Dear Ones,
 One page isn’t adequate to express the range of events and emotions we’ve had in the 3 weeks since our last ministry update. I’ll give some highlights, and give praise and honor to our LORD who daily reveals His sovereign grace, power and will to us in this place of hardship and uncertainty.
Our dear friend, sister, and ministry team member Ludmila, who sustained 3 fragmented fractures of her skull and severe hemorrhaging, is in serious condition in our tiny “hospital” after 2 surgeries. If she survives these next 2 weeks, we expect years of therapy before she can care for herself. For now we’re receiving funds from US saints whom God has touched to provide for her medicines and “care”, via direct Western Union wires to us. There are no other resources at this critical time.
Our trip up river to Suuntar and Verkniviluisk had far more unwanted adventures and overwhelming God-sightings than we could have possibly anticipated. Our voyage was perilous and physically painful, but God graciously moved on strangers to aid and comfort us throughout six days of arduous travel. We honored their aid with the Gospel message. We donated much blood on the journey discovering again that Siberian mosquitoes love American food. A US repellant available here only discouraged the mosquitoes but attracted biting gnats and voracious horse flies.
 A pebble dropped into a glassy pond, ripples 360º and quickly dissipates. In 1999, we (insignificant pebbles of God’s love) moved to Vilyuisk, and He began a ripple effect. On this trip, we saw His ripples continuing to grow in intensity and efficacy. We had the humbling honor to see some fruit of 8 years of “ripple” in just 1 of 4 regions. That Mike was asked to baptize the 100+ new believers was their way of honoring our part in the Gospel coming to Suuntar. What we heard is true—God gave hearing to a deaf lady, and sight to a blind lady in Suuntar! We got first-hand testimony from those He healed, and from six medical doctors Mike baptized. All Sakha know that evil spirits served by shaman witchdoctors take life and health. But of infinitely greater power is God who creates life. He isbuilding His church, and the powers of Hell will not prevail against it. (1 Corinthians 2:4).
We’re thankful that Mike survived his 4 hours in the frigid Vilyuy River, without getting hypothermia. The baptisms were a glorious time in celebration, joy and praise for all. Suuntar’s former mayor, many professionals and members of the intelligentsia were among those baptized. On our 4th day in Suuntar, Mike met with the region’s Social Services minister, and presented a large financial gift to their hurting orphanage. The gift is from a brother in Florida with a heart for such needs worldwide.
We took part in the mayor’s VIP luncheon, and then we thoroughly enjoyed 3 magnificent days of joining in Suuntar’s renowned summer festival (Sikh). Several thousand Sakha of all ages from Suuntar and the region’s 29 villages sang, danced, and exhibited 600 years of Sakha tradition in splendid dance, music, fashion, culture, and history in a 15-acre park. We gorged ourselves on many ancient and unique Sakha recipes which gave special meaning for Mike and I in the phrase, “…I could eat a horse”! As we prepared to leave the Sikh, we received word of Ludmila’s accident. We then ministered for 4 days in Verkniviluisk and in the village of Namsi and then we came home.
 A very special highlight for me these past weeks has been the triumph of my new Sakha Hymnal. I’ve worked very hard on it in much prayer for months. In the 9 home church meetings in 4 locations we shared in, it was eagerly embraced and desired by all. We must print many copies for all the churches: my next project in Yakutsk, Moscow, or the US depending on the lowest printing cost.
Our faith adventure continues, as Mike and long-time friend/translator Alosha go to Yakutsk to buy a new boat motor provided for by US saints. They’ll then take our boat to Ügülatsi to prepare for our life there this winter. Ludmila’s husband Vasili and I will remain in Vilyuisk with the family to help Ludmila. Because so many pray and care, our Father continues to spread His love though 2 weak and unworthy vessels. Photos from the last 3 weeks are posted at our: www.SiberianMission.com.
With our sincerest love and appreciation,
Diane & Michael Meagher
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