Song of
Solomon. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Ecclesiastes preaches the
“anti-Gospel,” focusing on the dark side of wisdom. It highlights the “bad
news” that makes the good news really Good News! After referring to “Goths” in
the first sermon, I decided to dress as close to Goth as I could for the
second message. Here was the result. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoxl8kfXtZd9IbfnFuL1UQKFMl8aeJTziSSzK5zLPpFKCQkare1uMLkmo1qH-UgLBXYcHuapxLYcQNVepenVzd2DGuHBykM5798kcMzK8mRjo2iP20JclRp05xA5KpJDlrhuuN0rxNYk/s1600/IMG_0679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoxl8kfXtZd9IbfnFuL1UQKFMl8aeJTziSSzK5zLPpFKCQkare1uMLkmo1qH-UgLBXYcHuapxLYcQNVepenVzd2DGuHBykM5798kcMzK8mRjo2iP20JclRp05xA5KpJDlrhuuN0rxNYk/s320/IMG_0679.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Of course the teenagers thought I
should have used black fingernail polish and eyeliner, and spiked my hair, but this was enough to make my point. Personally, this book and most Russian literature is just too depressing for me; I don’t particularly like it, but I need this wake-up call too. Russians can really relate
to the meaninglessness of life! I told the story of another pastor I know, who
received Christ in prison after finding a Bible and opening to, of all things,
Ecclesiastes! After this sermon, Maria Ivanovna came forward to receive Christ. God
can call hearts to Himself through every part of His Word! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
When we take the hard yet realistic
view of the meaninglessness of human existence in a fallen world, we realize
that joy and enjoyment is only possible <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">with
God </i>(Eccl 2:25). So do you want to be able to find the joy in the midst of
our meaninglessness “with God”? Or would you prefer to wallow in your misery,
or somehow ignore, or deny life’s meaninglessness <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">without God</i>? Russians know that living a lie is never a better
option than facing the facts of our fallenness and finiteness (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We’re all gonna die</i>)! That’s the bad
news that leads us to the Good News! Jesus entered into the meaninglessness of
our existence, so that we could share His joy, and live life to its eternal
fullest! </div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6632496269155573098.post-71748562339685173442011-09-13T03:37:00.001-07:002011-09-13T03:57:41.406-07:00Newsletter Blog Site: Launch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<u><b>The O'Byrne Report has gone online! </b></u><br />
<br />
Our
Newsletters and Updates will appear as new Posts on this Blog. You can
sign up as a Follower and get notification of new entries. On the
Sidebar to the right, you also have easy and constant access to our most updated
Presentations, pictures and important Ministry Links to still more presentations
and resources related to our ministry. <br />
<br />
<u><b>Summer Presentation</b></u><br />
<br />
We
had a great summer in the US visiting our supporting churches,
but we were not able to personally visit everyone who supports our
ministry in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Below you can view that presentation of
the "places and faces" where and to whom we minister, which includes: <br />
<ul>
<li>a tour of the historic center of Saint Petersburg, where we live,<br />
</li>
<li>stories of people with whom and to whom we minister, </li>
<li>teaching
ministry at Saint Petersburg Christian University, </li>
<li>Spiritual
Formation ministry with CRM: Imago Christi.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/XY6si2nmkog?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Click on "2011 Presentation" in the Sidebar to the right to view a larger image! <br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1