The year 2007 began with an effort to raise funds for another apartment for the young mothers and their children. This effort did not materialize due to the terrific increase in property values in the Syktyvkar area. During those early months, funds were gathered for the apartment but were later diverted to the Church’s building program in Syktyvkar. (With permission from each of the contributors of course.)
From that point, we concentrated on utilizing the space we have more frugally, while adding one apartment via rent. This brings out total number of homes to 14. We have moved ladies around in order to accommodate new members, some with children. We also experienced a slight increase in those who moved out, thus giving us some flexibility with the space available. The end result has been growth but with minimal expense.
Those remarks having been said, our overall growth was an increase of 12 new members bringing our total to 105. Of the 105, 27 have moved on (5 becoming Christians while living with us). We have two members who continue to study in the ladies’ class but as yet have not become Christians. During the year however, one did so, becoming the 21st to obey the Gospel. Last month I mentioned Nastya who became our kindergarten teacher replacing Tatyana, thus leaving our employee total at four.
While the above review of the good things sounds positive, life there isn’t always so bright. We experienced a terrible setback via divorce in one of the foster families. While permission was granted the father to keep his two foster sons, life just isn’t the same for them. Please continue to pray for this family that God will give them strength to endure the hardships such a condition produces.
Now let’s look at a review of our results against the objectives for 2007. Of five goals set, we accomplished only three. (We did add to one objective during the year and managed to accomplish that addition.) We missed the objective to purchase another apartment. Also, the video review of the homes for the Ministry of Education still goes unrealized. This one is still exciting and I will continue to pursue its completion.
Our successes come from:
Just because we accomplish some of the objectives doesn’t mean we move on to other things. We simply add new ones to the list and continue efforts to increase the old. The year saw us reach a goal of 100 women and children in the program. This is certainly one goal that we will work to increase well into the future.
May God bless each of us as each adds his talent to the effort to serve Him by helping these women and children. Thank you…
Dub