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The 2014 Winter Olympics, or the 22nd Winter Olympics, are scheduled to take place from 7 to 23 February in Sochi, Russia. The Sochi Olympics will be the first Olympics in the Russian Federation since the breakup of the USSR in 1991.The Games have been deemed the most expensive Olympics in history, with a whopping price-tag of more than $51 billion. Of course, with prices being what they are even in Khabarovsk, I can't say this is too surprising.
As you can imagine, the Sochi Olympics are a great source of national pride for the Russians, who are attempting to put their best foot forward before the whole world. You might say that it is a "really BIG deal" for Russia. We pray that these Games be held in peace and safety for all its participants.
The Olympics always serve to bring to my mind a certain Bible verse, "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it." 1Cor.9:24, NKJV. The Apostle Paul goes on to say that athletes compete for a crown (prize) which is temporal, but the crown (prize) that we will receive is eternal. The crown set before of us is of such value, that it is worthy of all our effort to obtain it. The crown mentioned here couldn't be salvation for salvation is of grace through faith NOT of works. (Ephesians 2:8,9). Salvation is not a reward for our efforts; it is GIFT of grace received by faith. However, we will be rewarded for good works done in the body and the Lord is faithful to recompense us. It pays to serve the Lord, not only in this life, but in the life to come!
 | | This is what the Sochi Olympics gold medals will look like. |
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Christmas in January
In Russia, in accordance with the Russian Orthodox Church's usage of the old Julian calendar instead of the "newer" Gregorian calendar that the Catholics and others embrace, Christmas is celebrated on the 7th of January instead of on the 25th of December. As I usually tell our church congregation during the Christmas season, "It's not the exact date which matters, but the simple fact that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ the Son of God. Besides, the several varying theories as to when Jesus' birth actually took place tend to place His birth either in the autumn or in the spring. The point is, it's hard to say for sure when it exactly took place, and since the Bible doesn't seem to be explicit about the exact date, it must not be that critical to our faith." Accordingly, since most people in Russia celebrate Christmas on January 7, we try to be sensitive to their traditions even though we are not Orthodox. This year, we decided to celebrate Christmas in our new affiliate church in the village of Giorgievka on January 5, the Sunday closest to January 7.
Since Sunday, January 5, 2014 was the very first Christmas celebration in our new affiliate church (incidentally it is called "Fountain of Life Giorgievka"), we decided to make it an evangelistic outreach. We printed up a beautiful poster which we hung on the church's door inviting the village's local residents to attend, and the church members also actively invited their friends and acquaintances to come to a special Christmas program. On the 5th, a team of 15 people from our church in Khabarovsk drove to Giorgievka to assist in putting on the Christmas service. It was a smashing success! Seventeen local children were in attendance along with 12 local adults. Several adults received Christ for the first time, including an elderly music professor, who had received a special award from the president for his life's work. After the service we served all in attendance a special meal ranging from sandwiches to cakes.
Below are some photos taken at this very special Christmas Celebration!
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Tatiana Ivanovna, one of our most faithful children's workers, shares the Christmas story with the children of "Fountain of Life Giorgievka".
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The children are busy working on a special Christmas craft project.
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This young man is demonstrating the completed craft project, symbolizing God's love demonstrated by Him sending His Son, Jesus, to the world.
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Andrei, one of the Khabarovsk team members, entertains the children during the Christmas program.
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Making the kids work for their Christmas presents!
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Each child received a special present of candy and a toy from the church.
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Olga Nedabuga, one of our children's workers, posing with the the Star of Bethlehem.
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There were plenty of refreshments for everyone.
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Sasha Pestov, a brother from Khabarovsk, opened the adult Christmas service.
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Dasha (on the left) and Tanya (on the right), both members of FOL Khabarovsk's worship team, perform a beautiful Christmas carol.
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 | | Pastor Vera Ivanova ministers a powerful Christmas message. |
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Adult congregation of Fountain of Life Giorgievka Church.
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Church Building Project Update
We have made tremendous progress of late with the building project. Due to the amazing, unexpected blessing from a local Christian electrician, who installed most of our electrical system for free (see last month's newsletter for details), we were able to transfer the money initially designated for the electrical system over to the heating, plumbing and sewer projects. Although the money we had on hand was not enough to pay for the entirety of these projects, it was enough to get started. On February 2, we took up a special offering in FOL church for these specific projects, and our people gave an amazing $6,600, just enough to completely pay for all them! Praise the Lord! As I write, the heating system has been completely installed on the first floor and we expect all of the projects to be completed in at least 2 weeks time.
Due to the extremely generous donation from some of our dearest partners, we were able to buy the expensive water filters we needed to cleanse our well water of excess iron and other undesirable elements! It is hard to express what joy this gift has produced in our hearts. Having clean, clear water on hand, will definitely make life MUCH easier. Thank you for praying with us concerning this need; the Lord answered in a mighty way. Currently, we have purchased the filters, but have not installed them yet. In next month's newsletter we'll show you the installed filters and also the quality of water they produce.
After the heating, water, and sewer systems are all installed and functional, the next step will be to install the ventilation system and then do some carpentry work on the floors and interior walls. Once the ventilation system and the carpentry work has been finished, then all that'll be left is the finish work, e.g. wall board installation, floor coverings, light fixtures, paint, etc. Praise God, after seven years, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!
Please continue to stand with us in faith and prayer that this entire project be completed soon!
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David next to one of the heating radiators.
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Some of the heating system's dials, gauges, and sundries in the boiler room.
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WEBSITE :-) ; -) :-\ :- 0
Please visit our website: davidmaxey.org.
- New videos are displayed on the homepage
- Information about the Maxey's ministry
- Access to E-newsletter archive
And much, much more! |
All personal checks should be sent to 'David Maxey Ministries' PO Box 1538, Snohomish, WA 98291
Checks should be made out to 'David Maxey Ministries' |
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About Us
The focus of David and Inga Maxey's ministry is to bear witness to the gospel of God's grace by the power of the Holy Spirit. God has called them to be ambassadors of righteousness, grace, and faith to the nation of Russia. They have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to teach the Word of God and make disciples of Christ as the senior pastors of "Fountain of Life Church" in the Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk, Russia, and as administrators or Rhema Khabarovsk Russia.
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Contact Information
David Maxey Ministries
United States: POB 1538
Snohomish, WA, 98291
Tel - 1.425.322.6362
Russia Zaparina 53 kb.6
Khabarovsk, Russia 680000 Tel - 7(4212) 755.145
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Contribute
All donations for the support of David and Inga Maxey and David Maxey Ministries are made through a secure
connection and are tax-deductible to U.S. donors. 
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