In Jan. 2007 we began our 12th year as Siberian Mission preparing to return to Siberia. We received news then that our 3-year-old board planned to dissolve our 501©3 in March, and New Bethel graciously became our temporary umbrella Feb. through July. We were officially received as New Bethel missionaries in August.
Moscow granted us a 1-year multiple entry visa in March. We arrived in Russia April 3rd and returned to the US in August, requisite to a new law concerning foreign NGOs. Our humanitarian aid, church planting, pastoral training, teaching and technology ministries in 4 regions were detailed in our comprehensive report submitted when we returned. That report is attached again with this report.
Back in the US, I developed some health problems, which kept me from returning with Mike to Yakutia in December. I spent 3 weeks with our eldest daughter Jeanne in San Diego while Mike was in Russia. God used that time to bring physical healing and my doctor prescribed proper hormonal medication for me.
Mr. and Mrs. Wes and Liz Kandel live in and have extensively renovated our west side home on Daniels Ave. Planning to be in Russia till April 08, we contracted with the Kandels to reside in our home until April ‘08. We’re temporarily staying with Tony and Ethel Robinson while the Kandels finish their contract with us.
Mike’s December trip was very fruitful with many divine appointments. Christian business and government leaders on behalf of Evansville and the State of Indiana asked Mike to find Russian lumber connections. Flying from Amsterdam to Moscow Mike shared the Gospel with a Russian man who, with his father, is one of the largest lumber exporters in Russia. Mike also introduced Radiant Technology to Siberia’s government leaders. This technology will transform life throughout the republic, especially improving life in the most isolated villages.
Passing our mid-fifties, we are no longer physically able to make annual multiple entry trips to remotest Siberia, and therefore we’ve been in much prayer about future ministry there in-country. Mike had several meetings with officials in this matter. If the Foreign Affairs Minister can secure for us another 5-year residency visa, we can live 5 years in our remote village without having to leave. We would love to return with that opportunity. If he cannot grant a long-term visa, we’ll return to the pastorate in the US, and train and support Siberian pastors via the Internet.
Respectfully submitted with sincerest appreciation,
Diane and Dr. Mike Meagher,
Founders/Directors, Siberian Mission |
