Dear Ones,
It’s hard to believe looking at the calendar, that we’ve been home in Siberia (from the US) just 12 weeks! As we prepare for our 7-day river trip up to Ügülatsi and the long journey back to the US, we’re taking spiritual inventory of what has been accomplished. It is amazing how much our Father has done in and through us in such a short time. As we are arriving in the US in early August, we will have a full-accounting of our time here, and all that God has done.
Mike returned from Yakutsk by 4 wheel-drive. Three days of rain, made the “road” a 300+ mile mud trench. It took them over 32 hours of driving, towing, pushing, pulling and digging to reach Vilyuisk. During the drive, the 2 young drivers were reckless when they built up speed, in too big a hurry to get to Vilyuisk. When they hit a deep rut about 5am, Mike was thrown to the ceiling (like Ludmila was several weeks ago). By God’s grace, the van’s ceiling was padded. Mike heard the ligaments in his neck pop and “crack”. There were no skull fractures or concussion, but he’s only now 2 days after his return—able to have any head movement without pain. A doctor friend came and checked him out. We’re watching his progress carefully. He still has a bad headache.
Despite many obstacles and delays of funds, he was successful in the purchase of a new boat motor for the trip to Ügülatsi. He also brought materials for boat repair and upgrade. However, we await significant funds specifically donated for the motor. There is no gas in the village or anywhere along the river for the trip, so we need to purchase and bring with us over 50 gallons of fuel. Pray for a safe trip, leaving in just a few days.
God wonderfully supplied for our tickets for Moscow (SVO) to New York’s JFK airport for August 8th, but we still need to get tickets from Yakutsk to Moscow. We sold our vehicles in Evansville before returning here thinking we’d be here a full year. We have been praying therefore about transportation when we return. Last week, one of our supporting churches in Buffalo, NY asked if they could help, and donated a van, so we’ll spend a few days in Buffalo before visiting kids and grandkids in Florida, and visit supporters in 7 states, returning to Evansville about August 26th.
I had the privilege of spending an afternoon at a home church meeting with long time friend, Elena and her family. Elena is a grandmother who has 2 daughters and six grandchildren living with her. For a long time, they were in a tiny house with three rooms for 9 of them. They’ve just moved into a bigger home which gives them much more living room and held their first home church meeting there Tuesday. She invited me to tea after the meeting and we had wonderful fellowship together and looking at pictures of her family from the far northern town of Tiksi. Last Sunday I visited their church meeting and had a blessed time. Mike was able to minister the Word to several churches and pastors during his week in Yakutsk.
I missed the meeting of our Baptist home church on Saturday, as we got Mike ready for his trip to Yakutsk with Alosha and we had a wedding. Andrei, our first convert and baptized believer in Vilyuisk and his bride, Newurguyana had a simple ceremony at the club with signing of documents, pictures and cake. Then all went to Rita, Nickolai, and Andrie’s house. Andrei’s father Nickolai (Kolya) is the mayor of Ügülatsi and Luda’s brother.
Ludmila was flown to Yakutsk is now in much better hands under competent doctors. They confirmed that she had had a stroke at some time during the trauma and 2 operations of the last weeks, which accounts for her paralysis. She’s been talking slowly on the phone and we are all feeling a bit more at ease. Any significant recovery will be slow but we believe that the extreme danger is past. Thank you all for your faithful prayers.
We’re aware of our home church pastor’s resignation announcement, and are very sad to see our precious brother leave us. We trust that God has a special plan for all in it. We’re praying for the church and are available for whatever their needs Aug.-Nov. while we are Stateside.
With our sincerest love and appreciation,
Diane & Michael Meagher
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